Castaway Chapter 18

[Ed Man]

The Farm
Chapter 18

Peter flew to the planets main space port to met up with the Freighters crew and Disco. Peter walked by the security office that Kea had paid a Teladi officer to improve his reputation so he could carry a pistol just a few months before. A lot has happened since that day Peter had regained about all of his memory and had built quite a little business and was about to invest about everything he had into a massive planet based multi-factory with it’s own shipping and receiving hub Peter was calling the farm.
The price was set and the shipyard was ready to start construction on the factories it was all up to the Teladi Director now and he was stalling.
After the Captain and Crewmen loaded their things onto the Tempest and Peter got them settled and was about to take off Sam replied. “Peter the Director ask that you meet with one of his Security Officers to resolve a problem before you leave. He want’s to meet with you at the Teladi Security office.”

Peter caught the Disco just before it took off and had them wait till he seen what was going on. The Captain and Crewman could cram themselves into the Disco if Peter was going to be held up for a long time. Peter knew where the offices were as he made his way their. A Teladi officer was waiting and escorted Peter back to a room where the Directors Security Officer was waiting. The door was opened as a Teladi guard stood in the corner of the room as a Human Man set behind a desk said. “Please come in Mr. Stone and have a set.”
Peter set down as the officer looked at Peter like he was trying to see something then said. “Mr. Stone I have read your file. Do you remember anything about your past?”
Peter looked at the Man knowing what this was about now. The fact he was actually Josh Galen and they knew it. Peter wondered how this was going to play out as he tried to decide on what to say the Officer asked. “Do you remember Me?”
Peter had no problem with this question as he looked at the Man and said. “No I’m sorry I don’t remember meeting you.”
The Officer looked sad as he stated. “You hired and trained Me years ago. But then you were known as Josh Galen.”
Peter looked puzzled because he really didn’t remember nothing about the Man as he said. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you but the name Josh Galen sounds familiar.”
[Officer] “You’re him I know it. Somehow all the records of Josh Galen have been erased from every data base in the system. That tells me somebody way up and out their must have been mad at you. They erased your memory and all records of who you really are.”
[Peter] “All I know is I’m Peter Stone and just because I look like someone you knew what does that have to do with me? I thought this was about the land I was trying to get.”
[Officer] “It is the Director and I had to clear this question up before we went any further with the deal.
The Director has agreed to part of your request here’s a copy of the final terms he settled on.”
Peter looked over the contract the offer on the land was accepted, it was the amount and time-span of the tax credits that the Director didn’t like.
Peter looked at the contract and asked. “Can I look it over and think about it a while?”
[Officer] “The Director said you have two days to decide after that the deals off. My Aid will show out we’re done here so I’ll let you get back to your ship so you leave. For what it’s worth if you do remember who I am someday it was nice seeing you again Sir good luck.”
Peter shook the Mans hand as he stood up holding it out. Peter left realizing as he headed back to the Tempest their was still some of his memory that wasn’t restored and maybe it never would be.

As soon as Peter entered the Tempest he ordered the Disco to take off as he went to the cockpit and closed the hatch. “Sam did I train and work with that man?”
[Sam] “Yes you did. Ninety percent of your brain cells have been restored ten percent is a lot of memories. Commander the Ancients said this Universe was over a ninety nine percent match to the universe we came from so their must be some differences but I haven’t discovered any in my research and as the Officer stated all records of you have been erased from the data bases in this system making a in depth study impossible.”
Peter set looking at all the ships and on the display as the Tempest headed for open space knowing there was thousands of people all around and three Crewmen were in the cabin. Peter felt alone as he looked out into the dark depths as the ship entered open space.
Peter liked having Robby at his house making Peter realize how much he wanted a family of his own but knowing he could never have any children of his own just made the empty filling a little worse as he looked out into the void.
Kirsch was in the same boat not being able to have children of her own so Peter decided to ask her how she felt about adoption the first chance he could work it into the conversation.
Kirsch and Peter were already dating the question on Peter’s mind was Kirsch interested in settling down and starting a family.
Peter went to talk to the new crewmen a little over a cup of coffee before he went to his room and looked over the contract before they reached the Station. The contract was in the projected range Peter was looking for as he looked it over making sure no hidden paragraphs that could be used against him in any way until he reached the part where he was to sign and name his successors in case of his demise.

