Veronika Station

The Bencodi Resort gleamed in the darkness of space as it floated high in earth’s orbit. The sun reflected a brilliant light off the Lassting Alloy structure that could even be seen with the plain eye from Earth on a clear night. On the resort itself, two red lights flashed on each side of the boarding dock. Lights from inside the resort illuminated the windows where visitors from Earth stood and marveled at the sight of the planet they came from.

The Bencodi was Rhon Lassting’s first triumph. Made from an alloy impervious to any weapons currently known to man, having proved itself when the Chinese government launched a nuclear warhead against it. No lives were lost, and the Bencodi remained unscratched.

With six Centaur class ships, Rhon transported Earth’s citizens to the resort destination of a lifetime. Lassting Space Enterprises was born and Rhon became the genius of the century according to Wall Street and the scientific community.

The entire planet was not enthralled with his success however, evident by multiple unsuccessful attempts to kill both Rhon and Amy Lassting.

Rhon married Amy Sauza, an astrophysicist and engineer who marveled at Rhon’s work but also had her own project to moonlight. Amy took on the job of building the spacecraft Aria which would be the key link in getting Lassting Space Enterprises to the Moon. With the success of the Aria spacecraft, a new resort was built orbiting the Moon, called the Veronika. She was ten times the size of the Bencodi.

Two Thriller class spacecraft were made to transport small groups from the Veronika Resort to the Moon's surface. And the Lassting Moon Base Resort followed. During this time the U.S. President gave Rhon a large leeway to run his business without governmental interference, with only a few pieces of Rhon’s secret technology changing hands. After the Mogrim invasion, they had their job cut out for them.

It had taken the crew of the Bencodi five months to replace all the Earth’s communications satellites that the Mogrim had destroyed in just seconds. Now it was clear what kind of place space was going to be. Rhon was determined to take his place among the stars and to defend themselves.

While Bencodi was making satellites, the Veronika was making optical weapons. Red had run across the first alien optical weapon buried under several feet of dirt when he started mining out the new Lassting Mine. Rhon had taken that design and modified it to make the new optical weapons LSE was now using today to defend themselves against the Mogrim. Using Rhon's latest optical designs, fourteen optical satellites were constructed and placed in Earth's orbit. Rhon was confident they would keep Mogrim off the planet should they return, and according to Yordan, their return was more than likely. It was the Mogrim’ norm to find help from someone more ugly than themselves to help them do battle if the stakes were high enough. And that is what bothered Rhon; not knowing what was coming.

They also manufactured seven communications satellites that encircled the Moon. Each served as a link to Earth, the Veronika, and future resorts, giving them high speed internet with encoded communications, and new turret optical weapons to protect themselves against invaders.

An arsenal of optical weapons were also designed and mounted on every Centaur, Aria, and Thriller class spacecraft. Special mounts were made for the Lassting Moon Base and the Lassting Mine. Security was beefed up inside the resorts as well with permanent teams on every deck. No longer would the solar system be left open for attack. Now that it was clear hostiles like the Mogrim were out there, Rhon was determined to protect the Earth and their mission into the next galaxy.

Amy had taken charge of developing a full security force. Not only to patrol the resorts but to patrol the area of space between Saturn and the Earth. Rhon and Amy were working on plans for a new high speed fighter. Their mission would be to patrol the edge, where the Mog sensors were first able to detect Earth. Jim Miles was appointed head pilot and commander of LSE defense forces.

It was Miles job to find and train new pilots. To take command over all personnel and spacecraft that would be the new defense program for LSE. With his prior military connections Earth-side he had already recruited five of his flight buddies he used to scramble with when he was stationed on the Aircraft Carrier Kitty Hawk. He had one more pilot position to fill for the last and seventh new fighter ship. Over the next few months he would be training them all to fly in space at speeds they never knew existed.

Earth-side, WBC’s Glen Snider’s video coverage of the ‘Mog Invasion’ was watched repeatedly, more than any other video in history. Entire debate shows had been dedicated to discussing all the implications of the Mogrim. The governments of the world knew they were defenseless and while the new optical satellites made them feel better, it was impossible for them to just leave the entire security of the Earth to one man. The discussion for Rhon’s release of technology for the ‘good of the entire Earth’ became an issue that would never go away. Rhon saw it only as an excuse for countries to arm themselves and destroy each other. That would never happen on his watch.

