Lost in time Chapter 5

[Ed Man]

Take a Look Around
Chapter 5

The main complex was finished and a scout ship was ready and waiting. The drones were busy working on two heavy fighters. Josh had taken a pair of the new spider constructers over to Dan’s and had them making an shelter and fighter bay underneath his house.
Josh went into the control room and mashed the communication button. “Dan can you hear me?”
[Dan] “Loud and clear.” [Josh] “Are they there?”
[Dan] “Their in the living room.” [Josh] “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Dan had been recurring some of the people he trusted and had worked with in the past trying to expose the abductions. Tonight was the gathering Josh was to show up at and meet them. Josh listened as each one told what had happened and what they seen.
One was a doctor that had been left for dead while he watched others being forced onto a space ship. After they left he had managed to patch himself up and live to tell the tale.
Two were Pilots that had been shot down by the spaceships and lived. One trying to stop them form landing and six months later in another city the other as the spaceship leaving. Each Pilot had lost their whole squadron and were sole survivors. One was a rescue worker that had crashed his ambulance during an attack and was trapped and seen a spaceship land and take people.
A man and woman had been trapped in a collapsed building watched as their friends and neighbors were forced onto a spaceship.
After each had told there story Josh gave each of them a PDA. “I want you to take your time and answer the questions on the PDA I just gave you and when your done meet me in the kitchen. There is no right or wrong answer put please answer each one the beast that you can and don’t ask or talk to anyone about your questions and you have the option to skip question.”
Josh and Dan went into the kitchen and sat down with a cup of coffee.
[Dan] “I hope they do all right.” [Josh] “It’s not that kind of test. It’s a psyche test designed chart their aptitude and state of mind.” [Dan] “There screwed up Josh that’s what happens when you go through what they did.”
[Josh] “Calm down its not a pass or fail test this will help tell me what their strong and weak points are and trust me we will need to know at sometime who can do what the best.”
[Dan] “I’m sorry I feel a little protective about them.”
[Josh] “Could you send one of them on a suicide mission if you had to and which one would you send and trust to carry it out?”
[Dan] “I don’t know. I don’t think I could.”
[Josh] “Or in the heat of battle who can rise up and fight or who will hide? Or if one was captured would they rat you out or spy on you for the enemy?”
[Dan] “Ok I get the picture. Do I need to take one?”
[Josh] “No I trust you to do what ever you need to. I’ll work with them but we do need some military skilled personal to make a good unit. The doctors leg was injured and he still walks with a limp. Once the Doctors leg is restored back into perfect condition. I’ll look into hiring some disabled vets needing a job and a home. We can give them both and medical treatment.”
[Dan] “I like that ideal. How much can you do for them.”
[Josh] “If it’s there it can be mended. If it’s gone it can be replaced with an bionic counter part.”
[Dan] “You mean a man in a wheel chair with no legs could walk again?”
[Josh] “That’s right and they look and feel real to the one with them.”
[Dan] “When do want to start looking for some Vets?”
[Josh] “After we get them settled in and the Doctors leg fixed.”
[Dan] “That makes since. What’s next?”
[Josh] “The grand opening of the parts store and garage tomorrow. Mensch is counting on us to be there.”

After over an hour one of the Pilots came in then the Doctor and the rest and handed Josh the PDA’s.
Sarah had relayed the test results to Josh as they all sat down at the table.
One of them asked Josh what all the strange questions were for?
[Josh] “To learn a little about who you are and how you operate. Dan said he would trust any one of you with his life. My question is do you trust each other the same way?”
They all looked at each other and each said yes we do.
Josh questioned each of them about there social ties and commitments. As they each explained how they had been outcast and treated like they were crazy for telling what had happened.

Josh explained that there first goal was gather information. Finding out where did the spaceships come from and who sent them and what and who is out there in your solar system. Where and who there spy’s are here on the planet. Find allies on the planet and in the universe and make contact with them.
As the group talked between themselves Dan pulled Josh of to the side and told that Mensch‘s brother told the Doctor and two Pilots the whole story from capture to rescue and showed them his scars on a camping trip a few months back before his death.
[Josh] “I’ll take them with me tonight if you think their ready join up with us and they want to go.”
[Dan] “There ready what about the others?”
[Josh] “I’ll give them a day to think about it and ask them tomorrow night.”
[Dan] “I’ll see you tomorrow then I’ll get the rest of them settled in the quest rooms.”

Dan pulled the three of to the side and told them they could leave with Josh and get started if they wanted and to meet up in the garage with there things.
Josh and Dan talked with the other three for a few minutes giving the others time to get ready.
Josh opened the door to the garage as the three were standing by the glider with their bags.
[Josh] “I want to give you each a chance to back out where we are going you can’t leave from and will be stuck there till I say it’s safe to leave. You will be treated well and will be provided with everything you need along with three meals and a bed but be expected to carry your own weight. Others will be joining up and the more help we get the more we can do. If you want to leave now would be the time to do it.”

