{"id":335,"date":"2015-07-11T12:36:34","date_gmt":"2015-07-11T12:36:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=335"},"modified":"2015-07-11T12:36:34","modified_gmt":"2015-07-11T12:36:34","slug":"legacy-of-the-guardians-part-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=335","title":{"rendered":"Legacy of the Guardians – Part 8"},"content":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 8<\/span><\/p>\n

Randall walked into the council room wondering what might happen today. The last couple of days had been quiet, especially considering the Skartian ambassador had not shown up. He felt sure that could change at any minute. The last time he even heard about the ambassador, who had not been in a good mood, accused humanity of war crimes against the universe. Randall asked what that might have been, but the Skartian stormed off with no reply.<\/p>\n

He noticed a few of the ambassadors reading over reports before sitting down next to Kinser, who seemed absorbed in his reports.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Randall asked over at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Kinser replied, looking up from his reading. \u201cOh, Ran Dall, didn\u2019t hear you come up,\u201d he said, causing Randall to laugh a bit. \u201cI was going over the reports from our warships, the ones we sent to the neutral zone. We lost seven ships and over a thousand soldiers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry my friend, anyone you knew?\u201d Randall asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot personally, but reports from home, the people are angry at the Skartians,\u201d Kinser said. \u201cHow do you deal with the losses of war?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s never easy, but a fact of life many of us have come to accept,\u201d Randall replied, not sure how to answer that question. Humanity had become so used to it, it was a fact of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many did you lose in the attack on your world?\u201d Kinser asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, reports are still sketchy, but it would be as high as ten thousand, not including the thousand we lost in the battle. It could have been much worse,\u201d Randall replied. They both looked up to see the President approaching the podium, ready to begin today\u2019s discussion.<\/p>\n

\u201cFellow members, we have a problem brewing. The Skartians ambassador has yet to respond to any message from the council. Does anyone have any information on the whereabouts of the ambassador?\u201d the president asked. He looked around but no one said anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I make a suggestion?\u201d Randall asked, looking up at the President after several minutes of silence. \u201cI suggest we go to his room and see if he\u2019s there or getting in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The President pondered that for a few seconds before answering. \u201cI believe at this time such a measure is too drastic, but I will keep an open mind. Anything else ambassador?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I am going to be submitting this formal declaration of war against the Skartians with the council, but seeing how the ambassador isn\u2019t here I will inform the council. Humanity intends to carry out a level three class warfare with the Skartians,\u201d Randall said, feeling the tension in the air. Level three meant that humanity would wage a defensive war if possible, but still allow trade. Each trade ship however would be subjective to search.<\/p>\n

Randall waited for the normal objections, and felt a bit relieved when only a few voiced objections. Most were from races that never dealt with humanity anyways. He did not know if they dealt with the Skartians or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe council acknowledges the Human\u2019s declaration of war against the Skartian Empire at level three,\u201d the president said, then went about other business.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ahmed walked down what once had been a beautiful part of the city. Now, rubble and run-down buildings littered the street as people tried their best to make the conditions livable. He had no idea how people could live in such filth, especially after living aboard a warship for so many years in outer space.<\/p>\n

The government, the Taliban, clearly cared little for the people. They were too busy using their religion to keep the people subdued. He wondered if his parents were still living at their old residence, and had not been forced out yet.<\/p>\n

He looked around, receiving some glances due to the fact he was unknown in the region. Ten years does that, his memories were very different of this area. He noticed his parent\u2019s house was still there, and seemed to be lived in. Knocking on the door he waited until an older man opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather,\u201d Ahmed said, recognizing him right away. He was older, more wrinkles but still the same man.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhmed!\u201d the older man said, looking up at his son, disbelief in his eyes. \u201cMy son, you\u2019ve come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a visit father,\u201d Ahmed said. He started to ask about his mother when he spotted people walking down the street, so did his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, let\u2019s go inside,\u201d his father said, leaving unspoken that the streets were not the area to talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhmed,\u201d his mother cried, rushing forward to give him a hug. \u201cYou look well. Are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine mother, and you?\u201d Ahmed asked, returning his mother\u2019s hug and looking over at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe live in fear, those blasted Taliban baboons think they know how to run a country, bah,\u201d his father said. He looked at him then at his mother, who appeared fearful about what he said as his father continued. \u201cThey\u2019ve run this country into the ground. Destroyed out heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you hear anything about the world news?\u201d Ahmed asked wondering if they had heard about the attacks in the USA.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, their propaganda machine is hard at work, telling us only what they think we deserve to hear, at least out here,\u201d his father replied, the last bit gave an indication that he knew something happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you probably don\u2019t know about what happened in the US?\u201d Ahmed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true?\u201d his father asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo large skyscrapers were attacked, both collapsed due to a terrorist attack,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cKilled thousands, and they think Osama bin Laden is behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

