Chapter 5

Reporters were begging to be let in. They needed new

information. Something to keep the people's interest red hot.

As if the whole galaxy wasn't already concerned, if they knew

what the commander and his small team knew, they would be

quaking in fear. So he purposely kept the reporters out.

Twenty minutes had passed, and the reporters were getting

angry. One banged loudly on the door. "Let us in!" He

shouted, "If you don't, we'll assume something worse then it

is!" he threatened.

"There is NOTHING worse!!" The commander roared.

The reporters stopped short from the tone of his voice. Then

one reporter whispered, "They know all right." The others

nodded.

Inside the command room, the commander paced,

running his hand through his gray hair. In all of his years, he

had never came up against nothing like Mi"cio. The courses

didn't cover this!

"Sir? What are we to do?"

"I don't know!" The commander hissed. So they continued to

sit, cowering away in the command room.

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

"Have you heard anything on the radio?" Captain Dem asked.

"No Sir. Nothing on any of the stations."

"Hmm. That's unexpected. They've known for over

minutes." Captain Dem mused.

"Yes, Sir. But they may be trying to avoid panic."

"Yes," the Captain agreed, "They've never dealt with anything

like Mi"cio before. It may take them a while. I will check back

in an hour." He walked into the Queen's room. She was

pacing, when he entered she turned to face him. "How are you

holding up?" he asked softly, eyes scanning the room.

"Fine." She studied his expression.

He turned back towards her. "I'm sorry we don't have any

provisions to make your stay more comfortable." He frowned.

"Don't stress over it. You will soon."

"Yes."

"Is there any progress?"

He shook his head, "They know who your kidnappers are,

have known for an hour. But so far they're keeping it pretty

quiet."

She nodded, "They don't know what to do." She guessed.

"Yes," he agreed, "That's my thoughts too."

"So what are you going to do now?"

"Waiting and listening. We may let then stew over it for an

hour more. Then whether or not the whole galaxy knows, we'll

drop'em the ransom note." He explained.

"Thank you for keeping me updated." She smiled.

"Sure. We all hate keeping you here like this, but there seems

to be no other way." He smiled apologetically."

"Don't stress over it, I understand, you have no other options."

He nodded, "Is there anything I can get for you?"

She started to say no then changed it to yes. "Paper and a

pencil?"

He nodded, "Of course." He left, returning later with a

notebook, two pencils, and a pencil sharpener.

It was much more then she'd expected, "Thank you. This is

more then enough."

He nodded, "There's a intercom on the wall. Let us know if you

need anything more."

"Thank you." That was helpful. After he left, she sat down and

began to draw.

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

Captain Dem returned to the command room. "Any news?" he

softly asked.

"No, Sir. Nothing."

"I see." Captain Dem thought for a moment, his stomach

growled loudly. "Let's send the ransom note now." He decided.

"Alright." He handed him a notepad and a pencil. "Write it

down."

Captain Dem paused. He hated to say anything threatening.

But he didn't want it to sound too soft.