Space Quest

by

MichelleA

CHAPTER THREE

  

The next month was active with the birthdays for the rest of the girls. Ten of my intermediate level construction leaders agreed to relocate to Sigma 7. All were married with no children. They would begin the necessary construction until the remaining crews arrived. They also had permission to utilize any of the salvaged material within limits. Transportation and supplies would be provided as soon as possible.

The Admiral confirmed that the pirate ship would be moved to the Station in time for its move. The patent office gave notification that the patent had never been renewed and was free for anyone to file for the patent rights. We received confirmation that the Manley's had accepted the contract. Following the formal contract acceptance came a letter of inquiry trying to confirm who I was. My reply was short. "Yes I was Mark, but I am no longer. You will have to wait for my story until after your arrival."

With business picking up, I consulted with Jacob Wilcox, my bank manager. With the advance knowledge of the coming changes we formulated a business plan. More people would mean a need for more housing. The banks already owned part of the land from the destroyed housing area. After three years with no heirs, any land still mortgaged to a bank was foreclosed on and put up for sale. Very little of the land had been sold. With an economic slump, no one had money to buy, even at bargain prices. I now began to quietly purchase land and a housing construction company. When the Station was operational, there would be more shipping coming through the area and more business to follow. I was going to be prepared for that boom. On a personal side, our new house site was being cleared in preparation for the foundation being laid.

Sally was tipped off to some illegal dealings involving Sylvia when a disgruntled employee sought revenge. The evidence while not damning was sufficient to force her resignation from the council. With her departure and some pressure exerted on her former cronies, the council began to actually show signs of trying to be of service to the people and not just a debating society.

Note: Sylvia's secretary noticed that after she had passed on information from Sylvia to a certain business, her brother-in-laws business suffered a setback. While talking to her brother-in-law she learned that he suspected the same business as being the source of his problems. This prompted her to pay closer attention to Sylvia's activities.

Sally and Jason had a stream of correspondence going back and forth. No more than half concerned manning. We had several individuals apply for the construction work on Sigma 7 but they had to be screened first. Transportation was lined up and work supplies would soon follow. We had a few prospects lined up for the Station but nothing firm could be done until it arrived and the preliminary inspections were begun. The first group of trainees and their instructors were scheduled to arrive in a few weeks. These would be in addition to those already assigned to the base.

Due to the relative isolation of Mander III the Patrol was responsible for the spaceport. When the additional people landed for the base, few took notice. When a few weeks later the Manley's and the Station entered orbit again little note was made of the occurrence other than the novelty of two ships arriving at the same time. To the curious it was explained as just bulky supplies ordered in.

What was not seen was the tedious jockeying of the Station for proper optimum orbit. Then there were the precision attitudinal adjustments required. After many long days and night, the Station was in its precise orbit around Mander III. When the base was signaled that orbit was complete, I returned a signal inviting the entire (and I stressed entire) Manley family to dinner the following night. The return acceptance listed 14 to attend and requested confirmation to that number. The Manley's had brought their wives, a rare occurrence on a job of this size and length.

Sally's idea to calm me down was to go shopping for just the right dress to meet the Manley's in. It didn't calm me down although I was now somewhat used to digging through piles and racks of women's clothes. I was still as nervous as I could be but I was distracted part of the time. Like a bee buzzing around your head, I had to pay some attention to Sally and her plans. It only took 5 hours and the ransacking of every store in town, twice, before the perfect dress and all the necessary accessories where in hand.

Note: The first time I took Marcia out for a power-shopping trip was an event to behold. All the while she was protesting you could she that she was enjoying herself. She tries to deny it but she is the reason it took so long that day. She just couldn't decide which dress and which accessories were just right for her.

I spent most of the next day playing with and helping care for the girls. I was getting to far away from them with my work. We had an early dinner together and made plans for a snack later. With the girls taken care of for a while I began my preparations for the evening. The dress that Sally and I had picked out for tonight was a conservative cut. It was a midnight blue, ankle length gown with long sleeves and matching 3-inch open toed heels. It had a round neck cut low enough to get a hint of cleavage but only a hint. For jewelry I wore a black pearl necklace, earring and ring set. My hair was free and flowing on my back. I was dressed but was I ready for this?

They arrived on time at 6 PM. Sally greeted them and introduced herself as Mark's sister. They chatted for a few minutes before I made my entrance. As I introduced myself as Marcia Owens, I could see the lights come on in Momma Gina's eyes. Momma Gina rose and by some hidden signal so did all the women. They instantly surrounded me and asked where we could talk in private. I showed them to the Den. As everyone sat down I tried to compose myself. Somehow Momma Gina knew. Maybe not the details but she knew.

As I tried to order my confused thoughts, Momma Gina said "you're Mark aren't you?" All I could do was nod my head yes. As she folded me in her arms I cried. Tears of relief, joy, and yes even embarrassment. There was still some male pride hiding somewhere. As we dried our eyes I told my tale. It would not be the same story I told the men. They wanted a different story. Momma wasn't interested in my search and discovery of the pirates and the dangers I faced. I glossed over the three-year search and final battle in space. I began my details on my awakening from the MedRejuv chamber and my introduction to Lisa. Momma had seen the Vids of the aftermath and my rescue on Sigma 7 and had a premonition of familiarity then. When I detailed the transformation of the pirates and the subsequent trials and tribulations until our rescue they were in tears for our suffering. As I related the subsequent growth and mutual love that had grown between us, they demanded to meet my girls. At Momma's suggestion, Sally started dinner with the men.

Note: Momma Gina until her death was a second mother to both Marcia and I. No crisis was too much. She was there to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on. My only regret was that we lived so far away and could visit so infrequently. When we could visit it was like going home.

Momma Gina instantly fell in love with the girls with the others not far behind. As the women smothered the girls with affection, I could see favorites being chosen on both sides. Sooner than we realized, it was bedtime for the girls. With my new help tucking the girls in bed took twice as long. We finally made our way down to an overcooked and reheated dinner. Nobody seemed to mind though. As Sally kept the women company, I decided it was time to face the men. I found them in the den already with a glass of refreshment in their hands.

I had decided to tell my story in the third person. I felt that I needed to reveal the truth slowly. So I began my story with Mark's unexpected homecoming. I detailed the futile effort to resist the pirates and the destruction they wrought. Some of that destruction, I stated, could still be seen. I described the capture of the pirate and my near death. Upon my recovery I was told that my whole family and thousands of others were dead. That was when I resolved to hunt them to the death, theirs or mine.

I walked them through my attempted resignation and subsequent departure. Then I described the torture of the next two years searching seemingly in vain for that one ship. Of course, I couldn't have survived my personal hell without the camaraderie and friendship of the Manley's. I explained why I had to leave the family relationship that we had built up. Then there was my discovery of the Adventurer, our encounters with the Adventurer and some of the secrets that they were unaware of at the time.

