Spacetastic Mysteries

The podcast that takes you on thrilling journeys across the cosmos, where Federal Agents solve crimes that defy the boundaries of our known universe! Join us as we unravel captivating tales of interstellar intrigue, showcasing the heroic deeds of these intrepid investigators, who fearlessly navigate the cosmic expanse to bring intergalactic criminals to justice. From high-octane space chases to mind-bending investigations on distant planets, each episode will immerse you in a world where the rules of law reach far beyond our terrestrial understanding. Discover the cutting-edge technology that these Space Sleuths employ to crack cases that seem impossible. From advanced alien gadgets to gravity-defying pursuits, they'll stop at nothing to ensure the safety and harmony of the space-faring civilizations. With each episode, you'll be drawn deeper into a universe where danger and mystery loom around every asteroid belt. Gripping storytelling, expertly crafted audio effects, and intriguing characters will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the next interstellar escapade. If you're a fan of science fiction, crime-solving, and action-packed adventures, "Spacetastic Mysteries" is the podcast you've been waiting for. Tune in and let your imagination soar to distant galaxies as we unravel the enigmas of the cosmos, one thrilling story at a time. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with other space enthusiasts who crave the excitement of law enforcement beyond the stars. Get ready for a cosmic journey unlike any other, where justice knows no bounds, and the unknown awaits exploration. Prepare to embark on the greatest space odyssey of your life!

Who Killed Ben? Episode 13 - The Visitor 08/24/2024

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 12 - The Showdown 08/17/2024

Who Killed Ben? Episode 10 - The Escape 08/03/2024

Who Killed Ben? Episode 9 – Epidemic? 07/27/2024

Who Killed Ben? Series - Episode 8 - The Confrontation 07/13/2024

Who Killed Ben? Series - Episode 8 - The Confrontation "I believe you," I told Natasha who lay on her bed, reading a book. The old-fashioned kind with pages and a spine. The kind you could actually hold in your hands. I noticed that it was Holmes and Watson, a Sherlock Holmes' novel, that held Natasha's attention. "I believe you that you didn't kill Ben. You may have tried to lure my husband away from me, fooled me and Ben into thinking you were on the Freedom Alliance's side, but you are no murderer." Natasha peered at me over the book. "But I did steal your husband away, Jessa. Just for one night–May 8, 2150. It was a wonderful night. He was the most gentle..." He couldn't have. There was no way. Not on that date. As I glanced at my ring, May 8–that was Ben and my anniversary. That was the week that Ben surprised me by taking me to his father's cabin in Northern Arizona. Yavapai County had a late unexpected snow storm that trapped us inside the cabin the entire week. Not that we minded. Somehow we found activities to keep us occupied. I smiled to myself, briefly reliving the events of that trip in my mind. That was the week we conceived Joshua. "Do you know what Ben's last assignment was, Natasha?" I paced back and forth in front of the cell. Not out of nervousness but to annoy Natasha. "Jessa, our last assignment was–" I shook my head, stopping in front of the cell. "Ben's last assignment was to investigate his partner. General Graham suspected that she was a double agent," I informed Natasha, whose face turned hot and pinched with resentment. Before Natasha could say anything, I added, "You see, Ben started investigating you. When it was evident that you were working for the Crimson Fleet, Ben called me home. One well-placed call from me confirmed you were taking money from the enemy." "You're lying," she thundered, putting down the book. Her eyes blazed murderously. "The way I see it, you didn't kill Ben, but you know who did," I speculated, pacing again. For some reason, I thought better when I paced. /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/32122962

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 7 - The Plan 07/06/2024

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 6 - The Supsects 06/30/2024

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 6 - The Supsects "CHIP, play disk," I instructed the computer. When I saw Ben's face, I unconsciously ripped my hand away from Nate. "Agent Benjamin Masters' Log, January 8, 2150...Agent Austin and I have infiltrated Bravo Ait without incident. We are in search of the crew of the Washington. So far we haven't been able to locate them. We, however, have happened upon a compound. It was pretty easy to make it past the guards. We entered the TravelTram, but before we pressed any buttons, the TravelTram plummeted ten or more floors," Ben told his computer, sitting in a large chair in the landing craft again. Each log we viewed took place in that vessel. I deduced that Austin and Ben must have set it up as a Command Post. Ben continued, "When we exited the TravelTram, we found ourselves in what appeared to be a deserted basement. Two men approached us. Austin pulled me into a nearby closet. From there, we watched the men enter what looked like a laboratory. It had test tubes, bunts and burners and a locked cabinet. Labeled bottles with a different colored solution in each filled the shelves upon shelves that lined the lab. After we were sure they were in the laboratory, we peeked through the window and eavesdropped on their conversation. They hovered over a set of plans." Ben looked around as if he thought someone might be listening to his log. He had black circles under his red eyes. What had been keeping him up nights? The plans for the biological weapon? Or something else? "'Once we finish this weapon, we will fill it with RY-987. We will put one of our agents on every Freedom Alliance StarVessel. Then poof! Every member aboard will be dead,' one of them–a fair-skinned, white-haired man with a British accent– told the two men we saw going in the room. Austin and I will continue to search for the missing Washington officers. Masters out." Nate and I looked at each other. "Now we know how Ben stumbled upon–" Something on the computer screen caught my attention. "Benji," a dark-haired woman purred, draping herself on the arm of the chair Ben was sitting in. The date across the bottom of the screen read September 2, 2150. "CHIP, stop disk," Nate charged the computer, grasping my hand again. /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/31943647

