by T. R. Harris
“Codes for the black ships?” Kaylor asked. “They have transponder codes?”
“Yes, they do. Even the Klin must be able to locate their vessels. Yet this file is highly classified and encrypted.”
“Panur got the codes?” Sherri asked breathlessly.
“No, but he knows where they are kept.”
“Where?”
Vesper? Where’s that? Adam asked through his ATD. Panur had only recently released the brain-interface device back to him, and now the two prisoners were resting on the bed, Panur holding Adam’s hand. To an outside observer, the scene would have been…disturbing, to say the least.
It is at the end of our journey, the mutant said within Adam’s mind.
And that’s where these transponder codes are kept? Can you get to them?
Unknown at this time, but probable.
But then you’d have to get them to Lila. Variables and complications flashed in Adam mind. And then each ship would have to be individually targeted. If the Klin saw this happening, they could order attacks on all the Core Worlds before the ships could be destroyed.
There are still details to be worked out.
At that moment, Robert McCarthy and three killer robots raced into the landing bay and approached the large plastic box holding Adam and Panur. The robots took up positions at the door.
“Stand up, Cain!” the Human yelled. “The mutant stays where he is. Try anything and I’ll activate the gas.”
Adam climbed off the bed.
“Come here,” McCarthy ordered.
“What’s going on?” Adam asked.
“As if you don’t know. I’m moving you to the cell your Siron friends left. I know the two of you have been communicating through your telepathy device, and probably with the other mutant aboard your ship as well. Her recent attack was a transparent attempt to study our capabilities. You thought I wouldn’t be smart enough to realize that?”
“That’s not it.” Adam smiled. “I didn’t think you’d be smart enough to realize it…until it was too late. I was right.”
Robert glared at Panur. “Your attempt at acting injured was just an act. There’s nothing wrong with you.”
Panur smiled at the Human.
Adam was moved through the doorway and marched a short distance across the landing bay to the discarded plastic cell the pair had arrived in from Siron. Adam was placed inside and the door locked and chained shut. There would be no using his ATD to open the door.
Robert walked quickly back to Panur’s cell. He took out a small remote controller from his pocket. “Whatever information you were able to glean from the attack will stay within your mind. I cannot risk having you conscious for the remainder of the trip. So here, my mutant friend, enjoy a little nap.” He pressed a button on the controller and a thick cloud of bluish gas quickly filled the chamber. Panur’s body turned rigid, before toppling over onto the floor of the cell.
Turning back to Adam, Robert said, “I will keep the interior of the cell filled with enough liquid nitrogen to keep your friend on ice until we reach our destination and he can be safely moved to another facility. And notice the canisters on your cage. The Pleabaen will accept your dead body if it comes to that. I would prefer to keep you alive so I can kill you myself in a more spectacular fashion. Yet if my mission is jeopardized in any way, I won’t hesitate to freeze your ass as well.”
Adam smiled. “Chill out, dude. You’re going to give yourself a stroke if you keep up like this.”
“Act as calm as you wish, but I know it is only an act. I have you now, and you’re not getting away this time.”
“Never say never.”
“Fuck you!”
Robert McCarthy left the landing bay; the robots remained, ever vigilant, and armed to the teeth.
49
“Broadcasts report that Adam Cain has been captured,” said a player-tech.
Kontin Lemoon (918) took in the information. He was tasked with the death of the Human, but if the alien died at the hands of others, then his mission was to move to the secondary objective: the planet Earth itself. He would have preferred to accomplish both mission objectives with a single act. According to this latest news, that was not to happen.
Once Kontin had established communications with the surviving players in the Kac, he was morbidly pleased to learn that Adam Cain had survived his journey back to the Kac. That would give Kontin a chance to kill him, not only for himself, but for his entire race. The Human had been celebrated upon his return and called a hero…for destroying an entire planet. The Nuoreans had done some horrific things in their time, yet they did them in pursuit of the much-nobler goal of challenging their skills and mental acuity, rather than for the sheer delight of killing. Never had they destroyed an entire planet.
Of course, Kontin did know of the plans that were underway at the time of Nuor’s destruction. The Third Cadre was planning to destroy Cain’s homeworld of Earth. Yet that was more of a tactical move in a much larger game of point-counterpoint. Unfortunately, Adam Cain was quicker with the play, and it was Nuor that was destroyed, not Earth.
Kontin’s current mission was unique to the Nuoreans. He didn’t come seeking a fair fight against a worthy opponent. He was here strictly for vengeance. Afterwards, news of his success would reach the Suponac galaxy and then there would be another celebration. Kontin would then recommend that the Nuoreans lay waste to the Kac, despite the reservations voiced by Master-Player Qintis (435). The killing of Adam Cain and the destruction of Earth would be only the beginning.
“Where is the alien at this time?” Kontin asked.
“In transit to an unknown location. He is in the custody of a species called the Klin.”
“Yes, that name again. Do we know their intentions for the Human?”