And what was worse, the new elections were coming up for U.S. President. Rhon’s relationship with the President of the United States had been more than he could hope for. The President had left him alone for the most part in return for a few secrets. Now, depending on which way the elections went, things could tighten up drastically.

All that aside, Bencodi, Veronika, and the Lassting Moon Base, were busier than ever. People realized it was safer in space with the Lassting’s than in their own home. Japan wanted a platform built in Tokyo. The Canadians insisted theirs be in Montreal and Vancouver. France couldn’t wait to get the Eiffel Tower refitted with Lassting Alloy and put up a Lassting Space Platform beside it.

Even the people in China were causing a commotion in Tiananmen Square, holding signs that said, ‘Lassting Peace’. The Russian’s were still balking about the remark Glen Snider made regarding the U.S. being their ‘space friends’. Rhon had decided early on that he would not be responsible for that. This was not a joint venture. This was Rhon and Amy’s baby. They owned it and were getting tired of all the whining about sharing technology. Rhon realized he could only please himself and continued his personal mission, to explore and colonize the galaxy.

Chapter 1

Veronika Space Resort – October 7th, 0800 hours

Amy, Rhon yelled into the bathroom where Amy was taking a shower. I’m going to Bencodi engineering, to check on their status, be right back.

Rhon heard an OK in his mind, then flashed out to his old suite aboard the Bencodi. Taking the elevator down from his old quarters he quickly exited on the main engineering deck. The pungent smell of Lassting Alloy hit his nostrils as he scanned the deck. Chief Billings stood with his men dressed in white sterile suits hovering over a communications satellite assembly. On the outside deck, specialists were in their spacesuits and SMU’s, making ready for the satellites launch.

Is this the last one Chief? Rhon asked, feeling his excitement beginning to rise.

Billings glanced up at Rhon and stepped back away from the array.

Yes sir. We will launch this one within the hour, Billings said trying to keep the sweat from crawling down his forehead underneath his cloth cap. At that news, Rhon felt a rush of adrenaline hit him.

Then get the deck ready for building spacecraft, replied Rhon. We will start on the new Orion class ships tomorrow. The framing will be aboard by morning. You will have the finished plans in your office by midnight tonight.

Rhon looked at Billings a moment. His eyes looked tired and Rhon could tell he had been putting in too many hours on these satellites. It was true, after five months, they all wanted to be done with it.

Chief, I want you to give this project to your second in command, said Rhon.

Sir? Chief Billings questioned.

I need you at the Veronika engineering deck in the morning at 0700 hours. There is something more important for you to tackle.

Billings grew curious. He knew this could only mean one thing, the Unicorn.

The chief turned to see his men all standing watching Rhon like they were frozen in time. Billings let out a yell which had become typical of his leading style over the last few months.

Well, you heard him. Move! Let’s get this bird in position and get ready for some real action.

Rhon could see the excitement in the men’s faces. He knew they were more than ready to hear about building new spacecraft, especially if it was the Unicorn. Billings would gladly give up the new Orions just to see the blue prints of the Unicorn that had been kept so secret. Billings only knew that Rhon told him they were completed down to the last detail. This news was the shot in the arm they needed to rev up again after being stuck so long in the satellite deployment mode. Rhon smiled and without saying another word, slapped Billings on the shoulder and in a quick stride headed back for the elevator. Inside, before the elevator could reach its destination, his form quickly turned into a green glow and disappeared. He reappeared back in his and Amy’s suite on the Veronika, over 238,000 miles away. Rhon tried to settled himself at his desk to scan over the final prints of the new Orion craft. But his excitement was getting the best of him. He turned and looked out the massive window of his office. The Moon glimmered on its edges and Rhon realized all of a sudden that the Moon was not mysterious any longer. They had made it a comfortable home and mining operation that continued to surprise them all with new minerals.

Rhon, you're back, Amy said, walking up to his side and putting her arm around him.