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 5 - Was There A Moment? 06/16/2024

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 4 - The Dinner Meeting 06/09/2024

Who Killed Ben? - Episode 4 - The Dinner Meeting We ate in silence for the next few minutes. "How are you handling all this stuff with Ben?" Nate picked up the pitcher of lemonade, pouring some into his glass. "I'm fine." I handed my glass out to him. My hand--visibly trembled. "No, you are definitely shaken." He filled my glass, then replaced the pitcher. He stared at me a moment before he added, "I don't remember the last time I saw your hand shake like that." His eyes narrowed in concern. "You can be in trouble anywhere in the universe, and I would know it," I began, loading a forkful of spaghetti into my mouth. After I chewed it thoroughly, I continued, "Why didn't I have that same sense about my husband? Why didn't I know he was in trouble?" I picked up another forkful of spaghetti. He scrutinized me for a moment before saying anything, sipping his lemonade. "He didn't give you any clues when you saw him before the accident?" "He was very upset when I arrived home. He had an altercation with his partner earlier in the day, which led him to believe that she was working for the Crimson Fleet." I raised my hand to glance at the wedding ring Ben bought me. I couldn't seem to bring myself to remove it. For me, slipping off my wedding ring symbolized the death of my marriage to Ben. I quickly hid my hand under the table.Then I lowered my voice and confided, "I called Morgan Kramer, our agent in the Crimson Fleet Underground. I showed her the picture of Ben's partner. Kramer told me that three years ago, the Crimson Fleet started paying Austin for Freedom Alliance information." A comfortable silence ensued for a few minutes as we worked on our spaghetti. Nate was the first to break the silence by asking, "How did Ben react to that?" "How do you think he reacted? He was furious." I put my glass of lemonade to my lips, then set the glass down. "I only saw him that angry once before...when my father..." I reached behind my hair to finger the long scar on the side of my neck for the second time today. I kept the scar hidden. Every time I caught a glimpse of it, my stomach threatened to turn over. Not because of the abuse but because I didn't stop it. I let that man intimidate me, cut me down with his words and hurt me with his fists and knives. /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/31672362

Who Killed Ben? Series - Episode 3 - Who's In Charge? 06/01/2024

Who Killed Ben? Series - Episode 2 - The Box 05/25/2024

Who Killed Ben? Series - Episode 2 - The Box I lifted the flaps of the box. An envelope with the words "Watch This First" scrawled in Ben’s handwriting caught my eye. Picking up the envelope, I removed a small circular disk the size of a button from it. After pushing the disk through a slot on the side of the screen, I instructed the computer, "CHIP, play the disk." My heart felt as if it had sunk into my boots when Ben appeared on the screen. He sat on the couch in our Base house. His dark-brown hair seemed longer than usual and definitely a lot messier. A full day’s growth covered his chin. From the redness of his eyes and the dark circles under them, I knew something had been keeping him up nights. Ben rarely worried, so if something was keeping him up, it had to be serious. He began, "Angel, if you are watching this, I must be dead. Knowing you like I do, I know you are sitting behind your desk on the Liberty. You have thrown yourself into your work. You have been doing anything to avoid dealing with the pain." I looked around, exchanging an amused look with Nate. I guess Ben knew me better than I thought. "Angel, I love you so much," Ben maintained, casting me a sad yet involuntary smile. It broke my heart just knowing that I would never hear Ben call me Angel again. I smiled, putting my hand to the screen. "And I love you," I agreed; tears forming in my eyes. I missed him so much. The hole in my heart that he left when he died ached. I watched him on the screen of my terminal, knowing that my time with Ben ended when the disk did. Ben paused for a moment to stare at his wedding ring, twisting it around and around his finger. The hunted look that I saw in his eyes made the hairs on the back of my neck rise. Something was definitely wrong. "I am in big trouble, Angel. I discovered that the Crimson Fleet have been working on a secret biological weapon. And they have made several attempts on my life and have threatened to kill you and Reggie. I don’t know. Maybe they have already tried to take you out." "The accident," Nate whispered. /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/31413867

Who Killed Ben? Series - Episode 1 - The Beginnings 05/18/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 23 - The Showdown 05/11/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 23 - The Showdown “She foiled our gas and bombs on her vessel, so we are going to have to take more drastic measures. We are going to have to bomb her crew with her on it. She has always been the bane of my existence since she married Josh. He wasn’t supposed to marry her. We weren’t supposed to be family, but he fell for her. Why? I will never know. She is not that pretty, and she is so annoying.” “Let’s go,” I told my people, leading them over to the Island Committee members’ table. When all of them looked at me, Jake and I flashed our badges. “On the authority of the Intergalactic Intelligence Bureau, you are all under arrest.” “For what? You have no authority to arrest us,” screamed the man who had pretended to be my father. “Those humans who brought that Biodome to your planet also made Kilo-Ait…and Sierra-Wun for that matter a part of the Earth colonies pact,” I started, moving around the table. “That means I have all of the authority of Earth to arrest you for the genocide you unleashed on my people and are about to unleash on the people of Sierra Wun.” I stopped behind an empty chair, putting my hands down on it. “There is the matter of creating a disease, killing people with it, taking our people captive, killing people who you abducted, interfering with an investigation.” Jake moved forward. “The attempted gassing and bombing of a Freedom Alliance MASH SpaceVessel.” “You cannot prove anything,” the man said with grave deliberation. “If I were in your position, I would hope that was true too. Unfortunately for you,” I revealed, holding up a chip, “I was recording everything I heard and saw in captivity. I knew the plot. I knew how you created the disease, how you knew the planet was going supernova. Your plot to kill the humans. Then my memory was erased. The fact that it was erased indicates that you know I am telling the truth. Too bad for you that I have the chip and remember everything.” He stood up and grabbed my arm. “Then we are going to make sure you forget again.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/31190302

