by Marcus Sloss
They actually hopped at my orders and went to catch up to Jevon. I removed my Gpad alert while placing my elbows on the table and tucked my chin into my palms.
“I was saying you get protection and still the ability to adventure across the portals. We now have the capability to hunt for portals by flying around. That was not possible for the Bastion Community before, which means a solid stronghold is more important than living near a gate. Being able to choose which Xgate is the best to raid based on many criteria opens new windows. I know, no aircraft can fly through gates, but they can shuffle troops quickly and even hover across. I am rambling a bit but I am excited for the future. We have been given an opportunity by our contract holder that most of our kind could only dream about. Sally will go over the actual details in a moment while I set this up,” Willis said shifting out of the way.
The projector screen flipped to an image of a map of the western half of the old United States. Sally pointed at a slew of flashing red dots which instantly grabbed our attention. There was a huge pattern here that I had already witnessed but this version was layered better. The obvious result was once populous areas were covered in red meandering dots.
Even Aspen got an Xgate so it wasn’t a complete pattern because there were sporadic red dots on the map like the five in the Arctic. I scooted my chair back and a scraping sound of the taver crafted pine against the hardwood floor drew attention.
I stepped around those seated to approach Sally. “Options?” My voice was inquisitive yet stern.
“Not Colorado. Again, outpost sure. But there are a dozen Xgates in the state alone. New Mexico holds mountains, but again, more Xgates all close,” Sally said and I saw her add a little blue blinking light to the north. “I have combed through their databases. The US Government had many such secret facilities. This Teton Fortress was a colony ship testing facility. Built to sustain a million beings on a journey to a new home. The Alpha Centauri training grounds it was called completed in the winter of 2031, almost as if they knew this event was coming. It meets every criterion that the powers to be needed. Isolated, safe, and big enough to save a million of the country’s top minds.”
“I am surprised the Teton Fortress was kept a secret,” I said while glancing at the map. Two new green dots populated. I pointed to the first one. “This is not far from the Teton Fortress.”
“Correct, Mount Moran. Based on data it has exactly what we need but it is not the only option that fit my parameters. There is also this spot here. In Canada, northwest of Calgary in a northern section of a place called Banff. There are logistical issues with settling in both locations. Let me go over the positives first.
“The site under Mount Moran will have a waterfall that flows into a river that feeds a lake. The terrain requires minimal adjusting to -”
An “Oh” escaped Perci. She couldn’t hold it in anymore. She shot out of her chair and said, “This is us moving underground. I… grrrr… Why?”
“Limited entry points, limited exposure. A divine-ape can hurl a big rock at a floating city but once fortified collapsing a cavern is impossible in one sweep. Also, I can create a literal sun of sorts with these extra generators that will provide lighting and life for plants or trees from most planets. Everything can be tailored to exactly how we want it. Biomes for different sections and so on. Then think about the fact that there will be very limited exposure to Xgates. If you do happen to anger a foe, it will take days to reach your settlement at a minimum unless we leave the space undefended. They are always on a clock unless they settle above you,” Sally said with a sigh.
Willis slurped forward. “Going underground will be no different than being above ground when we are done. Something so grand you would expect it to be in a movie. I have no doubt, given time, both Aspen and Mansion will fall. Just like they would have if you did not help the Divine-Apes. Dead, enslaved, and assuredly defeated. And the bonus is we can move before the next blue gate which may bring the cataclysmic foe you, which is now us, have not managed to engage yet.”
Perci grumbled and said, “Eric, maybe we need to dial this back a bit and have a meeting without -”
“Let the briefing finish,” I scolded my lovely lady who was on the edge of tears. “Perci, we need to what is best for everyone here.”
This was Perci’s first home, the first place not dominated by her mother. I knew her pains and this one I understood. My footsteps echoed across the hardwood floors. She batted my hands away until I plucked her firmly out of her chair. She folded into me before we even sat in my rocking chair.
