Dad's Chair: The Adventure

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Book Three

Recap

Coming home from school one day the Howell children, Paul and Lyn, had the surprise of their life when they discovered that their parents had created a miraculous chair that would transport them practically anywhere they desired. Mr. Howell decided to take the children to the moon for Lyn’s science project, where they discovered a crashed alien spacecraft. Retrieving a few artifacts the Howells left unaware they were being followed by one of the ship’s passengers.

When the visitor “hitches” a ride the trajectory of the chair is thrown off and plunged into the ocean. Underwater the Howells, unaware of being followed by the stranger, discover a sunken ship graveyard, the lost city of Atlantis and an underwater cave in which they are almost crushed, if not for the intervention of the stranger.

They return home, with the visitor close behind, and retire for evening. Paul goes to the kitchen to get a glass of water before bed and is surprised to hear the doorbell. He answers the door and comes face-to-face with a giant robot who asks for the Howell’s help. The stranger is in fact two robots, one residing in the other, by the names of Giga and Mega. They ask the Howells to help them return home to a far distant planet. They had been stranded on the moon for over 100 years and were unable to contact their people.

The Howells agree to help them. Mr. Howell and the two children set out with the robots in tow-unaware that their snoopy neighbor, Mr. Murphy, has watched, videotaped and reported their activities to the authorities. Mrs. Howell stays behind and monitors their trip.

Not long afterward government officials show up at Mr. Murphy’s home to investigate just after Mrs. Howell confronts him when she discovered his snooping. Alone and lonely, Mr. Murphy admits he misses his deceased wife and snooped on the Howells because of his loneliness. Mrs. Howell forgives him and the new friends devise a plan to fool the government agents.

Convincing the agents, for the moment, that it was all a mistake, the new friends go to the Murphy’s just as a message probe from the robots arrives notifying them that Mr. Howell, the children and the robots are captives of space.

Mrs. Howell reveals to Mr. Murphy that there is a second chair, hers, and together they set out to save to rescue them.

Chapter Two

“Are you ready for this, Mr. Murphy?’ asked Mrs. Howell.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” replied Mr., Murphy, “ and please call me Jim.”

“OK then. “Chair, this is Big Mama. Deactivate safety lockdowns and initiate power output.”

“Voice identification confirmed. Lockdown deactivated. Initiating power output,” said a feminine voice somewhere inside the chair.

“This will be tricky. I’m gong to maneuver the chair outside through the basement exterior doors. Hold on, it might get a little tight and by the way call me Sue,” said Mrs. Howell looking at Mr. Murphy. “Open the cellar exterior door will you, Jim?”

“Sure,” said Mr. Murphy as he dutifully walked to the doors pushed them open and waited outside for Mrs. Howell.

Gingerly Mrs. Howell activated the chairs control panels and steering mechanism by pressing a hidden button under the chair’s right arm. A whir, a click and the chair gently rose off the floor and glided toward the cellar doors guide by Mrs. Howell.

Once outside the chair hovered a few inches above the ground.

“It’s not large enough to carry both of us,” said Mr. Murphy.

“No problem,” said Mrs. Howell. “Watch this Jim.” Mrs. Howell pressed another button and the chair expanded to fit two people and at the same time produced seatbelts hidden beneath its soft, cushioned seat.

“Amazing Sue, what else can you chair do?” asked Mr. Murphy.

“You’re about to find out. Climb aboard. You’re about to get the grand tour,” said Mrs. Howell.

Mr. Murphy climbed aboard, fastened his seat belt and said, “Now what?”

Looking at a screen on her control panel Mrs. Howell said,” Before Mr. Howell and the others left, Giga, the small robot, gave me the coordinates to their planet Boog. According to him their planet is several hundred light years away in the direction,” she said, pointing to the night sky

“Several hundred light years! It will take forever to get there!” exclaimed Mr. Murphy.

“Maybe not. Giga also instructed me how to use the spatial distortion device they installed. According to him we need to get a good distance away from Earth before activating it. Just pas the Moon should be far enough,” said Mrs. Howell.

“The Moon!” said Mr. Murphy. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

“Neither am I. But my family depends on us finding them. Here goes!” said Mrs. Howell.

She pushed down on the accelerator pedal and the ship began to raise off the ground. From behind the chair a long metal rod, approximately three feet tall with a plastic bulb on its end, protruded. The bulb split, expanded and soon formed a clear plastic bubble around the passengers. A hissing noise indicated the bubble was filling with air. The chair picked up speed and was soon several miles above the Earth’s surface. Piercing the last layer of atmosphere the passengers were felt a little uneasy in the weightless condition until the chair’s artificially gravity kicked in.

Looking over at Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Howell noticed all the blood had drained out of his face and he sat very still, not said a word.

“Are you alright Jim,” she asked.