Josh stood giving the men time to leave if they wanted. They looked at Josh and said. “Were staying.”
Josh opened the trunk and shook each of their hands as they placed there bags in the trunk and got in the glider. Josh flew the glider over to back section of his property turned the lights off and held the ship in a hovering position.
[Josh] “Sarah we’re ready to dock.” [Sarah] “Roger that Commander.” A second later they were in the landing bay of the main complex as Josh set the glider down.
The three men were at a loss for words as they gathered things out of the trunk looking around till the Doctor asked. “Where are we?”
[Josh] “This is our Main Complex and your home. This is the main docking bay.”
[One of the Pilots] “Are those airships?” As he pointed to the ships the drones were working on.
[Josh] “Yes they can fly in the air but they are spacecraft. I’ll show them to you later please come with me so I can get you settled in.”
[The other Pilot] “What are those things working on the ships they’re not human are they?”
[Josh] “No there worker drones but there are a few service Androids here. The waitress that just waived at you three as we passed the break area she is an Android.”
[Doctor] “She looked real to me.”
[Josh] “They are four here the only difference is there hair color and uniform. Doc you have one as a nurse. The other two are in housekeeping.”
Josh took them in a room. “Ok men these are your earpieces. Set down and place the plug in your ear.
You will fell a little sting and then you will hear a voice telling you to remove the plug. The earpiece is about .5 mm round it will allow to hear and talk with the computer and allow us to track or find you if something happens.”
[Doctor] “How long will it last and how hard is it to remove when it runs down?”
[Josh] “It never runs down and it will last a lifetime. It can be removed as easy as it was put in. Now that we’re done here I’ll take you to medical to be scanned and get a booster shot to protect you from diseases you never heard of. And Doc I want you to get you’re leg fixed first and then you can work on these two.
We have the ability to repair your body’s back to its original condition and you’re first Doc just follow the instructions you’re hearing and in the morning when you get up your leg will be as good as new. And then you two can get fixed up.”
The Android gave them there shots then the Doctor went into the surgical department as Josh lead the pilots to there rooms. The two were asking the computer question after question as Josh showed each of them there room.
[Josh] “Sarah transport the glider up into the house garage and me to my room.”
Josh walked out of his room to talk to Mensch before turning in.
[Mensch] “How did the meeting go? Are they going to join up with you?”
[Josh] “It went well and I think they are.”
[Mensch] “I know you have a secret base underground and I would like to see it.”
[Josh] “Who told you about the base?”
[Mensch] “Sarah did. I went down to the shelter to ask you and Dan something and it was empty. So I asked Sarah where you both were and she told me. You told her one time to tell me the truth and she did. Josh I’m not ten years old any more Dan and my brother keep everything they could from me and I played along with them. Josh I don’t want to play that game anymore I know about my brother I heard the whole story when he told Dan and some of buddies on a camping trip. He thought I was asleep and I never told him any different.”
[Josh] “Mensch come up to my room I have a transporter pad up there. Mensch this is like a glass of water and ounce you see a glass of water as hydrogen and liquid oxygen and know that each will fuel a fire you never look at a glass of water the same again are you sure you want to go down there?”
[Mensch] “Yes I want to see it. Josh just because I not willing to fight doesn’t mean I thing it’s the wrong thing to do. I support our troops and consider each one of them hero’s I’m just not one of them.”
[Josh] “I’m proud of you Mensch if everyone was like you we would all be better off but the sad truth is there are people out there that are on the other end of the spectrum that would just as soon kill you and everyone else.”
Josh took Mensch down to the Main complex and gave him a ear peace so he could communicate with the computer like the rest of the team. Then gave him a quick tour before transporting back up to the house for the night.
[Mensch] “Thanks Josh for not trying to lie or hide everything from me. If I can help in any way I will.”
[Josh] “If you want to watch the pictures with the rest of us I’ll be placing a satellite in a high slow orbit and one in space to monitor the gate tomorrow night after closing so we can take a look around. And Mensch don’t discuss anything we’re doing with anyone and only talk in secure areas with a team member.”
[Mensch] “And how will I know if a area is secure?”
[Josh] “Just ask the computer it’s linked to your PDA you can give it a name and pick out a voice, gender and personality. Keep the PDA with you all the time it has a built in minimal scanner that’s far more advanced than anyting on the planet. Try it out scan that glass of water.”

Mensch pointed the PDA at the water. “Computer what is in the glass.”
Mensch heard the computer start listing the contents of the water and every chemical that was in it an how much.
[Josh] “I guess you just got a little more than you expected.” [Mensch] “Yes a lot.”
[Josh] “You can stop it and ask a more specific question like is it safe to drink and poison free? Like the voice I asked it to give me a female voice and after about twenty of what I thought was the same voices I refined my search to the most popular. Good night Mensch I’m going to bed.”
[Mensch] “Goodnight Josh I’ll see you in the morring or tomorrow at the grand opening.”

Josh could hear Mensch talking to the computer trying to come up with some personal settings as he went down the hall to his room.

