Rescued Again

As their children complete HS, search for higher education outside earth reunited old shipmates

Four of our kids were out or aging out of base school. And there was no alternative.

My lady wives and I decided to pool resources. I invited Rebecca and Kpa’Vaari over for supper. I added we were discussing college plans. They agreed at once, Robby said he was inviting himself and Julitta. After dinner, the eight of us cleared and returned to table. I said we had 5 kids ready for college or ready for seriously planning course load for college. And two more almost there. Looking at Rebecca, Kpa'Vaari, and Robby, granddaughter included. That would be Ava 16, Tha'Kor 16, Kaplan Robert 17, and John 18. Plus Tesoro 15.

There was no easy solution so we needed to get inventive. Earth colleges trend to be, uh, less than receptive to hybrid children. Much less aliens. At least that was true when last I checked. And we have three that would be directly impacted. Also, neither John nor Ava would tolerate any derogatory or denigrating comments addressed to their siblings. Rebecca said Tesoro would be targeted and would then remove heads. Robby and Kpa’Vaari nodding vigorously. As would Kallar I said and Tha'Kor, with the typical Draconid build, temper and inherent sense of honor, would stack bigots like cord wood.

Ah, I said in a mincing voice, you mean the violence prone, ill mannered, overly sensitive, crude, uneducated, kids with no sense of humor? Normally, yeah, that's when I would remove body parts. I've heard that before.

We looked at each other. Catherine and Julitta had been talking by themselves. Julitta said Catherine and I have some high level contacts, her through GBI and me through GMA. We're going to ask them what other EXPAT‘s are doing, both work created and voluntary. Let's plan on dinner in a week.

The next week, dinner, same players, same topic. Catherine said GBI had a large staff but very few college age dependents off world. Their Dr Roger Harris was in this area and would visit in order to discuss options. Julitta laughed and said the GMA recommended Dr Harris as well. He and his partner Dr Joyce Patel were in our area and would both visit to evaluate children. I was thrilled these two got so much done and fast. However, it's really their standard. Smart people.

I said as a fallback, I had been looking at University of Freeport. It has been quite successful with all its surrounding populations centers. And those neighbors were close enough to vet the claims in detail. Faculty includes several Nobel Laureates. I sent a package on Freeport and its schools to each of you. What struck me was the consistently high scores in standardized tests, extremely high graduation rate, exceptional success rate of its graduates, and almost non existent student problems. I also noted that mixed species children make up approximately 19% of students. Various non-human students total 37%.

Freeport is nonaligned and started as a mining world, stayed neutral, and accepted all refuges. They took in a lot. Stayed neutral and fought off both sides during Avon - Sabin war. Beat back, killed actually, all invasion attempts, from both sides. They still accept all refuges. Earth kept trying to force them into nice standard, compliant, obedient colony. Freeport declared independence, kicked our fleet Basing, said Bye bye, and signed Basing agreement with Wafd and started charging everybody else standard Basing rates. Hard asses. I like them.

Robby said them canceling basing was caused by State forcing us to haul nitwits to Freeport AFTER they said no more. He said the only solution will be for me to go myself, apologize, and get my damn basing back. But to do that, I have to get State to stop trying to put their round peg into a militantly square hole. And that apparently takes more smarts than they have or the gonads to admit they were wrong.

Well back to Earth schools. Any idea when Dr's Patel and Harris will be gracing us with their presence? I said practicalities, if they want to have dinner with kids and us we have 6 other kids that need to be somewhere and we will all want to be at dinner. Smile, perhaps Wally and Chuck could be of service? My ladies, Betty, and Julitta all looked at each other and smiled, done one of them said.

Hmmmm, lets add Sara, Tesoro, and Saris Ann to interview group, at 15 we might as well. They could learn something. That leaves The four 8!year old's for Wally and Chuck. After a moment, that got general agreement.

Dr's Patel and Harris landed three days later. Dr Harris called Catherine within the hour, introduced himself, and asked when he and his partner could meet with us. She suggested dinner the next day as we had to arrange, well, babysitting for four 8 year old's. He understood and agreed. They would get settled and see us at 7 it that was acceptable. She assured him it was perfect. He asked if she knew Dr Vo’Panna. And, helpfully, that she worked at hospital. Catherine laughed and said she knew Capt Dr Julitta Vo'Panna, Chief Cardiologist Sector Hospital, quite well and she would be at the dinner. Pause. Uh, good. We will see you tomorrow.