The Lightyears Series - Episode 22 - Where Did It Go? 05/04/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 21 - The Oracle 04/27/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 21 - The Oracle “Why not? I thought that was the point--to find the cure. I found the cure. It works. I know that because I created it while in captivity.” “That was not the point. You should be smarter than that. We cannot allow you human beings to destroy our planet and get away with it. You come to our planet and set up that monstrosity of a dome that houses humans like you. We lured you all here with that disease to take you out. Someone had to kill all you disgusting humans.” I trained my weapon on her. “Aren’t you human?” She shook her head and insisted, wrinkling her nose, “No, absolutely not. I and every member of the Island Committee are Quavetezhdan. We are the Oracle. The people who created this game to lure humans into our trap. Your people have gotten away with invading and stealing people’s land for centuries. It is time you stopped.” “Except that you are taking out innocents. People, like me and my crew, who did not choose to inhabit your land and steal it. You are not as noble as you think you are. You are killing people because they stole your land. You are also killing people who did nothing to you.” “You are the worst of them all. Your parents came here, heading that crusade to erect that Dome. That’s why we had to take them out, and anyone tainted by their DNA.” “My parents are dead?” She laughed a maniac cackle. “We reprogrammed the DiagnMonitors to read us as your parents. Then we lured you to our planet, mentally get into your brain…and then you married Josh, the only human we would have saved, to save that boyfriend of yours. We had to kill Josh because he kept protecting you and all his friends. We could not have that. You all have to die.” She produced a weapon and shot me in the chest. When I didn’t fall, she kept shooting. I kicked the gun out of her hand and tackled her to the ground, just as more of her friends jumped down into the laboratory. Jake jumped in and helped me battle the people. /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/30979033

The Lightyear Series - Episode 20 – The Parental Dilemma 04/20/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 19 - Re-Do 04/13/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 18 - Keeping Secrets 03/30/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 18 - Keeping Secrets I sent the information over to Jake and asked, “Do you think this is possible?” He studied the file I sent him. He looked over at me. “If this is right—and I am not saying it isn’t—if this is right, we have been looking in the wrong direction.” “I don't know what made me believe that, but I know that I believed it wholeheartedly. Maybe the proof is somewhere in there, but if this is true, Heaven help these people because busted hand or not, I am going after them. How dare they do this?” “I am right there with you on this.” Just then CHIP announced, “Major Riley, Bernadette Riley is on the phone for you.” “Put her through,” Jake said, giving me a troubled look. “Okay, we are getting you out of there,” a feminine voice said that sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. “You are coming home, so I can take care of you. You and Zariah are coming to live with me. Kassidy has done nothing but get you into trouble. You know she married someone else while you were missing…and she had him killed. Did you know that? She is pure evil.” “I am a grown man, Mother. I am not coming home to you…and either is Zariah…and you say one more bad word about Zariah’s mother, and I will cut you off. There will be no communication with me or Zariah if you continue this little tirade.” “She has definitely brainwashed you into believing that I am in the wrong,” she continued, sniffling. “All I was trying to do was protect you and Zariah from her…and,” in between hysterical sobs, “now she has convinced you that I was trying to break you and her up.” “Isn’t that we just admitted to when you said ‘Kassidy has done nothing but get you into trouble’? She did not have me abducted. She did not kill her husband. This disease did that.” “Wake up, Son. She created this disease. She has caused all these deaths.” “So, what who told you that,” he pressed, looking up at the ceiling. “The members of the Island Committee? Stephan? Philippe?” “Who are these people you are talking about?” “They are the people spilling the same garbage as you. She has worked tirelessly to cure this disease, but you know, go ahead and believe what you want, but I am not going to associate with you anymore. You are no longer welcome to contact me or my daughter.” “They said they were going to kill her…that they were going to take care of her…but no, she is alive and well and ruin you and Zariah’s lives. That is unacceptable. She has got you brainwashed into believing that she is the golden child…and I am dirt under your shoe. Snap out of it, Jacob Aaron Riley! You say you are an adult, but you are not thinking with your brain. She is trouble.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/30591623