“Uh, yes, uh, I think so. I’d always dreamed of traveling into space. To actually be here, traveling to the Moon. It rattled me up a little, I’ll be fine. Just a little vertigo.” Looking ahead he said,” How long until we get to our departure point?”

“In about two hours. I just pray we’re not too late.” Looking up she said,” Please God, let us get there on time. Hold on Al, I’m on my way. Mom will save you kids. That goes for you too Giga and Mega.”

The moon lay directly in front of them - a grim, gray face in the darkness of space.

Chapter Three

“Paul. Paul. Wake up! Are you OK??” said Lyn.

Slowly, Paul Howell opened his eyes. He regretted it instantly as a piercing pain jolted through his head. “Head hurts.” Managing to seat himself he looks around at the dim, completely bare room. “What happened? Where are we?”

“How much do you remember?” asked Lyn.

Holding his head and cautiously opening his eyes he said, “I remember we were on our way back to Earth. Giga had just activated the black hole device and from out of nowhere the space pirates showed up. Shot at us. We were barely able to get out spacesuits on before the protective bubble collapsed. It looked like Giga was able to get off some kind of probe. We were pulled toward the big ship in a net attached to a smaller ship. Last thing I remember is being pulled inside. After that everything went black.”

Once we were inside they zapped us again. Dad and I were unhurt but the jolt knocked you hard against your helmet. I guess it must have knocked you out. Once we stopped the doors to the outside closed and some space suited “people” got out, came over to us, unloaded the chains and made us walk in front of them. Dad told me to be brave. Giga managed to get back inside Mega before the pirates came to get us. They took Mega, Giga and Dad away. Two of the pirates brought us here. One carried you while the other guarded us with some kind of weapon. Oh Paul, I’m so scared! Where’s Daddy? Did Mom get our message? I want to go home!”

“It’s OK,” said Paul. Dad’s pretty smart and if Mega and Giga are with him they’ll find a way to rescue us.” Looking around at the room they were in Paul noticed there was no furniture save for two alcoves in the walls where two thing mats lay. In another alcove in the opposite wall a flat disk contained liquid, possibly water. There were no windows, everything was made of metal and worst of all, there appeared to be no door. “I don’t see a door. How did we get in here?” asked Paul.

“The door slides up into the wall. When it closes all you can see is a thin outline. It’s in the middle of that wall,” Lyn said as she pointed.

“Are you all right? How long was I out? Has anyone come by to check on us?

“I’m fine. I’m scared. I don’t know how long you were unconscious-it seemed like forever. I thought you were dead until I saw you breathing. Someone came by the room. A slot opened in the wall for a moment, like someone was looking in. They left a tray. It’s on the floor,” she pointed.

Near the door was a flat tray. On it were objects of various colors and textures. Nothing looked familiar.

“That must be food. I’m betting that that’s water over there in that dish. Whoever are captors are they want us alive. Help me over to the tray. We need to eat to keep up our strength.”

“But the food may have poison in it! We shouldn’t eat it!” said Lyn.

“I doubt it. If someone has a ship this advanced they must have a way to tell what we can eat and drink. Come on, we have to be strong for Dad and the other.”

Gingerly Paul rose to his feet and he and his sister walked over to the tray of food. Reaching down he picked up a light brown cube and cautiously took a bite of it. “Feels a little gritty but it tastes like chicken. Here, try some. It’s not bad.” He held the piece out for his sister who took it from him a picked off an ever so small piece, placed it in her mouth and when satisfied she wasn’t poisoned, proceeded to eat more. Soon brother and sister were picking through their meal, surprised how much it tastes like food back home, even though it didn’t look like it. They tried the liquid and found it to be water with a slight metallic taste. They drank their full. Finishing their meal the two looked at each other and Lyn said, “I wonder where Mom is?”

Chapter Four

“We’re here,” said Mrs. Howell.

“Where?” said Mr. Murphy as he looked out the expanse of space around him. They had just passed the Moon and were headed into space.

“These are the coordinates programmed into the probe sent to us. Let see, I start the black hole device by pressing this button.” She did and almost instantly a swirling mass of energy began to form in front of the chair. It undulated with bands of deep blues and purples, eventually stabilizing with a pitch black hole, large enough for the chair, in its middle.

“That was interesting,” said Mr. Murphy. “It doesn’t look safe to me. Isn’t there another way to get there?”

“I’m afraid not. IF we used the chair conventional propulsion it would take us hundreds of year. This is the only way.” And before Mr. Murphy could object, Mrs. Howell accelerated the chair straight into the hole and in an instant they were gone.

“You can open your eyes now Jim. We’re there, wherever there is,” said Mrs. Howell.

Opening his eyes and uncovering his face with his hands Mr. Murphy looked about. “Looks pretty much where we came from. Lots of nothing.”

