Captain Thernright sits down in front of General Blake deep in thought. Marcos had long since left the room and it was the two of them alone. Captain Thernright looks around the office which was traditional in nature hardwood floors and cabinets around. Large constellation maps around the room. Even the chairs were thick and made of well sculptured wood.

  “Something troubles you Captain.” General Blake says looking at the face of the captain whose mind was clearly somewhere else.

  “It has been a long time since I have heard the name of Thorne General. I had put that whole thing out of my mind. My God has it really been seventeen years since the great war?” Captain Thernright said with incredulity.

  “It has. It has also been seventeen years since you actually engaged an enemy. We spoke of this before, are you sure you want to keep your position in training? You can be active again. You’re still young enough to fly.”

  “General, I’m close to my late forties now. I had my time in space. I don’t know if I can go back. Plus teaching new recruits, is somewhat fulfilling.”

  “Somewhat Captain?”

  “Yeah I mean, I guess I still feel like that twenty three year old who fought in the war of the Falconen. I can remember the cheers and the tears. All of that is memory. Some things that came out of the war were bad. Some things we couldn’t possibly imagine happening happened. Now this name from the past has come up and I don’t know how I feel.” Thernright said solemnly.

  The General stands up, walks over and sits next to Captain Thernright. He smiles and looks down laughing. “I remember when you first joined the galactic fleet. You were eighteen and came from great heritage. Since you forefathers played such an important role in saving the human race and since we came here to the Vennesula galaxy you fought in one of the bloodiest wars on record. You were not even ready because in those times it was so dire and we had nothing. If it was not for you and the other Speciour knights we would have lost that war. I think about that often how a group of kids could change a war that a group of kids could change the fate of the world. I think about the way you flew Captain and how natural you were,”

  “I was not the best though. I was good, but he was the best. Dead-eye was the best.” Captain adds.

  “I agree, but answer this. Who was the one who had the final shot? The shot which destroyed the merge and ended the war.”

  “That was a long time ago General. That’s was when luck came into play. Fate…. maybe, but mostly luck, now here seventeen years later the name of Thorne comes into play and changes everything. Anytime that name appears something bad is associated.”

  “Captain, I can order you to locate Lathan Thorne, but because of your association to him I will give you a day to think about it.”

  “Sir I don’t mean to be harsh, but this is not fleet procedure, this is more of the federal protection type of situation we only handle large scale situations, not the location of the young boy who is now marked for death.” Captain Thernright said with all seriousness.

  “This is no ordinary boy Captain. This is Lathan Thorne the boy that has been in hiding since he was born. The one that we in the fleet have been protecting for nearly seventeen years. The name of Thorne will always be associated with the galactic fleet and our plans for him have now changed.” General Blake said.

  “What plans?”

  General Blake sighs and sits back, “We were supposed to find Lathan and bring him here and train him as a Speciour knight when he turned eighteen.”

  ‘When we you going to tell me this.’ Thernright said in shock.

  “When he was going to turn eighteen we would have told you.”

  “What if he doesn’t want to be a Speciour knight? What then?”

  “I do not know Captain we would assume that something of the past would rub off on Lathan. That he would want to be one of us,” General Blake moves closer, “We all know what he can do. What he has got. You especially. You know how special he is…. We need to find him and bring him here. As I said Captain you have got a day. Report back at my office at 0900 hours tomorrow.”

  Captain Thernright nods and salutes. He stands up and exits the office. General Blake looks at him worryingly.

  Captain Thernright goes to the brig where other fleet members sit and watch TV and play cards. The brig was large space and where most Speciour Knights could relax. Captain sat down with glass of water in his hand. He looks at the other fleet members smoking cigars and talking about families and home about love and life. He tries to listen in, but in turn cannot shake from the fact that Lathan Thorne has come back into his life once again.

  He thinks about the last time he was with Lathan, when he was just a baby and how he held him close and true. He remembers thinking that Lathan was a beautiful child and that he was going to handsome and strong. He remembers letting him go and feeling a sense of guilt when doing so. Captain Thernright thinks that the past events are so strong and that Lathan would be good boy, not troublesome in any way.

  He thinks of being younger and how when he fought in the wars that there was no pressure and how he fought he felt invincible. That the circle of friends that he held so close could not break, but broken it was.

  “Captain!”

  A voice appears from nowhere and Thernright looks up snapping out of his thoughts. He looks to the direction of where the voice came from and sees a small, but well built young woman in front of him. “Corporal.”

  “Captain.” She said saluting the Captain.