The Lightyears Series - Episode 17 - Help Is On The Way 03/23/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 17 - Help Is On The Way Just then my QuanPad chimed, followed by the decoded information from the chip. I backed it up and sent it to Graham and my attorney, who would send it to the people on my list if anything happened to me. I studied it for a few moments before gasping. “Oh my lands, if this is true… If this is true…this changes everything, and it makes so much sense.” Jake demanded, looking from me to the QuanPad and back again several times. “What makes so much sense?” I showed Drew and Jake the information that our friend Fireball decoded from the chip. Just then I felt the building shake, followed by a series of several explosions. The echo seemed so loud in my ears that I feared I would never have full hearing again. “We have to get out of here. They are trying to kill us. The only problem is I don’t know how we are going to get out of here. There are too many twists and turns and hidden rooms.” Just then there was a huge explosion as the building started to collapse. We searched corridor after corridor for a way out. We felt the walls and ceilings crashing in all around us. I saw my life flash before my eyes as I felt as if I were an accordion being squeezed until the very life seemed to drain out of me. The levels above me crushed me into the growing rubble below. This was it. I didn’t know how I would get out alive, how I would get back to my children, to Jake. Would he survive? Would we both…? What would happen to Zariah? As I closed my eyes, unable to keep them open any longer, I heard Adam’s voice, “Help is on the way. You will all survive.” I didn’t know how that could be true, but I also knew that I probably lost the chip in the rubble, making the mission for nought. I did not know if the information transferred to Graham before the explosion. I only knew that this was not the first time they tried to take me out and would not be the last…as long as I kept in-- My mind became muddled. I could not think clearly before I lost consciousness. “No, no,” urged Josh, “go back. It is not your time to join us.” “I am not sure I have a choice.” “Help is on the way.” “But what kind of life is that going to be? Zariah will have to take care of her disabled mother.” “You are going to be fine. Yes, you will have broken bones, and there will be a surgery, but nothing that is not fixable. Our children, Adam's children and Zariah need you--the only constant in their lives…and you need to repair things with Jake. Don't let your fears prevent you from being with him. You know you married me to keep him safe, but you and I came to love each other. I only want what is best for you and the kids--all of them…and you are not betraying me by marrying him.” “Thank you, but I don't know how I am going to get out of here. I know you said we would survive, but--” “Have a little faith in miracles and that those who have plotted against you will receive their just rewards…at your hands…in this case.” “I don't know if I have any faith left. I had faith that we would save you…we didn’t. I had faith that we would find Jake, and we did, but I feel like things are never going to be right with him. I had faith that I would make it as a doctor and commander…and I did, but now, look at me.” Josh insisted, “Everything is going to be okay. Hold on. Help is almost to you.” “Is this good help or bad help? Is this help that is going to help me live? Or help that is going to make me wish I was…” “Dani! Live again. You have not been living. You have been responsible. Going through the motions. Start living and have a little faith.” “Shh! I’ve got you,” someone said in a soothing voice as they pulled me out of the rubble. Every inch of my body hurt, ached as if I had been run over several times by a semi-truck. What seemed like only a few seconds later, I opened my eyes slowly to see that I was in the Hospital…on the Lightyears. Patrick stared at me. I heard the DiagnMonitor beeping on one side and my IV gulping on the other. “Don’t you have anything else to do besides stare at me? I am still the commander of this vessel no matter my state…and is it respectful for you to stare at me as if I were a science experiment?” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/30492178

The Lightyears Series Episode 16 - The Memory Flood 03/16/2024

The Lightyears Series Episode 16 - The Memory Flood For the next hour, Jake tried to talk to me, trying to make me laugh, get angry and forgive him. “Come on, talk to me, yell at me. Just talk to me,” he pleaded. I refused to give in to him. The next hour, none of us said anything until Jake looked around with curiosity. “I remember this place. We used to meet here when you could get away from Josh. I didn't remember that until now. I swear. We used to leave messages for each other somewhere in here.” He searched the tunnel carefully, moving his hand across the wall as we walked. I didn't remember any of what he was saying. Maybe it was one of those implanted memories. I would remember if I had been here with him, right? I would remember sneaking away from Josh to meet Jake, right? What would we have said? What would we have talked about? Did we talk about the fact that I was marrying Josh to save Jake’s life? Did he convince me to do it? I didn’t remember any of it. If he was telling the truth, why did I not remember? Why did I have implanted memories and missing memories? Maybe Jake did too, I didn’t know. Why all this tampering with our memories? What were these people really hiding? Five minutes later, Jake reached up into an exposed pipe and pulled out a stack of letters, and as he did, a chip dropped to the ground. I leaned over and picked up the chip. I slid it into the slit in the side of my QuanPad. When the information came onto the screen, it was encoded. “Of course, it is encoded,” I said in a low tone. I sent the file to my friend Fireball. “I sent it to Fireball to decode.” “She speaks,” Jake quipped. I rolled my eyes, pointing forward. We continued our trek until we reached a wall. I tapped it several times in an unique sequence before the doors slid open, then I motioned the group inside. I touched the walls of the room, flooded by memories of fights and tender moments that occurred between Jake and me and me and Josh. I pulled out a blacklight device from my sleeve cuff. I turned it on and flashed it at the wall. I started at the left corner, recording the words that appeared. I remembered I wrote everything I found on that wall in invisible ink when the guards took my research, when they took my QuanPad because I tried to contact the outside world. It was as if it never occurred to them that I might want to go home, to resume my life. They gaslit me by telling me I was specifically chosen for this mission, that maybe I was not up to the task if I wanted to go home, that I was not as smart or as talented as they thought me to be. I remembered feverishly writing all my findings on the walls, the floors, whatever surface I could find. Did I find the cure? I felt as if I did, or was close to it when…when something happened. What happened that prevented me from…I remember being all caught up with the marrying Josh thing because they were going to kill Jake. I wrinkled my brow, getting a sinking feeling in my stomach. Did they know I found the cure or was about to and focused my attention elsewhere? Was finding the cure not their goal? I felt so weak in the knees just thinking about it that I grabbed the back of a nearby chair. Emotions and memories started to flood back with such vigor that I nearly collapsed under them, barely hearing Drew and Jake ask me if I was alright. Suddenly the doors slammed shut behind us. Then the voice filled the room, saying, “You have returned to the scene of the crime sooner than anticipated, but we are glad you are all here. I’d like to welcome you to the start of the end for you all. Take me to your parents, and marry Philippe, and we will let the others go. You have forty-eight hours to make up your mind. If you choose not to, you and your companions are going to be eliminated. Your time starts now.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/30383588