I detailed where the pirates liked to re-supply and what worlds they preferred to relax on or listen for possible cargos to steal. What worlds that they could sell their stolen wares at and what places they tiptoed around.

I then went on to detail the Adventurer's arrival at Sigma 7. The desperate fight and crash landing to avoid the incoming missile. A few were beginning to see the light as it were. When I told them of Marks injuries and the pirates placing him into the MedRejuv chamber the lights went on. I lightly skimmed over details of my transformation. I went on to state that the pirates were all dead now and my revenge was complete. I left out all of the details on how I came to find 27 children on a totally destroyed planet. I glossed over the hardship of survival and eventual rescue. I ended with my arrival here and subsequent planning and good fortune.

By the time I had finished my tale, the women had wandered in and relaxed as I finished. They were shocked and amazed but in general thoroughly happy that I had at least survived. Captain Manley had settled accounts with my bank earlier in the day.

"Down to business." I finally said. "Captain, what is your assessment of the Station that you have manhandled here?"

"It's such a mess that I almost wonder why you had it brought here." He stated. "As scrap it was worth more where it was. As a shell to rebuild a Station, it's marginal."

"Why do you say that?" I asked. Although I already knew what he was likely to say. "Give me your honest opinion of what it will take to rebuild this hulk you brought me."

"Just from my observations coming here, the task is daunting." Commented Captain Manley. "The hull has two major missile hits. They are both at least twelve-foot diameter holes where the Power Generator and the Command Modules were. There must be numerous smaller hull breaches. Environmental control is a shambles and the blast that destroyed the command module wrecked the stabilization generators. The automatic emergency doors jammed before they could close. Not a single compartment will hold an air seal. That was just my informal inspection. You could almost build a new one for the cost of repairs for that hulk. I'm betting I'm missing something though."

"All the damage you listed and the repairs necessary, I'll take your word for." I acknowledged. "Yes you are right also that there is a piece of knowledge that you are missing. There are several missing pieces of information, in fact. First, there are only two companies that build stations. Only one can build and deliver one to me in less than ten years. They can't even start on construction for another five years; due to the number they already have on order. When you order a station, you only lease it you don't own it. Neither company will outright sell a station to anyone."

"If they won't sell it, did we just hijack a station and bring it here for you?" Asked an agitated Marcus.

"No I own that Station whether they know it yet or not." I asserted. "The insurance investigator who examined the Station declared it a total loss. As for its salvageable value, it was listed as zero or even a liability without a market nearby for scrap steel. The Patrol posted it as a hazard to navigation and placed a beacon on it. Sigma 7 was declared and is recognized as private property by the World Federation Courts. In that declaration, Sigma 7 is listed as being owned solely by my girls and myself. Following that declaration, I had notices sent out that all claims to private property had to be filed for in 90 days and removed within 6 months following the filing of a claim. It is now way past those deadlines. No one has filed for or claimed any interest in the Station. By default it is ours. There is nothing on that Station that is classified or patented that I can't have built or purchase separately."

"You're not telling us this just to show us how smart you are, are you?" Asked Captain Manley.

"No, I'm not." I agreed. "The Patrol is going to use that Station as a training facility and evaluate its condition. They will also have their hull technicians repair the reaction mass containers. In return they can use that storage to refuel their ships passing through this area. That also means that the Manley's can use it when you pass through here."

"Now the light dawns." Stated Captain Manley. "For a time, we and the Patrol will be the only one's that will be able to use this shortcut to the Omega Sector. It will save us time and money. We could undercut everyone by guaranteeing faster delivery at less cost. I like it."

"As I see the future, Mander III is going to start growing rapidly." I began. "As you pass through here more often, you will bring more business. The Patrol will most likely enlarge the base due to increased ship activity here. As the Station becomes active much of the Omega Sector traffic will be rerouted through here. I expect an unprecedented boom over the next few years. Since I am the cause of this boom, I plan to capitalize on it to the fullest extent possible."

"I can see how Mander III and the Omega Sector are going to benefit." Commented Captain Manley. "Having the exclusive use of the Station, for a while, will definitely help us."

"Captain you have two ships now," I commented, 'what are your future plans?"

"Eventually I would like to have a fleet of ships." He said. "At the very least, I want a ship for all my sons and son-in-laws. It's a slow process and the competition is fierce."

"Then I have a proposition Captain." I offered.

"Working with you so far has been nothing but profitable." He commented. "It can't hurt to at least listen."

"My estimate is that the Station will take at least a year before it can be marginally operational." I explained. "At least as far as general commercial use is concerned. I will finance 2 ships in return for an equitable percentage of the business. You provide crews and handle daily operation of the ships. In addition, until the Station is commercially operational any consumables that you get here are at my cost."

"I don't see any major problems with that if we can agree on percentages and degree of control." Agreed the Captain.

"I don't think that either of those reservations will be a problem." I answered. "I trust your judgment as far as running your business. There are two things that I would like. First, I would like to be able to request a ship to pick-up parts within a reasonable time. I suspect that someday someone won't like what I'm doing and will try to prevent me from getting parts or equipment for the Station or some other project. Second, as far as control goes I would just like to be able to voice my concerns and suggest possible alternatives and then leave it to your best judgment."

"I'm agreeable so far and want to see where this will go." Marcus inserted.

"I would also like to set up a shared fund for the purchase of additional ships." I added. "With the savings that you will realize by only having to pay cost on consumables, you should have enough to add. That doesn't even mention the added business that the short cut will allow you to take on and the savings on a shorter run and being able to ask a premium for shorter delivery times. You will have that advantage for at least a year. With that year you can build up a large clientele. After the year is over, consumables will still be at a discount but that will have to wait until then to determine the exact amount."

After our initial agreement we called it a night. This would allow us to consider the wider aspects of our partnership and have time to consider other factors. We met the next morning to settle the details. Momma Gina and crew kidnapped the girls for an outing and shopping trip. With the details hammered out we each signed a letter of intent contingent upon the final papers being reviewed by our lawyers and banking officials. Mine was easy. We dropped the papers off at my lawyers and then went to my bank. After informing Jacob of our intended partnership, he dictated a letter of credit contingent upon the finalization of the partnership. The credit was to be made available in 30 days unless it was revoked before then for cause.

When we had finished, I went home to await the girls while the men went to check on the final loading of my outgoing shipment of communications electronics. They were to meet at my home for dinner. It was an enjoyable evening. Sally was brought into Momma Gina's family and I was still trying to find my comfort zone between the women and the men. They were excited about our partnership and what the future could bring. We parted that night as a family and eager to visit again soon. Unfortunately, I would be tied to this planet for some time to come, it would seem.

The days following the Manley's' departure were hectic. The girls finally started school even if some only part time. The partnership papers had to be reviewed and signed and copies sent to the Manley's and both our banks. I had a meeting with the base Commanding Officer (Commander Benjamin Copeley) and requested a VID tour of the damage on the Station and the ship if possible.

