Previous Post --------------- On the dark side of Earth's Moon in the northern hemisphere. Nestled amid the cratered lunar surface, standing majestically is the circular building known as the Moon Public Library, one of the many IOL Libraries that dot this sector of space. This Library has been closed for about a week. It closed shortly after the death of Lee Bookman, it's Librarian. Inside the Library standing at a large bay window, a man was looking out on the lunar landscape. He had a shaved head, his skin was a bit pale & he wore a pair of frameless glasses. He was also wearing a long brown trench coat, it reached the ground & the ends of the coat were frayed, dirty & a bit burnt. Over the jacket was a brown leather messenger bag. On his hands he wore a pair of dark brown, well wore, gloves. The fingertips of the gloves are cut off exposing his fingers. The coat was buttoned up so one couldn't see what he was wearing underneath. His shoes of choice were a pair of blue canvas high tops. A.L.F.RED, the major domo of the Library, saw this & walked over. "David?" He said. There was a few second delay. Then he turned & responded "Yes?" "Can I get you anything?" "No. Not really. I was just watching the Galactibus drive out of sight." "Yes. Your father taking one last ride." David nodded & then said. "Where is it it's destination again?" "The vehicle is being autopiloted where Master Bookman wanted his body to be laid to rest, next to his parents & the rest of the Bookman clan. As you know we had to do this quickly so we didn't have time for a funeral." "I know. The IOL is on their way & if they had gotten ahold of Dad's body he'd be buried in the IOL crypt under the Central Library." "Yes. Because according to IOL bylaws your father is still IOL property even though this Library is no longer under their direction." There was a short of time where the two of them just stood there in silence. Then David broke that silence & said."Dad looked younger then I thought he would be. What year is it?" "Using local Terran time it is 2010." "Hmmm.." "Yes, I know it was a bit early. I know your Father wanted to wait until 2015 or maybe 2020 until you came back but…" "Thing happen." David interrupted. "Yes." "Do you think I should make myself known to the Legion?" "eventually. Now is not the best time I think to spring such information on them. It's been a rough couple of days." "So I've gathered." David said. He noticed that A.L.F.RED had a somewhat puzzled look on his face. "I've been monitoring the local media transmissions & weeded out that were not related to the Legion. I think I should get to know these people. The people he considered his friends." "And you should but later. Now, we need to prepare for the coming of the IOL." --------------- TO BE CONTINUED…..

...does Lee's mind still contain the information he's absorbed over the years? Might make his body a prized possession, and would explain why the IOL wants him back; to prevent their secrets falling into the wrong hands...

~Hat~