His father scowled at the news, while his mother looked horrified.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, the rumors were right, no wonder those buffoons were so worked up earlier in the week,\u201d his father said, sitting down before saying anything else. \u201cThe Americans will want revenge. If I\u2019m not mistaken, this bin Laden fella, he\u2019s here isn\u2019t he? Is that why you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not with the American\u2019s,\u201d Ahmed said, speaking the truth. \u201cThere are things I cannot tell you, but believe me, I am looking for bin Laden, to see something, hopefully to prevent even more death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see at least one of our boys has his head on right,\u201d his mother said, causing Ahmed to frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still involved in that group?\u201d Ahmed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and they\u2019ve filled his head with useless garbage,\u201d his father replied. \u201cPerhaps you can give him some insight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t able to last time I was here,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cDon\u2019t think I\u2019ll change his mind this time either, but,\u201d Ahmed trailed off knowing that if a Skartian was found he could use that to shake his brother from his path. \u201cWhat I came here for, I am going to ask something tremendous of you, I want you to move to Canada with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched them look at him in stunned silence for several seconds before his father replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTen years ago, no, but now, it sounds nice,\u201d his father said. Ahmed blinked, expecting more of a fight about moving.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would it be possible?\u201d his mother asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know people in high places,\u201d Ahmed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you socialize with those pigs,\u201d a voice said from the doorway. He looked over to see his younger brother standing there. \u201cI knew you\u2019d show up, trying to poison my family with such lies, and your great America.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCanada,\u201d Ahmed countered. \u201cThere is a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, don\u2019t insult my intelligence,\u201d his bother said dismissively. \u201cAnd as for your friends in high places, they\u2019ll never find you after we get though with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahmed watched several others walk into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather don\u2019t,\u201d Ahmed said, stalling his father from doing anything stupid, either in action or words. He needed them to remain here, As long as that happened, they would be safe and could be moved at any time. \u201cIt will only bring more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you do have some sense in you,\u201d his brother sneered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me ask, why do you think I\u2019m here?\u201d Ahmed asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts obvious, you\u2019re here for the great one,\u201d his brother said, making Ahmed realize the potential trouble and how easy this mission might be.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I said I had important information that could be useful to him?\u201d Ahmed asked, watching his brother blink at the question. The question froze him for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019d say you\u2019re lying,\u201d his brother finally replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only want to say one thing to bin Laden, personally, then I\u2019ll leave and you\u2019ll never see me again brother,\u201d Ahmed told him, it was a general truth, and hoped it might get him close.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter,\u201d his brother replied, motioning for the other two to grab him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne second,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cI will go with you, but first,\u201d he turned to his mother and father. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me,\u201d he said, giving his mother a hug. \u201cBe ready to leave when my friends get here,\u201d he whispered in her ear.<\/p>\n

Pulling away he turned back to the two men and his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we,\u201d he said, as one approached, striking him. He slumped unconsciousness to the ground.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Greg relaxed in the chair glad for a bit of rest. Things were extremely busy at the moment, especially with so many things going on, including war. So far there had been no battles, and only a few protests from freighter captains, but otherwise quiet. He dreaded when things got busy.<\/p>\n

He turned feeling a hand on his shoulders, seeing Karen behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look deep in thought,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEh, maybe, thinking about what all is going on,\u201d Greg replied, as his fianc\u00e9e sat down next to him. \u201cYou on break?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLunch break, what about you?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, though, don\u2019t know what I want to eat,\u201d he replied honestly. \u201cAny leads on bin Laden?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, we have a few operatives we\u2019re tracking, so far no leads,\u201d Karen replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be the information I\u2019m moving back and forth,\u201d Greg said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be, I know intelligence really wants to nab this guy,\u201d Karen said. \u201cSo if you see a code Alpha One, get it to us right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMeans someone found him,\u201d Greg guessed watching Karen nod yes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, my mom talked to me, wondering if we had a date yet,\u201d she said causing him to look over at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny, I think Admiral Cave wants to know as well, he\u2019s been hinting the same thing so he wouldn\u2019t miss it,\u201d he replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should think about it then,\u201d she replied with a laugh. Her stomach took that moment to growl. \u201cGuess I\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on, can\u2019t let you starve,\u201d Greg said, standing up, then helping her up. Together they made their way to the cafeteria.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, nothing,\u201d Jack said, throwing the paper down on the desk, and looking up at Steve.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only been a day, give it time Jack,\u201d Steve replied, leaning casually in the door frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d Jack said, leaning on his elbows, placing his head in his hands. He stayed like that for a couple of seconds before looking back up. \u201cThe latest report from Randall makes me uneasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Steve said nothing, but Jack knew that Steve trusted him immensely. The latest reports indicated the Skartian ambassador had disappeared. No one knew where he had gone but with all the charges he threw out towards Earth, it surprised Jack that the ambassador up and left. What else might be going on?<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we can capture bin Laden, and ask him some questions, we might get some real answers about what is going on,\u201d Jack said, leaning back in the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on let\u2019s grab something to eat while we can,\u2019 Steve said, standing up and grabbing his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Jack said, standing and stretching. \u201cWhat\u2019s the cafeteria serving today? Chicken fried steak?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink so, should be good,\u201d Steve said, as they walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