From the initial assessment, we agreed that the reaction mass storage tank offered little training value but full tanks were a definite plus when the next Patrol ship arrived. The initial assessment also confirmed many of the items that had to be replaced and many had already been delivered to the Station. The next order of business was to start the training inspections. Their first priority was to find a chamber with an airlock that would hold pressure. I provided an inventory of the supplies that had just been delivered. I also told the C.O. that he could use those supplies as necessary for the safety of his men.

***

The next month was spent with the girls. From the mundane daily activities: eating, baths, and playtime, to the more important: school, homework, reading and tickle-fests. This was interspersed with outings for amusement and shopping. Can't just buy a new dress, you have to find just the right matching shoes and accessories. It must be genetic. Girls for only a year and they already had the shopping bug. I was not totally immune. Under Sally's tutoring I had learned some of the art of power shopping. I have learned what looks good. It is slowly changing from what looks good on the woman in the mirror to what looks good on me. The new house was having its foundation laid this week. We went out to the site for a brief view of the house being built.

I had a 10 A.M. meeting with Commander Copeley and I was running late. One of the nannies had answered the door in response to a knock. When summoned to the door to find out who was calling, I discovered two uniformed officers. The male of the two inquired, "Are you known as Marcia Owens and are you a resident of this address."

"Yes I am." I replied. "May I ask what this is about?"

"You are under arrest for child abuse and endangerment." Quoted the officer from a paper." He then proceeded to read me my rights as he handcuffed me.

"Where are you taking me?" I enquired.

"The main precinct station for processing." Replied the female, speaking for the first time. We also have a court order to place the children into protective custody."

"I called to one of the nannies, "Helen call Sally, Samuel Blair and Jacob Wilcox in that order. Let them know what just happened." With that I was led away. The next four hours was a nightmare that someone would pay for. Even with everything that was happening, the booking, finger printing, retina scan, and even the strip search, I could handle the humiliation. What I could not accept or forgive was the way the girls must be feeling right now. Their world torn apart, lost, maybe alone and definitely afraid. I was a tearstained emotional wreck very quickly. The only thing that kept me going was my mental picture of the girls as they were on Sigma 7 looking to me for their total welfare. I couldn't let them down.

My lawyer was finally allowed to see me. He told me what I was being held for with no bail set as yet. Child Protective Services was fighting the setting of any bail at all. They cited the potential of further abuse to the children was too high to allow me to be free. The bases for this accusation, was a letter. In that letter, I was accused of reckless endangerment and abuse of children in my custody. The time that this alleged offense was two years ago on Sigma 7.

"Bill,' I said, "Everything in that letter is a pack of lies to discredit me and stop my investigation of that witch Birch from CPS. I don't think that she is bright enough to do this on her own. Start an investigation into the finances of Mrs. Birch and look into her past. I want a counter suit against CPS for false arrest and anything else you can think of. Mostly I want that letter out of CPS' hands and find out where it came from. I'll do almost anything to get those girls back home as soon as is humanly possible."

"Even when they allow bail," Bill replied, "they usually don't allow the accused to be around the alleged victims. Maybe I can get supervised visitation but even that is iffy."

"I don't care," I almost yelled, "get the girls home now!"

"We need to talk about your defense." Continued Bill. "You say that you can prove that the allegations are false, but I need to know the nature of that proof so that I can prepare your defense."

"I have witness' that can prove that I wasn't on Sigma 7 two years ago." I replied. "I don't want to talk about my defense here or anywhere else that someone might be listening or recording. I'll have to let you in on our secret but this CANNOT go any further than you when I tell you. In the meantime, you need to contact Admiral Howe and Captain Manley. Sally has their contact information if she hasn't already sent out messages. They are my witness' and alibis."

Bail was set after 2 days, but only after Sally had shown to the judge that CPS, to keep them calm, was keeping the girls under constant sedation. I was allowed supervised visitation for one hour a day three days a week. The only good part was that they had been returned to Sally's custody.

Note: Throughout all of Marcia's trials and tribulations, this was the closet to despair that I had seen her. I even had friends take turns calling her to check up on her, I was that afraid for her safety. I even sent one of the nurse/nannies over to her house to watch over her just in case. After a few days Marcia called me up accusing me of treating her like a child. I was finally able to calm her down but I was also able to extract a promise not to do anything that would hurt herself. After all, she might ease her pain but what about the girls? That was the telling question. Sometimes you have to be reminded of the pain of others that your actions can cause to put things in prospective. After that I knew that she would be all right, I wasn't so confident about those that opposed her though.

Unable to go home, I took up residence in Sally's old house. The housing market at the time hadn't allowed us to sell it yet. With many of my things delivered I settled in. Without the girls to occupy my time, I started looking into my business interests. I rescheduled my meeting with Commander Copeley for the following day.

The meeting was a little strained but I refused to bring up the arrest and accusations. The VID inspection was complete. One of the inspectors walked me through what was visible and some that was not. The tanks were sealed and full of reaction mass. The Control Module was pressurized and had access through an airlock. The emergency door seal had failed due to either design failure or faulty maintenance. They were investigating which one it was. They had installed one of the portable generators that I had ordered, this allowed for a minimum of station power. They had also setup a temporary air re-circulation and generation unit in the Command Module.

The inspector requested permission to use floor plating from the destroyed Power Generator room to repair the large hole in the Communications room of the Command Module. With that hole repaired, they could finish hull integrity checks on all areas except the Power Generator area.

The first group of trainees had completed their inspection and was finalizing their report. They were next going to inspect the pirate ship. They were told this scenario, they were on patrol; the ship was damaged and may still be under attack. They had to protect the ship until help arrived. To repair the engines was a wasted effort but any ideas would be investigated. The second team of investigators/trainees would arrive in about a week.

The following day I was allowed my first supervised visit. It was heaven and hell combined. The joy of being back with them for an hour was heaven. To be torn apart again by having to leave was pure hell. After I left, I wasn't sure that seeing the girls under these circumstances did anyone of us any good. I was depressed for the rest of the day and cried myself asleep.

The next day I received word that Admiral Howe was delayed but would be on his way here as soon as important papers were complete. Captain Manley had just left before Sally's message arrived but was being notified when he reached his next destination. I called Samuel Bailey and arranged to meet him in the City Park.

Sam and I met in the park as arranged. We found a secluded nook for privacy. I then told him an abbreviated version of the events leading up to and ending on Sigma 7. I conveniently left out specifics about the girls other than that I found them there. He was very skeptical about my story. I didn't believe my own story sometimes, until something jiggled that shouldn't be there.

On my return to my temporary home, I discovered that Sally had left a message. When I returned her call, she told me that two Officers from the Patrol wanted to meet with me and she had arranged to meet them for dinner at my favorite restaurant. She was going to come right over and help me get ready. Why did this make me nervous?

