“It is more than obvious that this creature we are talking about is dangerous! We would be putting the Queen in jeopardy. She’s not approving this idea!”
Xe snapped back. “Was that her exact words, Page?”
MedaM0075 belched and gave him an angry look but shrunk a little.
“Not really,” he growled in a lower tone.
“What did she actually say?”
The Head Page was gritting his teeth and casting a quick glance toward his crowd.
“The Queen was not notified about this subject yet,” he admitted at last. “What I wanted to say was it is very likely that the Queen wouldn’t approve it.”
Xe grinned. “You shouldn’t jump to conclusions, Page. Let’s wait for the Queen’s opinion.”
Insulted and deeply incensed, MedaM0075 shut up.
“Does anybody wish to add something more before I close this session?” asked Supreme BeraX7719, looking unnerved with the development of the discussion.
“I do, Sir,” said Supreme LegaP9308. “I have one more question for Commander XeraM6697. This Rogue we are discussing, where is he now?”
Scout hesitated.
“In a hideaway,” he said reluctantly.
“Somewhere close?”
Xe looked at BeraX7719. “Are you granting him safety, Sir?”
“That’s understood, Commander. Answer the question.”
“Yes,” he confirmed half-heartedly. “In the vicinity of our Hive.”
“He’s very good at hiding as he managed to stay concealed from us. Did you see him after your return?”
“I sneaked out to visit him several times,” confessed the Scout.
There were muttered gasps from the crowd, while Supreme LegaP9308 shook his head. “Sneaked out? So you were going out alone. What were you thinking, Commander? Do you realize how foolish that was? Moreover, it’s grounds for a disciplinary action. Do you get that?”
Xe said nothing but looked at the floor.
“Enough of this,” interjected Supreme BeraX7719. “This is not the place for such decisions. I hereby proclaim this meeting closed. The Supreme Command will take five days to evaluate the issue, and then pass its recommendation on to the Queen who will be informed of this subject instantly.” He looked sternly at MedaM0075 who just pursed his lips in response.
“And you, Commander XeraM6697,” the Supreme turned to Xe. “Until we have more insight into your case, you will remain in service like before. But no more of those ‘visits’ of yours until further notice, understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” he muttered.
The following five days were the longest in Xe’s life.
He continued with his scouting missions, but the pressure and uncertainty he had to face over that period were almost unbearable. The Swarm watched him awkwardly, and wherever he would go Eeols were turning, pointing fingers and whispering remarks.
On the dilemma of accepting Rogue, some Flyers were in favor and some were against, and it seemed the Swarm has divided nearly evenly. Xe’s reputation as a respected and admired Scout was helping a lot, and many Eeols who seriously doubted the idea sided with him due to his popularity. But that didn’t matter because the real power to make decisions rested in the hands of a Queen; her word was the law, and she was the one holding the solution to this dilemma.
Xe pretended to be confident before the Pages, but deep down he was worried. Even though he was a Queen’s child and shared the Hive with her his entire life, he didn’t actually know her. The Queen was distant, all-mighty and untouchable, and stayed equally puzzling to him as she was in his Internal days. Being so prone to whims, it was impossible to predict which way her will would swing in a unique case like this one.
At least in his scouting company Xe didn’t face any problems as Scouts mostly responded with curiosity rather than fear and sided with their Mission Commander to admit Rogue into their lines. The general atmosphere there was supportive or at least tolerable. Naturally, unit 84 stood behind their Scoutmaster like always and backed him up completely.
Jo couldn’t settle down after he had heard the true version of Xe’s adventure. Instead of worrying over the possibility of getting a weird and maybe dangerous stranger to work with, his reaction was pure excitement.
“Your experience is even more amazing than I believed, Sir! If only we could get this Rogue to fly with us. We need somebody remarkable like him to break up our dull daily routine.”
“He calls flying with us dull,” noted Se and Se, snickering.
“I have never seen a Rogue,” said Fe. “It would be interesting to study his armor and gear. You say they are similar to those of Kings, Sir?”