“According to the probe this is where the planet Boog is on the other side of that asteroid field. When they got there the planet was gone-vanished. They were heading back and made it through the asteroid field and had activated the black hole to return to Earth when the space pirates shanghaied them,” Mrs. Howell said.

“Can you pick up any trace of them on your chair’s instruments? Any trail?” asked Mr. Murphy.

“Instruments are picking up a slight energy reading, Jim. It looks as if it’s headed back into the asteroid belt. Perhaps a base? I’ll head that way. Suit up, we have no idea what to expect.”

Mr. Murphy unpacked the space suits and the two passengers took turns getting them on. Finished they strapped themselves back into their seats. “I’m hungry,” said Mr. Murphy. “How about one of these sandwiches you packed and a cola?”

“Sounds great to me. I packed some fruit too. We might as well eat before we go into the asteroid belt. We may not have the opportunity once inside.”

“Uh, I’ve been meaning to ask. What do I do when I need to use the, uh, bathroom facilities?”

“No, problem, the suit is equipped to handle all body waste.”

You mean, go in my suit!? Call me old-fashioned, but I’ll hold it.”

“Suit yourself, it’s going to be a long trip between pit stops.”

Shifting in his seat slightly Mr. Murphy looked at Mrs. Howell and said, “Sue, I want to apologize for spying on you. I’m sorry I caused such problem. I want you to know that I will do whatever I can to help you get your family back safe and sound.”

“I appreciate that Jim. You’re a brave man. You said you’re ex-military?”

“Army. I was a corporal during the Korean War. I met my wife while stationed in Georgia. We’ve have been married nearly fifty years if she was alive today.”

“I hope you don’t mind me asking? How did she die? Do you have any other family?

“She passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. We didn’t catch it in time. I watched her dwindle away from a vibrant, full-of-life individual into a feeble, worn-out shadow of herself. She was the love of my life. To me she was as beautiful as the day I married her up until the day she died. I miss her.” Tears formed in the old man’s eyes. “We had a son, Jim. Jr.” He was killed during the Vietnam War. Like his father he was in the Army. He was a Lieutenant. He died in the line of duty-protecting his men. He was a brave and courageous young man, funny, intelligent, with his mother’s disposition and my knack for getting into trouble.” Shrugging his shoulders he looked at Mrs. Howell. “But, that was a long time ago. I’ll see him again and my wife.

I guess missing my wife so much made me do some pretty stupid things. Spying on you and your family, shutting everyone out of my life. I didn’t want to be hurt again. Seeing you and your family together, the joy you seem to have just being together kind of made me jealous. I’M sorry.”

Placing her hand on his shoulder Mrs. Howell said, “It’s OK Jim, water under the bridge. The important thing is we’ve got things straightened out and we're friends. Once we get through this feel free to visit us anytime. The kids really like you and Al looks up to you.”

“Speaking of Al. Where did you two meet?”

“We were students at the local university. He was studying marketing and advertising and I was into business. We met, dated for a through college and got married not long afterward. Al started his own advertising agency and I worked at an accounting firm until we decided to have children. We had been married five years before I had Paul. A few years later Lyn came along. I decided to be a sty at home mom and once the children were old enough and in school I got into real estate part-time. It’s not much but it brings in extra income and I enjoy showing houses and meeting people.”

Mr. Murphy asked,” How in the world did you two ever come up with your remarkable chairs?”

“Believe it or not it started out as adding a cup holder to my husband’s recliner. It sort of grew from there. We discovered that we both have this uncanny knack for inventing things. I’m sure where it comes from. Neither one of us were god at science in school. It just sort of happened. It’s almost like when the two of us get together, we can invent things. We feed off each other’s ideas. It’s almost like we’re two parts of one brain. Weird, huh?”

“Not really. My wife and I, Catherine, often would complete each other’s sentences. Sometimes one of us would be doing something that the other needed done. Fixing things-that kind of stuff. She was a remarkable woman. I was blessed to be married to her for so many years. She had a big heart. Always willing to help others. I’ve read in the Bible that when people become married, they become one flesh-one spirit. No, it doesn’t surprise me that you and your husband help each other. Isn’t that what true love is all about?”

“You are a lovely man Jim. You remind me of my father. I lost him nearly ten years ago. My mother still feels the loss.”

Straightening himself Mr. Murphy said, “Enough sentimental talk, we’ve got your family to rescue. Let’s finish eating and get busy!”

Looking at Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Howell said with a mock salute, “Yes, sir! They’ll never know what hit them!” Silently they finished their meal and prepared to enter the asteroid field.” To herself she thought, “Al, kids, where are you and are you safe?”

Chapter Five

“Oh, what hit me?” said Mr. Howell as he rose up off a cot set into the steel wall of his cell.

