The Call of the Swarm
Page 26
“I know what kind of world we live in…” began Xe, but he honestly didn’t know how to finish. He shook his head keeping quiet for several moments, and then gave his host a side glance. “You find me amusing, don’t you?”
“Oh, yes. It was especially funny when you fainted with fear that time in the spider web. You turned out to be one brave fellow indeed!”
Xe glowered at him and shut up, very much offended, turning back to proceed with his honey-making.
“Don’t be mad. I was just kidding,” Rogue said in an appeasing tone. “It had to be a horrible experience and I’m sorry I mocked you, all right? The thing is, I need something interesting to keep me occupied. I love my life, but occasionally it gets boring.”
The Scout replied nothing.
“You know what? If you quit sulking, I’ll reveal you something that you are dying to know.”
That made Xe curious and he gave in. “And what might that be?”
“Me. I puzzle you. Say it isn’t true! I’m not what a Rogue should be and you wonder how it’s possible. The fact is, I have told you already, only you didn’t listen. So I’ll repeat; ‘My Queen’.”
Xe was staring blankly. “You said that for the Queen of Galahas?”
“Yes. The Queen of Galahas! You see, she also emits a Song which binds her swarm together, in the same way Eeols are bound by the Song of the Eeol Queen.”
“What Song? I’m not picking up anything.”
“You can’t hear it. Neither can I, but my body responds to it. That’s why I’m not fully changed. Although the Galahas Song isn’t a true Eeol Song, it’s similar enough to mitigate the Rogue turning process and grant me the sanity of mind. Without that, I would rather be dead.”
25.
Friendship
Little by little, Xe was getting better.
His flying gear recovered completely, and he was again fit for flying. The cracks in his armor and helmet have healed as well as the wound at his belt. The two batteries he had lost in the Stream couldn’t grow back, but he had another ten left, and his energy-storing ability wasn’t decreased by a large extent.
At first the Rogue took him on short trips near their dwelling. There was a large open space below the steep southern slope in which the Galahas lived, covered with black and gray pebbles and practically free of plants. Beside dozed tiny shallow mire, stripped with mud bars and stretching all the way to the Stream.
Once Xe regained his full strength, his new friend showed him the whole area. The scenery around was fairly monotonous with small rocks, big rocks and a few thickets, with the silver ribbon of the Stream in the background. Rare flowers adorned this desolated range, but for two of them that was enough.
“See that yellowish-brown pillar of sandstone?” The Rogue indicated to his co-Flyer who was gasping. No matter how hard Xe tried he couldn’t match the Rogue’s speed, and keeping up was difficult for him. “Farra plants grow at its foot! Through the entire warm season, you can always find food in this place!”
The Rogue shouted to make himself heard above the wind. It was windy here all the time, and cloudy too; the sun hardly ever had the opportunity to warm up the bare rocks. The air was constantly cold and damp, even at midday.
Still, Xe was starting to like this land. Moreover, he started to like this life without duties of any kind, with no commands to take and no rules to obey. There were no annoying Superiors behind him controlling his every step, just days of leisure.
Each time he went out, the Rogue accompanied him, and that made Xe feel surprisingly secure. His new friend assured him he could repel any attack that might occur here, and indeed, there was not a single scar visible on his armor. When the Scout looked at him closer, he also realized the Rogue resembled Eeol Kings; the rogue-turning process obviously pushed regular Eeols to develop some of their traits.
Besides, there weren’t that many creatures living around here anyway. They kept away from the thickets which were the most dangerous places. Occasionally a Grabbing Fly would pop up cruising the sulky skies, but the sharp Rogue’s senses would catch its approach in time and they would clear off its path unnoticed.
