Star Missions - Book One - Part III

Chapter 27 - "Here For A Reason"

 "Good morning, Mr. Belter," Jamie said, her voice bright and cheery, oblivious as she was to his thoughts. "How are you feeling this morning? Ready for a little breakfast?"

"I do feel a bit hungry," Belter said, grateful for the fact that his voice was almost normal. Emboldened by that small improvement, he started to push himself to a sitting position, only to be knocked back down by the sharp pain that flashed through his ribs.

"Oh no," Jamie said, reaching out to lower his head to the pillow. "You shouldn't try to move on your own. Let me help you."

Belter said nothing as she gently eased him upright. He kept his focus on not crying out as his injuries, and stiff muscles protested the movement.

"Besides," Jamie said with a little smile, "you wouldn't want the guard to think you were trying to escape and shoot you."

Once seated, Belter glanced at the armed guard standing stoically by the door and let out a snicker. He winced at another stab of pain but said, "Thanks for reminding me, Jamie."

The young woman set a tray of food over his lap. "The doctor will be in a little later to check up on you. After that, there are a few people who'd like to see you if you feel up to it."

Belter wondered who could want to see him, but he only nodded. He still didn't have much of an appetite, but he figured that part of the pain he felt in his abdomen was his stomach wanting food.

Jamie Hawkins left. Victor pondered as he picked at his breakfast. Dreaming about what Zorag had said changed his way of thinking. The alien had said there would be challenges ahead. He was more convinced than ever that Zorag was referring to the current situation, as if prophetic. These two weeks definitely saw 'challenges.' Are they over, or are there be more to come? Sue's words also came to the surface of his mind. She believed he'd saved Hydra. Could that have been his purpose, or was it part of something else? He decided there and then that maybe he wouldn't give up. He still had the destiny Zorag spoke about to fulfill. That gave him a purpose. If he were to overcome the unspeakable tragedies he had recently experienced, he would have to focus on fulfilling his destiny.

***

Hawkins and Jammer were busy at work testing and retesting drone controls and reaction times when they got word that ex-Governor Belter was awake. Hawkins knew he shouldn't think of Belter with his title anymore, but he found it difficult to think of him in any other way. No matter what, Victor Belter would always be, in his mind, the original Governor of the Strolla System.

They decided it would be best to stop by in the late afternoon and let him recover from the journey.

News about Belter's arrival that morning spread throughout the station. It was only a few days ago that he was arrested and taken away from the command tower.

Word of his treatment on Hydra also spread as did Colonel Hand's response. Hand expected to discipline the space dogs responsible severely, especially Clark Walters, one of Lopez' go-to guys. The Colonel was not about to excuse undisciplined behavior. Naturally, a reprimand and disciplinary letter would become part of their permanent personnel files.

Yet, Major Lee reported that the ex-Governor didn't want to press charges. He had forgiven his attackers. Otherwise, the men's walking papers from the Hydracorps would have been on the Colonel's desk the next day. Colonel Hand viewed Belter's forgiveness as another sign of weakness. But, it did allow him to avoid discharging the men. Without formal charges, the men could return to active duty. The Space Dogs would have a full complement of soldiers.

Others, though, did not view the humiliated Victor Belter as weak. One bad day could not erase the reputation he had built for himself after a lifetime of devotion and diplomacy. Many felt he deserved more respect and now, some sympathy. Hawkins and Jammer were not opposed to paying it.