A empty filling rushed through Peter as he looked at the blank spot not knowing who’s name to put down as his beneficiary. Time had slipped away as the station started getting closer as he looked at it on the monitor. Peter put the contract in his briefcase and went back to the cockpit to get ready to dock.

After docking and getting the crew loaded on the freighter Peter called Kirsch as he watched the freighter slowly lifting off and headed out.
Peter went to the Pilots lounge to wait on Kirsch and had just set down when Kirsch came in and kissed Peter saying. “Peter it’s good to see you I been real busy and I only have a few minutes if you had told me earlier I may have been able to have made some time for you. Have you got the okay for your complex?”

Peter was glad to just see Kirsch as smiled saying. “I few up to drop of the crew for the freighter and just wanted to see you if it was just for a minute. I did get a offer from the Director to look over but nothing is final. [Peter decided to ask the question.] Kirsch what do you think about children?”
Peter keep his expression blank as Kirsch looked at his face. Kirsch answered looking like she smelled something bad at the table. “Peter I can’t have children and that’s a good thing because they get on my nerves they’re cute from a distance. If the kid you have is distrupting your life put it in a home and get on with your life.”
Peter felt his heart drop a little as Kirsch refered to Robby as it and get ride of him like a unwanted toy.
Peter decided to just blow it all out as he said. “Kirsch if this job is to much for you quit and move back in with me!”
Kirsch looked up in unbelief. “Quit my job! I’m right where I want to be, are you all right?”
Peter smiled. “I’m fine I just wanted to see what you would say.”
[Kirsch] “And what if I had said yes I want to go home with you what then?”
[Peter] “I would have taken you home and made a honest woman out of you.”
[Kirsch] “And I thought that women were suppose to be the strange ones. What’s on your mind Peter and this time just spill it please if you don’t I’ll be worring till I find out.”
[Peter] “I was looking at the contract and there’s a part where it ask who is your beneficiary and I realized I have none and it bothered me. It made me fill like I was alone.”
[Kirsch] “The complex is a big step Peter you’re most likely just a little scared about making such a big move. [Kirsch leaned over and kissed Peter] Peter you’re not alone you have me and lot’s of other friends just pick out one or several for your successor.”
[Peter] “Thanks’ Kirsch I will.”
[Kirsch] “I need to go I wish I had more time. I’ll call when it eases up here so we can spend some time together.” Kirsch kissed Peter and headed back to work.
Peter watched Kirsch as she walked away realizing that their relationship was slowly but certainly coming to a close. She didn’t like children and had refered to herself as a friend saying me and lot of other friends.
Plus she said she was right where she wanted to be. Kirsch was a lovely woman and would be quite a catch if you were seeking for a up and coming executive that didn’t want a family.
The only problem was Peter wanted something totally different and would have traided it all right then for a chance to have a family and live a simple life with a loving wife and children of his own.
But Peter knew it wasn’t going to be that today as he stopped in the bar to get a bottle of something that would numb his whole body so he could just sleep all the way back to the house.
[Bartender] “What can I get you sir.”
[Peter] “I want a bottle of something smooth and easy that’s nerve numbing and restful.”
[Bartender] “Where you headed? If they catch you in this station drunk you’ll go in a containment cell.”
[Peter] “I’m headed for the planet I’ll take a drink after I leave to help me rest so that won’t be a problem.”
[Bartender] “If you’re headed for the planet do me a favor and take that woman over their back down with you I’ll give you two free bottles if you help her out. Somebody stold her bag off the counter while she was in the rest room I was talking to another coustermer and someone reached behind the counter and got it and run out. I didn’t even see what had happened till she ask for her bag and I seen it was gone. By then the crook was gone. We got it all on tape but to late for her all she had was a few credits and a ticket to the the planet. She came up looking for work and now she just want to get back to the planet I’ll pay you to give her a ride it was kind of my fault, in a way you know.”

