There Must Be a Mistae

Note: All persons in this novel are fictitious. If you are looking for a great deal of explicit sexual activity, this story is not for you. Those scenes that are included will be evocative rather than just for the sake of sex itself. This story is for your reading pleasure. Its length is undetermined at this time, because I do not know where my mind will take me along the way. I hope you will stay with me during this journey until it reaches its inevitable conclusion.

133. Tears

The night before she was scheduled to leave with her mother, Zoie was holding on to Gordon for dear life. They didn't make love; no, they couldn't make love, because all she could do was cry. She wasn't going to see him until their wedding in December. She was miserable.

"What am I going to do without you Gordon? All I wait for every day is for you to come home from work so I can see, touch, smell, taste, and hear you. I'd rather go to my wedding like that woman from Star Trek. You remember, Deanna Troy's mother went to her wedding naked, because it was her planets custom."

"I'm sorry baby; I must have missed that episode. I thought they weren't allowed to showed naked people on television."

"You must have been the most deprived child in the entire world. Did you see any Star Trek episodes, or movies?"

"I saw two of them. I always thought of myself as Mister Spock. He was the smart one; the captain always got them into trouble."

"What was the captain's name smart ass?"

"His name was Captain Clerk."

"Kirk, you idiot, James Tiberius Kirk."

"Is that why you failed to trigonometry, you were watching television?"

"I see what you're doing. You are trying to take my mind off my leaving tomorrow. Will you write to me?"

"Have you ever heard of Skype?"

"Who is he?"

"Have your mother open a Skype account. You and I can see and talk to each other every day."

"Really, we can do that?"

"The last time I lied we nearly broke up. I will never do that again, and neither will you. This morning, before you leave at 8 o'clock, I'm going to give you a present, and you will remember it all the way to Paris, and maybe longer."

"What is it? It's not another diamond, is it?"

"You don't like the diamond that's on your finger now?"

"If you try to take this one off me, you will be minus a hand."

"What would you like as a present, when you get back to Charleston?"

"That's easy; I want you to be there."

"You know that's not possible. We will be fitting out the ship, and making preparations to leave. No one will be leaving here, until the last possible minute to go to our wedding."

"Mister Luck, it might be a good idea for you to contact all the women going on this trip, find out what birth control pills they are on, and store up a lifetime supply. I've already talked to my mom about it, and she said no. She wants you to find out what I'm really like."

"Zoie, you didn't need birth control pills, you needed sex, and tons of it."

She started crying again, and through her tears she complained, "What am I supposed to do about that while I'm gone?"

"What do you tell me to do about that, when you're angry with me?"

"I can't cut it off, I don't have one."

"I'm mighty pleased that you don't, because if you did it might mean you aren't a woman."

"You are a pain in the ass Gordon."

"How would you know, I haven't been there yet?"

"I talked with Delicious, and that's all Gray ever talks about when they are playing around. She calls him a pervert, and he says absolutely."

"Delicious is too tied up inside herself right now to think of anything like that. I don't know what's wrong with her, and I wish I could help her. If she could get lost in her math or science again, it might do the trick. Everything she's done has been so perfect; all she can do is sit back and wait for lift off, just like me."

"Why don't you make something go wrong?"

"Are you out of your..."

"Knock, knock, is anyone in there?"

"I'm going to have to run this by my father. If I'm still alive afterwards, you are going to receive roses every day you are away."

"You mean I wasn't going to get them anyway?"

"You were only going to get the thorny part to show you how much I missed you. Now I'm going to send you the flower with it."

"That's very nice of you Mister Luck. I would save the thorns, and have you sit on them when I got home."

"Come on you, it's 5 o'clock in the morning. It doesn't appear that we are going to get any sleep. Let's go look at the stars again. I will not make any disparaging remarks this time."

"You will, but I will hit you every time you do."

"No Hitting."

"Is biting allowed?"

"What do you think?"

"I think we're getting boring."

"Are my parents boring? Are your parents boring?"

"No, but my father has his business, and my mother has her airplane."