We got the little kids ready for the group sleepover that had become a big deal to them. Our four 8 year old’s, Wally’s twin 7 year old’s, and Chuck’s twin 6 year old’s. Eight kids, wow, we were going owe them big time. My crew, 8 adults, Three 15, two 16, 17, and an 18 year old kids were ready. Kids, well as this entire arraignment was other college plans, I guess I should say young adults. Sigh. I’m Just having a problem turning loose of my children. Somewhat typical I know, but real.

When the Dr’s arrived, Dr Patel said Dr Vo’Panna? Julitta greeted her. She did not react to her being Sabin but said my contact at Galactic Medical Association asked me to coordinate with you. You are investigating your children‘s college? Julitta smiled, putting her hand on her baby bump and said no, I’m not really not ready for that. My husband Robby is interested in his granddaughters. Betty, smiling, spoke up, dad is just being nosy as usual. Tesoro, 15, is Kpa’Vaari‘s and mine. She gestured to me. Bob should speak to the other kids background.

Dr Harris, and Patel, had degrees in Education, Educational Facilities and Student Planning to be specific. However his avocation was DIY and off grid living so he was fascinated with our house. We were discussing overall plan while his partner was speaking to Julitta.

I said we freed Tha'Kor, 16, and Sara, 15, from a child slaver and adopted them. Saris, 15, is Ashara’s and mine. Kallar, 17, is Gillian’s and mine. Ava, 16, and John, 18, are Catherine’s from a previous marriage. Ashara, Gillian, Catherine, and I are legal parents of all of them. Silence. I beg your pardon Dr Patel said. Sigh, I said, for all legal and medical decisions we are all parents to all of our kids. It’s called Group Adoption.

Looking back and forth, Dr Harris said, I have to ask, who is married to who? My wives and I exchanged looks. Gillian said we formed a Marriage Group named Smiths. We are married to each other, all four of us. But, he said the law…. Has been changed locally I interpreted. We can all get lawyers and spend money exploring Legal Reciprocity but we have a fine attorney who created Group Adoption and derived Marriage Group from that. Also Ashara passed the local and Galactic Bar on first attempt with flying colors. Unless marriage customs are of great importance to you, let’s move on.

You might want to read our family name standards. It’s spreading widely among many colonies. For example, as a freed slave, Tha’Kor had no other names. He insists on Tha'Kor hijo de Smiths. Admiral Robinson could append ‘amigo de Smiths’ to his name when wanted. both our visitors heads snapped to Robby, Admiral?

Robby gave me a look and said, I’m sector commander Admiral Robinson. I’m still interested in earth schools. Looking at everyone, he said I think we’ve done enough introductions for now. These oldest 4 young adults consist of two human, one mixed species , and one alien. What grantees can be made regarding their safety while on earth. Both physical and, most specifically, social. As far as physical, I should mention that they consider themselves siblings regardless of others opinions so an attack on one is treated as an attack on all. Having played ‘pick up’. games with these boys, having John, Kallar, and Tha'Kor believing I had injured or insulted their sisters would be very very unpleasant.

I suggested we stop standing around and at least sit, I was getting hungry. I made sure the kids were interspersed with adults, not clustered in the them vs us arraignment Kids seem to prefer. I had rebuilt our table again. Now It was a ring, 4 meters OD, sat 16 to 21 based on spacing. ID of 2 meters, physical table one meters wide. Seating 8 to 10, again based in seating. Actually two half rings separated for access. My current and standard configuration used wide searing allowance outside, and more modest inside due to foot space. Sat 26 using both inside and outside of ring. Anyway, the 10 adults and 7 kids were not crowded.

Once everything was headed toward table, I said our routine was you didn’t come directly to table, you came through kitchen and carried any thing the ladies wanted. So, when everybody was seated, dinner was also on table. Finishing a meal was the reverse, everybody took something to kitchen, when everyone had left table, it was cleared. Chores rotated, some stayed to put up food, wash cooking utensils, wash dishes, and clean kitchen.

Today, I switched so Sara and Saris got kitchen duty, at this time they had only an academic interest in college. They drug Tesoro with them.

After dinner, we all sat in living room, some with adult beverages, and looked at our visiting experts. They had been seated next to each other at dinner and appeared to have been engaging in intense conversation. Finally Dr Harris said, we don’t think your or anyone’s children would be in any physical danger at today’s campuses.

