Solomon's Private File #241
These stories about Stephen and Solomon take place starting in
1950's. Stephen wrote about his life in letters to a penpal, and then
in a secure blog, in case he lost his memory again, in the master
computer in his school for gifted students, which he started attending
in 2016 in a new incarnation, until his death. Now his son Solomon is
attending the same school, and is writing in his own secure blog for
his future incarnations.
All characters are fictitious, even if some of them might have names
that belong to some actual people, or act like people we know.
Solomon is 26 in this story, in the Fall of 2052.
Solomon's Private File #241 "Circus On Arkan"
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Our circus shows went very well on Omricon. What happened in my tour
of the place, was all the buzz, and that caused more interest than we
could handle. Tickets were trading at a hundred times face value. We
gave them their money's worth. Spectacular acts, if I have to say so
myself. The standard acts had improved a little, from my training, and
some engineering help. What I did as the clown, simply astounded them.
Being the clown on the high and slack wires isn't at all easy, and I
did some considered impossible things, always looking in danger of
death, and just barely escaping it at the last second, and acting like
I didn't notice, at the same time making them laugh, between gasps of
alarm at my stumbles. I did other clown things with some of the other
acts, too. Most of the acts, including mine, were slanted toward adult
sensibilities, because there were very few children there. Omricon
isn't the best place to bring a child.
After one show, the manager said to me, "You aren't going to be with
us the next tour, are you. Going to be some VERY disappointed people."
I said, "I shouldn't. But I might be available for something." He said,
"But I'm sure you have duties elsewhere." I said, "I do, and right now,
too, which I'm working. No, I can't explain that. Whatever you're
thinking, that's not it." He chuckled. He said, "You can take different
shapes. No, that was obvious. More than one at a time?" I said, "Is
that what they mean by split personality?" He said, "So, you're not
going to say more about that." I said, "Smart. Sometimes." Chuckles and
pokes.
Jurk was thinking about the next season, too. He said, "After this
conspiracy is smashed, you'll be gone." I said, "And so might you. And
a lot of the rest of us. Replacements are in training. The circus will
go on." He said, "It won't be the same." I said, "It never is, and it
always is." He said, "I know what you mean, but YOU will be sorely
missed." I said, "I think, not as much as I will miss it. So, I might
stay on for a while. I've done a lot of things I liked, but I
absolutely LOVE this. It's like a constant holiday for me." He said,
"It's WORK!" I said, "You can quit any time." He said, "NO!" I poked
him, and we laughed.
Our ship reported a foreign ship was approaching it. Fortunately, not
during a show. I was asked to be with the manager, when he said, "Warn
them off. Say you're well armed, and are not reluctant to prove it."
Marine Major, and the ship's Captain, really didn't hate that order. I
called the station boss and told him about the situation. He said,
"They aren't authorized to do anything. I told them." I said, "Give me
the comm settings, and I'll give them some hot codes." He said, "Fine!"
He did. I called the other ship, and said, "Standby for codes." I read
them off. It said something like, "Orders. Stay clear of the Circus
ship! Don't play our cards before the real game starts! They aren't to
know you even exist." I received back acknowledgement and compliance
codes. They vectored away. I told the manager what the code meant. I
said, "I got them off of some people we had an action with, on GP." He
grinned and nodded. He said, "Lost planet?" I said, "Yes. Not one of
the new ships. Not better tech than ours, just more weapons. Not as
fast. Shorter range. I'll pass the specs on. Er, my way." He grinned
and chuckled. He said, "You're doing it now, aren't you." I said, "No,
it's night there. Er, oops!" He laughed well.
I gave the full specs on the ship to the Imperials on Prime and GP.
Papers on their desks. They grinned when they saw them. Our next port
of call was the planet Arkan. I was with the manager in the control
room, when we approached the planet. I said, "Somethings's not right."
Captain said, "I have to agree. Less ships than usual." I said,
"Clustered wrong." He said, "Oh, spent some time in the Navy?" I said,
"Something like that." He said, "I have to agree. Some are leaving
now!" Manager said, "I wish we could follow them!" I said, "Classified
information offered. Acknowledge!" They did. I said, "I made contact
with some of the minds on those ships. Some are the enemy, and some are
just cowards. I've got active links on the enemies. I'll know when they
come out of hyperdrive, and where. Best to not spread that around."