Yes. Billings said he is OK for tomorrow. I want you to go over these prints and make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Rhon stood and motioned for Amy to sit down in his chair.

This will be the fastest ship ever, Amy stated.

And the most powerful, Rhon said hesitantly, brushing his hand through his hair slowly.

Are you having second thoughts? Amy said reacting to the sound of Rhon's voice.

Of course not, it’s just …I think these ships need to be flown by special people. If one of these ships were to go rogue, they could level a planet. We need to make sure our people are tight with us before putting a craft like this in their hands.

You don’t trust Jim? Amy said looking puzzled.

Jim is the only one I do trust. He taught me to fly and has saved my neck more than once.

Then if Jim has good judgment, let him do his job, said Amy. Besides, I think he has known most of these men for years. He wouldn’t let them touch our ships without having confidence in them.

Besides, we have bridge control, Amy replied. We could shut them all down in a second.

You're right, replied Rhon. It was hard for Rhon to release this issue in his mind, even though he knew Amy made sense.

"Are you going to get dressed? You’re going to be late for your birthday party," Amy thought to Rhon.

"You mean my surprise party?" Rhon replied smartly.

"Well, it’s supposed to be a secret." returned Amy, throwing up her hands.

"I love you for the thought anyway," said Rhon.

"But your friends don’t know you know, so please act surprised," Amy stressed. And Red’s brother Jason and his wife Koral will be there. I know you want to meet them.

Rhon walked into the bathroom still listening to Amy in his mind. He combed his black wavy hair staring in the mirror, parting it on the right, and then adjusted his tie. He stood there a moment just thinking how his features would never change. He would be young forever. That in itself was not a bad thing, Rhon thought.

And that’s how I like it, Amy said out loud, reading his thoughts.

She came up behind him, and took both her hands and ran them through his hair making it a total mess. She put her hands on his shoulders, spun him around and gave him the biggest kiss he had remembered in days.

That’s all the present I wanted, said Rhon. Let’s just forget my party and continue, Rhon stated with new excitement.

Wishes do have a way of coming true around here, Amy smiled. But right now, you have at least two hundred family and friends down in the lounge waiting for you. And after your party, we still need to transport all the framing up for that first Orion.

I won’t forget about my wish coming true, Rhon said with a wink.

Rhon fixed his hair and after a few moments Amy came out of the bathroom looking more than gorgeous. Her long blond hair was in a braid draped over her left shoulder and reached down passed her chest, almost touching her waist. She was in a blue dress with one shoulder. The length of it clung to her waist. It rounded on her hips and slimmed as it went down her thighs. Just below her knees it became tight and shimmered in the light. In Rhon’s mind, there were not many women that could wear a dress like that.

"Would you fasten this," Amy thought to him. She held out a necklace from her Amy Lassting Collection and turned around so Rhon could place it around her neck. It was a key he had given her with a one carat emerald for her last birthday. The bottom of the key formed the shape RL (Rhon Lassting) for the part that would open the lock to her heart.

Done, Rhon said, kissing the back of her neck.

"This is going to get tougher every year," Rhon thought to Amy, with a deep sigh.

"And I love it," Amy returned, without a hint of guilt.

Living forever is not going to be as easy as you think, he said, pointing to her beautiful face. "We’ll get by for ten years or so and blame it on make-up, but it will become apparent and we won’t be able to hide it any longer. Besides …I’m not sure I want to live forever."

That caught Amy off guard and she looked at him as though he had lost his mind. They left their suite and on the elevator Amy had one last thought before they walked out into the crowd.

"I will always love you. And I want you to be happy."

Rhon smiled at her. But his mind was still going back over the details of the Orion.

Happy Birthday! she said out loud as the doors opened.

Tables had been set out in the Crystal Lounge in full circle. There was a buffet table and Rhon noticed Red loading his plate and looking in his direction.

People instantly picked up on Rhon and Amy’s arrival and began shaking hands and giving congratulations. Rhon picked up a plate with Amy behind him and bumped elbows with Red who was still grabbing dinner rolls.