  “At ease Kayla you’re in the brig.”

  Kayla Starbright stands firm and smiles. She has medium length black curly hair which was tied back and brown eyes deep in colour. Which was creamish skinned with slightly thick lips indicating her mixed race heritage. She is about five foot four, but her shoulders were broad and her vest which showed her arms that we were well muscled showed that she was not to be someone who would be intimated by anyone else’s physicality. She wears her green vest and brown trousers tight and smiles back at the captain who ushers her to sit next to him which she does. “Are you okay Captain? I just saw you sitting her looking alone and I thought,”

  “It’s nothing Kayla. Just some thoughts going round and round with my mind playing some sort of tricks.”

  “Maybe Captain if you get another view on your thoughts like an outside view then maybe things could come up slightly clearer. I mean someone else’s advice can be your own answer.’ Kayla said and smiled.

  “Now where have I heard that before?” Thernright smiles.

  “You told me that sir in the middle of training last year. I mean it is true.”

  Thernright smiles. “How was graduation?”

  “Oh it was good. My mother came and she was so proud. She thought that my height would not get me through, but I persevered and,” She pauses, “I knew that she was proud. I was glad for her to be there.”

  Captain listens attentively and looks out. “So your mother is okay then?”

  Kayla looks at the Captain confused at his question which seemed a bit personal. “Yeah she is okay. She goes on with her life.”

  “Like we all should.” Thernright said. “I cannot believe you are going to be eighteen soon.”

  “In a year Captain.”

  “A year”’ he said to himself. “You’re growing already. Growing into a woman and a great Speciour Knight.”

  “You think so Captain? I mean there are only so few woman knights,”

  “I know so Kayla. Since you came in and have done so well with your score s and your physical and mental training I said to my fellow officers that this girl is going to be something special. You should have no doubts Kayla. None at all.”

  Kayla looks down embarrassed and goes red. She then coughs and taps her chest almost ashamed that she showed some sort of emotion. “Thank you Captain. Now you can tell me what is on your mind.”

  Thernright looks at Kayla. “Come with me.”

  Thernright and Kayla are walking through the barracks and out into Fleet ship docks. Then through the training fields and the past the shuttle trains which act as transport from different locations of the planet Speciour. They reach the large spacious hallways of the command centre and sit down next in front of a large window over looking the home of the Galactic Fleet Elegan Ventura. The sun sets and the light pass the large white towers of Ventura. Ships fly past as the sky goes golden red.

  “So this Lathan Thorne? How special is he?” Kayla asked.

  “He is or should be very special. It is why finding his name on that list has become shock as no one expected to find his name on the list.” Thernright said.

  “Why are you hesitant to do this Captain? It doesn’t seem like you to really think about doing something which is effectively a rescue mission.”

  “Well that is how little you know about me Kayla.” Thernright said almost tersely. Kayla nods and looks away in disappointment. Thernright looks at Kayla and know he was out of place not just as a superior officer, but also as a person. “I’m sorry I reacted like that. I did not mean to, but Kayla you have to understand, the history I have with Lathan Thorne is very deep. The name of Thorne as you know is etched in history, but not everyone knows about the true nature of Lathan Thorne.”

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  “And what is that sir?”

  “That Lathan Thorne has been marked for death since he was born. Actually even before he was born.” Captain Thernright said and looks out at the golden and red sky overlooking the towers of Ventura.

  “Why?” Kayla asked.

  “All because of the last great war.” Captain said almost to himself and that Kayla’s voice was not her own and that it was part of his. “Part of the hell that war brings to all who fight in it.”

  “Then Lathan Thorne needs to be protected. You need to protect him.” Kayla said and Thernright looks at her and nods. “I think it was you are supposed to do this. I mean it looks like you’re personally invested in this. It should be you to help him and maybe train him.”

  “We can save him.” Thernright said looking out and then looking at Kayla. “We can save him. If I ask of you to help me find Lathan. If I accept this mission would you come with me? I think you’re the only I could trust with this.”

  Kayla looks at Captain and nods. “I would.”

  “Thank you.” Thernright said and they both watch another shuttle hurtle off into the evening sky. Kayla stands up and looks to her right. She looks at her watch on her left wrist “I’ve have to go sir. Poker is being played and I need some extra money for the summer.”

  “Sure and thanks again. You know for the chat.”

  “You’re welcome Captain.” She said and smiles before walking off. She then stops and turns round. “If need you me Captain. I’ll be there without any hesitation. If you need me to help you get to Thorne. I’ll be there.”