“They stunned you,” said the booming voice of Mega the robot. The metal man was strapped and chained down to the floor. Only his massive head could move. It had swiveled in the direction of Mr. Howell. He spoke again, “They took the children away and brought you, Gaga and myself to this cell. While you were unconscious they took me away to examine me and then brought me back here and chained me up.”

“Are you OK?” asked Mr. Howell. “Anything broken? How’s Giga? Did they examine him?”

“Primary systems are functioning. My weapons have been deactivated and these shackles drain my strength. They did not discover Giga. My mechanical body mask Giga from being seen. When examined, he appears to be a part of my body, not a separate robot. He is functioning but on a low power level. When they struck us with the energy beam it damaged some of his systems. Backups are installing and he should be up and functioning is a short time.”

“Good, we may be able to use the fact that he’s been undetected to our advantage. Any sign of our captors? Did you see what they look like? How big is this ship and where are we exactly?”

“When I was taken away the pirates were dressed in sealed suits. I saw on of them without his/its suit for only a moment. He looked humanoid. He had scales and bony sections on his face.”

“Like an insect’s exoskeleton?”

“Yes, that’s the word.” The giant robot was not stupid but it had a hard time verbalizing. Unlike its smaller counterpart, Giga, who was the brain of the pair. Working together the two robots made a formidable foe. Mega provided the muscle and Giga the analytical mind.

“Where did you say they took the kids? Were they hurt?

“Lyn was unhurt, but scared. Paul was unconscious but seemed to be undamaged. They took them out the door and to the right.”

“What door? I don’t see any door?

“It blends into the wall to the front of you. Several times a small opening appeared next to the door. Someone is watching us.”

“Makes sense. I’d watch prisoners too. I wonder what they want with us? And where is my chair? I was able to activate its lockdown sequence just as we arrived and then nothing.”

“That is when they fired at you. We were removed from the chair and trailer and brought to our cells. The chair and trailer are still in the hanger area. They were examining it when we were taken away. It appeared to be undamaged except for the punctured bubbles.”

“Those can be easily fixed. Somehow we’ve got to get out of here, find the kids and escape. If the buoy made it back to Earth then my wife is sure to be looking for us in her chair. She’ll not be expecting an attack. We’ve got to warn her.”

Placing his chin in his hand Mr. Murphy pondered for a moment, “I wonder what they want us for? Obviously it has to be for some reason or we would be dead. Could it have anything to do with my chair?

“An excellent assumption,” came a voice from the other side of the room. Standing in the now visible doorway was a large figure. Giant muscle, like bands of steel stood out form its massive frame. It’s chest as bare save for a single scarlet scar across it. Massive arms, four of them, criss-crossed its chest. Dressed in metallic slacks the giant figure stepped forward. Mr. Howell almost gasped in amazement.

Standing in front of him was a humanoid and just as Mega described, he/it looked reptilian blended with insect. Two tree trunk sized legs carried about its huge frame. Black boots, pointed at their tips had the legs of red trousers tucked into them. On each side of the creature hung weapons of lethal design. A blaster here, a knife there-weapons of all descriptions were scattered over its thunderous frame. Above its cavernous chest a sinewy neck led into a heavy bone-plated skull, with deep eye sockets, a wide lower jaw with saw blade teeth on it and its upper jaw. Only two holes shone for its nose and two small punctures for its ears. A tattoo of alien design graced its forehead.

Once again it spoke, “You should be able to understand me. My technicians have implanted translation devices in your skull near your ears. The robot, if my guess is correct, has no need for the devices.” The alien stepped forward. “What a remarkable chair you have. I must know its secret and you will tell them to me or you and your children, along with your robot friend will not leave this ship alive.” With that the door closed behind the huge alien as he drew his weapon and pointed it straight at the head of Mr. Howell. “Let’s talk.”

Chapter Six

In their cell Paula and Lyn were pondering their situation.

“We’ve got to get out of her and find Dad and the robots,” said Paul.

“But how? The walls are solid metal and there’s no door. Besides, we’ve never seen anyone, only the wall slot being opened to bring us food,” said Lyn.

“There has to be a way to get out. Lyn, you saw the slot being opened for the food to put through. How large is it?”

“It’s about the same size as the door we had installed in the front door for our dog Snubby.”

“The same size as the door you crawl through at home?”

“Yes, it’s little tight though.”

“Do you think you could crawl through the opening they give us food through?”

“Maybe, but won’t there be someone, or something on the other side?”

“I’m not so sure. Most of what you’ve described to me in this ship could be run by machines. I’m betting they’ve never encountered humans before, especially small female humans. I bet this cell is made for larger beings, if the size of those cots are any clue.”

“They do seem awfully big. But, even if I do get out, what do I do?