As agreed Sally showed up with several dresses and accessories for both of us. It took 15 minutes just to unload the car. Three hours later we were ready. Why I needed a waist cincher Sally was vague about with her answer and immovably adamant that I needed it. Is she saying I'm getting fat? Have to watch my weight for a bit to see if I am. The clothes aren't any tighter.

We arrived a few minutes late. As we entered, two officers arose from their seats and approached us. They introduced themselves as Commander Oscar Reeves and Lieutenant Commander Andrew Rand. After a few minutes small talk, we were finally seated. Pleasantries were exchanged until we had ordered our meals and our drinks were on the table.

While waiting for our food, Oscar and Andy explained that Admiral Howe through Commander Copeley had arranged for them to be our points of contact. Andy explained that he was in charge of the Supply Department and could supply some equipment required for the Station if it was deemed necessary for the efficient joint use of the Station. Oscar was in charge of the Medical Department and would be available to monitor the medical needs of all those working on the Station. I think he was a shrink sent by Admiral Howe to check up on me. At least he talked like a shrink.

After a pleasant meal they both asked us to dance. With Sally acting as Judas, I was dragged onto the dance floor. I had been a good dancer but trying to follow in heels was disconcerting. I never tripped or stepped on either of their feet but I was exhausted from the effort.

After an amiable departure I turned on Sally as she drove us home. "What was that all about? I almost yelled. "That looks like a setup as a blind date if I ever saw one."

"That wasn't a date, exactly." She hedged. "The Admiral did contact them and they were supposed to meet with you. I just thought that an informal setting would be more relaxing."

"What about Jason?" I inquired to push her off center. "I thought that you and he were an item?"

"Jason and I are very good friends but he's not here right now and we haven't agreed to be exclusive yet anyway." She explained. "What did you think of them? Don't you agree that Andy had a great body? Oscar is very mature."

"Oscar is a lecherous old quack." I retorted. "He's too old for me now that I've been rejuvenated. I'm not about to go sit in a rocking chair for the next 40 to 60 years."

"Well then what did you think about Andy?" Sally came back on point like a bird dog.

"He had a long conversation with my boobs all night long." I complained. "He's too immature and too ready to put his hands where they weren't invited. You had better stop this matchmaking or I will seek my revenge." I threatened.

"What do you mean?" She questioned.

"Do you remember your sixteenth birthday?" I asked with a grin.

"Yes, you were grounded for the summer." She smiled.

"No, do you remember why I was grounded for the summer?" I asked.

"You wouldn't!" She exclaimed. "Would you?"

"I may be your sister now, but deep down inside, I've still got a part of your evil brother still in here." I explained.

Note: Busted on my first attempt at matchmaking. I would have to be a little bit subtler next time and there would be a next time. On my sixteenth birthday the hottest guy in school had just invited me to a victory dance. I never made it out the door with my date. I caught the dye in the shampoo bottle in the bathroom but I didn't suspect that he had also tampered with the unopened bottle in the closet. I had only started when I caught that. I had just a faint black streak in my hair before I saw it. Cleaning what I could out of my hair and off my hands set my schedule back thirty minutes and another ten minutes complaining to our parents. I was in such a hurry that I failed to notice that he had added itching powder to my Talc and had spread some in my shoes also. By the time I was ready and my date had arrived, the itching powder had started to take effect. He says that he saved my virginity that night, but that is NOT what I wanted. He said it was in retaliation to something that I had done but I don't remember what it was that I had supposedly done.

"Marcia?" Pleaded Sally. "I'm just trying to think of the girls welfare. They will need a male role model around. You have to agree about that. Besides, I can't see you becoming an old lonely spinster."

"With 27 girls in the house, how can it ever get lonely?" I asked. "I expect to see at least 50 grandchildren running around. How can you call that lonely?"

"You know what I mean!" She exclaimed in exasperation. "Stop avoiding the issue."

"You're right, I am avoiding the issue." I acknowledged. "I avoid it because it scares the hell out of me. I see something I like and then I tell myself it's wrong. It's a constant battle. I like the way I feel. I look in the mirror and wonder is that beautiful creature really me? I see a good-looking guy and my mind tells me its all wrong. Then when I see a pretty woman, all I see is the way she looks and the way she is dressed. I try to picture myself in her outfit and try to decide what I would do differently. All the time my mind is yelling at me about how wrong it is. What I know I am now and what all my life's experience has taught me, are in conflict."

By this time I was in tears. Sally managed to get me home and into bed. Again I cried myself to sleep only this time in her arms. In the morning, I found that I was still wrapped in her arms. I thought back to the days, as children, that during bad weather she would sometimes came to my room for comfort against the storm. Now it was the other way around.

I quietly slipped out of bed, put on my robe and freshened up in the bathroom. When I had finished, seeing that she was still asleep, I went to start breakfast. By the time breakfast was almost finished a sleepy eyed Sally poked her head into the kitchen. With a quick hug and kiss, I sent her back to freshen herself up before we could sit down to eat.

****

Tennille's birthday fell on a non-visitation day. Sally delayed the party so that I could be there for a short time. The girls never even knew about the delay.

The next two weeks became an emotional roller coaster ride. I was up when I visited with the girls but the rest of the time I was in the dumps. I tried to keep myself busy but before I had filled my spare time by playing with the girls. Now I tried to fill it up with planning for the future. The new house was nearing completion, but I didn't feel any emotions about that news. Whenever my thoughts turned to revenge or retribution, I had to remind myself how I got here to begin with. At the same time I reminded myself that it also gave me the girls I loved so much now.

Finally I was notified that the Admiral had arrived during the night and that he wanted a meeting with my lawyer and me at noon in the Commanding Officers briefing room. I immediately called Sally and then Sam Bailey. Sam agreed to pick me up and take me to the base with him. At 11:30 Sam picked me up and we headed for the base. We were passed through when we showed them our identification.

As we entered the conference room, Admiral stood up to greet us. "Hello, Marcia." He began. "This must Be Samuel Bailey your lawyer."

"Admiral, call me Sam." Sam said.

"OK, Sam it is." Responded the Admiral.

"Marcia, I'm sorry I took so long." He began. "I had to get the court to certify some of the documents that I needed to clear your name. I had to wait for the Judge to be available and then wade through the paperwork that they require. However, I have sufficient proof to do the job."

"May I see those papers Admiral?" Asked Sam. "I'm still a little skeptical even after Marcia explained who she was. Although I didn't know Mark, I knew who he was and could identify him from school events. Our parents also ran in the same social circle. Marcia has answered questions that could only be answered by Mark or someone with intensive coaching in Mark's life. I believe but there is a sliver of doubt."

"Here are the sealed court documents that explain what happened on Sigma 7." Explained the Admiral. "If word of the true nature of Marcia's girls gets out, it could destroy their lives. I'm not sure that they should ever learn the truth. How old do you need to be in order to accept that you were once a mass murderer? Sam while you read those documents, Marcia and I will chat for a while."

