Time once again for the Quarterly Blog Hop!

I’m continuing the story of Jaxon Eidolon Galactic Ranger. It’s a throwback to the 1950’s era sci-fi when space was Big, heroes were stalwart and true, and ray guns went pew pew pew.

You might want to read the first parts of the story to catch up:

Satellite of Death

Deceptive Decryption

Danger on Raylon 4

And now, without further ado, I present

A Meeting In The Dark

“Rejikvik. I’m expected.”

“This way.” The maître d’ led the way into the darkened restaurant.

Perfect place or a clandestine meet. Dark, quiet, secluded. Rejikik bumped into a table as his eyes were beginning to adapt to the lower light levels. “Excuse me” he mumbled at the customers sitting there, then followed behind the maître d’.

In a small alcove in the back sat “B and B” – Bradbury and Burroughs – not the top ranking echelon of the Galactic Patrol, but close enough. Wherever you found one, you’d find the other.

“Sit. Please.” Bradbury motioned to the empty chair.

As Rejikik took the seat, Burroughs added “I highly recommend the beef wellington and risotto.”

“I’ll have that. And a glass of water” Rejikvik told the maître d’, who scuttled off. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?”

“Right to business, then. No momentum is lost on you.” Bradbury clasped his hands together on the tabletop. “What’s your take on Captain Jaxon Eidolon?”

“Eidolon? Fine officer. Competent. Determined. Gets the job done.”

“That he does,” Burroughs said. “It seems that he was responsible for the destruction of Station Seven Nine Seven. He eliminated the team that went to set up the communications jamming equipment there.”

“And you were the one that assigned him to investigate” Bradbury added.

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning, why did you send him? You could have sent a less experienced officer to handle the situation.”

“I don’t have to justify my actions to you” Rejikvik countered.

“That’s exactly what you must do,” Burroughs said in a low, strained voice. “A junior officer could have been dealt with, without loss of our resources.”

“For the New Order to come into power, all the pieces must work together. Disrupting one part of the plan jeopardizes the whole plan.” Bradbury added.

“Hey, all I know of the plan is what you tell me. If you don’t want it all screwed up, why don’t you just tell me the rest of it so I don’t step on anyone’s toes.”

“The rest of the plan is not your concern,” Bradbury told him.

“Look, Eidolon was sent because we’re running a little short-handed. Luck of the draw. With all the communications getting jammed up, by your efforts, my guys are putting out fires in all four corners of the galaxy. But that is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

Bradbury smiled. “Of course. With Galactic Patrol kept busy running all over, we can maneuver behind the scenes undetected.”

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a conciliatory tone. “You’re doing your part admirably. Just be assured that your efforts are appreciated.”

“Yeah, I’ll believe that when everything is over and you deliver what you promised. You know, I used to believe in what I did. Keeping he peace in a galaxy, making sure that all the worlds we serve have the opportunity grow and prosper. But I can see that things need to be changed. Without more structure, discipline … well, left to their own devices most of those worlds will probably screw it up.”

“You’ll be well pleased with your place in the New Order. You’ve made the right decision, backing us.”

“And all I had to do was sell my soul.”

The waiter arrived. “Your beef wellington and risotto.” He set the plate down on the table.

“I’ve lost my appetite.” Rejikvik got up and left the restaurant.

******

Be sure to check out the other stories in the Blog Hop:

Lost in Time Wearing An Invisible Cloak by Gina Fabio

Open Wide by Amy Keeley

Awakening (Part 1 of 3) by Barbara Lund

Happily Ever After by Angelica Medlin

The Willow Haunt by Ruth Sard

Aren’t You Afraid by Katharina Gerlach

A Meeting in the Dark by James Husum <—- you are here