“I will conclude the briefing by giving you a choice. Mount Moran is smaller to start with. With time and supplies, we can grow our new home into a Mega-City. Banff if larger, but more Xgates nearby. Calgary and Edmonton have three each. You also do not have the close trading partners in Fortress Teton, but we do have air capabilities now. And you are going further north. We control the interior environment but the nearest Xgates will be snowed out in both places on the surface.”
The next realization hit me. “This is their plan.”
“Whose plan?” Willow asked.
Longoria chimed in and said, “Those who confine us. If you are under the ground, afraid of the surface, but dwelling comfortably, then we can expand like a species here called ants. Communities will rationalize there is little value in going to the stars. When you're underground is built up enough you move to the surface. Then you can claim a defeated desolate world for expansion. Many species conclude that this is part of the plan, not the whole plan but yes. Stage one is realizing you must adapt to survive.”
I leaned forward, pointing at Longoria from around Perci and said, “You have eluded to being wise with surviving for many years Longoria. Please give your opinion based on your experiences.”
“I have lived in worse than what we have now. Every time it was defeated. I have lived on the surface near an Xgate in better strongholds than these. Defeated. The sky cities do well and are fantastic to live in. They can outrun most threats and as long as they stay in the atmosphere they are not bothered by the Motherships. I dream of living in a sky city again. The problem is that yes, tragically they can be knocked down. When that happens it is no…” She paused whipping a tear streaking down her cheek. “I am grateful for my wings. The sky cities also require immense time and investment costs. The best ones would land unless threatened and utilize surface homes for multitudes of reasons. Oh, look at me getting all emotional. My advice is to move under Mount Moran. For the children, the citizen, and our future. Then build a sky city so your community can rotate between the two to please those unhappy. I know the skills the sluggeros possess. They will turn Bastion’s new home into a daylight city and you will never notice you were underground with time. I have already grown fond of your ethos and people. I would rather not be sold on hard times or see you defeated and me being forced to a new owner. Oh, and one more thing.”
Willow smiled and said, “Please share.”
“We have purchased some of the best weapons for sale.” Longoria paused. “There are better weapons built in private. Which can only be done from a stable manufacturing point. If you want to be the best, you need a sanctuary. A home that you can defend and not fret. This Mount Moran or Banff can take us to a new level with the sluggeros advancing our cause and our Bastion Community delving into manufacturing. We need to do this because there are many other monster species capable of defeating our purchased technology with ease. I do not want to see another community erased from existence. None of us do.”
There was a sad pause when she finished. Everly raised a hand. I nodded.
“Can we grow trees under -”
Sally interrupted. “Yes! Massive trees. There will be a whole protected forest that will feel just like the surface. Trust me, you will not know you are underground.”
There went the crixxi and the fairies siding with the move. I would be the hammer for the humans.
“How will we get to our outposts?
I thought the underways did not stretch this far?” I asked with a twisted face full of concern.
“The tunneling machines will go over to the insertion dig site via AC1. Eventually, we will dig down to build a corridor of personal underways. Sixteen stops to get from there to here that I can combine with effort and time. Total travel time an hour plus underground. That is if I don’t build something custom which I may. And then there is a half hour aircraft flight time, but those have more risks. I can build all sorts of things with more resources. Right now you're sitting on some zinc and minimal reserves,” Willis said with a grunt. His arms folded across his round belly in determination. “So we need to get to looting. Bastion Community is going to require a mountain of resources. Far more than simple zinc from mining. Boulder is your prime target. The Koovorin council will not raid a powerful army guarding a gate. So you should have been looting for the last eighteen hours. We also require proper data on the worlds connected to Xgate 201.”
My Gpad pinged before I read the message Sally said, “Have fun in Koor, obey the rules and you should be fine. Never leave the vault please. They will love to trade directly for zinc. The competitions could earn us a lot because they rarely compete against humans operating synthetics. There is little downside if you engage in the trial of spouses. The word is odd to translate.”