Their quarters at the Galahas dwelling were more soundly lit now, illuminated both by the peculiar glow of the Rogue’s wax and the normal green glow of wax Xe had made. He did some rebuilding for better comfort, putting his wax pumps to work, and the Rogue consented. His own wax was not good quality and it was produced with difficulty. The diligent Eeol paved all of the rock surfaces with smooth wax, and the Galahas sheets were thrown away. He erected a new dividing wall in the main chamber, placed more sitting pieces around and made a pair of proper hanging rails in the ceiling. He also wax-framed the outer opening of the corridor and built a small ledge there.
The Scout also spared no effort in making honey for his host. The large quantities of nectar were converted to a sweet sticky substance inside Xe’s belly, and one by one the gaping cells of the honeycombs got filled up and then closed with waxy lids. A lot of excessive water was remaining after this process, and Xe disposed of it by simply sprinkling it over the cliffs while standing at the corridor entrance.
Once when it was raining from the early morning, the two friends couldn’t go out and stayed at the small residence the whole day just killing time. Likewise, the Galahas were weather-bound to their caves and didn’t venture out; their droning buzz echoed ceaselessly through the thin layers of rock.
The two friends were now hanging together in the honeycomb chambers. The Rogue sat on a round wax shard fondling an interestingly-shaped plant husk, while Xe knelt beside a row of empty cells and stuffed them full. Thick orange paste was lazily pouring out of his suction pipes; but he stopped in one moment and looked down at his arms. Something was troubling him.
“Rogue,” he said worriedly, “am I turning as well? Becoming a Rogue too?”
His friend tossed the plant husk across the floor. “And it’s a bad thing being a Rogue?”
“I didn’t mean it like that…”
His host chuckled. “Yes, I know you didn’t. Don’t worry, it’s a slow process, and you’ll be home with your beloved Queen way before the first changes have the time to occur.”
“I guess I will,” muttered Xe and proceeded with his work. Going back to the Hive and his Queen? Did he really wish that?
Soon he ran out of honey and had to terminate his work. The Scout walked down the corridor to take a look outside.
It was pouring over the badlands. The lead-grey clouds showered huge raindrops that reminded him of his near fatal accident and fall in the Stream, and he got scared and pulled back into the safety of their rocky home. He slowly buzzed back to the honeycomb chamber. The Rogue was seated on the same wax piece, and Xe remembered there was something else he wanted to ask him.
“Rogue, where do you come from? How did you become a Rogue?”
“How did I become a Rogue?” his friend grumbled. “By losing my Queen, naturally. My entire Swarm has perished.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. What happened?”
The Rogue stiffened for a moment, looking sharply at him, and then relaxed. “Really, why wouldn’t I tell you. Sit down by me, friend, and listen. There is not much to tell anyway.”
Xe did.
“Once upon a time, years ago, I lived in a Hive. It was cramped and full of activity, just as Hive should be, brimming with thousands of Eeols. We had a Queen, the Supremes, Flyers, Internals, and all that. Me, I was a Gatherer; a very young one, just a Starter. Day after day we flew out in swarms to gather ample harvests, as our territory consisted of large and rich meadows. I had many friends and time flew by. It was a nice life, I can’t deny that.” The Rogue paused for a moment, his eyes glassy with memories of the time long gone.
“Anyway, one day, some Swarm Leader discovered another Hive just across our border. It was weak and diminishing, and he broke in with his swarm and ravaged their remaining honey supply. I remember a great celebration when he brought the spoi
ls to our Hive, and nobody thought the Leader had done something bad.”
The Rogue sighed. “But soon we found out why that foreign Hive was so weak. It was struck by a plague, and from the stolen honey we got infected too. A terrible epidemic raged in my Swarm like a fire, decimating our forces, and eventually claiming the life of my Queen. There was no replacement, and it was the end for my Swarm. The Hive was abandoned as survivors turned Rogues and scattered across the plains.”
He eyed Xe. “Now you want to know how I got stuck here with the Galahas.”
The Scout nodded.