  “I know.” Thernright said and smiles as she walks off back to the brig. Captain Thernright is left alone in his thoughts once again. he should getting read to pack and call General Blake telling him that he is ready to get Lathan, but again his is weary of bringing Lathan back into his life.

  Ships fly past the sky some land at docking ports below and other head off past the sun and into the deep blanket of space. Thernright thinks of being back in control of a ship for such a long time he has held steerers from simulators and he was content in teaching young minds the ways of being a Galactic Fleet member and being a Speciour Knight. Now he was contemplating the fact that he was going to be back into active duty for the first time in a long time going to retrieve a young man who he hasn’t seen since he was a baby. He would be nearly seventeen now Thernright thinks. He gets up and goes back to his quarters.

  He lies in his bed with the fourth moon on Speciour on the eastern side shining in his face. Tiredness settles into his body relaxing his muscles and his mind starts to follow. He thinks of the war of the Falconen and how that changed everything. He thinks of everything that was separated and the lives that were lost. He thinks of going to New Earth again and being amongst normal civilians. He thinks until he goes off into a peaceful slumber.

  By the time Thernright gets to the General’s office at nine o’clock exactly. He has already made his decision. He sits in front of the General. General Blake looks at Thernright pensively and waits for the right time to start the conversation. “Captain Thernright. Have you made a decision?”

  “Yes sir. I will go and retrieve Lathan Thorne, but I ask of only one thing sir.” Thernright said confidently.

  “Yes what it is Captain?”

  “That I and only I get to tell him the whole truth. That I get the time to tell Lathan.” Thernright said with some passion behind his voice.

  General Blake smiles and looks at Captain Thernright with some degree of warmth. “That is why you have to find him and bring him here. Of course you will tell him everything. It is your right.”

  “Thank you sir. I… I appreciate that very much. I also want you to know that newly graduated Speciour Knight will be joining me on this mission.”

  “Just graduated?” General Blake asks.

  “Yes sir as of last week on the fifteenth sir.”

  “Who is this?”

  “A Kayla Starbright sir. From the intensive training with Captain Smithton and myself. She graduated top of her class with honours passing all her scholastic tests and finishing high on Sector Flight Training and ground warfare. She’s the very epitome of what the model student should be general sir.”

  “And you are sure that she is ready for such a mission after only just graduating?”

  “Yes General I truly think she is ready.”

  General Blake concern turns to warmth once again. “Then she comes with you as well.” Then the smile is wiped off the face and that look of concern comes across the General’s face once again. “I do have some news though Captain. Nothing has been confirmed and it could be speculation.”

  “Sir?”

  ‘Some emissions were caught past Andula last night. Fuel emissions, which of course could be anything from space freighters travelling past the Vennesula nebula, but we tracked those emissions trying to find a link to any freighters, shuttles or any type of ships that went past Andula, the emissions are not from any ship on the Galactic Fleet or the Vennesula Galaxy.”

  “So it must be.”

  “An Encronian cruiser.”

  “But how sir?” Captain Thernright asks with shock laden across his face.

  “I don’t know Captain. I just don’t know how it might have got past us, but you have to find Lathan Thorne and find him fast.”

  “Yes sir!” Captain Thernright stands up and salutes and is about to go out the door, when he stops and turns knowing General Blake so well.

  “You do know me well Captain. So what I will say will be brief, but you do what you can to save and bring back Lathan Thorne alive. He is of great importance, more importance then you may even know Captain Thernright.” General Blake said and Captain Thernright just stands there.

  “What do you mean sir?”

  “You will find out soon enough. Just get Lathan here. All of you come back safe Captain. All of you.” General Blake says and Captain Thernright just nods and bows and leaves the office shutting the wooden doors behind him. General Blake looks at those doors carved with the design of two armoured soldiers on horses colliding on each door. “The destiny of Lathan Thorne is on your hands now Captain. A destiny which could affect us all.”

  Captain Thernright and Kayla pack their things on their ship which was larger then the usual Sector Knight ships and could seat around six people. The computer screens were larger as the main cockpit was of a larger space. The ship was more of a people carrier then an actual fighting Knight ship, but still had weapons at the front and sides of the ship. The ship was painted with a smooth cream sheen with red white and blue streaks across it sides and the symbol of the Galactic Fleet on both sides of the ship. Kayla brings in a hand held weapons and placing them in see through cabinets near where they kept some clothes including normal street wear.

