Chapter 14

Paul looked at Zeke and searched his face for understanding.

“Zeke, Dallas and I owe you so much. You don’t know how bad it got at home after you went to the University. Frank was ranting about you all the time. It got so bad that Dallas and I would get back-handed if we mentioned your name.”

“That’s why when you told Mum and us the deal to get our Captain’s tickets, she couldn’t push us out the door fast enough. Dallas and I were worried Frank would take his frustrations out on her. She said not to worry as she could control him. Mind you, it still bothers me.”

Zeke chuckled, “I gave mum a medallion before I left on my first trip to Morpheus. I also put some spells on her minder. I’ve since upgraded it to a Pedz with more spells. She has Psychic and Earth gems like Dallas, but Psychic is her strong suit.”

“She can make Frank stop. She was really good at maintaining her personal energy shield when I last saw her. I think she needs an upgrade with Energy added and a full set.”

Paul shook his head in wonder. “We need to tell Dallas that she is protected. It will stop him from worrying so much about getting back to Mars to check on her.”

After a pause, Paul said, “As to my debt. How do you want me to pay it?”

“What I ask may be harder than you think.”

With trepidation, Paul asked, “What?”

Zeke let the silence hang for a few moments. He then leaned forward and looked Paul in the eyes.

He said, “I want you to be the best person you can be. I don’t expect you to be perfect, Paul. You will make mistakes. We all do. But, if you always strive to be a good, caring person, then I’ll be well paid.”

Paul teared up, and Zeke had to go hug his sobbing brother.

“You’re a hard act to follow, Bro,” Paul got out as he tried to wipe his tears.

Zeke just hugged him.

The next morning, Zeke called a family meeting.

He didn’t mention the surprise he found in his bed after saying goodnight to Paul. He was well aware she had an ulterior motive. Even so, he was impressed by her persuasive arguments.

He was a little disappointed when he awoke that Jasira had left without saying goodbye. She had sure helped in scratching his itch. The fact she had gotten what she wanted didn’t bother him. She had simply circumvented the process to give him what he wanted.

Joey and Sabrina were included in the meeting. Over coffee, Zeke announced, “There has been a change in plans. Sabrina, do you want to run Bella with Dallas?”

“Do I get paid?”

“Yes, same contract as Dallas, minus the shares.”

“What about Paul?” she asked.

“I was able to contact Captain Esky. Also known as Christopher Cool,” Zeke said with some amusement. “He was happy to take on Joey and Paul. He has even offered to let Joey do some training with their doctors.”

“Yes!” squealed Joey as he wiggled on his chair with excitement.

Zeke continued, “Paul will do some shifts as a pilot and sometime in maintenance. Captain Esky says they don’t do a lot since Lee fixed their ship, but it is still educational.”

Zeke had to wait as the young adults finished hugging and jabbering well wishes or thank yous.

Once he had a little order, he added, “Queen Lee told me to tell the boys that she has enrolled them in Magic School.”

“Our big brother, Kyle, who is called the Gold Wizard, and my dad, Ambassador Antonio Dioli, are excited to meet my side of the family. Lee considers you as family, too, Joey.”

“Apparently, you boys are in for an education. They also do a Wizards Weekend once a month on her island. As you are family, you will be invited to hob-nob with ambassadors, kings, queens, and wizards.”

Paul gulped, “Zeke, that’s too much!”

Zeke grinned gleefully, “She also said that she has told your teachers to work your arses off. The Head Master is an ex-Australian Army Sergeant. He runs a tight schedule, and everyone has to do PT.”

Zeke grinned at the groans. “Paul, Art said you can bunk with them until you leave unless you want to stay on the starship, Fortune. In the meantime, I expect you to help Dallas. So, you lot need to get that ship undocked, get it to Gate G444 and unload it.”

“Dallas, Bella has the manifest. Sabrina, she also has the list of suppliers that you need to contact to organise picking up the cargo to go to Mars. If you have space, you can check the bulletin boards to see if anything else needs to go to Mars.”

“When you come back, contact Kilos Gaur, my Warehouse Foreman on Morpheus. He will organise any unloading or loading for you. Manny has agreed to be your customs officer and help you with the paperwork.”

“Also, listen to Bella when negotiating. She knows whether the agent is offering a good deal or not. Once you are loaded, you are on the timetable, Dallas. You can leave when ready. Now get to work.”