“According to Master-Player Qintis, the Klin wish to kill him.” Even the tone of the lowly player-tech sounded disappointed. All the crews wished to be part of the killing of Adam Cain.
“Do we know the location of the ship transporting him?”
“That is unknown as well, my Lead.”
“Thank you for this information. You may resume your duties.”
After the tech left his quarters, Kontin grew even more frustrated at the loss of opportunity. He needed to know if he had options before accepting this fate. He needed information.
Being new to the Kac and its politics, he sought out his most reliable source for this type information, even though he hated to make the link. Qintis Bondo (435) had been single-minded in his desire to transport his players through the transit point for return to the Suponac. Yet with the limited capabilities of the reconstructed LP-6 generators, it would take several transits to move that many ships through the portal, at a cost of twenty-two days for each jump cycle. However, this was extremely problematic. The technicians said the more the generators were used the faster they would degrade. Kontin had to achieve his primary mission first. He needed to use the midpoint generators to concentrate on a single point on a planet, enough to affect a global catastrophe that would quickly build over time. That target had to either be Earth or a planet Adam Cain was on. After that, he would acquiesce to the desires of the Master-Player, for as long as the generators lasted.
“Kontin (918),” said Qintis with obvious distaste when the link was established. “I did not think we would be in contact so soon, not after our last conversation.”
“I come to you for information, for your insights into the thinking of the creatures of the Kac.”
“I thought your focus was on a single creature of the Kac, not all?”
“Please, Master-Player, we are on the same team. Let me accomplish my primary mission and then I will lead your people home.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Adam Cain has been captured by the beings you call the Klin.”
“Yes, I heard that too.”
Kontin inhaled sharply while biting his bottom lip in anger. And yet you did not inform me at
the time you learned of it?
Qintis continued: “I should say your primary mission will be achieved, even without your input.”
“So, they are enemies?”
“Very much so. I knew little of the Klin before coming to the Kac yet have learned much about them since.”
“Then I should shift my attention to Cain’s homeworld of Earth, being unable to locate the Human?”
“That would make sense. Yet Earth is located on the other side of the galaxy. You mentioned before the need to place a beacon on the surface because the focus of the new LP-6 generators is so…loose, was the word you used.”
“That is correct.”
“Then would it not be valuable to know where he will be, rather than pursue a longer-term gambit that may or may not come to fruition?”
“What do you mean?”
“He is being transported to the Klin’s planetary base,” Qintis stated.
“Which it has been acknowledged we do not know the location.”
“That is true. No one knows the location except for the Klin. Yet it is rumored to be along the edge of the galaxy and very close to where you entered the Kac. A beacon would be easier to place there than on Earth, and you would get the pleasure of personally killing Adam Cain rather than leaving it to the Klin.”
“You talk in circles. The location is unknown. This seems to be a pointless exercise of wishful thinking.”
“Perhaps, and then perhaps not.”
“Please Master-Player,” said Kontin. “I understand you are not happy with my orders; but let us not play games.”
“Yet that is what Nuoreans do.”
“Games of physical challenge, not childish word games such as you are doing with me now!”
Qintis was unmoved by Kontin’s outburst. “What I mean is that the established powers in the Kac have opened a more cordial dialogue with the Klin. There is a peace offering in the making, if the Human and his team can be delivered to the Klin. Perhaps they know more about the location of the Klin world than they are letting on. Comm links must be established between the parties, details worked out for the coming peace.”
“What are you suggesting?
“Contact the Advisory Council for the allied forces.”
“And simply ask them for the location? Why would they tell me, even if they knew?”
“Because you could also destroy the Klin, at the same time you are killing Adam Cain.”
“Who would entertain such a wild gambit?”
“Please bear with me, Kontin. We Nuoreans are known for our superior tactical insights and maneuverings. Let me put them to use.”
“Go on.”
“In seeking out an ally for our gambit, we must find an individual from a race that holds intense animosity for both the Humans and the Klin. I reject negotiations with the Klin directly, since they are in a superior position and do not need our assistance. Only one name comes to mind: the Juireans.”
“I have heard of them,” said Kontin. “They were once the lead players in the Kac, a warrior race of some note.”
“Excellent!” said Qintis. “They have a long history of conflicts with the Humans, and especially Adam Cain. He once attacked their homeworld and destroyed much of their military leadership, as well as the killing of their appointed political master.”
“How did he accomplish that?”
“Apparently somewhat single-handed; with only his small team assisting.”
“What is this creature, Adam Cain? I cannot believe such a player exists.”
“Believe it, my Cadre friend. He is a formidable opponent. I have met him personally.” Qintis continued. “The Juireans have even a longer history of conflict with the Klin, dating back four thousand years. The two races are sworn enemies of each other, and there are reports that the Klin have recently placed one of their deadly warships in orbit around Juir, ostensibly as security for the terms of the peace offering. The Juireans cannot believe the Klin will leave without some kind of retribution for past atrocities.”
“So, the Juireans would have reason to support the destruction of the Klin, as well as the killing of Adam Cain.”