Xe nodded.
“And if the Queen accepts him, in what status will he join us?”
“As a Trooper, I guess. But nothing is sure yet, Scouts.”
And the Morning Rally of a big decision finally came.
Impatient Eeols packed the Central Chamber, younger ones scuttling over the floor and the rest clinging to the sieved walls. The Hive virtually reverberated with chatter and short buzzes of the air-screws.
Today Xe was called to the promontory for the first time in his life. It was strange for him to climb on the large waxy projection, which was a restricted area for all but a privileged few, and to observe the vastness of the Central Chamber from there. So, this is what it feels to be a Supreme, he thought automatically.
A small party collected by his side. There were three Supremes, several Eeols from their escort, and a handful of First Class Commanders. Interestingly, the Queen’s Servants couldn’t be seen anywhere, not a single one of them.
“Pages aren’t coming,” explained BeraX7719 to Xe while adjusting his visor somewhat pretentiously. “But I have already met them, and we had a talk.”
“Sir?” Xe held his breath.
The Supreme looked at him and smiled.
“The Queen likes you, Commander. I’m not sure why, but she does, and it’ll go your way. She is interested in your idea and approves of you bringing the Rogue over to the Hive. She even ordered that no disciplinary action is to be taken against you on account of your little trips.”
A huge burden was raised of Xe’s chest. “That makes me tremendously happy, Sir.”
“I can imagine. From my side, I’m satisfied this fuss is over. Sometimes it seems to me your sole reason for existence is to make my life complicated, Commander.”
The Supreme took a couple of steps toward the promontory front and cleared his throat.
“Eeols of the Swarm, attention!” He began, and everybody became quiet. “I’m opening the Morning Rally. As you are already aware, we have a special subject on our agenda today. It is my duty and privilege to share with you the decision of our Queen…”
Once Xe had nothing to be afraid of, it was easy to withstand the unfolding of yet another of the Supreme’s long speeches. He daydreamed about the coming days, reckoning it would be best for Rogue to settle with him in his quarters for a start. The two of them together, just like it was in the dwelling of the Galahas.
“So, you still insist on going alone?” asked BeraX7719 when the Rally had finished. Tailed by the Supreme’s escort, they were walking down a short corridor in the Supreme Command Quarters which was to open into another larger passage.
Xe nodded.
“Sir, I can’t say how Rogue might react seeing an Eeol party nearing his hideaway. He might get it the wrong way, so it’s best that I go by myself as always.”
“You are playing a dangerous game, Commander. There are many hungry things outside.”
“Undoubtedly, Sir, but it’s not far away, and I’m taking this risk for the last time. Besides, I have to take my chances in one direction only. When returning with the Rogue, I assure you, I’m going to be no less safe than I am with the entire scouting company.”
The Supreme sighed. “I have never laid my eyes on a such head-strong Eeol. Very well, Commander, go solo and get your Rogue. And try not to get
killed in the process.”
A short time after, Xe was zigzagging through the brassy meadow which was dividing the Hive from the Old Bluetop.
Down here among the plants, he felt more secure than dashing high in the open air. He advanced much faster than on previous trips as being spotted from the Promenade was not an issue any more, and it became unnecessary to look for cover. The short voyage went peacefully and no creatures bigger than the Flea Beetles crossed his way.
The Scout landed right by the Bluetop, gently pushing aside the brassy tendrils. Many were already starting to wilt, signaling the approaching of the cold season.
“Rogue!” he called out.
The reddish-golden figure shot instantly out of the withering metallic coppice.
“So you finally turned up! With all these days passing, I was beginning to worry that something had happened to you. Good to see you in one piece, Scout.”
“Something did happen, Rogue, but it’s not bad. Listen to me closely; I have a lot to say.”
They sat on one toppled log facing one another, but after few moments Rogue leapt back to his feet.
“You did what?!”
Xe gave his friend a puzzled look. “Why are you upset? Yes, I told them, and my Swarm opted to accept you. Everything is in order, and I’m here to lead you to my Hive.”