“First thing is first, we need to wait by the place where the opening appears and see if we spot anyone. For all we know it all may be automatic-run by some machine. If that’s true you may be able to wiggle out without being caught or hurt.” He looked at his watch, “It’s been about four hours since we last ate. If eating times are the same as that on Earth we should be getting more food soon. Speaking of food, I need to use the restroom. Have you seen anything that resembles a bathroom around here?”

“No, but let’s look. I have to go too.”

The two children began walking around their prison, running their hands across the walls. Suddenly a section of the wall clicked when Lyn touched the far wall and a door slid open revealing a small semi-circular cut in the wall with a pit in the floor. Foul smells came from it.

“Found it!” said Lyn. “You go first. I won’t look.” She turned her head.

Paul walked up to the pit, held his nose and with is other hand undid his trousers. Several seconds later he was finished, refastened his pants and turned to Lyn who had her back to him. “I don’t see any toilet paper, sorry.”

“I can use the cloth that came with the food,” Lyn said. She took the cloth, walked to the pit and said, “Don’t look.”

“I won’t,” said Paul. He was slightly embarrassed to be in the same room with his sister as she used the bathroom. He knew it couldn’t be helped but that still didn’t stop the redness from flushing his cheeks. Shortly he heard his sister say, “I’m finished. I heard a swoosh in the pit. I guess it flushed. Remind me to remind Dad to install a bathroom in his chair.”

“Definitely,” said Paul, glad that that was over. “Do you hear something? Quick, get to the opening, I think it’s time to eat!”

Both children rushed to the wall where the food-dispensing hole was. Just as they got there a section of the wall opened and a tray slid in.

“Look out the hole. Do you see anyone?” said Paul.

Lyn cautiously stuck her head out the hole and quickly brought it back in. “Nothing out there but some kind of machine. It’s going sown the hall. What should I do?”

Thinking quickly Paul grabbed the tray and wedged it in the opening. IT was too small for him to crawl through but it looked large enough for his sister. “Hurry! Crawl through; I don’t know if this tray will hold. Once outside, look for some kind of latch, something to open the door. Go through now!”

Lyn stuck her head through the hole and started to squirm. She was about halfway through when she heard something. The tray began to slowly bend. “I’m stuck! Help me Paul! Push!”

Paul pushed her as hard as he could and she slid through and out into the hall, just as the tray bent in half and the opening slid shut. The tension on the tray caused it to pop out and fling across the room, barely missing Paul.

“That was a little too close for comfort. Standing next to the wall he yelled, “Lyn, can you hear me?” Lyn! No use, this room must be soundproof. I hope she’s OK.”

Lyn stopped sliding just before hitting the far wall of the hallway. She got up, turned around and looked a the wall in front of her and gasped, “there’s no doorknob, no latch, no nothing! How can I get Paul out?” Just then she heard a noise. Someone was coming. Looking down the hall she spotted a bend in the hall and quickly ran to it and looked around the corner to see who was coming. At first she heard only a shuffling noise. Looking down the dimly lit hall she soon spotted something coming toward her. She watched awestruck as what looked like a large mass of undulating jelly moved ponderously down the hall. When it reached a section of the wall a long tendril extended from its body and pressed a section on the wall. Suddenly a doorway appeared and the being entered. The door then closed.

Waiting a few minutes to make sure the creature didn’t return Lyn walked up to the section to the wall that had her brother’s cell behind it. Looking carefully at eh wall she spotter a rectangular section etched in lines barely visible on the wall. She placed her right hand on the spot and pushed with all of her might. Nothing happened. Using both hands, she pushed once again. There was a slight buzz and the door slid upward into the wall. On the other side stood Paul with a look of amazement on his face.

Gathering himself he looked at his younger sister and said, “Good job Lyn. I knew you could do it. Let’s go find Dad and the robots.”

The two children slowly made their way down the hallway, around the corner and began their search.

Chapter Seven

Mrs. Howell and Mr. Murphy decided to brave the asteroid belt to look for the missing Howells and robots. Scattered about were asteroids of varying size. Some were as big as a house while others were smaller some as small as baseballs. The smaller ones bounced harmlessly off the chairs plastic shield. The larger ones Mrs. Howell avoided by steering around them.

“Have you spotted anything unusual?” asked Mrs. Howell.

“Define unusual. Everything is unusual out here,” said Mr. Murphy pointed out toward the asteroid belt.

“Very funny,” said Mrs. Howell. “Do you see anything resembling a spaceship or some kind of structure?” Just as she finished her words they rounded a large asteroid. Directly in front of them was suspended a giant spacecraft. Bulbous in appearance the huge craft had line extending from it that trailed over to a nearby asteroid. Lights shown through holes in the asteroid and small craft darted in and out from the ship to the asteroid. Several small space suited figures could also be seen as they walked along the surface of the large ship. Intermittent sparks shown in the darkness. Maintenance crews were at work.