Rhon, you rascal. Happy Birthday. Let’s find your table and I will introduce you to my brother and his wife, said Red.

Great, I will get my plate and follow you, said Rhon.

Red’s brother had already found a table and they both headed for it. Rhon quickly invited Red and his brother to his table in the center of the room. They set their plates down as Amy was coming up from behind.

Rhon, Amy, I want you to meet my brother Jason, and his lovely wife Koral. Jason, Koral, this is Rhon and Amy Lassting.

Jason appeared to Rhon to be a polished businessman. A stock broker perhaps, or a well-to-do attorney. Rhon noticed his silk suit, finely trimmed beard, and his hair was perfectly combed. His face looked almost childish, and had a smile that Rhon found pleasant. Koral was just his opposite. Casual, with a leather jacket and jeans. Her long wavy brunette hair looked clean and fell where it would. Koral had the face of one who had seen more than her share of trouble. They shook hands and Koral seemed to hold Rhon’s hand for an extended period of time. She gazed at Rhon like she had never seen a man before. Koral finally acknowledged Amy with a quick nod.

Amy glanced at Rhon quickly and thought to him, What is with her?

"Not sure," thought Rhon, continuing to smile.

I have heard and seen so much about the both of you, said Jason. It is amazing for me to be able to finally see for myself, all that you have done here.

Glad to have you both aboard Jason. I understand you’ve followed your brother’s foot steps into geology, stated Rhon.

Well, I am more on the business end of things now. I went on to receive my masters degree in business and have coordinated buyers and sellers of ore and mining agreements in many different countries. But I still get my hands dirty when I have to, Jason said joking.

Rhon smiled. Well, Red said you can take the Lassting Mine and turn a greater profit than we ever could. He thinks pretty highly of you. The key here is privacy.

Red spoke up. The plan, Rhon, is for Jason to manage the production of the Lassting Mine giving me some time to search for other mining locations. He can add his private sources to mine and sell more of the materials that we are going to be pulling out. The whole Moon is a gold mine just waiting for us to find all its treasures.

Two mines are better than one, Amy said, smiling at Koral about to grill her. Koral are you a geologist as well?

Actually no, I'm a pilot. I fly Jason around the world so he can do business.

Amy started to dig into her when Rhon jumped in.

Oh really, replied Rhon. What got you into flying?

"What is wrong with you?"Rhon thought to Amy intensely.

"Didn’t you see how she looked at you?" Amy shouted in Rhon’s head.

"Do you see me going along with her? Stop it," Rhon replied, still trying to listen to Koral.

I was one of the few women pilots in the Air Force that made the grade. It was all I ever wanted, replied Koral.

Let’s hope things stay that way, said Amy. I mean, everyone should stay focused on their dream.

Rhon gave Amy a look, and Koral just smiled big at Rhon.

"Alright," thought Amy looking away. But I don’t like her!

Jason felt a little awkward and changed the subject.

You should hear the story of how we met, said Jason, peeking over at Koral with a smile.

Maybe another time Jason, Red came back. Tonight we celebrate Rhon’s birthday. I want you to hear his story. Tell Jason how you fought off the Mogrim, Rhon.

Amy sat back and watched Koral most of the evening. After seeing Koral’s reaction to Rhon, Amy was sure she didn’t like her.

***

The Planet of the Mogrim

Lord Hom gazed out the large window of his war chambers. The snow was falling lightly upon the ground and the trees had long since been bare. Soon his people would be unable to find food in the valleys.

How could all this happen, he whispered to himself. His anger rose up within him. He slammed his fist onto the table and then stood from his chair.

It has been too long for us not to have word from Huth. His mission is a failure! Lord Hom screamed standing before his war table.

His long black cape trailed him as he walked between the large crackling fire pit and his black onyx throne which sat elevated on a platform. Eight massive steps of onyx led up to his throne where two guards stood protecting their leader. The onyx handle of a large dagger protruded from the leather belt around Lord Hom’s waist. In his right hand he held ‘The Mach’. A long staff, with a large onyx stone crowning it’s top, which was the symbol of his total authority and power.