But Rogue wasn’t calming down. Looking infuriated, he was striding up and down, scowling and shouting at his bewildered friend.
“Oh, nice work! You planned it all and got things in order, didn’t you, Scout? Without consulting me! Have you not remembered to ask what I think of that first?!”
“True, I didn’t tell you anything in advance… because I thought you would like it. I focused my attention on how to persuade my Eeols, assuming that they were the key problem, and that you wouldn’t have any objections.”
“But I do have objections! You assume too much, Eeol! I’m not like you. You think I want to live in the Hive? Think again! The Swarm life doesn’t appeal to me one bit and I don’t long for it. And guess what, I’m returning to Galahas right away!”
Xe stiffened in disbelief. “What are you talking, Rogue? You are not coming with me?”
“No way! I have wasted too much time here anyway. I want my Queen. I crave to see her marvelous form again and to hear her powerful buzz echoing through the rocks.”
“She’s the Queen of Galahas, not of Eeols! You said yourself the life of Relatives does not suit us. Besides, my Queen gave you a great honor by taking you into our Hive. It was not heard of ever before.”
“I don’t feel honored! And I doubt she’s sincere. Who knows what fate would await me in there? I’m leaving! You made a horrible mistake with this, Scout.”
“I stood up for you!”
“I didn’t ask you to!”
Xe rubbed his visor. “Please, Rogue, reconsider! I beg you. Nobody would mistreat you. The Supreme Command and the Queen herself grant you safety. Let me take you to my Hive!”
“No!”
There was a long and awkward silence.
“Go away, Eeol,” snarled Rogue, “and don’t look back.”
Without a word, Xe buzzed up into the air with his heart breaking.
He dove into the thin meadow jungle again. This time he didn’t pay attention to anything around him, not the blue skies fleeced with snow-white cloudlets or the dry rusty leaves on the ground. His mind was reeling. How could this happen? In his wildest dreams he wasn’t expecting a reaction of this kind from the Rogue. But then again, evidently Xe didn’t know him as well as he believed. The Scout regretted not discussing his idea with Rogue first, but it hadn’t seemed relevant before, and now it was too late.
He has lost his friend.
Xe sighed, pondering what to say in the Hive. He would have to explain how it was possible that, after causing so much trouble to the Superiors and others, he didn’t have a Rogue to produce in the end. All that effort wasted. Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut instead, thought Xe, I would be better off.
One large branch of the Buddi Buddi with bark peeling in tattered ribbons got in his way, and he ascended to fly over it. But some noisy buzz thundered from just overhead, and it sent cold jitters running down his spine. Horrified, Xe jolted and tumbled over in the air with blaster tips popping automatically out of his wrists as he was turning around.
A familiar reddish-golden figure was hovering above him.
“Do you mind me having second thoughts, Scout?”
“Rogue?”
“Yes. I would like to join your Swarm after all. That is, if you still want me.”
“Sure I do. I’m so glad to see you again!” Xe retracted his blasters and charged on Rogue, gripping him into a warm hug. “I thought I lost you forever!”
“You didn’t expect me to come after you?” he laughed, and Scout laughed back.
“What kept you? But seriously, what made you change your mind?”
Rogue shrugged. “Maybe you were right. I actually like this idea of yours. I’m sorry I cracked there by the Bluetop. It was foolish of me, I admit. You shocked me, and I responded impulsively. In fact, I do wish to live in the Hive, with a real Eeol Queen and the whole lot, and I would like to come with you.”
“You won’t regret it, Rogue! You’ll fit in nicely, you’ll see. My Eeols are a fine crowd. Sometimes pestering, but fine, and you’ll love them.”
“You said your Queen and the Supremes guarantee my safety?”
“You can hold them by their word. Why? You aren’t afraid, are you?”
“A little,” he admitted. “You Eeols aren’t gentle with Rogues.”
“You have nothing to worry about. But let’s not mention this petty argument of ours to anybody. We thought of asking for your acceptance to the Swarm together, all right?”
“No problem.”