Looking at Mrs. Howell, Mr. Murphy said, “Does that look unusual? We might want to hide out of sight. I don’t think space pirates would take kindly to us snooping about.”

“I agree,” said Mrs. Howell and she quickly maneuvered the chair behind the asteroid they had just come around. “I’m gong to land the chair on the asteroid. We’ll get out in our suits and take a look around. One its clear we’ll move in closer using the chair. How does that sound to you?”

Traveling to a far galaxy, dodging asteroids, attempting a rescue from space pirates-sounds like a piece of cake to me.” He stopped, “You do know I’m joking don’t you? I’m not crazy about going out in our suits but we’ve got to find out if you family and the robots are here. Let’s do it before I lose my nerve.”

Mrs. Howell landed the chair and deactivated the bubble. It slid back into place in its rod and the rod disappeared into the back of the chair. The two passengers got out, double-checked each other’s suits and began their walk to the edge of the steroid. Mr. Murphy brought something out of his suit’s pocket.

Mrs. Howell was shocked and said, “ A gun, you brought a gun! I hate guns.”

“I’m not that fond of them myself but we may need it,” said Mr. Murphy. Reaching into his other pocket he pulled out a smaller pistol. “This is for you. Use it if you have to. I’ve got my old 45 automatic from the Army. The smaller gun is a snub nose 38 revolver for protection I bought for my wife when she was at home by herself. Your gun is already loaded. The safety is on. It’s the red button on the side. To turn it off, press it. Then you’re ready to fire. Here are some extra bullets.” He handed a small box to her. “Do you know how to use a gun?’

Without a word Mrs. Howell brought the pistol up, spun the chamber, flipped it open, checked the ammo and placed it and the bullets into her suit’s pocket. “I said I didn’t like them. I never said I couldn’t use one. My father used to take me with him to target practice. We also went turkey, quail and deer hunting.”

“Remind me to never underestimate you again. Your husband is a lucky man to be married to you. Let’s go.”

Walking slowly, it took the two adventurers a few minutes to acclimate themselves to the asteroid’s weak gravity. Making their way behind a small rock outcropping, they stopped and cautiously looked over its rim. From their vantage point they could see the entire base and ship.

“What do we do now?” asked Mr. Murphy.

“We wait. We wait and hope everyone is safe and that we can discover a way into that base.”

“How can we be sure this is the place?” asked Mr. Murphy.

“These are the coordinates the probe provide. This has to be the right place. If they’re in there my husband will find a way to let us know. I’ve patched into the chair’s communication and monitoring system. If something happens, we’ll know. All we can do now is wait.”

“Sounds a lot like my days in the Army during the Korean War. Hurry up and wait. I pray that we don’t wait too long>”

“Me too, Jim. Me too.” She patted him on the arm, made herself comfortable and prayed that her family was safe.

Chapter Eight

“If you kill me you’ll never learn the secrets of my chair,” said Mr. Howell to the large alien.

“You’re absolutely right. But, your children are another matter. I’ll have my men go get them and you can watch as I kill both of them.”

“No, no! I’ll talk. Just leave my children alone. What do you want to know?”

“Ah, that’s better. I thought we could come to an understanding.” Turning his head he said, “Take the man and the robot to the hanger. We’ll question them there.”

In the doorway appeared two armed guards. One covered in fur with large fangs and claws and the other catlike with slit eyes, laid back ears and a short furry tail. Both wore chest armor, arm and leg protection and helmets. Each was outfitted with small waist packs and two very nasty looking weapons, pointed directly at Mr. Howell and Mega.

“Move!” said the giant alien.

Dutifully Mr. Howell walked toward the door as one of the alien guards unshackled Mega and lead him through the door, close behind Mr. Howell.

“Please forgive me. I failed to tell you who I am. I am Rorjunoc, leader of this misfit band of miscreants. Together we ply the space ways in search of riches. None of it our own. Those that get in our way, we eliminate.” You sir have something I want, a very special device that allows you to traverse vast distances in a short period of time. For years I have heard of this device, invented by the inhabitants of Boog. Alas that planet has vanished, along with its secrets.

When we spotted your remarkable flying chair, we also picked up energy reading identical to those of the aforementioned drive. That and the presence of a Boogian robot confirmed my suspicions. With such a drive we can plunder and loot an infinite number of galaxies and there will be nothing anyone can do about it.”

“Big plans for such a small mind,” said Mr. Howell. “I use it, I never said I new how it worked.”

“Aw, you insult me. Good, that shows spirit. Pray that you can teach me the drive’s secrets of you and your family will pay the ultimate price.”