Sitting around the war table were six of Lord Hom’s mightiest captains; the Mogrim elite, eating fresh meat and drinking sour ale. A dark form that could not be recognized sat against the back wall in the half darkness behind Lord Hom. The shadowed figure did not eat, neither had it spoken since they had gathered.

The time has come for battle! yelled Lord Hom with a loud snort. From the last transmission we received from Huth, he was in a solar system with a single yellow sun, near a water filled planet. Hom’s breath heaved loudly as he remembered his own planet once being so beautiful. The murmuring he heard around the war table made him stop and yell at the Mog surrounding it.

This mission will be completed or I will put every one of you on the wall! he growled, leaning forward slamming his staff onto the floor. The entire table of captains lurched in surprise. The staff shattered and sent pieces flying across the war table. One of the larger pieces landed in front of Hurl as it spun across the table. They sat frozen until Hurl reached for the broken piece of ‘The Mach’ and stood to address the displeasure of his Lord.

Yes, Lord Hom, said Hurl, rising from his chair and bowing to show his submission.

Hurl was the leader of the war table. He cast a glance over the six warriors that were sitting at the table with him. All had given him their complete attention, except one. Plaw had defied him on frequent occasions and this was no exception.

Hurl had entertained the thought of killing him more than once. But he would be wasting a good warrior. Better for him to die in battle against their enemies.

Hurl, you are my most trusted, said Lord Hom. Find this planet that destroyed Huth, and kill them all! We shall claim this planet as our own. We must, to survive. And …the tablets. Lord Hom clenched Hurl's shoulder and brought him closer speaking directly into his ear. We must have the tablets.

Lord Hom drew back from Hurl and with a few steps stood before his large scrying bowl which sat on a platform at the edge of the fire ring. Lord Hom stared into the bowl and his face quickly changed to a look of despair.

The blue planet shall be ours, yelled Hurl, standing at the side of the huge fire pit. And we shall recover the tablets my Lord.

Hurl faced his warriors raising his fist into the air. The table of warriors stood, raising their fists in the air with him, and shouted, Hamach!

All accept Plaw.

Lord Hom smiled at that saying and then turned the opposite direction to face his glowing scry bowl again. Hurl took this as a sign to leave and the seven filed out of the Lord’s court to a command room where they again sat around a fire pit and discussed the final details of their attack on the blue planet.

Plaw was still entranced by the stranger sitting behind Lord Hom. Plaw did not like secrets. And he was not intimidated by Hurl. He sat at the table only out of his respect for Lord Hom. In his mind, Lord Hom was a true warrior. Even though Plaw did not believe in scrying, and the tales about the lost tablets, he saw himself in his own mind holding ‘The Mach’, and Hurl doing his bidding.

It will take our war fleet six months to traverse the space to the blue planet. Ship captains make ready, said Hurl.

Plaw did not move. His eyes continued to gaze into the flames of the fire pit.

What has Lord Hom seen in this blue planet that we must travel so long to reach it? asked Plaw. There are closer planets in the galaxy for us to conquer. Plaw sat looking up at Hurl, his face demanding an answer.

It is not our place to question Lord Hom! shouted Hurl, looking at Plaw with one hand resting on the handle of his blade.

I have a right to know what I’m fighting for! Plaw yelled back, his hand also on his blade. Plaw was not one to be toyed with. If it were not for his attitude, he may have been the choice for leader of the Mog army instead of Hurl. Plaw had a terrible dislike for Hurl and saw him weak and unable to make decisions. Hurl thought of it more as wisdom, something of which Plaw had none.

If nothing more than the fact that Huth was destroyed, we must go, said Hurl directly in Plaw’s face. There is unfinished business with this world.

Plaw was not satisfied and looked away, back into the fire pit where the flames danced on the faces of the other Mogrim that surrounded it. Plaw finally stood rather loudly and heaved a large breath of air and began to walk around the fire pit. Plaw’s imitation of Lord Hom was weak in Hurl’s eyes.

We want to know. What was Huth doing in this galaxy so distant? asked Plaw, his eyes never leaving the face of Hurl. Plaw stood waiting for the silence to be broken by Hurl’s reply.