"While we are in space are you going to sit there like a bump on a log, or are you going to learn about the systems that make the ship move through space. One day you could take over for me, Gray, Delicious, James, Willie, or even the bridge captain. All you have to do is apply yourself, and work at it. We are going to be away for generations. We could be alive for more than 200 years, and during that time, we are going to experience wonders no one can imagine. We are also going to work out like bandits to keep in shape, and I love your shape."

"You make it sound like so much fun Gordon."

"That is exactly what it's going to be baby. When you asked Monty about the people moving west, this is it. They went places no one else ever went to, and saw sites never seen before. Imagine the pictures we are going to send back to earth. The scientists are going to have images from close up of planets they only see as dots. How would you like to see Enceladus from 5000 miles, rather than 391 million miles? How would you like to be the first to land there, analyze the air, the briny water, and see for the first time if there is any form of life on the planet? Any form of life, from bacteria, to acid-based, to life forms that use photosynthesis to repopulate their species. That would be worth the trip alone. However, it is only the beginning of our trip, not the end."

"If you don't stop talking Gordon, we will never get outside."

"I'm sorry Zoie; I sort of get carried away when I start thinking of the possibilities of what's out there."

"Really, I never noticed that before."

They held hands as they walked out the front door, and the agents said, "What are you guys doing up to this morning?"

"Zoie couldn't sleep, so we are going to take a walk and look at the stars."

"Going there is not enough; you have to look at them?"

"We are trying to figure out which one is going to be home."

"I have no doubt that you are going to find it Gordon, no doubt at all."

"I have the point Abe, you pull up the rear."

"I've got it Wes."

***************

The kids didn't return until nearly 7 o'clock, and when they walked in the door, two irate parents accosted them.

Payne yelled, "Where the hell have you two been?"

Zoie replied, "Walking."

"We've been scared to death. We didn't know where you were."

"Why didn't you ask the agents outside Mom? We had two of them with us all the time."

Jennifer blushed. "I didn't think of it. Normally when you leave, you sneak out."

"Zoie is leaving with her mother to go to Paris today at 8 o'clock. Why would I sneak out, and foul up all the planning?"

"Because you're Gordon Oliver Star Luck."

"That's not fair mom, and you know it. Should I go up to Alaska, find dad's friend, and see if we could find a tree to back into?"

"I'm sorry Gordon. Payne and I were a little anxious this morning, when we couldn't find the two of you. We thought you had eloped."

Zoie and Gordon looked at each other and laughed.

"We tried that one on you already mom. We would have to find something new to torment you."

"Very funny little girl, I have you in my airplane for 12 hours, and strange things can happen when you are over the ocean."

"Yes I know. Gordon taught me how to use the Automatic Pilot, GPS, ALS, and SAT-MAP system last night just in case something happened to you, and the co-pilot. I'll have no trouble landing the aircraft."

"Just how did you do that Gordon?"

"I broke into Gulfstream's G-650 database on my laptop. I showed her which switches to touch, and not to touch. I showed her the GPS controls, the satellite map controls, and the Automatic Landing System. I told her at what altitudes to put down the landing gear, when to pull back on the throttles and hit the brakes. It's not like the old days when you actually had to know how to fly an airplane. Now any 6-year-old can fly an aircraft."

"I'm going to kill him Jennifer. I don't have to go to Paris to buy a gown. There isn't going to be a groom."

"Mom did you tell Mrs. Schneider how long I've been training with Monty?

"Payne he may be a pain in the ass, but don't test him. He could hurt your ass badly."

"I'm use to it, Dycke uses a ..."

"Go ahead mom say it."

"I'm not, and if you do, you are not going to live to get married."

"Can I fly the airplane?"

"Do you have a license?"

"No, where can I get a learner's permit?"

"Zoie by the time you are ready to fly a jet aircraft, you will be so far out in space that jets won't work, because there is no oxygen."

Zoie started jumping up and down and clapping her hands.

"Can we take one with us Gordon so I can learn how to fly it, when we find a planet with oxygen?"

My booming voice came down the hall.

"No, but you can bring a bicycle."

"Good morning dad."

"Good morning everyone, has everyone had breakfast already?"

"No dear, we were looking for two runaways."

"Who ran away?"

"We thought they did, but they only went for a walk."

"Did you tell anyone you went for a walk Gordon?"