They agreed, looking at me in awe. I said to the Captain, "We can't use
our small shuttles to ferry the equipment. Take too long. But to scout
ahead, I'm going down. OUR shuttle. Two pilots and a Marine." Major
said, "Good plan. I'm on it." He left. I said, "And Jurk." Manager
said, "You want somebody to laugh at your jokes." I said, "How did you
know that?" Laughter.
We went down in one of our two shuttles. The port was in disarray. We
asked to see the manager of the port. He was too busy to see us. I said
to Jurk, "I don't think he's with them. Just afraid. I called an
Imperial contact here, and got only a message." He nodded. We took a
taxi to her residence. There were police there, and the Imperial Guard.
I said to one, "What's going on here?" He said, "Imperial business.
Please leave." I showed him one of my IDs. Not the red one. He said,
"Sir!" I said, "Don't salute! I'm not in the open." He said, "Oh. Good,
sir." We went to his commander. I showed him the badge, and said,
"Private talk." We moved away. I said, pushing a button on an
instrument, "Weren't private enough. Somebody now has a sore ear. Still
being watched though." He said, "I suspected that. Thanks for the info.
Assassination here. Clumsy, too. Caused a panic." I said, "We're with
the GP circus. Noticed that on the way in, and some unfamiliar ships,
too." He said, "Was some notice about that, but only." I said, "Being
worked on." He said, "Know why the target here?" I said, "Classified."
He said, "Suspected. Whole Empire?" I said, "In progress. Until we stop
it. Crown is informed, in general. Right. I trust you, but enemy
captures and conditions." He said, "Right. I'll, pass the word. High
clearance is not to be captured alive."
I said, "Highest full Imperial here?" He said, "Now that would be
me." I said, "Opinion of the Governor General?" He said, "He actually
caused the panic. In a safe room and won't come out." I said, "Probably
for the best." He chuckled. I said, "LG?" He said, "She's competent,
surrounded by the less so." I said, "I think I see what might have
happened. Agent here tried to change things. Plotters were concerned
they'd lose their safe hideout, and pushed too hard. Just like them."
He said, "Sounds possible." I said, "We need to have a VERY private
conference, and then with the LG. Inside, work?" He said, "Yes. We've
learned all we can here." We went inside, and we went alone into a
room. I said, "Man with ear to the door. Going to be a loud noise." I
walked to the door, and slapped it hard with a cupped palm. It was very
loud, but much louder to the ear on the other side. He fell to the
floor. I pulled open the door. The Major said to one of his men,
"Arrest this man. He tried to eavesdrop on our private conversation."
We went back inside. I said, "Both his ears are in trouble now."
Grins. I took out my red badge, and showed it to him. He snapped to
attention, and saluted, which I returned. I said, "First and last time
we do that. My companions don't know my rank. At least not more than
suspect. I appoint you the official representative of the Imperial
Crown for this planet, for all the Services of the Imperium. If this
planet can't maintain proper civilian leadership, you will take command
for the Crown at your own judgment, until you are relieved by your
Imperial superiors." He said, suppressing a salute, "Yes sir! Fully
understood, and I will comply with the best of my ability!" I said, "I
know you will. Alright if I can be proud of you in advance?" He had to
smile, and said, "Whatever you wish." I said, "That'll work. GG isn't
to be trusted with my rank. LG, maybe. Let's go see." We went outside,
and I gathered my people. I said, "Marine and one pilot stays with the
shuttle. Could be the best lifeline for more than us. Use its comm to
report. I'll call you with more things to report as I can. GG is in his
rat hole and won't come out. Caused the panic here. We're going to see
the LG, who could actually be useful." Some suppressed grins. I said,
"This coincidence is NOT what we needed!" All very much agreed with
that.
On the way to the LG, I said to the pilot, "You have less security
clearance than does Jurk. Some things I just can't tell you." He said,
"I suspected. Imperial officers treating you as they have, after you
show them something, well, I couldn't miss that. I'm Regular Navy. With
you all the way, however you say." I said, "I expected that. Thanks.
Basically, there is a plot against the Empire. Those who are doing it,
condition people to work for them, and also use surgical doubles. And
there is another planet of hi grav people. Some who look like me and
Jurk, aren't us. But we'll know them on sight. Same for the conditioned
and doubles. I'm fully psionic." He said, "I guessed that." Imperial
nodded. He said, "There is more." I said, "With the LG. Jurk, when we
do that conference, I want you and the Ensign to scout around the area.