Hurl stepped up to within a foot of Plaw’s snout and they continued to stare into each other’s eyes, both with hands resting on their blades. Hurl waited for the tension in Plaws eyes to relax.

Slowly, looking away into the flames of the pit Hurl replied, "You mean you want to know."

"Yes. I want to know!" Plaw yelled in Hurl’s face, his hot breath blowing across Hurl’s cheek.

In Hurl’s earlier days he would have drawn his blade and cut down Plaw without a thought. But Hurl acted as if he had not heard Plaw’s insolence and moved to the edge of the fire pit and slowly stroked through the ashes, purposely taking his time. The red coals fell through his fingers landing back into the fire then Hurl finally looked at Plaw with disgust.

It was a discovery mission …to find resources, Hurl finally stated. Huth’s last report said he had found a treasure planet. So rich was this planet that its entire surface was blue. He was in the process of attacking the planet when we lost communications. He sent several landing craft down to inspect the surface. Huth’s landing party reported thousands of beings similar to us, with large cities built into the sky. Huth completely destroyed their communications satellites and was waiting for a response from the planets fighters.

And he got his response. He was destroyed! yelled Plaw. If they destroyed Huth and his force so quickly how will we escape the same fate?

We need this planet. We must take it at any cost, Hurl insisted. And …Lord Hom has a plan. During Huth’s invasion of Earth he managed to land and get an agent on the surface.

Plaw’s face instantly changed.

An agent to look for these ‘forgotten tablets’ no doubt, Plaw interjected.

Your unbelief does not make the tablets a fantasy. You know the power Lord Hom has to scry into the unknown. If these tablets are real, we shall have the power of the universe in our hands. It would be a mere thought for us to create a new sun for Mogrim.

Plaw thought about Hurl’s words a moment.

"Let me…let us, hear more of this plan," said Plaw.

Plaw sat back down in his chair and stared into the fire. The other warriors were content to sit and wait for Plaw’s curiosity to be satisfied. Some of them respected Plaw and would follow his lead should he refuse to go into battle.

Hurl sat across the fire pit from Plaw, and looking into the dancing flames he began to tell Plaw and the rest of the Mogrim captains’ the plan.

After twenty minutes of Hurl’s explanation Plaw stood to his feet rather quickly.

That is incredible. Why would a Gratorian do this? asked Plaw.

His own kind turned against him. Revenge I would guess, said Hurl. Does it matter?

As long as he does his part, growled Plaw with his eyes piercing Hurl like two darts.

Lord Hom has had dealings with this Gratorian before and is confident that all will go as I have said, replied Hurl. Let us prepare to depart in two days. All captains report to your ships and make sure that your crews are ready. Eight ships will depart for the blue planet on the dawn of the third sun. With our entire fleet behind us, we shall make certain this planet becomes our new home, and the tablet’s …become ours.

Plaw was the first one out. His private craft sat waiting to take him to his main ship called the Ett, which was docked at the space station orbiting Mog. Hurl also boarded his craft called the Siven. Hurl had received word that the Gratorian had also made it aboard his ship named the Torian. All were taking aboard supplies from transport ships over the next two days for the long journey ahead. Hurl sat in his ready room with his second in command named Creese.

Commander, you must see to it, should anything happen to me … Plaw is taken care of. Mog can’t afford a leader such as him. I fear his goal is to rule alongside Lord Hom or even in his place. Promise me on your oath you will kill Plaw should I die in battle and you survive.

Commander Creese looked at his captain confidently.

On my oath, should you not survive … Plaw is dead, said Commander Creese.

Your loyalty is noted, commander. We must look to the future of Mog if we are to survive, said Hurl. It is time. All bridge officer’s report to their posts.

Commander Creese stood and saluted with his fist in the air.

Hurl could not have known that while he was talking in private with his first in command, the same conversation was happening in Plaw’s ready room aboard the Ett.

We will kill Hurl in battle, said Lith, the commander of the Ett.

And, if there are tablets, they shall be mine, stated Plaw. And the blue planet shall be my throne. They both looked at each other with an approving snarl.

Two days had passed. The transport of supplies had been completed. Hurl gave the order for the