"It was 5 o'clock dad. We took two agents with us, and we returned just before seven. We didn't think any we did anything wrong, because we were back in plenty of time for Mrs. Schneider to leave with Zoie at 8 AM."

"Did you check with security dear?"

"No, I forgot."

"I would suggest we all have breakfast. Then let Zoie shower and change for her very long trip to Paris. Then Gordon and I will go to work."

"What about us dad?"

"Good morning Holden, Richard, what are you boys doing up so early?"

"We wanted to ask Gordon a question about the fusion engines, before he went to work."

"Go ahead guys, anything you want I'll give you."

"You know how long the sarcophagus is for the engine. We wanted to know if we could make the engine circular so we could use a circular containment unit and create more space in the engineering section."

"Why are you asking me such tough questions at 7 o'clock in the morning?"

"Because you're going to give us the answer at 2 minutes after seven in the morning."

"Go ahead Gordon, get out of that one."

"I can't dad, they got me. The answer to your question is a tough one. I've had to think long and hard on it. Yes, you can, but why would you. The space you save longitudinally, you will take up vertically."

"We can build stuff on top of the containment units?"

"Amazingly, that's why they are called containment units. They do not let radiation escape into the neighboring areas. You could put the baby nursery on top of it and nothing would happen to the baby. Of course, the mother would kill you for doing it, but if you could survive that you are in pig heaven."

"I told you it would be alright."

"No you didn't, you thought the same way I did."

"Boys no fighting, you're going to give me a headache. Do you want breakfast?"

"Yes please."

"Why are you boys back working on the engineering deck? I thought it was finished."

"It is, and it isn't dad."

"Now there's a definitive answer if I ever got one. What's going on boys?"

"We were playing around with Aunt Payne's hypersonic aircraft last evening for a few moments. I looked at Holden, at the same moment he looked at me. We believe we have stumbled onto a way to give us better lateral control on the spacecraft than the Ion/H2 engines. The Hypersonic engines are not air breathers. They are much more powerful and efficient than the H2 engines. The design capabilities are endless, and they can even be swiveled to back you up."

"Where would they be stored Richard?"

"On initial takeoff they would be rolled up inside the ship. Once you are in zero gravity, they would come out both sides of the spacecraft, deploy like solar panels, and locked into position.

Holden, I think I will just came up with something else they can do. On the top of the engines, we could put solar panels to collect energy."

Jennifer said, "Even, our three children are scary."

"I'm happy I'm leaving two of them with you. You may be able to catch me in a few years. I'll leave breadcrumbs along the way."

"Did you have to bring that up during breakfast?"

"I'm sorry baby, it hurts me too."

"On another note, I have sent out a notice requesting applications for a senior scientist to take over for me to help develop 'Spaceship Two.' Holden, Richard, you two will always have the right to fire, whomever I hire if he is not doing his job properly. When the two of you come of age, with your mother's permission, one of you will take over that position, and move that person to a scientific position, or remove him completely.

A corporation cannot have two heads, only one person can lead, and the other must make sure that the leaders wishes are followed. Moments ago, Richard came up with an idea to put solar panels on top of the hypersonic engines. It's a marvelous idea. When you go back to your rooms and start working, heaven knows what you two are going to come up with today. That's what I want to happen in the future. I don't care who the head of our Corporation is, or who is next to him, I always want you to working together as brothers. You must promise me that you will keep that promise forever.

"We will dad, always, and if you leave us breadcrumbs out there, we will find you."

"Thank you boys, I couldn't be happier for myself, your mother, but most of all for the both of you.

The most important person in your lives will be your mother. She will have total control over this project. She will listen to you, and do what ever you ask of her, as long as it refers to science. As far as your actions as you grow up, and become young men, she is in absolute control of you two, just as we were in control of Gordon as he grew up. Do you remember when we had him paint his room?"

Richard said, "Yes dad, he did a lousy job."

"You're right; he did do a lousy job. However, whose room was it, and who had to look at it every day?"

"He did dad."

"Did he fix it?"

"Yes he did, but only before Zoe moved in."

"Isn't it amazing what love will do to you?"

"I don't know dad, it hasn't happened to me yet."