Dr Patel added we also agree you are right to be concerned about social issues. Not prejudice as such, actually the reverse. Being seen as such a mall minority that you become an outsider, exotic, a curiosity, an oddity, collectible as acquaintance with no real friendship implied or offered. Completely isolating and virtually impossible to change. The long term solution is to increase number of non human or. mixed students significantly above the current 0.15% Neither we or any of the other groups studying this issue have any idea how to chance such a fundamental system while depending on it. We know to resolve the issue, many more alien and mixed students must enroll and face the current system before that system can chance. Too much to ask or expect of students who are there only to learn.

I said we really thank you for your perspective. You may have saved our children a lot pain. I am quite curious however, you indicated you both believed your finding’s, correct? They both nodded. What was the issue you both were so intended about about during dinner. It was obvious you were arguing . Thinking back, perhaps a short term solution? You did not mention one Dr Patel said there really isn’t an alternative to earth schools. And glared at Harris as she spoke. Looking at them both, and glancing at everyone else, I said we have been researching the University of Freeport. She sniffed, actually snuffed, and said that cow collage with delusions of adequacy! Please!

Dr Harris took a deep breath and said my doctoral thesis advisor teaches there now, raves about he school, teaching environment, administration, and students. He can’t stop talking about the students. We are looking for transportation now. I want to see the environment and progress myself. Dr Patel said an on site visit will show the inadequacies of such a farce. I looked at Robby.

Robby said, after consideration, I believe I need to visit Freeport to discuss Basing considerations in person. My ship is quite roomy. Civilians signing standard releases can be transported by Fleet units when it has been determined to be for the general good. Settling issues surrounding college age dependents would definitely be for general good. Looking at his calendar on a MILSPEC tablet, he said Be Aboard 1700 in two days. We‘ll have a nice dinner, good nights rest, breakfast, and be landing on Freeport around 0930 or 1000. Remember if I’m called away, you’re all on your own returning.

Everyone pulled out their communicator and started calling their offices. Except Betty who spoke up. Sir, I need to schedule unplanned leave starting in two days. You have sufficient leave accrued ? Yes sir. I have no objections, coordinate with BUPERS. Thank you sir.

Harris and Patel sat, bemused, catching fragments of conversations regarding postponed tax reviews, rescheduled legal hearings, engineering walkthroughs postponed, police training rescheduled, and I just sat listening. You don’t have any calls asked Patel? Retired I said. From? I usually defer but i guess I'd had all the credentials quoited I needed. As I stood to get a coffee, I said I’m Fleet Command Sgt Major Robert Banes Smith, Galactic Marines, Assault Battalion, Special Operations, retired. Galactic Cross, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and too damn many other little ribbons and metal trinkets to bother with. Bob to my friends and enemies. Gunny to military. She gave me the look. I said that look is another reason I’m Bob. She said, Smith. Gunny Smith. You went in to Jallas 4, alone, and rescued 173 hostages. You eliminated 37 terrorists. I said I was young and foolish. It was 11 years ago. I age rapidly. Gillian laughed and said he keeps forcing that dialog, he thinks it sounds like Bogart & Bacall, ignore him. As I looked at her trying to look hurt, Patel said who?

Now all I had to do is find a babysitter for A WEEK!!! Two things, I called guy I knew at the port and told him I was ready. He said good, he had a couple and would come and visit later in week. I told him I’d be gone, look harder and I’d call when I returned. Next, hard job. I called Wally and Chuck. Asked them to diner, specifically including their wives. Wally was silent. What do you want he asked, I laughed and said, later.

That night, my ladies had a great dinner prepared, appetizer, steaks, wine, the works. I knew Wally, he read room at once. Said this looks absolutely wonderful, what do you want? My ladies started sneaking up on subject.

I said babysitting for a week. Sign these, handing papers to him. He looked, then started and said this adds Himora and I to your group adoption! Correcting an omission I said. Everybody looked at me. We are all taking a short trip to Freeport to check out University. Robby is going to watch over Tesoro and provide transportation. I realized I’d always known who I wanted to stick with my kids if, well, if s**t happens. You have always been it. I just need it done legally. Also, if someone needs doctor, a parent overrides babysitter every time. And you need authority for your prepaid all access week for entire family to Adventure Canyon. Room n board on you. Deal?

He looked at me. Himora looked at me, My ladies all looked at me. I just sat waiting for all the little gears to mesh. I’ve been planning on the adoption change for some time. Because it was the smart right action.