“They would also welcome the destruction of Earth, if that is a bonus for their cooperation.”
“Yet they would have to know—or learn—of the location of the Klin planet.”
Qintis smiled. “That should not be a problem. During my time in the Kac, I have found that there are many individuals who will do our bidding…for the right price. They are notoriously disloyal—to everyone. I maintain some of these contacts and can gain access to the inner circle of the Advisory Council.”
“The location of the Klin base would still have to be found out.”
“What we offer the Juireans would be enough incentive for them to use all their resources.”
Kontin considered the words of the Master-Player. He acknowledged that Qintis was a master strategist; that was the reason he was placed in command of the Nuorean invasion force in the Kac. For his part, Kontin was an instrument of strategies, often formulated by people like Qintis. As a Nuorean, he felt no diminishment from this reality. Each had their roles to play in the larger game.
He nodded. “Your plan is sound, Master-Player. I will follow your lead.”
“Then let me contact the planet Formil and my surrogates there. I will re-link with you once I have more information.”
Qintis Bondo (435) had no time to waste. The sooner Kontin could complete his primary mission, the sooner Qintis and his players could go home. It took him only a moment to link with Formil, and the paid spies he still had on location. The number was fewer now than before, but the Nuoreans still retained a fair amount of the wealth they accumulated to pay the bounty for Adam Cain. It would be enough to gain the assistance he needed.
All he was asking for was a private link with the Juirean representative on the Advisory Council. During his time as leader of the Nuorean invasion force, Qintis had studied all his enemies, including their strengths and predilections. He knew the Juirean Overlord, if only by reputation.
It took two hours before the face of the blue-haired Juirean Overlord Zaxis fe Rendor appeared on his comm screen.
The Juirean looked understandably confused and upset. To have been directed to a CW link with a Nuorean without his prior approval would mean severe repercussions for the underlings responsible. Hopefully after the conversation, rewards would be due, rather than punishment.
“Who are you?” the Juirean demanded.
“I am Master-Player Qintis Bondo (435), the leader of the Nuorean forces within…within the Milky Way galaxy.”
“We call it the Casullo galaxy. Milky Way is a Human term.”
Qintis was relieved to detect the acerbic tone of Juirean’s voice when speaking the word Human. The game is afoot.
“My apologies. It is not my intention to offend.”
“What is your intention? Are your forces threatened by the Klin, and you wish our assistance? You should know that will not be forthcoming.”
“It is nothing of the sort. In fact, I come to you with a solution to your problem—all of your problems.”
The Juirean scoffed at the comment, shaking his head. “You speak nonsense. This is just another of your Nuorean games. Your forces are insignificant to be of concern to the Council, and if you have not noticed, there are larger problems we face at this time.”
“I come today not as an enemy, but an ally. May I continue?”
“Hurry; you are trying my patience.”
“First, I would like to confirm the information we have received that the notorious Adam Cain has been captured and is in route to the Klin’s planetary base?”
“That is true. The galaxy is full of such news,” said the Juirean, impatiently.
“Speaking of such, it will come as news to you that a force of Nuoreans has recently arrived in the Kac—I mean the Casullo—from my galaxy.” Qintis saw the Juirean tense. “Be assured, they have not arrived to re
sume our previous designs on your galaxy. But what this does tell you is that the midpoint generator has been repaired.”
“And this is significant in what manner?”
“It is simple. When Adam Cain returned to the Kac, I mean—”
“Call it what you want, if it will speed up the conversation!”
“Yes, then the Kac. When the Human returned to the Kac, he destroyed Nuor in the transit.”
“You are telling me history I am already aware.”
“Then you must know the midpoint generator has the ability to destroy worlds.”
“I am ending this link,” said the angry Overlord. “We face enough threats from within that yours become meaningless.”
“Please, Overlord Zaxis, let me complete my thought. I am not threatening you or those of your Council. But I do propose to use the midpoint generator to destroy the Klin’s planetary base, and along with it the Human Adam Cain. And after that is accomplished, we will destroy the planet Earth as a bonus offering.”
The Juirean’s stunned silence spoke volumes. Qintis had his opponent completely under his control. It would only take a few moments for the Juirean to accept that fact.
“Yes, Overlord Zaxis,” said Qintis. “Not only would the last of the Klin be killed, but so would your new mortal enemy Adam Cain and his Human race.”
“Technically, Juireans and Humans are not enemies,” said Zaxis, unconvincingly.
“Technically you are correct,” replied Qintis with a thin smile. He knew better than to expose his teeth to the Juirean. “Yet I also know the history of the Kac. I know the Humans—and particularly Adam Cain—are not your friends and allies. You accept their presence even as you despise them.”
The Juirean was silent for a long moment; Qintis let him digest the news he’d just received.
“You would do that?” asked Zaxis. “Why?”
“You need ask why? Adam Cain destroyed our homeworld. There is need for no other reason. Yet I imagine the fact that the Klin should also suffer would be of added benefit to you and the Kac.”
“Do you know the location of the Klin world?”