31.
Quest for the Last Pastures
Further development of the situation didn’t go exactly like clockwork, but no major problems arose either. Pressed by the Queen’s commands, Eeols met Rogue in the Central Chamber; in quite cold way though, as nobody talked much. Fear drifted in the air and the vast red mass surrounding the two friends kept their distance. The prime concern for the Swarm was ensuring safety.
“Don’t worry if my fellows look distrusting,” Xe whispered to Rogue. “They are a little tense at the moment, but will unwind eventually.”
Suddenly the hushed muttering around them stopped. The red crowd nervously divided to make room as three Supremes arrived together with their usual escort, landing slowly on the floor and hailing the newcomer.
“The Supreme Command bids you welcome to the Hive, Rogue,” said BeraX7719 in a stern and official tone, trying to keep calm while it was pretty obvious this encounter made him extremely anxious.
The Supreme wisely chose not to get involved more than necessary and kept the conversation to a minimum, setting out a probation period for the Rogue lasting until the first snow. There was a list of conditions he had to fulfill, particularly regarding complying with the general rules and regulations of the Swarm and strict obedience to all Superiors. The other two Supremes didn’t say a word and only gazed forward in silence.
Rogue was also fairly quiet for the entire time, just nodding and giving brief affirmative answers, but he didn’t seem dissatisfied.
The last thing BeraX7719 demanded was for him to remain under rigorous surveillance until the end of the probation period. That matter was already discussed and arranged in advance.
“I gladly volunteer for this duty, Sir,” asserted Xe.
“Very well, Commander. Dismiss.”
It was logical that the Supreme Command considered the stranger to be Xe’s responsibility and expected him to supervise Rogue; and he readily accepted that obligation, rejoicing with the unlimited time it would provide him to hang out with his friend.
“Come, Rogue, I’ll show you the Commanders’ Area for a start,” beckoned Xe, heading for the Main Tunnels. “And m
y sleeping quarters where we will reside.”
A large party of Eeols trailed them. It was a safety measure that the Supremes agreed for the trial period, and on Xe’s special request, it consisted of Scouts from his company only. He felt more comfortable that way, and none of them minded that service as they were monitoring the newcomer with wonder rather than fear.
Rogue remained inside the Hive while Xe was showing him around and giving instructions. They were now constantly together, and the Scout’s presence was most beneficiary to Rogue who was having a hard time. After living solitary for so long, he has become unaccustomed to a community life, and vague memories from the past were coming back to him very slowly and in hazy pictures. Despite that, he wasn’t discontent.
“It’s nice here,” he said when Xe had asked him how he liked it so far. “And taking everything into consideration, this whole thing is going pretty well.”
Bit by bit, he was adjusting to the ways of the Swarm, and it was clear that with a little more time, he would be just fine.
Eeols were getting familiar with Rogue too. After they had a chance to know him and make sure he was friendly and a sound fellow, they grew less nervous. The atmosphere of suspicion diminished, and it wasn’t long before the Swarm got used to him.
Certainly, the reactions from individuals varied. The majority simply held reserved while some had a taste for him, and some brewed with pure hatred. The Queen’s authority was efficiently suppressing the later from expressing their views publicly, and widely present respect for Xe was aiding as well. Only the resentful Queen Servants continued to show open hostility. Holding a grudge against the Scout for bringing over a creature so dire in their eyes, they kept to their quarters creeping out only for brief instances to do their duty and transfer messages.
On the outside, the warm days drew to a close.
The overall temperature dropped and nights became chilly with traces of frost glittering in shady places in the mornings, though still melting rapidly after the sunrise. The northern wind blew regularly, and the skies turned leaden and cloudy with cold rains frequently forcing Eeols to cling to their waxen home and abort their food gathering activities. Even when the skies would clear up, they had a lot of difficulty locating the last flourishing groves. The objective wasn’t to pile up stocks any longer but simply to collect enough food to get the Hive through this period without broaching its honey supply before winter would actually knock at the door.
The Call of the Swarm Page 31