An All Access Family Pass was never Intended for 6 kids. Tough. I was waiting to see if they figured out forming an an adoption group for his and Chucks kids would allow them to be ‘his’ as far as the pass went. 8 kids. Legal. The Adventure Canyon folks would have a fit. Wally had Benito Morales contact, he’d be fine

So? I finally said. Wally said, oh yes, Deal, we can do that. I need to call Benito. I smiled and slid other set of papers to him and Chuck. The ones setting up group adoption for His and Chuck’s kids. He glanced at them, looked at me and said slowly A***OLE!

Little kids were thrilled at idea of week of Adventure Canyon, I actually think some of the older kids were reconsidering trip to Freeport. I have to admit, the Canyon did offer kids options. The parasailing from rim down almost 3 kilometers into canyon was thrilling, even when you knew the anti-gravity safety was triply redundant and the harnesses could support my house.

So, 1600 we were all settling into our bunk areas. All six ladies plus the 4 girls were all sharing one 12 person birthing compartment, the three guys and three boys were scattered, who cared, one night. Odd being shipboard after years. The kids (the whole damn crew looked like kids to me) tended to squeak Aye Aye Gunny and try to jump completely thru walls to get out of my way. That included young officers. Some same age as my oldest. Sobering

We were all fetched to Admirals Mess for dinner. On board, he was the Admiral or Admiral Robinson or Sir. None of the Robby stuff. I had that discussion with all the kids, his world, his work, his job, his rules, Respect. The Admiral had me sitting next to him, then his Sr Officers with his daughter slotted in by rank, then the ladies and Dr’s, then the kids. Not Fleet formal, but a heck of a lot more formal than most people experienced. I noted some fish eyes at a civilian sitting at his right hand. When he said he was glad to welcome Gunny Smith, an old shipmate, those stares stopped instantly, replaced by the usual mixture of respect, fear, and intense curiosity. The details of Jallas 4, and a few less public but common knowledge within military OPs, were still classified.

Conversation flowed easily, abet from the Admiral down. The kids were watching something they had never been involved in and only seen fragments of in entertainment videos. A military mess functioning normally. Now, admittedly most mess did not include officers of this rank. Admiral Robinson's ship had a crew of over 6000 with officer distribution to match. Only he would have describes his carrier as roomy. After dinner, numerous officers, the younger ones, volunteered to escort my girls in walking tour of ship. I agreed, looked these young, fit, eager young gentlemen in the eyes and said, hurt her and we will talk. I had to smile, all of them broke out in cold sweat.

The next day, a more relaxed and yet more focused morning mess was served to officers going on duty. Faster, less social discussions, more work. After, the Admiral said he expected us to land at 0820. And to me, he expected detailed notes on University. Detailed.

As we exited the ship, we were met by The Administrator who apparently ran the entire place by unanimous choice. His ex-Fleet medic wife and children accompanying him. That is where I first lost control. He and Kpa’Vaari both smiled, stepped forward for traditional Klab double handshake. At same time, his wife and Betty strode together and were apparently having a nice conversation. Probably about their husbands or kids. Their kids, well that was the interruption.

Tesoro saw Frederico, the Administrator‘s kid, just as he saw her. They walked directly together had took each others hands. Their various parents all had the Oh S**T look. Julitta stayed with them for support. The kids did not notice them. Sigh. I don’t think they would have noticed a nova. I decided against any crude bucket-o-water remarks. They just stood holding hands, oblivious to the rest of the world. I’d been there, I really did not want to interrupt them, it was actually sweet, just a little Inconvenient. I approached The Administrator And said while you all are dealing with young love, could someone else take us to the school? Distracted, he pointed to a nearby house with a guy sitting outside. As I walked toward house, I realized the universe had a sense of humor and it sucked.

As I approached, I noticed he had gone inside, returned with two chairs he put at a stump in his yard, on the stump he put a coffee pot, whiskey bottle, two glasses, and two coffee mugs. Fleet issue, no handles. And Then he settled his blaster and sat down. As I got to the stump, I said, Hi Gunny, he said Hi Gunny.

Seeing this, my ladies bypassed us and went to house where two Avon were waiting. Dragging our Dr’s with them. The kids were all watching Tesoro and Fred. Fascinated with the instant change in their historically boy indifferent friend. Inside, Ashara chattered in Avon to Mars and Tedla for a minute or so. Back in English she introduced her wives Gillian (who’s attention was mostly outside), and Catherine. Mentioned our school hunt and introduced Dr Patel and Dr Harris. Mara said Wife? Catherine hit high points of Group Adoption, Marriage Groups, and name management for new environment. She said I had avoided the entire marriage issue to avoid having one of us labeled the other woman. Sweet but idiotic. Tedla looked at all the women and said Men! All the women nodded. Harris was wishing he’d stayed outside.