Note any suspicious people. Use this badge if you have to. Yes, it has
your name and picture on it. Always prepared, I say." He said, "Wow!" I
said, "I say that, too." Grins
We had to force our way in to meet with the LG. I said, "We apologize
office." She, the Imperial Major, and I, went into her office. I said
to her, "The Major is the senior Imperial Agent on this planet, and is
fully responsible for all that concerns the Imperium here. Please brief
us on the current situation of the planetary government." She said, "GG
is holed up in his safe room and won't come out. Happened after he
learned of the assignation I believe you know about. Both, caused a
panic. We are restoring control." I said, "If you need the assistance
of the Major and his people, ask. If you can't restore good order, he
has been ordered to accomplish it himself." She said, "I understand." I
said, 'Until further notice, you are appointed Acting Governor General,
due to the er, indisposition of the GG, who is NOT to resume his post
without a proper examination for fitness." She said, "Your authority?"
in awe, "A Red Agent! This must be more than a planetary problem!" I
gave her the short briefing. I gave her and the Major some crystals,
and told them how to use them. I said, "Because of what the enemy does,
we who know this, must NOT be taken alive." She said, "Sir, I pledge my
life for my people and the Empire!" We all saluted each other.
I said, "The show must go on. Yes, the circus will perform here. Just
the thing to promote normalcy. And it will serve to support OUR part in
this work. Please assign a shuttle and crew to us. Port manager was a
little er, overworked." Chuckles. I said, "If you can, you should come
to the show. People need to follow your lead." She said, "You're not
just an Agent." I said, "That's extra, and for this emergency. You
should know. I'm what you might call a Super Guardian." They nodded. I
said, "And I'm the clown in the circus. I didn't know why I was moved
to join it. I sure do know now!" Awe and chuckles. I answered my phone.
After that, I said, "My lieutenant has discovered some of the enemy
conditioned. He used the crystals. Their initial resistance probably
left a few marks on them. You need to inform your people of some
things, and take custody of the captured. They might turn. Most do.
Conditioning doesn't make the victims love those who do it to them."
Nods. I said, "I think we're done here. I should get back to our ship.
When we're down, and you need very effective troops in an emergency,
VERY highly skilled, call on us. Here's a phone for each of you. It's a
little special. Can only call phones like it, and it can't be jammed or
made insecure. But cracked open, it will disintegrate. Call me, voice
activated, when you need me. I'm Sol." We did more saluting. I left.
She sent some officers to take Jurk's captives.
I met up with Jurk and the pilot while that was happening. I said,
"You've had more action than I had." He just grinned. On the way back
to the port, he said, "They tried to take the Imperial Agent and
condition her. She resisted. They got stupid." I said, "Constant
problem with them. Would be easier for us if they were competent." The
pilot said, "Huh? Why?" I said, "More predictable." Jurk was nodding.
Pilot said, "Oh. Interesting." Jurk said, "Don't let him fool you.
Sol's done some VERY interesting things in this er, mission." He said,
"I well believe it! That demonstration in the gym. That recording is
still being replayed." I said, "I should take that." He said, "We made
copies. Oops!" They laughed at my evil grin.
One of our pilots went up with the port shuttle, and arrived a little
after we did. I said to the Marine, "Sorry you missed the action. Any
"Thanks. I hope, just to watch you in action." I said, "I shouldn't be
known to the public like that. I'm undercover as a clown. I know, we
can't have all we want, all the time. You'll just have to handle the
rough things, yourself. Oh, how you'll suffer." Jurk was almost
hysterical with laughter, which made the marine laugh. On the ship,
Jurk and I briefed the senior staff, while the circus people, with some
navy help, were loading the big shuttle. At the same time, I sent
updates to GP and Prime.
The Acting GG heavily promoted the circus, and within a week, we had
our first show, to a packed house. It went well. After, she met with
the manager and me. I had cautioned her about not revealing my Red
status. She said, "Great show! Best ever!" I said, "Well, if you didn't
than ever. Helping people who really need a lift, is just what the
circus is FOR." Manager said, "I have to agree. I don't like that we
were needed, but I love that we were able to help. A great honor! How
great we are now, is all due to Sol's help. He's improved all of us.