As Rorjunoc continued to speak the party of prisoners were soon led into the large hanger bay on the pirate ship. There, in the middle of the bay was the chair and trailer with a single guard. Both appeared undamaged except for the deflated bubbles. Rorjunoc’s men led Mr. Howell and Mega to the chair, where they stopped.

“Share its secrets with me and I will release your family unharmed. Defy me and you and they will die. The choice is yours.”

The guards pointed their weapons at Mr. Murphy and Mega.

“It appears I have no choice,” said Mr. Howell.

“No, none at all, said Rorjunoc.

“One always has choice,” said a third voice.

Suddenly the front of Mega’s chest slid open and Giga emerged. Momentarily he hovered in front of his giant comrade. Just as quickly two legs and arms extended from his spherical body. Taken completely off guard, Rorjunoc barely had time to react when Giga plowed into him. The small robot attempted to pin the giant alien but Rorjunoc’s superior strength soon bested Giga. The three guards continued to point their guns at their prisoners.

“Pushing Giga away Rorjunoc spoke, “Is this the best you can do. A pitiful toy robot?’

“How about someone your own size?” came a booming voice. Unknown to Rorjunoc or the guards, Giga had not only freed himself form Mega’s chest but had reactivated the larger robot's weapons systems and shut down the shackles that drained his strength. The massive robot righted himself and without a word punched Rorjunoc squarely in the chest sending the alien leader flying a good twenty feet. Startled, the guards were taken off guard as Mr. Howell drove his head into the chest of one while Giga tripped the other. Mega easily held the other guard aloft, disarming him. Both Mr. Howell and Giga grabbed the fallen weapons and pointed them at eh guards.

“Now what?” said Mr. Howell.

“I was hoping you might have a suggestion,” said Giga.

Looking at the diminutive robot, the guards, the unconscious Rorjunoc and the lumbering Mega Mr. Howell said,” Let’s get out of here! Watch the guards. I’ll tie them up, along with Rorjunoc. Mega, you stand guard and make sure no one bothers us. Got it?”

“Got it!” said both robots.

Mr. Howell rushed to the chair and activated it. Running a diagnostic he discovered the chair was undamaged save for a power drain. The chair had switched to back-up power and was ready for flight. A flip of a button and the chair and trailer ejected their plastic bubbles. Each then produced another small sphere at the end of their respective rods. “Back-up,” said Mr. Howell.

“In deed,” said Giga. “Now what?”

“I find my children. You watch the guards and Rorjunoc. Mega you watch out for the rest of the crew. I’m going searching for my kids.” Walking to the chair he retrieved a small radio. “I’ll keep in touch. Monitor me on this frequency. I’ll be back when I find them. If I’m not back in an hour, leave and try to find my wife. Together you should be able to come back and rescue us.”

“As you wish,” said Giga.

“Bring back Lyn and Paul,” said Mega.

“One hour,” said Mr. Howell and he ran across the hanger and into a nearby hallway.

Chapter Nine

“Where are we?” asked Lyn. “We’ve been walking for hours.”

“Two hours and 20 minutes, according to my watch,” said Paul.

The children had been ducking in and out of corridors avoiding anyone or anything they heard or seen. And what things they had seen. Aliens of every type and description had come down the halls. Short aquatic fish men with helmets filled with water mingled with feline bipeds standing nearly seven feet tall, beings who shifted from solid to liquid to gas, insects measuring barely over a foot talk chatted amongst themselves in clicks and dozens of other equally strange creatures slowed their attempt to find their father and the robots. The children determined they were in some kind of structure, not the ship they had captured in. Their suspicions were confirmed when they spotted and observation deck and entering it they looked out over a massive hanger deck. Far below them they spotted their father’s chair and the trailer and the single guard..

“There’s the chair and trailer!” said Paul. “Let’s try to make our way down to them.”

“OK,” said Lyn. “Can’t we rest for just a moment? I’m tired and we haven’t eaten in nearly seven hours.”

“The more time we waste the less chance we have of finding Dad,” said Paul.

“Just a minute to rest, please,” pleaded Lyn.

“OK, but only a minute.”

True to his word Paul nudged his sister after minute and the two tired siblings resumed their search as they slowly made their way toward the hanger. After what seemed like another hour they heard a noise coming down the corridor. As with all the times before the children ducked around a corner and waited for whomever it was to pass them.

Cautiously looking around the corner Lyn let out a high squeal, “Dad!”

“Lyn!” said the startled Mr. Howell. “Is your brother with your?”

Stepping out behind the corner Paul spotted his father and yelled, “Dad, we were so worried you were hurt, or worse, dead.”

The children h=ran to their father and embraced him. Mr. Howell kissed them both on their faces and then pushed back from them looking them in their eyes, “If we don’t get back to the chair Giga and Mega will leave without us. I told them to leave in an hour if they didn’t hear from me. This ship must be shielded. I haven’t been able to contact them by radio. Hurry, we’ve only got ten minutes to get back.” The trio ran down the hallway the way Mr. Howell had come.