Joe and I sat there for a while. Bought each other a drink or two from his bottle, poured a cup of coffee. Been a while Joe said, yeah I said. Got a family I see. Yeah, couple of ladies who can stand me. Small mine keeps us fed. Damn Avon Pacifier gave us a little trouble, shooting them helps. You still butting in to others businesses I said? Oh yeah he laughed. Can’t stop. Fixed up old Avon deck guns to defend this place, kludged the air cars you’ll see everywhere. Old Klab farmer, a little confused by destruction of his home, built dragon boat. Fleet medic started helping him finish, paint, and arm it. Check out video of those crazy two doing a firing pass into invasion landing. Him steering and screaming about flying in air of a free planet. Her standing firing some 11,000 laser emitters she’d hand wired into wings. Like a Norse god and a damn Valkyrie. They shot them down, shock centered him. Clever Fleet CO managed to get me assigned Home Guard Commander, I have to admit, turning this small backwater farming and mining world full of refugees into a death trap for invaders was actually fun. I did it RECON style, zero casualties on our side, zero survivors among invaders

When we reorganized school, he was made administrative head by acclamation. Medic helped him recover. Moved in, married him. Good people. What is that huddle at ship. I said your going to love this. That’s Robby’s ship. he’s a 4 star now, Joe spit coffee, what! His daughter is fleet Captain, Tough lady. Married to Klab, their daughter Tesoro is drop dead gorgeous. She and your administrators boy, Fred he said, locked eyes at landing and don’t know rest of universe exists. Joe was now laughing so hard he fell out of his chair and dropped his drink. Finally recovering he said and you? in a minute, Robby was dating this nice doctor, the Sabin lady in that mess down at ship. I took a contemplative sip, Joe did you know Sabin women don’t have menopause and can carry children their lives. Joe blinked, Three times. His laughter could be heard by everyone. I was afraid he’d pee his pants.

I said I had a nice little mine with robot. Like you, lucked into couple of ladies who tolerate me. We rescued a couple alien kid slaves, killed a few thugs from organized slavery ring, lady GBI agent moved in with her kids. Got Group Adoption legalized, we all adopted all the kids, mine, rescued, hers. So I’ve got 10 kids. Bypassed old earth archaic marriage rules getting Marriage Group legalized. All 4 of us got married. His attention sharpened, what? I said I’d avoided marriage issue to avoid the Other Woman crap. Marriage Group solved that for good. Looked at him appraisingly, glanced at house where all our ladies were outside talking to Harris and Patel. You know, Legal Reciprocity would apply here. He followed my gaze, nodding.

He said, Fleet kept bringing nitwits trying to teach us how to be nice, regimented colonist. We kept telling them to stop, got fed up, had a meeting, declared Freeport independent. Fleet brought more idiots, finally admitted they had no choice, orders. We said, oh OK, get out, Basing canceled. I managed to get The Administrator named planet executive. Like I said, good man. Sees himself as farmer who runs stuff part time

Kids started aging out of our school. We looked crap options and started out own. I said I’d followed UF story, that was why we were all here. Robby was interested in basing. I don’t See a problem if Robby will keep a****ls away he said.

So, the elephant. We’re not in a room he said poring 3 fingers. For both of us. Ignoring him I said so, Command Sgt Major Joseph James Johnson, Galactic Marines, Long Range Recon Special Operations, retired. Galactic Cross, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and “too damn many other little ribbons and metal trinkets to bother with”, how’s life? You should know you SOB, you got me discharged. Come on Joe, the shattered leg, 12 broken ribs, missing hand, punctured lungs, severe head trauma, and unanimous Fleet HQ Hospital staff recommendations had a little to do with that. Bull s*** he said. You could have, should have overruled them!

Over Joe’s shoulder I saw the crowd at the ship part as the Admiral walked out. He listened to everyone talking at once, wife, daughter, SIL, and the Administrator, looked at his granddaughter still in a hormonal fog with The Administrator's son, shook his head, and started up toward us. I smiled, Joe stopped complaining and said you think I’m funny? I said no, I’m just looking forward to Robby getting here in about two minutes. Joe stopped, nodded. Without turning he hollered could someone bring another chair, glass, and coffee cup? Our ladies looked at the approaching Admiral and brought the stuff. Joe didn’t turn, I didn’t say anything, as Robby got to us he said are you Joe……. He stopped talking or walking as he recognized Joe. I poured him 3 fingers and said sit down, we’re going to be here or a while.