When he leaves, he'll be sorely missed." I said, "And while I'm here,
for them, with all the practice, it's just sorely." Chuckles. I said,
"I exercise, too. Have to keep my clowning in shape." She said, "You
embarrass too easily." I said, "So?" Chuckles. She said, "The Major is
doing very well. More than I could have hoped. You improved him?" I
said, "Shots of loyalty, with my expressed confidence in him, and
responsibility. He improved himself, because he had to. He grew into
the job." She said, "How did you know just what to say to cause that?"
I said, "Clowning comes from who I am as a person, but my major
academic expertise is psychology." She said, "And the others?" I said,
"Er, everything else." She nodded. I said, "What about yours?" She
said, "Before public admin, I was a medical tech. Internist." I said,
"Ha, explains it! Gutsy person." Groans. I said, magnanimously, "I'll
accept that." Chuckles. We talked some more, then I escorted her to her
car, where her driver and guard were.
I whispered, "Something's wrong. Act like we forgot something." She
said out loud, "I forgot to tell him something." We went back in. I
called Jurk to me. I said to him, "Take who you need, and take that
conditioned driver of the AG. In the back is one of her guards,
unconscious. Drugged, but unharmed. We'll wait here." He nodded and
left. I said, "We're going to find out who did that, and make his life
much more interesting than he wants. NOBODY attacks my friends!" She
said, "Wow!" I said, "Probably not what he'll be saying." She said,
"Your humor never stops?" I said, "Crying is messy." She nodded. I
said, "Worse for me, is somebody being unjustly attacked because of
something I've done. Hurts more than most things not involving
children." She said, "I understand better, now. Thank you." I said,
"I'm going to promote the Major before I leave. His current rank is too
low for his duties." She said, "I should have thought of that, and
asked you." I said, "Don't be concerned. That you can think straight at
all, under these circumstances, is so fortunate for all, the whole
world should be blessing you. Don't tell me you haven't been forced to
improve, yourself." She said, "Able psychologist, you are!" I said, "So
Jurk came back with the driver, conditioning removed. I thanked him.
Driver apologized sincerely. I said, "Not your fault. Tell us what you
know." He did. I said, "Got a good look at their faces?" He said, "Yes,
and better. I'm better than average in psionics. Got personality
profiles." I said, "Great! Push them at me. Wow, you're good!" He
didn't mind that at all. He went back to the car. I said to the LG,
"May I call the Major on it?" She said, "Please." I did, and gave him
the info, and were they were, and how best to take them. Then I said,
"I have their minds in mine. I'll give you all they know after the
action." I said to Jurk and LG, "Er, you didn't hear that, did you?"
They nodded, trying to hide smiles. I said, "You need to work on hiding
your smiles a little more. Please." They laughed. I said to her, "I'm
going with you, to meet with the Major. Convenient time for the thing I
mentioned for him." We got into her car.
After the prisoners were put in storage, we met with the Major. I
said to him, "These are for you." They were Lt. Colonel's insignia. He
said, "Thank you sir! I don't deserve it." I said, "Are you calling
into question my competence?" I had to grin at his expression. I said,
"Leave the embarrassed modesty to me. I've had much more practice." LG
laughed loudly, trying to say, "True!" I said, "You are doing your new
very demanding duties with exceptional skill and resolve. Your position
requires one of a higher rank than you had. Both of those conditions
required that I make this correction. And not just because I really
like doing it. None could be more worthy. And tired. Try to get some
more rest, or your people might try to embalm you, before you're
ready." He had to smile, and said, "Sir, I will. Thank you. For
everything." I said, "You're very welcome." He left, head held high.
LG said to me, "Amazing work!" I said, "Not really. None of this is
really new to me. I remember all my past lives with total recall. I've
commanded entire armies, and won and lost wars many times." She said,
"Oh. That helps to explain your wisdom." I said, "It actually does. In
some ancient lives, still known and loved on my world, I was known for
my wisdom. One of my most wise lives, isn't known, but through some
surviving anonymous very popular stories, packed with universal wisdom
disguised as adventures. Sorry, they require a cultural background you
don't have." She said, "You were very respected then?" I said, "I was
the son of the most important religious leader, who was killed for
that, but I escaped that as a child, and lived that life on the streets
as a beggar and story teller. It was all I wanted, and I loved that
life, and I still do. I should be going." She said, "You can have my
driver." I said, "Thanks, but not necessary. I'll do some sneaking
around here, before I make my own way back." She only grinned. We shook
hands, I walked away. When I wasn't seen, I shifted out.
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