"Alright, Admiral." Agreed Sam.

As the Admiral and I talked, he indirectly confirmed my suspicions about Oscar and Andrew. From what the Admiral said, I knew that he had to get that information straight from Oscar and Andrew. As we chatted I could hear various noises from Sam. I could almost follow where he was by the way he acted. When Sam was finished reading and rereading the papers, he rejoined us.

"It's an incredible story." Remarked Sam. "With these documents I can have that order vacated today Marcia. I think I can have it pushed through so that you can go home tonight. Tomorrow we'll swear out a warrant for Mrs. Birch and get this thing over."

"Sam as much as I want that, that Birch bitch isn't smart enough for this." I stated. "For this to be over, we need to catch the real person behind this. I have my suspicions but no proof."

"When I was notified that the Admiral was here with evidence to exonerate you, I made an appointment with Judge Fabore and the District Attorney." Said Sam. "That isn't until 4:00 P.M. That will give us a couple hours to figure out how to proceed."

"You know Admiral." I said trying to hold back a giggle. "Lisa is going to need a sister her own age to play with."

"NO!" Shouted the Admiral as I broke into giggles.

The Admiral and Sam finally broke into smiles as they realized that I wasn't really serious. What they didn't know is how close to that idea I really was. Someone was going to pay for this.

Despite our best efforts, we couldn't come up with any brilliant plans to make Mrs. Birch confess other than just confronting her with the evidence. If that didn't work I would have to come up with a plan to explain how I had a 'new daughter.' Before that plan would be necessary, I had make a plan to kidnap Mrs. Birch, bring her to Sigma 7 and use the MedRejuv on her. That plan wouldn't work though; there would be too many witnesses with all the girls and their nannies.

We left for our appointment with Judge Fabore. We arrived a few minutes early but everyone else was already there. After introducing himself to the Judge, the Admiral presented the Judge with a set of documents with a short background. He then handed another set to the DA. We remained quite as they read the documents. I periodically noticed glances in my direction. The Judge finished first and then waited until the DA was finished reading.

"All I can say is that I'm stunned by this story." Judge Fabore stated. "I can understand why these documents have been sealed by the court. These proceeding will be sealed also. Joe?"

"Yes your Honor." Answered the DA.

"The ball is in your court." Hinted the Judge.

"Your Honor." Began the DA. "On the basis of this new evidence, the People would like to drop all charges against Marcia Owens."

"Case dismissed." Announced the Judge.

"In the matter of the Parental duties of Marcia Owens." Continued the DA. "The People recommend that all restrictions recently imposed should be dropped."

"All said restrictions are hereby rescinded." Proclaimed the Judge. "Is there any other business that need to be handled?"

"Yes your Honor." Spoke up the DA. "At the request of Mr. Bailey, the letter of accusation was checked for fingerprints. Besides Veronica Birch, there were two legible prints and some smudges. We had no record of that print in any of our files. Mr. Bailey supplied us with several documents. On one of these we found a matching set of prints. The documents all came from individual members of the City Council. The one that matched our unknown print belonged to Sylvia Von Escher."

"Combined with the new evidence, the DA's office recommends that arrest warrants be issued for Veronica Birch and Sylvia Von Escher." The DA continued. "I recommend that Mrs. Birch be arrested first and questioned. Due to the nature of the evidence, if we can influence Mrs. Birch to turn States Evidence against Mrs. Von Escher we won't have to go into closed sessions for the trial and risk exposure to Mrs. Owens or her children."

"So ordered." Declared the Judge.

"Any other business at this time?" Questioned the Judge. Receiving negative replies, the Judge continued. "This Court is adjourned."

On the way out the DA stopped me to talk. "My plan is to have Mrs. Birch picked up for questioning first." He informed me. "I would like a couple days to question her before we go after Mrs. Von Escher. If we can convince Mrs. Birch that she will bear the entire blame for this we may get her to help."

"What do you need from me then?" I asked.

"If you could pretend that the court orders are still in effect that should help us to keep Mrs. Von Escher in the dark about what's happening." He stated. "I believe we have enough evidence to convict Mrs. Birch. However, without Mrs. Birch's testimony implicating Mrs. Von Escher, then she may walk. I think by offering Mrs. Birch immunity from prosecution on this case, she will turn States evidence."

"I agree with your plan but it rubs me the wrong way to see Mrs. Birch get off free as a bird." I angrily exclaimed.

"Maybe I shouldn't say this but the CPS's request for an investigation of Mrs. Birch is turning up some evidence that she won't like." He commented. "I won't say more than that right now."

"Let me know when I can return home." I said. "As much as I want to nail those two as fast as possible, I don't want you to make ANY mistakes."

"After playing us for fools, we want them just as badly as you do." He explained.

As we were leaving the building, Sam asked. "Marcia do you need a ride home?"

"I can see that she gets home Sam." Interjected the Admiral. "I wanted to catch up on local events anyway."

"Go ahead Sam." I encouraged. "The Admiral will see that I get home later."

As Sam left the Admiral and I returned to the base. "Admiral, where are you staying this time here?" I asked. "You know that you are welcome at either of my homes. I know that Sally and the girls would love to have you and so would I."

"They have adequate quarters for me on base." Replied the Admiral. "Besides it wouldn't look proper for me to stay in your home and without your influence, the girls would drive me crazy."

For the remainder of the ride to the base and the following 2 hours we discussed the progress of the Station and he agreed that Patrol ships could now start using the Station to replenish supplies. We ate dinner at the base Officer's Club and I was driven back to my temporary home.

Two days later, the DA's office called and said that things were proceeding as planned and that Mrs. Von Escher was in custody. I was free to go home. I left everything in the house as they were and almost flew home to my babies.

For the next week, I never left the house. The Admiral was over for dinner a couple times but I wasn't leaving. The Admiral signed affidavits to certify the contents of the sealed court letters. During his brief visit, the Admiral inspected the Station and the new construction on base. He also promised the DA to be available for any trials that may occur. He soon had to leave for other business.

A few days after the Admiral left Sam called to say that the Patent had been approved and the hard copy confirmation was on its way. We could now begin making upgrade kits for ships sensor arrays. I visited the company property and notified the manager to start the production of the kits and prepare them for shipping. We would soon need more people if these kits became popular. Hopefully, the kits popularity would increase when we could install them ourselves on the Station. Each kit could be installed in just a little bit longer than the average ships stay when picking up and delivering cargo.

With all my recent expenditures and letters of credit, I had to watch my spending. It wasn't that I would run short soon, but I didn't want to have to reduce my principle anymore than I had nor sell anything that I held. Sigma 7 was prime real estate, for example. I was still being bombarded with offers. Sam waded through them and passed on only the few that deserved notice.