He sat. Now there were three of us sitting in a yard, stump as a table, drinking, not talking, remembering when we took the one less traveled by, And here we sat, decades later, reaping what we sowed, damn, that’s getting corny. Robby said, Joe, I know you blame us for your Medical, and in some sense, you are correct neither of us could make the decision, that was BUPERS and Hospital staff. But yes, I recommended your discharge. I spoke up, as did I. Robby continued, you were as close to dead as anyone I had ever visited in Hospital. I wanted you and yours to maximize, well, death benefits. Under regs at the time, you had not died in combat, so dying Medically Retired From Combat injuries would generate larger payout than dying in hospital active duty. And you, you obnoxious hardheaded SOB, you damn well know all of this so FO, stop trying to jerk my chain, and give me another drink.

Yeah, I admitted, we could have waited, doctors said you would die, you didn’t, that you’d be paralyzed, you aren’t, that your mind was gone, looking at him partial, that you’d never walk, you walked out of hospital. But we didn’t have time. We shipped out while you were still unconscious. We returned expecting memorial service, not a team members so bitter he wouldn’t talk to us and just disappeared.

So, and I speak not only for Robby and I but for all your teammates you have ignored, f*** off and grow up. We are tired of your crap. I got up and walked toward ship. After a minute, I heard Wally’s chair creak as he got up. A coupe of minutes later I heard don’t go. I kept going. Alright alright, stop! I’ve been an a*s, OK? I stopped but did not turn around. Robby stopped next to me. With our backs to him, I said explain. Damn he said, y’all are hard SOB's. Robby said, so? Sigh. I was really hurt and raging angry that you all had abandoned me to be discharged. Yeah, walking to latrine exhausted me so that i needed an hours rest each time but I needed to, had to be with you all. When I just physically could NOT, I made it your fault. I’ve known this for years but had no way of stopping. Can we kiss and make up? F*** off Robby said but we will let you buy some more drinks. We both turned and walked back to stump.

Oh god, oh god, make it stop. My purse hammering in my ears was deafening. I keep promising myself not to drink with Robby and I keep breaking promise. I got up (how had I gotten back on board?) staggered to head, stood under cold water for a while. Undressed and returned to shower. Eventually I got dressed and went for coffee. Lots of coffee. Joe was sitting in mess, both hands holding his bowed head, steam from coffee rising into his face. How did he get on board? I got a coffee and unconsciously assumed same posture as Joe. Neither spoke. Words were entirely too loud. The Admiral walked in. Good morning everyone! Good morning Sir! Was response. Joe looked at me, is that SOB human? I said couldn’t be.

The Admiral walked over, looked at us and said GOOD MORNING. We both flinched, the ba***** laughed. Then he said while we were still asleep Mara and Tedla had loaded everyone in a shuttle he’d loaned them and went to explore University campus. He, the Administrator, and various staff would be busy discussing basing. And would we please get our hung over asses off his ship. Now. Joe and I found ourselves standing in the really really bright morning sunshine. He said, I guess we better catch up or we’ll be in even more trouble. Yeah, you’re right, lead on. We walked around his house to garage or barn and climbed into his transportation. He had it rigged to look like a “pick up truck” from a coupe hundred earth years ago. Rusting red fenders, pitted chrome bumper, squeaking doors, the works. I just sighed and got in.

Continent where town, school, and university were located had a galactic record extinct volcano in middle at approximately 17,000 meters. The entire continent was a series of ridges and valleys all radiating from mountain. The original school was down hill from Joe‘s house in same valley containing his mine . The current set up was a couple of valleys counter clockwise from there. At lower end of valley was large modern school complex with elementary, muddle, and high school wings. All accessing central library, medical, sports, cafeteria, and auditorium with small administrative office. Stretching down the middle of valley, were four large dormitories with two more under construction. At other end, an impressive building, central cafeteria, library, classrooms, surrounded by labs, large lecture or debate halls with small stages. Athletic and shooting ranges behind. Numerous shops, cafe’s, restaurants, theaters scattered up and down valley. I have to admit, as we banked over complexes to land, I gawked. Who the hell paid for this?