Ten minutes later they were sitting down in the cafeteria, tray in hand, looking for a spot to sit down when Jack noticed Greg and Karen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind if we join you?\u201d Jack asked, standing by them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, please have a seat,\u201d Greg replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, chicken fried steak,\u201d Steve said, sitting down across from Jack.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey do serve a good chicken fried steak, and good gravy,\u201d Karen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaw your father while we down planetside,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, mom mentioned it, said you asked about a date,\u201d Karen said, taking another bite and swallowing before continuing. \u201cWe\u2019re still working on a date, can\u2019t rush these things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny dates that come to mind?\u2019 Steve asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA few, we\u2019re going to go over them tonight after supper on our off time,\u201d Greg replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we might finally get a date?\u201d Jack asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you from Greg?\u201d Steve asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlaska, well, actually I was born in Anchorage, but my family moved stateside a few years ago, got tired of the cold,\u201d Greg answered, \u201cso going home is now further away.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of lunch went by quickly, as they talked about where they came from, before Greg and Karen returned to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey make a nice couple,\u201d Steve said, watching them walk off. \u201cOh, to be young again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and less responsibilities,\u201d Jack replied with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, better get back to work as well,\u201d Jacks aid, standing. They put their dishes up and headed back to their offices.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ahmed slowly became aware of his surroundings. The headache was first, and he took a couple of minutes to try and ease the pain away with meditation techniques he learned over the years. After a couple of minutes he managed to ease the pain enough to concentrate on his situation.<\/p>\n

He carefully took stock of his situation. He felt his arms were tied and a bandage over his head. He extended his awareness hearing two different sets of breathing. He knew he was not alone, the fact he was not moving meant they have moved him to where it was. So the others with him could be other prisoners, or his guards. He also realized they had not taken him far, which was good news for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he awake yet?\u201d Ahmed heard his brother ask. Some rustling and the bandage over his head yanked off causing him to blink in the bright light.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019ve woken up dear brother,\u201d he said sarcastically. \u201cWince when did you start to carry a gun?\u201d Ahmed saw his gun, which his brother pointed right at him. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll kill you with your own gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019ll lose any information I have,\u201d Ahmed replied, now worried about being shot. If anyone tried to use his gun it would not work. It had been designed to only work with his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt you have any information we could use. You see, we\u2019ve struck a great blow to the great evil, America. Their materialistic ways will finally catch up with them, and we will destroy them,\u201d his brother replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cno, all you\u2019ve done for now is make them angry at you, and you have their attention,\u201d Ahmed said \u201cBut you have no idea what you\u2019re up against.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you have no idea what you\u2019re up against,\u201d his brother replied, getting right in his face. Ahmed realized this man was not the same person who had been his brother. This man was twisted, though the tough guy routine did not scare Ahmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do have information for him, just let me talk to him,\u201d Ahmed asked one last time.<\/p>\n

Instead his brother walked out. The other two men in the room seemed to not even notice the conversation between them. Ahmed hoped his brother would lead him to bin Laden, especially considering what his brother said. Whoever the leader was, had done a good job in brainwashing people. He felt relieved his parents avoided such a fate.<\/p>\n

He felt under his fingernail on his left hand, relieved when he felt the tiny transmitter still attached. He would wait and see before making any call for help. He knew his other items would be searched, but the technology they used would not be noticeable by anyone on Earth.<\/p>\n

End part 8<\/p>\n

Continued in part 9<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians by AJ Marks Part 8 Randall walked into the council room wondering what might happen today. The last couple of days had been quiet, especially considering the Skartian ambassador had not shown up. He felt sure that could change at any minute. The last time he even heard about the ambassador, […]
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