"I'm very happy about that Richard. It happened to Gordon at age 3. Actually, he had a harem, Danielle, and Brandy."

"Thank you for that dad. My fiancé is sitting there, and now she wants to hit me with the table."

"A cast iron frying pan would do Gordon."

"I was at my father's wedding, and everyone was having a good time. Dad dressed me to kill, and I was irresistible, just like now."

"Dad, kill him before I do."

"Son, if I were you I would tread very lightly on that subject."

"My fiancé has no sense of humor dad. I will work on that with her."

"Your mother and I have been married for nearly 10 years. I've been working on her sense of humor since we met. I failed miserably. I suggest you follow my lead, and back off."

Jennifer smacked me on the back of my head.

"It's 13 years you numb numbskull."

"Do you see what I mean Gordon; she has no sense of humor."

"I have a wonderful sense of humor thank you. However, your sense of humor does not qualify as funny."

"Whatever you say dear."

"You are in as much trouble as your son is Even."

"Would you like to have a fourth son dear?"

"You stay away from me."

"We will discuss it for a long time tonight."

"I'm sleeping with Holden."

"That's funny, so am I."

"My bed is not big enough for all three of us."

"Don't worry Holden; I can work magic, just like you."

"Can I watch you do magic?"

Jennifer said, "Oh Crap, I'm in trouble."

"Why not Holden, this will be very educational for you. I'll leave the lights on so you can take notes."

"Thank you dad."

I couldn't understand why I got smacked again, but I did, and very hard. Everyone else at the table laughed at my expense. Honestly, I didn't think it was fair."

"Payne have you decided when your leaving?"

"We will leave for Austin at 8 o'clock. We will stay at the hotel for a few hours, and get some rest. At 3 o'clock, I will leave for the airport to begin the systems check on the aircraft. Our departure time is 5 PM, and Zoie will be on board, on time."

"Where else would I be mother. Gordon is going to be at work."

"Oh gee whiz, I forgot about that."

"Mother if you don't stop that I'll finish that sentence for you."

"I'll be good."

"So will I mother."

"Are you going straight through to Paris are you stopping at Charleston?"

"It all depends if Dycke has finished his work here or not. If he has, I will refile my flight plan and stop at Charleston overnight. We will leave for Paris the next morning. If he's not finished, we will fly straight through to Paris."

"You're leaving in less than an hour, don't you think you should call him and find out?"

"If he wants to go home, he will walk through that door any moment, and cause havoc."

"Dycke is the most mild-mannered person I know. The only time he gets excited is when I give him a new fiber or plasticene compound to turn into a miracle product."

"Trust me Even that man can cause more problems in a minute than any other person alive."

"That is not the Dick Schneider I know."

"Zoie am I wrong?"

"When my dad was a runner he was the best. Since then, his feet go in eight different directions at one time. That's because his mind works that way now. He's juggling so many balls at one time, and he keeps them all straight in his head. The only thing he can't do, is walk, and keep a conversation going, without tripping over his tongue."

On cue, Dycke walked in the front door.

"Good morning everyone, am I too late for breakfast?"

Zoie said, "I'll make it for you dad."

"Never mind, I'm not hungry."

"Daddy, you may not live to walk me down the aisle."

"Could you make it something simple please, like hot water and some catchup?"

"I could drive an SUV, and back up over you accidentally 10 times."

"How are you going to do that without rolling over me going forward?"

"I would make a wide turn around you to set up my new position each time. I wouldn't want to wrinkle your pants going in both directions."

"Dycke, she has been doing so well. Why are you antagonizing her?"

"I have a simple answer for that dear. She antagonized me for 16 years, and now I am getting even with her."

"Daddy, I'm going to be living with you for almost 2 months. What do you think might happen if I stopped taking my birth control pills?"

"No, anything but that. I will be on my best behavior. I promise I will not say another word to antagonize you. Please do not stop taking those pills. I would jump off the balcony willingly, if you do."

"Were you really that bad Zoie?"

Payne replied for her daughter. "No Gordon she was not that bad. She was much worse than anything you can imagine."

Gordon put his arm around his love, and kissed her.

"It's not possible. Zoie does not have an angry bone in her body."

Dycke spit his coffee out all over the table.