Our school system is now self supporting. Yeah, lots of farmers and miners ate beans so their kids could have an education when we started. Today, all Freeport kids attend free PRE-K through UF, books included.

There is a huge fixed or capital cost to start this size operation. Once we had something running, a high school, neighboring systems asked if their kids could attend. we discussed, set prices. They saw a already successful operation that they DID NOT HAVE TO BUILD, ran the numbers and enrolled their children en masse. And continue to do so, we have quotas and waiting lists. So, when we announced UF, we maxed enrollment before one brick was laid. By end of first week actually. How to educate your children is THE problem out here in the sticks. We are activity doubling size of UF. That will max it out. Once we outgrow that, well that is our current problem. I said wow. Just wow. Y’all have accomplished a hell of a lot. He said getting good, not just degreed but good teachers is an ongoing issue And Bill, Harris may not be returning with you. I said I’d suspected that.

We found our ladies, and all the girls, leaving cluster of high end boutiques. Loaded with packages, I gave Joe a look, a number of our exchange students home worlds are significantly wealthier than Freeport. They have disposable income and want latest fashion. Like they say, merchants follow money. We have a number of high end fashion houses selling to those students. And, I’m sorry to say, the ladies have found them.

As we caught up with them, comments on reckless spending at boutiques already prepared, they said, ah the troubadours, come to serenade us with Guantanamera for, what, 5th time? Going to stand in fountain again? We looked at each other, we both said Robby is a dead man.

Joe was correct, Dr Harris was tremendously impressed with the standard physical, well, stuff. The facilities, lab equipment, library depth, living arrangements provided students, even meals. But what astounded him was the open discussion of any and all topics with no ‘expected behavior’ other than good manners, by everyone, instructors and students. After some long talks with his old faculty advisor, and a short talk with the Administrator, he called back and resigned.

Dr Patel however was having a bad time, the facilities were excellent, facility was good to great. She had talked to several instructors she knew well and they all praised the operation. The students were all, with no exceptions, at least at age appropriate knowledge levels. All appeared to be hard working and interested students. She was having to acknowledge that someone or a number of people had and were lying to her. Exhaustively, comprehensively, and in depth. She really did not like being lied to. Especially when the result made her look like a fool. I saw The Administrator’s wife, the ex-fleet medic, find her in tears sitting under the tree in Joe’s yard. Can I join you? Uh, OK, yes wiping tears Mrs, uh,,, Call me Nancy she said. Reaction to someone’s betrayal I’m guessing. How did you know? Oh my dear, you are far from first expert to have truth hit you in your face. I recognize the symptoms. What are you going to do? At the moment, no idea. I’ve been such a fool and so publicly. Nancy said, I’ve been told the best revenge is massive success. My advice is to design your future and DO IT. Dr Patel just looked at her. After a few thoughtful minutes, she said is your husband around? Nancy took her hand and they walked off. Nice.

We all regrouped in a classroom at the old school, now a weird combination of community center, planetary headquarters, and. Home Guard HQ and armory. All 8 adults and the four 16�"18 year old‘s. So, I said, enroll them or keep looking? For enroll, i raised my hand. And all the other adults raised theirs. As did all the kids. OK. Let’s do the paperwork and go home. We did. Robby had his basing, we had school for our kids, Joe and I were good.

We left that evening, same dinner, sleep, breakfast, home. We left Harris and Patel. We’d see them again when our kids enrolled.

When we returned, we collected our kids from a visibly harried Wally. The kids were like, ”Oh hi mom, dad, what did you bring me?” Sigh.

My friend from port called, I invited him over. We sat at dining room table with his thick stack of inspection reports and repair estimates. My lady wives brought us coffee, and sat down to listen. I introduced Karl, the used ship broker. I said with us having at least one child on Freeport for the next decade, getting back and forth commercial would drive us all insane. I was looking at cost of small ship. And that was purchase + operations + requited maintenance + staff. And numbers weren’t working. Even using small hold for paid shipments.

Karl said, have you considered a time share ship? A what? You buy a fractional share in a ship from a management company, say 15% That gives you x ship days a year, unlimited passengers, unlimited luggage. Schedule in advance. Emergency trip either replaces one of your scheduled trips or has a surcharge or both. You don’t have an interest in a physical ship, whatever ship is provided would meet minimum requirements of your lease. management company keeps ships busy all the time, and this business is heavily regulated. Inspections are frequent and strict. Why isn't more popular? Ego. You don’t have your name or logo in ships. Most people looking at private ships are boosting their ego. For those folks who don’t give a damn about the name, just want transportation, it is a fantastic option.