Peter take a quick look at the woman setting on the stool, looking so down and out like her life was about to come to a end. Peter walked over to the woman. “My names Peter Stone I ’m going to give you a ride to the planet do you have any bags.”
[Woman] “I don’t have any thing to pay you.”
[Peter] “That’s all right the barkeeper and me worked out a deal he got you the ride.”
The woman thanked the barkeeper as the barkeeper leaned over and ask Peter. “How much?”
[Peter] “The two bottles you offered.”
The barkeeper smiled as he went in the back and come out with two bottles. “Here this is the best I have thanks pal!”
Peter scanned the bottles and the woman and had Sam run a check on her as he showed her to the ship. The check came back clear with no arrest record or warrants. Her name was Mary and she explained how she had left her job after a friend had promised her a job on the new station paying a lot more than her previous job of course. The friend was gone and the job wasn’t there and now here job on the planet had been filled and that was how she ended up in the lounge in the first place to eat and get a drink before she used her return ticket.
Peter went into his room after they hit open space and signed the contract and named Kea, Kirsch and Ben as his beneficiaries and set it to the Director. Then sent a message to the shipyard to start work on the complex as soon as the Director gave the go ahead.

Peter was exhausted and told Sam to give him plenty of time to rest as he went back to the galley. Peter placed a plate of snacks and several drinks on the table with a container of ice along with two small glasses out on the table then set the one of the bottles the barkeeper had give him out on the table.
[Peter] “Mary help yourself I plan on eating a little and taking a drink and going to bed. You can eat and drink all you want just try and end up in your room. The ships AI will wake you up in time to be ready to go when we reach the planet any questions?”
Mary shook her head no as she got some food and started small talk with Peter as the two ate some of the snacks. The talk continued as the bottle was opened and the first round was drank then two and so on until the bottle was empty.

Peter woke up with Mary in his bed with his arm around her.
Peter remembered opening the second bottle and Mary taking him by the hand and kissing him saying thanks for helping her after that everthing was all blurry.
Peter eased out and into the galley. “Sam what happened did I pass out?”
[Sam] “The liquor you were drinking did just what you asked for. It has a light sedative that reacts with your body and liquor to put you to sleep. You just made it into your bunk and collapsed Mary followed in behind you for some reason and collapsed onto your bunk with you. I stored what was left of the bottle in the medical locker. No permanent damage was done to either of you but I wouldn’t advise doing that on a regular basis. I have fixed you a recovery drink. Drink it first then give your body about twenty mminutes to stabilize then you should be all right.”
Peter drink the liquid down and felt better as soon as it went down easing the wrestling match that had been going on in his stomach.
Peter set down at the table and looked at his PDA to check his messages and seen the time. “Sam is that right I was out ten hours?”
[Sam] “That’s correct Commander I sugest you wake the woman in your bunk up so she can recuperate before we near the planet.”
Peter went into his room with a recovery drink for Mary and woke her up and had her drink it then went back out and set down at the table and started looking at his PDA.
A few minutes later Mary came wobbling out and set down placed her arms on the table and laid her head down with a groan asking. “What was that stuff? I remember it tasted so good.”
[Peter] “I quess we should have read the bottle we were not suppose to drink so much. It’s to help you relax and sleep.”
[Mary] “Well it helped me relax I remember following you because I felt like I was going numb. I must have made it into your bed somehow.”
[Peter] “You’ll fill better in a little while then I’ll fix you breakfast.”
Mary looked up with a nauseous look on he face. “Yuk I don’t want any food.”
[Peter] “We have a few more hours before reaching the planet. When you fill better and want to eat just speak up. Or you can us your room to rest or clean up if you want.” Mary got up and eased into her room.