“By pure luck. It was as simple as that. I had to crawl into this cave searching for shelter, although I have no memory of doing so. My initial Rogue days are a blur, and I remember almost nothing from that period. The Song of the Galahas Queen brought me back to my senses, and when my mind cleared up, I discovered I was all alone and decided to stay here. The Song has kept me sane ever since, for which I’m most grateful to my new Queen. I haven’t run into anybody from my former Swarm again. I assume they all died quickly after turning Rogues.”
“You have never actually mixed with your kind?”
“I have never met someone truly of my kind. Ordinary Rogues are just blind monsters, and it’s impossible to communicate with them. No, I’ve lived alone. In the beginning it was hard, but now I’m good. I embraced my new life fully and learned to love it.”
“Remarkable story,” admired Xe. “So, what’s your real name?”
“Name? You mean batch, nursery and that? I have no idea. My old days before the turning are now all hazy to me and no way can I recall it. Simply keep calling me Rogue.”
The Scout nodded. All this time he believed his host just didn’t want to tell him. He wondered what more strange things he would learn about him.
Later in the evening, when they both were already hanging upside down hooked by their leg spikes and closed into their armors, Xe whispered, “Rogue?”
“Yes, I’m still awake.” His friend’s voice was muffled. “What is it, Scout?”
“Why does it take a long time for one to become a Rogue?”
“What kind of question is that? Because. Things are what they are. You think too much.”
“Everybody says that, but I can’t help it. There are some issues that bother me, and it seems I’ll have to find the answers myself. No-one is going to hand them over to me.”
“Fine conclusion, damned rattler. That’s because your problems originate from within you.”
“Perhaps. I guess I’m pretty confused at this point. And Rogue, you know what?”
“What?” His host’s voice was slightly irritated.
“I have to admit, before running into you, I used to loathe Rogues and thought of them as atrocities. Yet you turned out all right. You are a good friend, and I’m very glad I met you.”
“Great to hear it,” murmured Rogue. “Enough talks. Go to sleep.”
The next day was nice; as nice as a day with low-hanging clouds and no sun could be. Two friends flew out to loiter away. The Rogue chose a perfectly-flat plateau on top of a huge bare cliff which was overlooking the Stream. It offered a splendid view of the badlands, but Xe barely paid attention at all, being busy complaining about the Supremes’ decisions back in the Hive.
“Can I give you a piece of advice, Scout? Don’t judge your Superiors too harshly. They are doing what they think is best.”
Xe refused to drop the subject and was getting more and more agitated. “What they think is best, yes. Forgetting the impact of their decisions on others! Forgetting the loss of lives… while we, the ordinary Eeols, must hold our tongues and follow their orders!”
“The Swarm has its rules.”
“Rules and regulations, I know! I couldn’t care less. And all that talk about order, which they keep repeating time after time… maybe I’m through listening!” Xe looked firmly at his friend. “Rogue, I don’t want to go back.”
“Is that so?” he replied.
“The Supremes failed me. The Swarm failed me! I was executing my orders wholeheartedly, and what good did it do? I couldn’t save my friends from dying. And life in the Hive just went on like nothing happened, like they were never alive!” Enraged, Xe grabbed a heavy stone lying by his feet and flung it aimlessly. It bumped dully on the hard rocky ground some distance away.
He turned back to the Rogue. “I’m sick and tired of that life, and I can’t take it anymore. Please, let me stay here.”
“It’s fine with me,” Rogue’s tone was impassive. “I like your company and you are welcomed to stay. But the real question is, will it make you happy? So think twice before taking this step.”
“There is nothing to think about! I enjoy living outside the community with no Superiors around. It’s so wonderful to have the freedom to do whatever you want. Back in the Hive my life often seemed meaningless, and I daydreamed about leaving the Swarm and living on my own. I knew it was just a fantasy. But things have changed, and happiness is now within my grasp!”
“Life in the Swarm has its downsides, Scout, but that’s the life Eeols are made for and the only one which can truly fulfill you.”