  “So you think the Encronians have developed some type of technology that could make them invisible?’ Kayla asks as they both strap in as the ship slides across to the launching bay.

  ‘Well cloaking isn’t something that is new, several Terenconan ships during the Falconen wars had cloaking technology on them and as you know the Encronians and Terenconans have had a long alliance. So they could have met and merged technologies.’ Captain Thernright said typing the co-ordinates for New Earth on the ship’s main computer.

  “So we haven’t got much time?”

  “No Ms Starbright we do not.”

  “Well I hope we find him fast. Getting us to find him. I just hope this boy has much importance.”

  “You have no idea Starbright. None in the slightest and he’s not really a boy. He’s only a couple months, maybe six or so younger then you.”

  “Not to sound harsh Captain or out of turn, but if he’s still sixteen and his seventeenth is not until the end of the year. So to me he’s still a boy.”

  “Ms Starbright?”

  “Yes Captain?” Kayla asked smiling and Captain Thernright just looks at her and laughs.

  “Nothing.” He laughs again to himself. “Nothing.” Captain Thernright sits straight and places his hand on the steerer and claps his fingers gently on the holds. He closes his eyes for a second and takes a deep breath.

  “Remember sir is just like riding a rydercycle. You never forget.” Kayla said confidently and Thernright looks at her wanting to laugh, but holds it in only a wry smile showing what he truly thinks.

  “The student teaching the teacher?”

  “Well I learnt from the best.”

  ‘Yes you did.’ Captain Thernright said and they both laugh as the ship reaches the launching bay it then moves to the launching tunnel and then tips up and a forty five degree angle northwards into the morning sky at Speciour.

  “Ready to go Captain”’ is the call from the launch centre.

  “Yes launch we’re ready for take off.”

  “Okay raise boosters.” Kayla said and pressing the green booster button to her left on the panel in front.

  “Boosters raised” the voice from the launch centre confirms. “Okay you two you are ready,” as they both hear the boosters at the back humming almost telling them that the ship is ready to fly. “Good luck and see you soon.”

  “And to you launch centre.” Captain Thernright said as the ship vibrates as they watch the lights in front of the ship. Like traffic lights it descends from red, amber and green. The lights are for the launching of ships and making sure as it was not launching from space and the ship was launching from the ground that the skies were free and that any ships would not collide. The lights switch from red to amber. “Here we go.” Then the light stays on amber for a couple of seconds and then goes green. Captain Thernright pushes the steerer forward and the ship hurtles out of the tunnel and into the blue morning sky. “Just like riding a rydercycle.” Captain Thernright said with his smile resting on his face and resurgence in confidence within him. Kayla notices and sits peacefully looking at the blue sky being covered by thick clouds as they go past Speciour’s atmosphere and into space.

  Kayla gazes at the stars almost dreamlike. “Something beautiful about what just happened. Going high into the sky. Going from one world and travelling to another.” she said still looking wide eyed.

  “It is a beautiful thing to see. You will get your chance to fly. In fact.” Captain presses a button and the lights on the panel light up on Kayla’s side and her steerer lights up. “Why don’t you fly us to New Earth?”

  Kayla looks almost with her mouth wide open. She looks at Captain who smiles at her with assurance and nods. She places her hands on the steerer and takes a deep breath and smiles. She controls the steerer with ease and Captain looks at her and realises that she was meant to fly. He looks at her under control of this ship and knows that she was meant for this.

  “When was the last time you were in New Earth?” Captain asks inquisitively.

  “Last time,” Kayla says and pauses for thought. “When I was fifteen before I left for Galactic training.”

  “You ever think about Earth?”

  “I used to when I first joined, but now. I’m all about Speciour. Though it will be a bit weird seeing all my friends who are still on Earth. I wonder what they are like now after two years.”

  “It is good to have thoughts like that. Keep you sane in the long run.”

  “Duly noted sir.” Kayla said and she still looks forward as they travel. “When we get to New London how are we going to find him?”

  “I know exactly where he is.”

  “How?”

  “Let’s just say that if things have not changed Lathan Thorne will be at the exact place I saw him last.”

  For the first time in a few minutes Kayla looks at the Captain. ‘What is it about him? Why is he so special? All this trouble for one boy?’

  Captain sits back on his chair and sighs. “You will know when you see him. I will guarantee you that Corporal Starbright. You will know when you will see Lathan Thorne for the first time.”

  “Wow…. that the first time today you called me by my rank sir.”

  Captain leans back further on his chair and smiles. “Yes, well I had to say it at least once.” He said and they both laughed.