The next morring Josh had fixed the coffee and was leaving as Mensch was coming down the stairs.
[Mensch] “Your out to an early start this morring.”
[Josh] “I have to pick up the pastries from the bakery this morring for the early shoppers looking for that early bird special. Did you get any rest or did you play with that computer all night?”
[Mensch] “I got plenty of rest after I fell asleep while I was playing with the computer.”
Josh laughed as he opened the door. “Mensch I’ll pick up your favorite from the bakery I’ll see you at the store in a little while.”
Josh noticed a few cars and gliders in the parking lot as he headed out to the bakery.
[Josh] “Sarah how is the Doctor doing this morring?”
[Sarah] “The surgery and regeneration was a complete success. He should be waking up in the next few hours and ready for duty. As soon as he is awake and ready I’ll send for one of the pilots.”
[Josh] “If the Doctor is in agreement work on both of the pilots so they will be up and ready for the satellite deployment tonight.”
[Sarah] “Under stood Commander. I have a list of Vets that meet the qualifications you wanted.”
[Josh] “I’ll go over them later. Sarah monitor the crowd for shoplifters and security.”
[Sarah] “Who do you want me to use for security?” [Josh] “Contact me I’ll take care of it.”

The grand opening was going great the morning had went well and the truck had just pulled up to serve food and drinks out of for the rest of the day. Josh noticed a woman that had been in the store earlier and had eat like she was starved and slipped out the door and was gone was back and trying to remain unnoticed as she looked at the food truck. Josh slipped around behind her and said. “Miss have you signed up for our free gifts there is no purchase necessary.”
The woman shook her head no and tried to slip away into the crowd as Josh followed. “Please wait up!” Josh shouted as the woman started running away when she reached the end of the parking lot. “Why I haven’t done anything leave me alone.”
[Josh] “Please come back and eat all you want it’s free and you are welcome.”
The woman reluctantly eased back to the parking lot looked at Josh saying. “Thanks who are you?”
[Josh] “I’m Josh what’s your name?” “My name is Mary.”
[Josh] “Mary come with me to the food truck and you tell them what you want.” [Mary] “Thank you.”
[Josh] “Mary do you want to make some money?” [Mary] “Look mister I don’t do that kind of stuff.”
[Josh] “Hold on I need someone to help clean up the mess all these people are going to make today. You eat first and if you want the job come and see me when your through.” Josh turned and headed for the store.
[Mary] “Hay I want the job.” [Josh] “When your done meet me in front of the store.”

[Josh] “Sarah give me some background on Mary.”
[Sarah] “Not much to go on she lived in one of the towns that was bombed destroying her home and workplace. Tax records show she bounced around picking up odd jobs where she could and security cameras show she is living in her broken down glider on the outskirts of town.”

A few minutes later Mary walked over to Josh. “I’m through eating and ready to get started.”
[Josh] “I want you put on a pair of the shops coveralls and hat and I’ll get you a bag so you can get started.”
Mary went in the bathroom and cleaned up and changed into one of the free T-shirts and coveralls Josh gave her. With the hat, T-shirt and coveralls Mary looked like a different persion when she came out of the bathroom and took the garbage bag and started cleaning up.
[Mensch] “Josh who is that picking up the trash?”
[Josh] “I guess she is our first charity case.” A smile came across Mensch’s as he said. “Good I always knew you had a kind heart.” [Josh] “Just don’t tell anyone alright.” Mensch put his hand on Josh’s shoulder as he replied. “Your secret is safe with me. Sales are going beter than I expected we’ll have to turn in a order tonight. Have you seen Dan?”
[Josh] “Not yet he said he was going to be here by now I’ll check on him while I’m at the garage.”
Josh headed next door to the garage. “Sarah where is Dan?”
[Sarah] “Dan had some business matters he had to take care of and is leaving his shop now.”
[Josh] “Relay that information to Mensch Sarah and have a list of items we need to order at closing time and start making the others.”
[Sarah] “I’ll start making them now and have them in the van for the morning delivery.”

The garage was busy with people trying to get in on opening day specials as Dan walked in and was looking before Josh seen him walked over and shook his hand. “Glade to see you could made it.”
[Dan] “Look like you two are covered up. I’ll go see Mensch for a while before I leave to check on my guest. Are we still on for the card game tonight?” [Josh] “You bet I’ll see you later.”

The food wagon had closed up and left and it was about closing time for the garage and parts store. Josh went to check on Mary and pay here for the work.
[Josh] “Mary come by tomorrow at lunch I may have a job for you.” Josh gave her some cash and started to leave. [Mary] “Wait I need to give you back the hat and coveralls.” [Josh] “Keep them there yours.”
Josh looked around the place it was spotless not even a small peace of paper anywhere and the bags were in the dumpster. Josh was ready to get started as he headed for his glider tohight was the night and he wanted to get going and back to the base.

[Deleted User]

Nice to see Josh, helping out the people that are down on their luck. Keep up to great work. Looking forward to next addition.

[parameter]

Hi Ed Man, sorry for not responding earlier than this!
I agree with Aerukath, nice to see a bit of human decency in desperate times. I think you have structured your writing better as I seem to be able to read it in one go. Story has to flow... Sounds like Mr Moyagi(?) espousing gong fu principles..


Anyway, keep up the good work!