I USED TO KNOW HIM

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

     The ship came to rest upon a flat, ochre colored plain beside a

brilliant white city encased in thick, heavy walls. There was a dull

pain in his head and fire in his leg, but he was alive. He lay limply

upon the bed while First spacer Narvi plied him with honey wine to dull

the pain.

     He grinned, studying the blond giant's warm, friendly face. He was among

friends; the tall, yellow eyed Thistians had failed to kill him and

Narvi had whisked him away into the violet sky.

"Thought we'd lost you, Lors," Narvi grinned. "You almost did," he

replied, choking on the Thista honey wine. "Haven't you anything else,

something from Darkkan?"

     "Sorry, friend," Narvi grinned, "but you can be glad to get this. The

36th Command has been drinking up even this stuff. I'll see you later,

in the hospital."

"All right, Narvi." The big man started away, but Lors stopped him by

grabbing his blue sleeve. "Narvi?"

"Yes."

"Thanks. Thanks a lot."

     First spacer Narvi punched him playfully on the arm and left the

compartment. The medical men came in then, hooking the anti-gravity

capsules to the bed and setting them into motion. The cot-like stretcher

lifted and the men towed him out to the freight elevator. As they stowed

him into the ambulance, he could see Narvi's staff car skimming toward

the Commandant's building to make out his report.

No doubt, Commandant Imry would be coming to see him, later on.

* * * * *

Nick groaned. Another dream that was beginning to clear things up a

little...

"He's coming around." The words were not English, but Nick understood

them.

The big blond cursed softly. "Speak English, Thesa. Someone might hear

you!"

"There hasn't been anyone around this farm in months," Thesa replied,

lapsing into English. "But if you're getting particular, don't call me

Thesa."

      Nick opened his eyes and blinked at them. It was the two watch dogs, the

blond and his sandy haired friend. The giant was grinning at him.

"Hello," he beamed. "Remember me?"

"No! Who in hell are you?" Nick struggled to get out of the chair he'd

been dumped in, but was pushed back firmly.

     "When you didn't report, we went out to find you. The old guy at the gas

station covered up for you, so we had to watch Margret's house. Used all

kinds of tricks, Lors. Why in the blue heaven didn't you make contact?"