I said sizing, 4 adults, 6 teenagers,, 4 children or 14

Ashara said plus guests, total of 4+4+3. So another 11. 5 adults, at teenager, and kids.

I looked at Karl, we’re throwing numbers out like it’s free. Tell
me the sizes avail and price jumps. Your talking about families max of 14 plus up to 11 guests. 25 MAX. Most leasing tends to look at longer trips so they quote based on Sleeps XX. This ain’t a Fleet carrier, your one way to Freeport is about 20 hours. So, leave after lunch, dinner, sleep, breakfast, arrive mid morning. With mostly kids, remember a ship that Sleeps X will have bunk beds and pullouts. let’s go talk about Sleeps 8 and move up. You would be happy with a Sleeps 12. But, he said, lets talk to them.

We walked into largest leasing company on planet. Gotta start somewhere. We were talking to a not very interested kid when a bunch of obviously VIPs showed up. Guy in bespoke suit walked toward them, glanced around, saw me, did an almost comic double take, and walked over to me ignoring everyone. Wrapped his arms around me saying thanks you thank you. I got loose and said, excuse me? He said Sgt Smith, I’m Tommy Thompson, I never got a chance to thank you personally after you got my family and I off of Jallas 4. You saved my children. You saved my wife. You saved all my workers. You saved all our lives. You were shot all to hell and you just kept going. They, all the medics, hauled you out on a stretcher, we didn’t find out for weeks that you survived. Being able to thank you in person means the world to me. Everyone just kinda stood around looking at me. Karl included.

Tommy took a moment, then said why are you here? I said I had kids starting college on Freeport and I was looking at a lease to get family back and forth. Size he asked? Well, three wives, 10 kids so 14? Plus friends he guessed. Well, yes I said. He thought, gesturing to follow as he starting walking, let me show you an option. An assistant said perhaps that can wait, looking obviously at VIPs. Tommy said handle it, postpone it, whatever. Don’t interrupt me again. Kid disappeared. Took VIP with him.

We walked back into his office, walls covered, floor to ceiling with ship schematics, each almost covered with photographs of ship interiors. He walked to wall behind his desk, pulled a obviously new set and spread on table, this is a Top Cruse class Cruiser Yacht, sleeps 25. Sgt, I’m…. Call me Bob please. Pause, Bob I am going to list you as Priority Owner. I interrupted, that’s too much.., He said Bob, I’d just As soon give you the damn ship bur the upkeep is outrageous so instead you are getting a one of a kind lease. And I damn well know you are stubborn so I am rigging the game. Every ship sales or leasing outfit on planet owes me. Anyone you contact will just match my lease and sell me the lease to me later.

I’ve seen enough promises to know when I am out maneuvered. Can we see it now. Her he said, all ships are her. The first is due in from builders at end of month, other two following at weekly. Intervals. He looked at me, want to name them? Ashara, Gillian, and Catherine I said. And, as you give me no choice, where do I sign? CARL!! Sir. Coffee for our guests. I will be right back. His assistant brought coffee and not much later, Tom returned with a little 2 page contract. I saw Karl flinch. I read over contract, signed and thanked him. He said I could never owe him. He said his veterans group was not going to believe him. I paused, do you play the challenge coin game? He said they did. I fished an old coin out of my pocket and pitched it to him. Drinks on me I said.

After we left, he looked at Fleet Coin. Engraved around obverse was Fleet Command Sgt Major Robert Banes Smith. In the center was Galactic Cross with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. he just looked, no one, NO ONE would be able to top it.

On our way home, Karl said two! TWO damn page lease? The short ones are usually 35-50 pages. I asked what I owed him for his time. He said Mr Smith,,, I said Bob. He started again, Bob did I ever mention my Aunt was at Jallas 4? For you there is not, and never will be, a cost.

That evening I told everyone we now had a ship to visit siblings in Freeport whenever we wanted. And we would all go inspect it in a couple weeks. My ladies were very happy. Kids were. OK. Sigh

Life resumed with get um up, fed, schooled, extracurricular, homework, fed, bathed, stories for littles, bed, rinse and repeat. All layered over, around, and through our, my ladies and I’s. love for each other and all these children.

It was great, perfect, exactly what I wanted.

Fin

Reviews

[Mila]

I didn’t know I needed this until I read it.