The initial work crew had arrived on Sigma 7. They had already setup some prefab buildings for housing and had found enough usable furniture for their needs. They were also keeping records of usable salvage and it's disposition. More crews would be leaving soon with heavy equipment and the first contingent of family members.

The first of the Station Hull Technicians arrived and were assisted in finding suitable housing. Most of these men would be single and help counterbalance the shortage of men. Working with the Patrol inspection teams and a supervisor, they could start patching the most obvious hull breaches. When the Electricians and Power Plant Technicians arrived, they could start the removal of the old Plant. Then they could repair the surrounding structures and then install the new Plant that was waiting.

Mrs. Birch had confessed and agreed to testify against Sylvia. Mrs. Birch would not be prosecuted for her actions in this offense. She didn't know that there were other trials ahead for her. They were both out on bail. I had also talked to Sam about filing a civil suite for pain suffering. Sam convinced me that monitory damages would be hard to prove.

With school in session now, Sally and I had decided that the girls needed their annual physical. Since all of girls needed check-ups, we made an appointment with Sally's doctor and set aside an entire day for the evolution. After breakfast, we loaded the bus and were off.

To reduce the chaos, Sally took the older half of the girls and went shopping while I stayed with the rest for the morning set of check-ups. Doctor Jean finished her exams a little early and we sat to chat. I answered her inquiry about the last time I had a complete physical by saying: that it had been over a year but I didn't know how thorough it had been. I'll get Sally for this, she should have warned me. I received a complete physical. Complete with refrigerated instruments. After it was complete, I asked if Sally's physical was due. The doctor checked her records and confirmed that Sally was due. Payback time.

When Sally returned with the big girls, I had her take the little ones out to the bus for naps and some playtime. I asked her to come in about four to help take care of the girls when they were finished. Sally came in at four and was quickly cornered by Doctor Jean. When Sally was finished we paid the receptionist and left. I could feel daggers in my back all the way to the bus. When I explained to her what had happened she was upset with me but not for very long.

*****

The new house was finally complete. Taking a page from my Patrol days, I scheduled a paid day off at my companies. We would have a house warming party. No one was required to help move but all were politely asked to lend a hand. No one would verify anyone's attendance. No excuses were required.

On the day of the move/party, I had everything ready. Trucks were waiting at my old house and a BBQ was set up at the new house. With most everything prepacked we began. Half the men were at each house. The old house was stripped in record time and loaded on trucks. At the new house the remaining men unloaded the trucks and with Sally and I directing traffic everything was soon placed in the correct room. As the men went for refreshments the women helped setting up the girls rooms for the night. By the time that Sally and I came up for air getting the girls settled we were in for a surprise. Most of the rest of the house had been arranged also. True I could disagree with the positioning of specific pieces, the overall decor I could live with.

The volunteer cooks were already feeding the men. Benches and tables had been set up as well as games and other entertainment for both the kids and adults. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Employees from all three companies had a chance to meet and intermingle. On an unofficial inquiry about attendance, I learned that only two were no shows. One had a hot date that was planned before the party. The other had a sick son and was visiting him in the hospital. I requested my informant to keep me informed and let me know if they needed any help.

Now I needed to be officially informed of the problems so that it didn't look like I was being snoopy or intrusive. I told them that I wasn't keeping an attendance record. That was a little lie, but I wasn't trying to punish them for non-attendance. If they truly didn't want to attend, so be it. However if they wanted to and had a problem preventing them from attending, then that was another matter. I wanted my employees to be like a family.

The party seemed to be a great success. I planned to have others but not to include a move added to it. I hoped.

The girls that now attended school were all doing well. They were all excited to have new friends to play with. They even had a few birthday parties to attend for their new friends.

With a couple weeks of relative calm behind me, I was ready for more activity. (Calm can only be relative with 27 girls in-house.) The third inspection team should be finished by now and I was anxious to find out the combined inspection results.

I called Commander Copeley and requested an update on the overall inspection. He informed me that they were comparing the reports from each inspection team and were checking out each variation. He requested a meeting in three days for the final overview.

On the appointed day I met with Commander Copeley.

"Welcome Mrs. Owens." He greeted me. "Here is your copy of the report and three extra copies."

"Thank you, Commander." I responded to his greeting. "Do you have any comments on the report?"

"Not much more to say besides my comments already in the report." He answered. "Repairs already completed are noted in the left margin. I've had the report written in descending order of importance. Any deviation from that is counterproductive."

Seeing where this conversation was going, I left after thanking him politely. His recommendations were based on Patrol indoctrination. Power. Mobility. Survivability. Maybe it's a great concept while fighting an enemy but not necessarily right for peaceful evolutions.

I had scheduled a meeting of all the men that had so far arrived to work on the Station. Several had just arrived from the ship offloading supplies in orbit. A few others had already been working and had a working knowledge of what was ahead. I had selected the construction company conference room for convenience.

As I entered the room I was received by an obnoxious sound from an equally obnoxious and intoxicated looking individual.

"Hey, Sweet Cheeks." He called. "Wanna go find a quiet place until the boss gets here?"

"What is your name?" I demanded. "What is your position here?"

"Just call me Lover." He returned. "My position is on top of you."

"Well 'Lover', I said sarcastically, "go in that other room and wait for me. Don't worry about the boss, I'll take care of it."

After he entered the other conference room, I went to the secretary and had her call the police in case they were needed. I didn't expect 'Lover' to take kindly to being fired before he even started work.

I returned to the meeting room while waiting for the police to arrive.

"Good morning gentlemen." I greeted them. "For those of you I haven't met yet, my name is Marcia Owens. I am the Boss here. You've already been provided with the rules and regulations and signed the contract for your services. Follow the rules and we will get along just fine."

"Some fools are just too thick headed to understand the writing on the wall." Commented a voice from the back.

"The report on the table was just completed by the Patrol." I explained. "They have marked the work some of you have already completed. They have already listed it in the order THEY think repairs should be done."

"We've all worked for those types." Another commented.

There are several computers here, take these disks and look at the report." I requested. Reorganize it and give me your priorities and why. While you do that, I'll take care of 'Lover Boy'."

Two police officers had arrived while talking to my new Station crew. I explained the situation to them and then we entered the other conference room.

Upon entering, I was greeted with, "It's about time bitch. Why did you keep me waiting so long?"

"For your information, my name isn't sweet cheeks or bitch." I informed him icily. "My name is Mrs. Owens. I was supposed to be your new boss. In your obviously drunken state, you violate the conditions of your hire."

At that point he tried to grab me with barely heard grumbling and threats. When reaching for me, one of the officers intercepted him and he made the mistake of trying to fight the two cops. They ended up carting him away in cuffs. I guess Sam will have to finish this chore.

I returned to the meeting to see how they were doing.

There were three Hull Techs in the room that had already worked on the Station. Among the newcomers were two more Hull Techs, three Electricians and a Life Support Technician.

"Have you had any time to make sense of that report yet?" I asked.