Back at the hanger deck the robots waited for any word form Mr. Howell or the children. The guards sat, bond, on the deck and Rorjunoc had regained consciousness and struggled against his bonds. “Fools, do you really think you can escape? Your friends have surely been captured or killed and I still have you and the chair.” “The next shift of hanger deck personnel will be reporting for duty soon and when they do you’ll be captured and I win!”

“True, that may happen. But just as possible is that the Howells will return and we will leave. No sooner had the words left Giga’s voice chamber than Mr. Howell, Paul and Lyn came rushing out form the nearby corridor. They quickly approached the robots and Mr. Howell said, “I thought for sure it had been over an hour and that we missed you.”

“It is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes after you left. We thought it best to “stick around.” I believe that is the correct term.”

“You waited for us. I gave you an order. You shouldn’t be here,” said Mr. Howell.

“True, but our creators gave us free will. We’ve never been one to strictly follow commands, said Giga.

“We could not leave without you or the children,” said Mega.

“How touching,” said Rorjunoc. “But I fear your reunion is short-lived. The second shift is arriving now.”

Across the hanger bay the Howells and robots spotted a large contingent of pirates making their way across the hanger. A few had their weapons raised and were aiming them at the Howells and robots.

“I believe the game is over,” jeered Rorjunoc.

“Quickly, everyone get suited up and get in the chair and trailer. We’re getting out of here!” shouted Mr. Howell.

The children rushed to the chair along with their father and retrieved their spacesuits. Putting them on they watched as the pirates drew closer. Giga and Mega positioned themselves into the trailer. Mr. Howell activated the protective bubbles and the propulsion unit. “Hold on everyone, this is going to be close!”

Just as he fired up the propulsion unit a shot flashed across the hanger bay and struck the chair along its side leaving a nasty scar that dug into its inner workings sending sparks everywhere. The chair sputtered. Leaned and landed, hard on the deck.

“No, they’ve disabled the propulsion unit. We’re stuck! Everyone out! Now!”

Shaken and scared the Howells faced the onrushing pirates. Nearly fifty pirates surrounded them with weapons drawn. One untied the guard and another loosed Rorjunoc. Confidently he walked in front of Mr. Howell and with one massive hand struck him across the face, nearly knocking him unconscious. Mr. Howell fell to the floor, blood dripping form his nose and jaw.

“And now, the secret of your chair or everyone dies.”

The guards readied their weapons and Rorjunoc pointed his blaster directly at Mr. Howell. “Begin,” he said.

Chapter Eleven

From their vantage point Mrs. Howell and Mr. Murphy saw a flash of light emanate from the windows of the hanger bay.

“Something has happened. Let’s get back to the chair.”

As quickly as possible the two headed back and quickly got in. activated the bubble and after a few moments were hovering a few feet above the asteroid’s surface.

“Careful,” said Mr. Murphy. “There are ships all around. If they’re in there it wouldn’t due to get captured.”

“You’re right. I’ll take the chair on a zigzag course toward the base and use the smaller asteroids for cover.” She steered the chair up over the rise and began her descent, hiding where she could.

As careful as she was they were still spotted by the pilot of a small scout ship. A burst of energy nearly struck the chair. Instead it disintegrated a nearby small asteroid.

“See if you can their communications and hold ion tight. I’ve got to lose this ship.”

Maneuvering in and out among the asteroids, Mrs. Howell deftly weaved the chair among the rocks but never managed to lose the ship.

“Stop the chair and let me out on that small asteroid,” said Mr. Murphy.

“Are you crazy? You’ll be a sitting duck!”

“That’s exactly what I hope the pilot thinks. Drop me off here and circle around and pray my plan works.”

Mrs. Howell swerved to miss an asteroid and landed on the larger asteroid Mr. Murphy had pointed to. “We lost him for a moment. Hurry, before he shows up,” said Mrs. Howell.

Mr. Murphy exited and radioed to Mrs. Howell, “Leave, come back in a few minutes.” She left just as the scout ship appeared. The pilot spotted Mr. Murphy and immediately targeted him. A few stray energy shots barely missed the old man who stood his ground aiming his trusty Army 45 at the approaching spacecraft. Aware that he was being targeted the pilot swerved the ship just as Mr. Murphy fired, not at the ship but at a small asteroid just to its side-the side the pilot had steered the ship. The asteroid,

propelled by the gunshot changed its trajectory just enough so it collided with the ship. A dull mushroom of light appeared and the ship was gone, disintegrated by the sheer power of its momentum.

“Whew, I’m glad that worked,” said Mr. Murphy.

Over his radio he heard, “that was some fancy shooting soldier. Are you ready to be picked up.”