“I have no idea what you just said,” I muttered with a chuckle. “Before this meeting is adjourned we are going to have a vote. All in favor of building a secret underground base away from blood, battle, and constant threat?”
I raised my hand. Sarah, Bonnet, Ulanda, and Norm kept theirs down. The rest joined mine. Yikes. Hardly unanimous.
“We will give those wanting to go to a new home a free ride if close. With their items and back pay,” I said with a deflated sigh. “Alright, my Gpad is telling me I am needed to meet this representative. The motion to establish a third stronghold is approved for Mount Moran. The motion to reduce the Bastion footprint in Colorado to two outposts dug into the mountains is approved. The motion to shift building priority to our new base is approved. As of this moment, the Bastion Community is retreating for safety below ground. For the community!”
“For the community!” was echoed back by the attendees.
I went to place Perci down but she refused. While she was determined not to cry or show weakness I could see she was upset.
“It is going to be so much grander than Mansion. We will call it Stronghold Castle and use lots of glass and architecture you can always be proud of,” I said quietly to her.
Willow gave me a kiss followed by Everly next. They were off to go loot. Nancy rubbed Perci’s back and said, “Our children will thank you. I agree with our soon to be husband. We will ensure it is something we can cherish.”
“I want to meet this delegation. My inner desire to do what is best for us will win the day,” Perci twisted her face and gave me a full long kiss. “We have been living in an RV on a single bed for weeks. If we can have a stable home and happy family there, we can do it anywhere. Not dying or becoming a servant to others is a boon. Now set me down so we can go meet this representative.”
I smiled down at my amazing Perci. I knew without a doubt my family would get through this transition and become stronger in the process.
CHAPTER 16
AH1 flew us toward Objective Rubble at a steady speed. The bright sun was fighting to crash through the scattered clouds and losing. Rain was on the forecast for this evening and I realized that would not be an issue in our new home. Or would the sluggeros create weather patterns? I let the thoughts drift in my mind while watching out the front of the ship.
The backside of my army was peeling off to head to their prospective Mansion or Aspen home. I had ordered looting to be resumed for now which meant it was time for units to pick up trailers and empty sleds. When I sent the order out, I added non-combatants to the teams.
Those designated to find electronics were hopping into acrium vats as of a few minutes ago. A peeblenator would be handed out and then some personal grav sleds to pile loot on while they worked. There was a little pushback that the crixxi, mounamine, and pandarin were not meant to be warriors and I agreed. Get loot, earn your keep, and shoot something only if you had to. You didn’t have to be a fobbit all the time, it was okay to leave the base. I sighed thinking of the term from the middle east. Military people were so cruel to each other at times.
While our looting endeavors were preparing in the background my eyes drifted to a group not far below AC1. The carrier was being emptied of its post battle contents in a big Aspen parking lot. I wanted it to provide oversight and help looting operations which meant it was prepping for flight.
I saw our prisoners were inside an electric pen not far from where I conversed with Ralph yesterday. They seemed calm and bored, which was exactly how I wanted them.
AH2 caught my eye as it glided into an opening not far from where I saw Jevon, Ralph, Linda, Ryan, and a triple-eyed sloth with two legs.
“A certhian, huh,” Longoria muttered. I walked behind her, gently guiding a wing to let me closer so I could view over her shoulder. “Careful stud. You enter my bubble and you will get pounced on.”
“Oh I was going to view your screen, but I do enjoy seeing you naked,” I said smooching the air. “Tell me about a certhian.”
“Men, a fine fairy like me pretty much gives you the key to her chastity and you go right back to business,” Longoria said with a scoff. Perci gave a deep belly laugh. “I thought you would enjoy hearing that my queen.”
“Right, even I have been remiss on my Eric love,” Perci said with a smirk I caught with a side glance. “She is only going to wait so long to carry your children Eric. You need to pick her or Setaria.”