The Lightyears Series- Episode 15 - The Gold Flecks 03/09/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 14 - The Theories 02/25/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 14 - The Theories “What were you looking for?” “The chip with my notes on it. I really didn’t think it would be here, but it was worth a shot.” I activated one of the terminals and hacked my way into the government database. “I wonder what they actually know…and what their intent is.” “You are going to hack into their databases…as any good spy would. I am going to look around and see if I can find anything of significance.” As I made my way through their firewalls, I managed to find a file with all of the Island Committee minutes in it. However, it was password protected. Managing to break the password, when the information ran across my screen, it was encoded. I worked to decode it when I felt something prick my arm, then I felt myself go limp and fall off the chair and into a puddle on the ground. What seemed like seconds later, I blinked rapidly. I looked around and realized I was sitting on the couch of a fancy office. It sprawled the size of a quarter of a football field with a large oak desk and wooden, elaborately carved chairs in front and one behind. The walls were lined with shelves that housed old, dusty books and paintings. I’d been here before. I just didn’t remember when or why. Jake sat beside me. “We meet again,” a voice whispered as he turned the chair around to reveal a dark-haired man with a goatee. His pale blue eyes—kind and with a hint of concern. “I am sorry I had to bring you here like this. The medication my guards gave you is harmless. I promise.” I ran my eyes over his harsh looking jaw with a scar on his left cheek. He was dressed in his standard black and white suit. His name escaped my lips: “Stephan.” “It’s me. You know I am not here to hurt you. I am here to help you and you help me. We can help each other. You know I would never hurt you…or your companion here.” “How did you know it was me,” I asked him, searching his eyes. “The Island Committee has spies everywhere around you, but I am the only one who sees how useful it could be if you and I worked together to solve this. I am the only one, outside of Josh, who helped keep you safe while you were here.” He turned to Jake. “You are Doctor Jake Riley. I am Stephan. No, I am not after her. No, we have never been sexually involved. No, I am not going to hurt you or her.” When I caught Jake’s shocked face, I smirked. “Stephan forgot to tell you that he is telepathic, which is how I really suspect he realized we were on the planet.” I turned to Stephan and said, “Have your skills developed beyond the planet yet?” Stephan shook his head. “Not yet.” “I am glad that your telepathic skills don’t reach to our MASH vessel.” “I couldn’t read you until you entered the café. I can tell, emotionally, that you are being drained by finally meeting your biological family. Your brothers and sister and I grew up together, but I didn’t really get along with the boys and Josh. I had a huge crush on Brianna though. I didn’t realize they were your family until recently. I am not sure about your parents though. They have never really liked me.” “I am not sure about them either. I am wondering how it is that they are still in here. Everyone else was either killed or released with a return date. How did my parents and my siblings get to stay alive in this place?” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/30100658

The Lightyears Series - Episode 13 - Hidden Places 02/17/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 13 - Hidden Places “We are on someone’s radar,” I told Jake. To Zebby, I said with grave deliberation, “We are in the SpaceCraft we brought here. Outside of me running a high fever, we are fine. The question is who knows we are here.” To Jake, I requested, “Please contact the Lightyears. Tell them we are alive…and that we will be back as soon as we can. Then could you call Zariah and Graham and tell them we are fine?” “I am so glad that you are okay. You are my best friend.” “I know. You are mine too. I am sorry they scared you, but we are fine for now. We removed the tracking devices under the tattoos they gave us while in captivity.” “We need to wrap this up quickly because these people are set on killing you.” I shook my head. “It is going to take as long as it takes. You know that. We are not going to back down. The fact they are trying to convince people we are dead is a telltale sign they are up to something…and do not want people coming to find us.” “Let me talk to the rest of the group and see what we can do to speed this along.” Once she disconnected the call, Jake walked over to me. “Everything is alright. Graham said that they have people investigating the scene right now and that they have had people from Kilo-Ait try to interfere with the investigation.” “That is because the people on Kilo-Ait know we are not in that SpaceCraft…and that if the Freedom Alliance investigates, they will discover that our DNA is not present in the vehicle.” I stood and paced in front of the bed. “I have no idea who knows we are here, but someone knows. We have to be careful, but the fact that they are trying to convince people we are dead indicates that they do not want people to come look for us…or maybe they do not want people to find out what they are hiding. I don't know why but I feel like I have to find the lab I used to work out of.” “You think whatever they are hiding might be in there.” “That or maybe the truth of how this disease started is in that lab. The lab was extremely guarded…and they had to know who was coming in and out at all times. I feel like whatever we need to solve that case is in that lab. It’s like there is a memory in my mind that I cannot bring into focus.” He nodded his head and decided, “Okay.” I pulled up the center of the East Hemisphere of Kilo-Ait on my QuanPad. I showed it to Jake. “So, if I remember correctly, and it has been awhile, but I believe the laboratory is in the University building over here. It is a hidden laboratory…like the one I had built into the Lightyears.” “You had a hidden laboratory built into the Lightyears? Where and for what reason?” “It is in my office…and so that I could work on IIB cases. I specialize in medical cases like this one…so it stands to reason I would need a lab. I put it in my office, so I could work on my cases, but still could hear if people were in my office or the waiting area.” “I can see that. Do you remember where the hidden laboratory is at the University?” “Yeah, I believe it is top floor, in the back, through the storage rooms.” “Then let’s go.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/29980188