"Commander Copeley has his priorities all out of whack." Commented the senior Hull Tech I knew as Burke. "We already have power for most needs. We need a pressurized living and work areas. We need an oxygen scrubbing system and soon an oxygen generating plant. With those in place we can work indefinitely as long as food and water are brought in regularly. With having to rely in the Patrol to bring us to the Station, it will take over a week to just seal the living area. Not to mention the rest."

"I have talked with the Commander." I said. "The space ship up there has no power but its living spaces are intact. If you connect one of the emergency generators to the ship you can have your own Station living quarters until the others are available. That should speed up repairs considerably.

"Yes it will." Agreed Burke.

The remainder of the meeting was concerned with the priority and order of each item. I also gave them a list of supplies already delivered and their color code and identification numbers and location on the Station loading area. I had already made arrangements with the Patrol for their transportation. The Patrol sent a shuttle up to the Station twice a week. The shuttle carried those members training on the Station returning empty. It returned empty two days later and picked them up. By alternating my crews work week, they could ride the otherwise empty shuttle both ways. I of course had to pay part of the costs.

We have now had several ships deliver supplies here. The word about the presence of the Station was going to spread, soon.

When I got home I called Sally into the Den. "Sally I met one of your drunken Neanderthal new hires today." I exclaimed. "He was so drunk I had to have the police haul him away."

"Drunk, Neanderthal, new hires?" She questioned. "Go a little slower please."

"I'm sorry, it's not your fault a rotten apple got through." I apologized. "He just made me so mad with his macho attitude."

"OK, apology accepted." Sally said. "Now tell me what happened and who exactly we are talking about."

I proceeded to tell her what had happened at the meeting and the results. When I gave her his name and specialty she looked him up in here files.

"So far he is the only one we've hired that wasn't straight from the Patrol." She explained as she examined her personnel files. "We had already hired all the departing Patrol Hull Techs available. He was recommended by the Spaceman's Guild out of New Hebrides."

"Wait a minute." I said. "Isn't that the home of Utallian Space Works Universal?

"Yes, it is." Agreed Sally. "It is also one of the main source of trained men for working in space."

"It is also where the Station was originally built." I pointed out. "Maybe I'm being paranoid but I don't like apparent coincidences. Are there anymore potential hires from there?"

"Yes, there are two more that I was considering." Sally said.

"I question their judgment based of the poor quality of the first person they recommend to us." I stated. "I don't think we should consider any more from there without a very thorough background investigation first."

"Let's do this then." Sally offered. "We have performance record from all new hires from the Patrol. We should have at least the same level of confidence with all new hires. Any non-Patrol hire needs to have a background investigation before any offer is made."

"I'll agree to that." I said. "I have to call Sam and let him know about what we have discussed here."

After placing the call to Sam. "Sam? Marcia here." I said. "I had an incident with one of our new hires this morning."

"Are you OK?" Asked Sam.

"I'm fine." I replied. "He's in jail. I want you to visit him at the jail and invoke the termination clause in his contract for showing up for work drunk."

"OK, I'll go over there shortly." He agreed. "Marcia, you need to consider setting up another company covering the Station and it's employees. You may also consider forming a corporate setup for all your businesses."

"You're probably right." I agreed. "Get with Jacob and make a proposal and Sally and I will met with you when it is ready. Also, look into having a procedure setup for new hire background investigations. I don't want anymore surprises like today."

"I'll start on those items first thing tomorrow." Sam replied. "I have to go to the jail and then get ready for tonight's party."

"Damn, I forgot about that." I exclaimed. "That was why Sally wanted me home early."

"I take it that I will see you there then?" Sam asked.

"Unfortunately, yes." I answered. "See you later Sam, bye for now."

"Bye Marcia." Said Sam before he hung up.

"Sally!" I called. "What time do we have to start getting ready for that…that thing tonight?"

"Well, if we start right now, we shouldn't be more than 30 minutes late arriving." She said with a smile.

With a groan, I asked. "What am I supposed to wear?"

"Spoken like a true woman." She teased. "With a closet full of clothes, you never have anything to wear."

"Sally!" I protested. "I don't have a closet full of clothes and you know it."

"That's where you're so lucky." She replied cheerfully. "We are almost the same size and I do have a closet full of clothes."

I almost caught up to her but I tripped in my heels while she had flats on.

Later. "It's a very pretty dress Sally." I tried to explain.

"It's a gown, Marcia, not a dress." Explained Sally, as if to one of the girls. Maybe that was what I was mentally, just a little girl learning.

"Alright, this gown is lovely OK." I said in exasperation. "But…but."

"And you have a lovely butt too, Marcia." She continued interrupting.

"This 'gown' doesn't have enough material up top!" I almost shouted.

"I don't feel that way when I wear that gown." Replied Sally.

"That's only because I have more up top now than you do." I retorted. "I feel if I twist around that my boobs will pop out for everyone and their brother to see."

"That should just tell you not to twist then." Sally retorted. "You look just gorgeous in that gown. I don't think that you will have any problems with your boobs coning out. Just in case, I'll bring a couple shoe horns."

As we said our goodnights to the girls, five-year-old Julie said. "Betsy at school just got a new daddy. Are you and Auntie Sally looking for a new daddy for us too?"

All I could say was "no Dear not right now." I could see Sally trying to stifle a giggle. My turn would come. She would get her come-uppance.

True to Sally's prediction we were only about 30 minutes late. The party was a total waste of my evening. The women wanted to talk about their children. HA. I had more than all of them combined. I switched to the proud MAMA mode and cleared the field. The few men that were there simply wanted to talk to my boobs. I guess its one way to separate the men from the boys. These were all boys.

In the meantime, Sally was circulating. As I watched her move from one group to the next, I realized what she was doing. All these people were the movers and shakers of the City. In this room were all of the City Council and most of the major business people. She was playing them like a fiddle. My respect for Sally just went through the roof.

On our way home Sally and I discussed the events of the night. I told her that I recognized what she had been doing all evening. I asked her what her objective was? She told me that she was trying to promote a plan to entice more people to emigrate to Mander III. She hadn't revealed yet that the Station existed. There was time enough later for that revelation.

I spent the next several days with Sam and Jacob preparing the papers and making business plans for the new company covering the Station and the new corporate structure for the whole operation.

While I was working on setting up the new company, Sally received a message from Lt Commander Phillips. He was due to arrive in a few days. Until he arrived it was Jason this or Jason that. By the time the day arrived, I was ready to kill her. The pleasure and relief of her departure to meet Jason was almost orgasmic in nature.

They returned home very late or is 3 AM considered early? When she returned to the land of the living, she informed me that Jason wanted to meet with me about the progress of the Station. She gave me a number where he could be reached or a message left. He had suggested about 3 PM in the CO's conference room. I was supposed to call to confirm or alter the time and place. I called and left a message for him that both time and place were fine.