“How can you not understand? You, who is living by yourself!”
“I’m a Rogue and that makes a difference. Besides, what happened to me wasn’t my choice. I was content in my Swarm. Let’s wait a little longer before you make a final decision, shall we? Do some more thinking in the following days and then make up your mind.”
“Good. Because I won’t change my mind.” He defiantly stepped closer to the edge of the cliff, looking at the cloudy sky overhead.
Some time passed in silence.
“Have I ever mentioned how much it delights me to observe Heps in their flight?” Xe said in calmer voice. “It always cheers me up. There’s nothing I would like more than to see one again.”
“Ah,” said Rogue. “The lightheaded Heps.”
“Such gleeful and careless beings. It impresses me how blissful they always look while having their pleasure in the skies. A Hep doesn’t have to obey anybody or waste days in drudging or risk his head for someone else’s gain. Isn’t that a gorgeous life?”
“Gorgeous for Heps. But you are an Eeol and such life isn’t for you.”
“That’s unfair!”
“Listen, Scout. You like to watch Heps? No problem, we have one of them around. I know exactly where to find him, and if you wish we can go this instant to see our magnificent Relative.”
“That would be brilliant! Let’s waste no time!”
But that trip didn’t go the way Xe had expected.
Rogue took him to a gloomy cave. It had a single entrance concealed within the narrow canyon and a damp tunnel leading to a large dreary chamber with the bottom drenched in a muddy slush. The stench was horrible.
Xe followed his friend down the intimidating cavern in silence, hovering with disgust past the grotesque-shaped stalactites and stalagmites protruding from its bottom and ceiling like some abominable teeth.
In one murky corner lay a heap of decaying metal. At closer look, the rusty heap consisted of decrepit yet discernible body parts. There was one huge breastplate and a helmet with a broken visor, rusting hand spikes, battered shin guards and other pieces. The sad remnants of what was once a Hep.
“Oh, I forgot to mention that the Hep I was talking about happened to be dead,” grinned Rogue in a way Xe found most irritating.
“You see, their lifespans are short. If they get sick or injured, like this one did, there’s nobody to nurse them back to health. Even the mighty Galahas are quite ephemeral. They have no means of making imperishable supplies and only their Queens has the sufficient battery capacities to survive the winter. So, in the end, it is not always bad to be an Eeol.”
Xe wasn’t convinced and stubbornly clung to his position.
He kept ruffling over the following days. Then one night the situation for him was complicated further when he had a dream about his Hive.
It was a pleasant dream, and Xe felt puzzled after he woke up with an agonizing sense of loss starting to brew in his chest.
He was home-sick. It was impossible to deny. He wasn’t missing only his friends but much more, all the familiar corners of his Hive and its daily schedules and huge red masses of his kind, yearning to hear again the thundering buzz of Eeol air-screws; although the Galahas produced a similar sound, it simply wasn’t the sweet call of the Eeol Swarm. He missed the scouting too, and that sense of satisfaction and pride he was feeling when providing for the community. His old life was rewarding in a way, Scout had to admit to himself. But he refused to give in. I made my decision, he thought, and I’m not going back.
That noon found Xe strolling through their quarters all by himself, as Rogue had a habit of leaving him behind when visiting places he considered too dangerous for his slow friend. It was silent in a green and orange lit dwelling and only a subtle humming of the Galahas resonated out of the walls as always. In one instance a series of scratching came from the other side of the rock, as the Galahas were obviously removing some old plant-pulp sheets from within their chamber.
The Scout tried to occupy himself with repairs, casting a few drops of liquid wax here and there; but in vain as various scenes from his past kept popping before his eyes, and he couldn’t make them go away no matter how hard he tried. He stopped his work and sat down on a nearby wax piece, wondering what his Eeols were saying about him nowadays. Did the Swarm praise him or condemn his recklessness? Or perhaps they have already forgotten him?