The Lightyears Series - Episode 12 - Sitting Ducks 02/10/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 11 - The Memories 02/03/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 11 - The Memories “I have been better than you two, it seems. I have not been captured while I have been here. I am glad to see you are both in disguise. They will come after you if they know it is you.” She looked to Jake. “They will kill you, but,“ she persisted, glancing over at me, “they want her to fulfill tradition.” “Fulfill tradition,” Jake repeated. She nodded. “If you marry one of their sons and have children with him, and he dies, tradition states you are to marry the next brother. They want her to marry their son. They are going to force it. They don’t want their grandchildren to be raised by anyone not of their family.” I rolled my eyes. “I will not have my children raised by them…nor will I marry Philippe. Josh was the sane one in that family.” “They have their spies all around you. You need to be careful because these spies are giving them intel on you…and they have killed the people who have not returned by the deadline.” “What do you know about this disease? Have you found any evidence that it has originated from here?” “You are going to want to talk to Hunter Mayfield. He is at the University and is one of us. I have set up a meet for you and him tomorrow morning at 0900 hours. I will send the location and the codeword to your QuanPad.” “I appreciate that. Has he been researching it for awhile? Something in my gut wants to test the soil on this planet, but I don't know.” “I’d trust your gut,” she agreed, catching my eye. “I don’t know how it is possible to transmit it through the soil from one planet to another, but go ahead. It would be a great use of your time while Jake and I get re-acquainted. He has always had a thing for me. Remember when we…behind the mountains five years ago.” I raised my eyebrows, giving Jake an amused look. “Really now?” Jake shook his head and insisted, “I did not knowingly sleep or kiss anyone while I was here. If something happened between you and me, Kasia, I was either out of it or it was non-consensual.” “You are telling me that you don’t remember our relationship, our son, that you said you loved me…and that I was the only one you ever loved?” “I would never willingly do that to Dani.” “Kasia! Tell him the truth.” She wrinkled her nose. “Okay, okay, I was trying to see how loyal you are to her. We have never been together nor do we have a son.” Jake seemed relieved, then wondered, “Are you trying to find out if I am loyal because you are her friend or because you are interested in breaking us up?” “She is trying to find out how you are going to handle it if Philippe starts throwing those accusations around. We need to know any indiscretions they can bring up on you. Me? I don’t care and don’t want to know. That is none of my business, but Philippe—he is going to be cruel and vicious like his father—and is going to make up information to discredit you.” “We are in disguise. We are safe from all that.” “These people have their ways…we just have to make sure we are ready for anything.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/29765153

The Lightyears Series - Episode 10 - The Trip 01/27/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 10 - The Trip “And that brings us back to Project Sierra-Lima-Tango because as a part of it, a team was assigned to Kilo-Ait to observe. Their observation station was hidden in one of the mountains until there was a magnetic storm that caused some of the residents to see flashes of the observation station.” “Like when you are at home during a thunderstorm and the power is out and you see flashes of the room when lightning strikes,” Jessa wondered, looking at me. “Exactly. At that point, the Quavetezhdans investigated and attacked the observation station. That is when my team and I were brought into do our own investigation and tend to the wounded. Unfortunately, that is the mission that got me captured.” Jake questioned, wrinkling his brow, “Does that mean your children are half-Quavetezhdan?” I shook my head. “Charlie and Spencer’s father was adopted. He was pure Earthoid. His biological parents were killed in a SpaceCraft accident. I’ve wondered if that is why his adopted parents were not as broken up when Josh died.” I put my hand up. “However, just for your knowledge, Quavetezhdans are transformers.” “Transformers,” Tony questioned, then rubbed the muscles in his neck. “Transformers—in that they are able to change form. I have only seen them change from their natural appearance to humanoid, but it is possible for them to have more forms.” Nate posed, “So, how do you know that Josh was not Quavetezhdan?” “A DNA test and there are certain instances that a Quavetezhdan cannot transform or stay in a transformed state—one is when they are sleeping and the other is in more intimate settings.” Everyone was silent for a moment. “I understand we are saving everyone inflicted by this disease, but I find it hard to care about a race of people who tortured me in such horrific ways. I will, of course, but I find it difficult.” Zebby spoke up, “Of course, you do, but you are not going to want to make that trip to Kilo-Ait anytime soon. There is a bounty on your head of one trillion dollars to bring you back there, so they can kill you.” “Where did you hear this from?” “One of our team members on Kilo Ait. He said he overheard it at an Island Committee meeting as he is posing as one of their guards.” “Okay,” Jake stated, looking over at me, “so going to Kilo Ait is out of the question.” I shook my head and said with grave deliberation, “No, we are still going.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/29670648