By now Marcia was dominant. Mark still wanted to come out but that was starting to be less common. Mark was never going to be gone, but we were learning to co-exist. Mark still made himself known at odd moments but as I said that was only on increasingly rare occasions. I could of course chose my outfits, dress and put on my make-up by myself. I did have to contend with my fashion and appearance consultants. Alice, Ursula, Ellen, Irene and Yvonne. Mommy that scarf doesn't match those shoes. Mommy your hair is a mess. Mommy your make-up is yucky.

A little before 3 PM I walked into the conference room. Jason and the CO were already there. The CO had already informed Jason of the Patrols completed training and his plans for the future training exercises. In the short term they would practice battle damage repair and try new work around methods. Patrol ships were already using the Station for supply replenishment.

I brought him up to date on the repairs completed and outlined the plans for further repairs. Just this morning, I had been informed that the ship was now usable as living quarters. With external power supplied and new oxygen scrubbers working they could stay there and work during the week. The Stations living quarters would be ready in a couple weeks. They had found a weakened bulkhead that needed to be replaced first. They had already identified a wall from the damaged Power Room that could be used and provide easier access to replace the destroyed unit.

Jason stayed for several days and even inspected the Station himself. After Jason left it took Sally several days to recover her good mood.

******

Grace's birthday came and went in a blur of various activities.

Captain Manley showed up three weeks after Jason left. He apologized for not being able to be here. While his crew unloaded the Stations supplies he met with the DA to make his statement. He testified that I had worked for him and was in his employ during the time period covering the accusation. I further certified that Marcia Owens was nowhere near Sigma 7 during the time period of the accusation. In addition, he brought notarized statements from his family attesting to the same information.

By this time Captain Manley had become Captain Grandpa to the girls. To some it came out Cappaw. Naturally he stayed with us while dirt side.

I had plans for this day. Since I knew what equipment that Captain Manley had on his ship, I had a special refit kit made just for his ship. While the ship was unloading and reloading a special crew was installing his new equipment. I even had one of the Hull Techs replace the outside hull sensors. Against mild protest about cost, I insisted that it was at no charge. I explained that he was going to be my traveling show room. With little or no changes to wiring or mounts I could update most systems to State of the Art. Installation time was in hours and could easily be done during standard layovers.

Captain Manley loved the changes and promised to send the other ships through for refit as soon as they were free to bring another load of supplies. He also informed me that they had purchased one ship and were trying to decide between a couple others. Marcus was conducting a shakedown trip with the new ship. He would send it over next for its electronics refit. I was to expect a currant equipment list so that a custom package could be prepared ahead of time. He would do the same for the other ships, as they were available.

*******

By now the Station crew had the living quarters repaired. They now could work five days a week and ride the shuttle back for rest and recreation. The Patrol training crew had been working with the electronics and communications equipment. Until the bulkhead door was tested and repaired or replaced they were working in an airless room. They had first isolated all power circuits and checked for shorts. Working one system at a time to check to see which could be powered up. With power on they moved on to Automated Self Checks and then Operational Checks.

The EMF of the warheads had wreaked havoc with the electronics. Many Units simply had to be replaced and others needed to be repaired. A faulty equipments list was updated as the problems were found. Wiring problems were on a separate list sometimes listing specific wires or just suspected problems. A refit kit was being setup as the Makes and Models of systems were identified. Now anyone on the Station had reliable communications to the ground at anytime.

The recovery crew on Sigma 7 was complete now. They had their housing setup and furnished from local salvage. All their wives were there. In fact some of the wives were helping. Once a structure was stable its previous use was listed. Some of the wives then would start an inventory of the buildings contents. The crews then determined if its contents were salvageable or partially useable by the crew. If the contents were sheltered in place, they were left otherwise they were moved and stored in warehouses. So far the list of usable goods was mounting proving the insurance lie of 'no recovery value'. Something smelled rotten and it was getting worse.

With the addition of several more crewmembers the Station compliment was complete. At least it was complete until the Station was ready to start full operations.

Sylvia's lawyer finally convinced her to plea bargain after she was presented with all the evidence against her. She would be gone for several years.

Sally's plan to entice emigrants to Mander III was passed by the City Council. Plans were then started to implement who was to be the target of their campaign and what skills they would require. Single male candidates were preferred. Currant skill shortages and those projected shortages in the future were identified.

The Admiral through my lawyer on Ringold 5 forwarded Sam a notice that Utallian Space Works Universal had filed a criminal suit against one 'Marcia Owens and persons unknown' for theft of their Space Station. They were also filing a civil suit to recover damages from the projected loss of revenue attributable to the loss of their station.

Two weeks later a ship appeared demanding to be replenished just like the ship that he was following. The Captain tried to claim that they were friends of Captain Manley and had been separated. They were then duly informed that the Station was not fully operational. Sometime during the next year the Station might be operational for the general public. To great protest, they were sent back to their original point of departure.

The Station crew had finally gotten to the point of checking the failure of the emergency door to seal. From the information on the door motor, they were able to determine its specifications. Suspicious that the motor was underpowered, the crew leader requested the Patrol to send in their investigator to make the investigation official. While not intended, it also isolated the investigation from just being two companies feuding. The Patrol investigator found that the motor in question had fused due to a power overload. In other words, it was not strong enough to handle the power required to close the door under emergency conditions. Design deficiencies that caused multiple deaths from rapid depressurization.

With the motor removed, the door was manually closed and sealed. Pressure checks were performed and the pressure remained constant. The hull would now hold pressure in all areas except the Main Power Generator room. With full pressurization, the replacement electronics could be installed and tested. Outside sensors could be upgraded or replaced as necessary. Meanwhile the wreckage of the old generator was being removed. While the two auxiliary generators provided adequate power for lighting, communications and basic tools, it wasn't sufficient for full-scale station operation. The stabilization generators couldn't be tested until the power generator was replaced and tested.

On Sigma 7, work was progressing slowly. The water purification plant was still operational due to an emergency solar power system. The crews had to locate shut off valves where major water lines were ruptured. The main power generating plant was off line when they arrived. Three of the four generators were damaged. The fourth had run for an unknown time until it failed for lack of maintenance. Two of the generators were beyond economical repair. Their estimate was one generator on line within another week and the second as back up within a month. They could accomplish this only by cannibalizing parts from the two most severely damaged.

With the housing and warehouse spaces completed, the men broke up into several specialized crews. A small utilities crew continued working on the generator and water supply. A small crew began the task of vehicle and roadway maintenance and clearing. Some personal vehicles were discovered in underground parking areas. A few of those were still operational. A larger crew was tasked with clearing the business district and making entry into buildings safe for follow up salvage operations. Another small crew began clearing the housing area and disconnecting utilities. The Patrol rescue and clean up people had previously removed most of the bodies. All utility connections were underground and damage was limited to each house's connections.

 

Continued Chapter 4

  

  

  

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