The big boy walked toward Tommy smiling and said, “You’re going to get it now.”
Tommy watched him approach and said, “Would you mind moving a little left, I can’t see your friends get their grumps beat.”
With that the boy lunged to grab Tommy who saw everything turn into slow motion. Just like his father, Tommy’s psychic skills protected him during times of stress. The boy reached slowly for Tommy who stepped aside and walked by him to see what was going to happen to Wes. The big boy watched the smaller boy suddenly disappear from in front of him and appear behind him. He moved too fast for him to follow with his eyes. For the next few moments he attempted to grab Tommy but failed miserably. Meanwhile Wes saw the punch coming and he slammed his food down on one of the boy’s foot holding him who immediately released his arm. Wes ducked the incoming blow and slammed his fist from his freed arm into the stomach of the other boy holding his arm. The larger boy doubled over and Wes kneed him in the midsection dropping him to the ground. Wes then elbowed the boy that had released his arm in the mid section and then turned to face the biggest attacker in front of him. The boy who had been chasing Tommy saw his two friends on the ground and left Tommy to come up behind Wes and lift him off the ground. The big boy in front then connected with a fist to Wes’s chin. The two boys that had been knocked down by Wes slowly got up and moved in on the fight. Wes said, “I think that now would be a good time for you to join in,” as the big boy hit him in the chest.
Tommy said, “I don’t want to spoil your fun, are you sure?”
Wes grunted and said, “I don’t want to deprive you of all this fun, so pick a couple and enjoy yourself.’
The older boys heard the back and forth and they didn’t know what to make of it until Tommy stepped up in front of the leader and hit him right between the eyes. His face glazed over and he dropped like a rock. Tommy then turned and hit the one holding Wes off the ground squarely on the chin. He hit the ground faster than the first one. The two remaining boys were left standing in front of Wes who they could tell had an expression that spelled danger.
Tommy said, “Well, I’ve handled my two. Can I have these or do you want them yourself?”
Wes said through gritted teeth, “Oh no, these are mine.” The two remaining boys didn’t even have time to run. Wes jumped and kicked one of them right under his chin and then spun slamming his elbow against the side of the head of the only one left standing.”
Tommy looked at the boys scattered on the ground in front of them and said, “I’m glad you remembered not to break any bones. We can probably get away with this little incident but sending one of them to the hospital would draw entirely too much attention.”
Wes looked at his best friend and said, “Why did you wait so long?” He rubbed his chin and said, “He hit like a girl but now I have this mark I have to explain.”
Tommy smiled and said, “Colonel Ortiz would be disappointed if I prevented you from handling these four inexperienced lads. He’ll insist that he taught you better.”
Wes smiled back and said, “Are you crazy?” He pointed at the biggest one and said, “This one is almost as big as that lizard you brought in today.”
They both started laughing and then went over and started helping the four failed attackers get up. Wes looked at Tommy and said, “How do we explain this?”
“The ole naval marine uncle,” Tommy replied.
The four boys sat up groggily and Tommy sat down in front of them. When they had their senses Tommy looked the biggest one in the eye and said, “I bet you four are wondering how two little geniuses like us did this.” The big boy nodded and Tommy said, “My father’s older brother is a retired naval marine from the Ross conflict and he has taught us martial arts since we’ve been able to walk. One of the things he impressed on us was that we should never use what he taught us to be aggressive toward others. We promised to only use our training in self-defense.” Tommy slid closer and looked the big boy in the eyes just inches from his face, “I suspect that we are not the first smaller students you have chosen to pick on.” The big boy’s expression gave him away. “We are not going to say anything to anyone about this and I suspect that if you tell your buddies that you were beat up by two fourth levels, well, your reputation might suffer.” Tommy reached forward and grabbed the shirt of the leader and said, “However, if you attack any other students then my brother and I will visit you again. Defend yourself if needed, but we do not like bullies. Nod if you understand.” All four boys started nodding.
“Good,” Wes said. Let us depart company as friends,” and he held out his hand to one of the boys who shook it. Tommy held out his hand and shook hands with the four boys and then he and Wes left to go home.
“Do you think they’ll make an issue of this?” Wes asked.
“Would you?” Tommy responded.
“Well, I hope not. By the way, I want to thank you for that lizard. I almost had Linda Kay kiss me from saving her from that Tyrannosaurus you used to booby trap her desk.”
“Don’t mention it, but it got me a note sent home to Mom and Dad.”
Are you going to tell them about what happened after school?”
Tommy thought for a moment and said, “They know. As soon as I felt danger, Dad sensed it and watched it through my eyes.” Wes looked at Tommy with raised eyebrows and Tommy said, “We’ll probably get a pass on the fight but I’m afraid the reptile adventure is going to get me grounded.”
Tommy finished dressing and looked at himself in the mirror. He knew that he had inherited his mother’s good looks and his father’s body. The tight fitting uniform accented his athletic body and Tommy thought that even the rose color clothes accented by the royal blue sash actually looked good on him. “Atlas, I’m going to take the speeder down to the planet if you don’t mind.”
Atlas said, “I can take you directly if you want.”
“No, I want to take my time and enjoy the trip.”
“It’s waiting on you. Try to enjoy yourself.” Atlas extended a corridor out to the one man ship that had just emerged from Atlas’ hull. Tommy enjoyed using the speeder because it was invisible to detection and was faster than any ship in the fleet. Well, The Alexander Kosiev was faster but it was currently residing in the core of a star so it didn’t count. Tommy boarded and started his trip down to the surface of Ross.
Tommy missed Ross and he looked forward to seeing old friends. Then he thought about all the friends he made on earth during school and then remembered when he was forced, once again, to leave his home.
Fourteen year old Tommy and Wes were sitting in the recreation center several miles from their home. Linda Kay had left fifteen minutes before when her parents came to take her home and Wes had that stupid grin on his face. Tommy looked at his best friend and chuckled to himself. After the great reptile adventure, Linda Kay started noticing Wes. It wasn’t long before Wes was walking her to the floater that took her home each day, sharing lunch time with her, and they started looking at each other as very special friends. Tommy said, “That grin might injure your jaws if you keep it up.”
Wes poked him on the arm and said, “You’re just jealous.” Wes looked at his friend for a moment and said, “Tommy, if I remember correctly, Rose knew who her husband was going to be when she was very young. Do you know?”
Tommy sighed and looked off in the distance at the crystal spires in the central part of the city and said, “She was four when she told my parents and I must admit that Michael has turned out to be a wonderful addition to our family. He is strong psychically and is a great match for Rose.” Tommy then turned and looked directly at Wes and said, “I have not seen or sensed anyone that will fill that role for me.”
“Some of the girls in class think you’re dreamy. They don’t interest you?”