The Lightyears Series - Episode 9 - The Emergency Meeting 01/20/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 8 - The Return Date 01/14/2024

The Lightyears Series - Episode 8 - The Return Date “Colonel Kassidy, this is Henrick Balsam. I have some information I think you might find interesting. I knew your late husband Josh. I grew up with him and Peter on the Island. Peter, Adam and I were not as free as Joshua, of course, but the kids who were trained in useful skills like engineering or medicine were able to leave with the understanding that there was a return date. If you didn't return, you would be executed. Adam not returning got him killed. Peter and my return date is in six months. We need to figure out who these people are and to stop them.” “You think that the leaders of the Island--Josh's family--is behind my brothers death?” “It is run by a committee of people. Josh’s family is the only members we know, but we don't know the mastermind…or who ordered the hit, but yes, I do believe that the Island Committee killed Adam because he wouldn't return. I know that they use this University to work on hush-hush projects. One of which I believe is this epidemic you are investigating. I am sending you what I have to collaborate my theory. You comb through it and see if we have anything. If you have any questions, let me know.” Then the line went dead. I moved my way out of the room and back down the hallway to see Jake coming toward me. “We had to put the Wheaton family on your cocktail of medications for the disease,” Jake advised me, turning me around, helping me to negotiate our way out of the Hospital maze. “We had to get it under control. Apparently, most of the patients we worked on have it.” “I am not surprised.” Once we finally made it out of the Hospital, he led me to the TravelTram. We took it to the Food Court. Sitting at a corner table in the back, I punched a baked ziti with a soda into the terminal screen embedded into the table. Jake typed in his order. Then he looked at me and smiled. Taking my hand, he whispered, “We did well in there today. What did your source say?” “He thinks the Island Committee had Adam killed because he didn't return by the date they told him to. Peter and my source have six months to return to captivity or be killed. We have to solve this by then because I know that I didn't want to meet my family, but now I want to get to know my brother and sister and their families. If we can help them stay alive and shut down the Island Committee…oh my lands, what if…” “What if?” “What if they killed Josh? He was a kid of a member of the Island Committee, but apparently his father was only one of the members. I was led to believe that Josh’s father was the head guy, but that may not be true. Nevertheless, he was my way out of that place.” The android server who was a blond-haired, blue-eyed woman dressed in black slacks and a long-sleeved, white shirt interrupted our conversation with our meals. She slipped a burger, which lay on a pillow of fries, in front of Jake before setting down a soda. She put my ziti and soda near me. Then she scurried off to the kitchen. Jake and I shot each other an amused glance. “I told them that we need more varied types of androids to serve in the Food Court. They cannot all look like her.” Jake raised the Privacy Wall around us, so no one could eavesdrop. “You think that Josh’s father would order a hit on his own son,” he returned to the original conversation, picking up his burger and putting it to his mouth, “that he did not have enough clout to save his son? And through this disease? Adam was killed in an explosion, wasn’t he? And why would they kill your sister-in-law and a lot of innocents?” He took a bite of his burger. After I finished my first bite of ziti, I answered, “Because these are not rational people. Taking people hostage and then letting them free with a date to return or they kill the people. That is not rational.” I took a sip of my soda, then looked at him over the rim. “I am going to tell you this up front. I am going after these people because it is our case and because we need to free my biological parents, but if it turns out they killed Josh or my brother, you are going to have to stop me from killing them.” I put the glass down. He frowned. “Because you loved Josh. Why avenge Adam? You didn’t even know him.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/29475663