Peter went into his room to shave and take a quick shower which made him fill a hundred percent better. Peter set back down at the table and looked at the reports. The equipment was at the site working on the foundation and the plant would be up and running in weeks.
The Team was getting ready to start interviewing workers for the complex. While the sales division was starting to contact customers telling them about the new complex and it’s products.

Mary came back out and set down at the table Peter asked. “Can I get you something?”
[Mary] “No I’m filling better but not that good.”
[Peter] “Mary where do you want me to drop you off?” Peter asked trying to save Mary some flying time and credits to get to her docking port.
Mary looked a little troubled at the question as she set for a while not saying a word as Peter just looked woundering what was wrong waiting on a reply. Mary looked up at Peter as he stood waiting and said.
“Just anywhere will do. I left my job and it‘s been filled, closed out my lease on the room I staying in and someone stole all the credits I had so anywhere is good as long as it’s a human port I‘ll have to try and start over.”
Peter looked at Mary and took her hand saying. “Mary I know where a new group of factories are going up and they are just starting the hiring. I’ll have a few extra credits you can have to hold you over till you get back on your feet.”
Mary looked at Peter with a smile. “Thanks Peter I’ll pay you back as soon as I can. I’ll take a factory job if they’ll hire me.”
[Peter] “I drop you off there I’m sure they’ll hire you. Don’t worry about paying me back just help someone else when you can.”

Peter took Mary to the offices his team had rented and asked mary to wait in the lobby as he went in to put in a good word for her.
[Clair] “Hi boss we’re just getting started here with the interviews have you come to watch?”
Peter looked over the list of people to be interviewed. “No I just stopped in to drop you off a woman I want you to hire. Her name is Mary I told her to wait in the lobby.” Peter pulled up the video feed on a monitor and showed Clair who she was.
[Clair] “What position do you want her to have?”
[Peter] “Test her and find a place for her that’s all. A bartender talked me into giving her a ride back to the planet. It’s a long story but she lost everything.”
[Clair] “Well we can use a assistant. Where does she live?”
[Peter] “No where she let her apartment go and worked out a notice at her job and took all she had to the Trading Station to meet a friend that had promised her a job but instead she got robbed and her friend was a no show. I’ll send her in take care of her I need to get home and back to the Shipyard.”

Peter went out to the lobby and handed Mary a few tokens as she placed them in her bag without looking at them and said. “Thanks Peter you’re a real help. Are they hiring?”
[Peter] “Just go in and ask for Clair good luck Mary.” Peter shook her hand as Mary stood up but she gave Peter a hug. Peter left as Mary went into the office to see Clair waiving her over. “I’m Clair I understand you need a job?”
[Mary] “Yes Ma’am I’ll take anything you have.” Mary handed Clair her ID card.
Clair pulled her record up. “We’ll Mary with your work record we can place you in several positions but I have a opening right now for a assistant are you interested in it or do you just want a regular placement in the factory?”
[Mary] “I’ll take the assistants job is it permanent?”
[Clair] “Yes of course Mr. Stone asked me to find you a good position.”
Mary looked a little puzzled. “Mr. Stone, you mean Peter who is he?”
[Clair] “He’s your boss! Peter Stone ownes this company.”
[Mary] “He was so nice he never told me he was the owner.” Mary opened her pocket book and looked at the tokens. Peter gave her five tokens adding up to a thousand credits. Mary looked up at Clair with tears running down her face holding the credits. “No one has ever helped me before.”

Clair smiled. “He gave some drifter that was begging on a station a token that made his eyes light up as he took it saying thanks before he run off. I asked him why did he do that? He looked back with a smile and said because he could everybody needs a little help from time to time.
If you’re ready to start put your things over there take this and bring this man in please.”
Mary took the PDA and put her bag in the desk Clair pointed at then went out in the lobby and escorted the man back into the office.