I chuckled, yanking her ass into my crotch. Her pert ass twirled a circle around my growing cock. She wink playfully over her shoulder while teasing me. This was definitely a two way desire. There was no acrium armor on either of us, causing me to pull off her booty before I lost control. Longoria playfully pouted and I said, “Tonight work? The three of us?”
“An assertive man does wonders. Yes. We agree,” Longoria said and Perci nodded with sly grin.
“Not to kill the vibe but would it even work?” I asked and she gave me an ‘are you stupid look. I realized that was worded poorly. “Ah, not the sex, I have seen you naked and know men are already joining with fairies. The babies, silly.”
“Ah, yes we’re compatible. Generally speaking, two species create a hybrid. Yet, they don’t in a sense, I guess it's complicated. Our children will be a majority fairy, our gene is very strong in winning that fight. The human aspect will make them bigger probably. That is about it. Maybe shorter ears but I doubt it. So, minimally hybrid, to the point they blend in with the dominant species fairly well.”
“And the mounamine?” I asked with Sammie blushing a deep crimson.
“Human with mouse ears. She has a bunny tail, which would probably vanish but maybe not on every child,” Longoria said, eyeing Sammie with a corner smile. “Look at her discomfort and excitement all in one bundle.”
“Alright, don’t tease the poor girl,” Nancy said, momming over Sammie. “The certhians, tell us about them, Longoria.”
“A certhian may bear characteristics you attribute with a slow creature. Long thin fingers with thick nails. That distance head shape but three eyes. The long shaggy fur. Trust me, they are lethal and proficient with technology. This Koor city is probably layered on top or of layers of defenses all with an underground bunker. They would be hard pressed to beat you in the field without egregious losses. But be warned, they can defeat us if they found the victory worth the cost.”
“What was Sally talking about with the trials?” I asked while returning to the comfy leather couch to plop down beside Perci.
“Probably what it sounds like. There is more to living than simply surviving. Imagine what happens if Bastion’s new base reaches a hundred years old peacefully. Well, t
here will be gambling, gaming, gorging on delightful foods, and group events like sporting. They probably gleaned that Koor and the Koovorin Empire had all this already,” Longoria said, setting the aircraft down on the ground. “I will be back after I return Mistress Nancy to Mansion.”
“You sure you don’t want to do diplomacy?” I asked Nancy who shook her head no.
My lovely lady flung a knee over my waist to straddle my lap. I was given a deep kiss and a warm snuggle.
“I have a lot to prepare for. Our future starts today. The acrium has blossomed my heart to a new size I never thought possible. Our children will be blessed in their sanctuary that our hard work will provide for them,” Nancy said with another kiss smacking my lips, this one hungrier than the first. “Now, I am the Mistress of the Mounamine; they answer to me, right Sammie.”
Sammie fired back a response instantly, “Yes, Mistress.”
“Nancy, I am proud of you. I will miss you today,” I said sitting her back on the couch. I held out a hand that Perci accepted. “Just you and I.”
“Just the two of us,” Perci replied.
Sammie let out an eek and said, “I do exist.” We shared a tender laugh before scratching her ears affectionately. “Okay, thanks for making me feel special.”
“You’re my squire, Sammie. A warlord always needs help, okay were off. Good luck, Nancy. Come back ASAP without AH1 Longoria,” I said as we exited the control room. “The siblings need this machine in their crazy planning.”
We walked across the hanger bay, for the ramp to the paved parking area that used to be for the plaza. A few seconds after we cleared the ramp AH1 was gone. The takeoff smooth without much disturbance. I watched the aircraft fade into the distance before going arm in arm with Perci. My acrium protectors were resting comfortably in their vat. I did not mind, it kept me out of direct fighting which I heard endlessly about from Nancy and Perci. I understood their concern so I had on sleeved armor under my dual empowered shielding. I may not have acrium on but I was certainly still wearing protection.