Lightyears - Episode 7 - The Visitor 01/06/2024

Lightyears - Episode 7 - The Visitor “Josh is dead? He was Adam and my best friend growing up.” “Two years ago. He died of the disease. The one we have. I don't know if you know this, but he and I married to get me out of captivity. I was there for six months too…and he took a liking to me. It gave me an advantage in negotiations to release our parents, then Josh died.” “Do you have kids beside the one with…” He gestured toward the hallway. “My oldest daughter is Jake's, but Charlotte and Spencer were Josh's, and then there is Adam's kids. What about you?” “I have two boys with my wife Sarah. They are twelve and thirteen—Ethan and Liam. Our sister Brianna is married to Brett and have four children—two girls—Hope and Francesca and two boys—Logan and Samuel. Of course, Adam was married to Aubry and had Max and Zac.” “How does the birth order go? I am presuming I am the oldest.” He nodded. “You are, then me, Brianna and Adam. I still cannot believe our younger brother is gone. I could not believe you took in his children when you never met him or them.” “The Freedom Alliance couldn’t find anyone who was family, so they crossed the kids’ DNA with anyone in our intergalactic databases, and I matched them. They are a part of my family now, so I will not give them up without a fight.” “No one is asking you to.” He tilted his head to the side to look at me. “You thought I would come here to take Max and Zac away from you?” I nodded. “I have people fight me for everything I have, including my children, so…” He shook his head. “Absolutely not. We are not uprooting them again. At this point, after their parents died, they need a stable environment.” “I totally agree.” “What is the deal with that Jake guy?” “It is complicated. He and I met in high school. We were engaged. I kept putting off marrying him. We had Zariah, had a big fight and then he has spent the last ten years in captivity while I raised Zariah who is now fourteen.” “Do you still love him? It is obvious he is still into you.” I nodded. “However, a lot has happened to me in that ten years too.” “I know all this must be overwhelming for you…and you are going to want a DNA test to confirm what I am saying. I am also thinking you are going to want to speak with all your contacts to collaborate my story.” “Spoken like a true Federal Agent. I just have to give the information to my Clue Club sisters. We will know who you are by tomorrow night at the latest.” I didn’t see any signs of worry or anxiety. “Jessa is the heir to the IIB. Alex is an empath. Zebby is my best friend. All of them have my back.” “Does Jake know you are IIB?” I nodded. “On my current case, he is my partner. I don’t usually take on partners. I find they slow down the process because I have to run everything by them, but I don’t mind working with Jake on this one.” I sipped my drink before admitting, “Yes, I will want a DNA test, but I will also do a thorough background check. I don’t trust easily.” “I don’t blame you. I am that way too. I think it comes with the job. I am here for a few days, so where do I bunk?” “Let’s see—” Jake called over the music, down the hallway, “He can stay in one of the rooms on my side of the quarters.” “He wants to observe you,” I advised Peter, pointing toward Jake’s side of the quarters. “As long as you are on the up and up, you should be fine. Jake is good people, but he cannot stand people to hurt the ones he loves…and he loves me.” He moved off the barstool and headed down the hall. Once Jake got Peter settled in, he moved back down the hallway and came over to me. I put my hand up. “I am going to take the fingerprints from his mug and run them. I am going to test his DNA and run it against mine. We are going to give his name to our contacts…and we are going to make sure he is above board.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/29369498

Lightyears Series - Episode 5: No Disrespect 12/30/2023

Lightyears Series - Episode 5: No Disrespect “I didn’t break up with you. We had a fight…and we needed time to cool off. We would have worked it out eventually.” I shook my head. “I don’t think we would have. I don’t get over people telling me that they never loved me…that no one ever could love me…that I was way out of your league, that I was nothing but white trash.” “What are you talking about? I never said any of that. I would never say any of that.” “CHIP, play JRBU.” Jake’s voice played, “Jordana, I am relieved that things are out in the open. I am glad you know now that I have never loved you. It was fun slumming with you, but how could you think I would ever love you? I was just getting back at my parents for divorcing. I could not love white trash like you. You will never amount to anything. No one will ever love a girl like you who sleeps with other men and passes someone else’s daughter off as mine. We are through, and I hope you get all you deserve.” Jake’s eyes widened. “I know that sounds like me, but I did not say any of that. I don’t know who faked my voice to send that to you, but it was not me. You have to believe me.” “It matches your voice print.” “Then someone patched together parts of my voice, but I did not say that nor could I ever. How could you ever think that I would say that?” “We had that fight, and then the next day, this was left for me. As angry as you were, it made perfect sense that you would want to stick it to me and hurt me.” “Which is why I don’t understand why you kept it.” “Because proving that recording wrong became my sole mission in life outside of work and our daughter.” When I saw the stricken look on his face, I said with grave deliberation, “I am sorry. I tricked you. I knew I would know by the look on your face whether you sent it. You clearly didn't. I didn’t think you did because we have a connection…and I could not reconcile the connection with that recording, but who knows? You could have been a talented actor. Again, I am sorry.” “I am relieved that you really didn’t believe I sent it. The question is who did because I take issue with someone making you think I don’t love you…and never have. That is absolute rubbish. I loved you before you ever loved me. Who would send that to you?” “Oh, I don't know. Maybe the person who got a DNA test done on my daughter…and once she found out that Zariah was yours, tried to prove I was an unfit mother because I travel the galaxy with her in tow, so she could take my daughter and raise her. I have had Child Services investigate me so many times that they banned her from filing any more complaints against me.” He stared straight ahead. “My mother.” “I don't know for sure, but she is an Engineer and has the ability to put that recording together…and she is the person in your family who hates me. I don’t think she liked you dating a white girl, but that is neither here nor there. She is the only one who caused me trouble about Zariah after you were captured.” “I don’t understand her interest in torturing you and Zariah. I cut them out of my life when they made me choose you or them. I chose you.” “I don't know. It is possible it is not her, but who else would want me to believe that you never loved me…and that no one would ever love me…” “The fact that she tried to take my daughter away from her mother is a problem whether or not she was the originator of that recording. I am starting to see why you are hesitant to be with me again.” “I am surprised that you still would want to be with me considering that bombshell I told all of you.” /episode/index/show/1760d6e8-3f8f-45d1-9209-84aa4d46e5db/id/29282088

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