Accursed

by Patrick F. Johnson

  Nera disengaged from his arms and reached up to her face. In unison, she and the warriors peeled the black stripes off and dropped them to the ground. The Nuunians all cheered again.

  Frank tuned to the Nakamuras and bowed deeply. “I hear you were busy,” he said.

  “Best honeymoon ever,” Miyako replied.

  “Frank Ford!” Bett said loudly. “Look at you. You're as big as me!”

  Feeling embarrassed, Frank replied, “I'll shrink.”

  “You look pretty awesome, Frank,” Hiro replied.

  “I might be ready for that career in sumo wrestling,” Frank joked. He turned and watched Denise embracing Nera. They were making a good show of it, acting like nothing more than friends. But he didn't miss Nera's reaction as she met Constanthos in person for the first time. He could almost see the wheels turning inside her head.

  “Greetings, Frank.” Laro Bunto was making his way forward from the crowd.

  “Laro, it is good to see you.”

  “Your friends were a great help to us in turning back the invaders,” he complimented.

  Frank put his hand on Hiro's shoulder as he spoke, “This fine young man is my teacher. I learned the art of swordplay from him.”

  Laro looked at Hiro with great respect. “I was unaware. They carry themselves with great dignity. They are a pleasure to be around.”

  “Allow me to introduce more of my friends. This is Denise Blake and Constanthos. This young lady is Michelle Lewis.” Frank paused for dramatic effect. “And this is Robert Jones.” He could see the surprised looks on everyone's faces as Robert walked forward. Shifting into English, Frank said, “Isn't this fun?”

  “Show and tell time with the big guy,” Robert said again through his smile. He was trying to not look intimidating.

  “You're doing fine, Junior. Check out those clouds.”

  “So, how many did you get, Frank?” Hiro asked. His tone was curious, but not competitive.

  “I really have no idea,” Frank replied before turning to Constanthos. “How many would you suppose we got?”

  “It is hard to say. I know I am personally responsible for a few dozen. You are in the hundreds, by your own hand. I think Robert and Phildan killed much more. But I would say the Mingrein got the most overall.”

  “The Mingrein?” Bett asked with a shocked tone.

  “Tirogof had been supplying the Gotes with Mingrein for his tournaments,” Frank explained. “They were raw and untested. The Mingrein took great offense when they found out.”

  “As do I.”

  “But if you were to ask Gildract, he would only claim five kills. They aren't counting those that the Rotinoms took out. But Trove managed to destroy two warships.”

  “Bett destroyed one with two torpedoes and a piece of string,” Nera added, looking proudly at the lizard.

  “It was actually a piece of wire,” Bett corrected. “That Trove is a smart one.”

  “Yes,” Frank agreed. “I think they are in good hands.” He leaned forward and spoke in a low tone, “Want me to help you get a tentacle?”

  Bett laughed out loud. “No, thank you. I have sworn off of them.”

  “Okay, I feel like there's a story there.”

  * * *

  “Messenger inbound, Admiral.”

  “Oh? Well it's about time.” Admiral Grame was peering through the glass, admiring the lines of the other warship as they were in orbit over Mertia. “Alert Captain Ebry. Set it to conference in my quarters.”

  “Yes, sir.” The Gote fluttered its portly fingers over the controls and began relaying instructions to both the scout ship and the other warship. Grame marched off the bridge and down the corridor to his personal quarters. Closing the door behind him, he waited patiently for the conference to begin.

  “Captain Ebry present, Admiral,” a voice said, coming through a small box on the desk.

  Grame was sitting as he answered, “I can always count on you to be timely, Ebry.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Now maybe we can find out what is going on. The Gurdiks are long overdue.”

  “I was thinking the same thing, sir. My screen shows we have the messenger active.”

  “And so it is. Messenger? Status report.”

  “Vera is lost,” a shaky voice said.

  “Excuse me?” Admiral Grame replied.

  “The planet has been captured.”

  “By whom?” Grame's voice was nearly as harsh as a Mingrein.

  “The Monster, of Earth, accepted the surrender, sir.”

  “What is the Monster, of Earth?” Grame asked.

  “Admiral,” Ebry answered, “The Monster is a human that was scheduled to be in the tournament.”

  “A human?” Admiral Grame let out a laugh. “Did Saum put you up to this?”

  “Let us hear him out,” Ebry suggested. “They pulled the other warship out of here without an explanation.”

  “I assure you this is no joke, Admiral,” the messenger continued. “That warship was destroyed, as well as one that went to Korbaal. The warship at Sungara is also gone. Another that was sent to Nuun is long overdue, assumed to be destroyed.”

  “How does a human have the means to destroy these?” Grame asked.

  “He has allies, sir,” the messenger said. “Mingrein were able to land at the casino. They killed thousands. The Monster himself was unstoppable. And the Royalty has overthrown the government in the meantime.”

  “Is Saum mounting a resistance?” Grame asked.

  “Saum is dead, sir. As is Korick.”

  “That would put you in charge,” Ebry pointed out.

  Grame was silent for a few moments. “How much of Gote Space is hostile?”

  “Unknown, sir.”

  “Messenger, if my math is correct, there is another warship unaccounted for.”

  “Yes, Admiral,” the messenger replied. “Korick wanted it at Hitakkita, as a show of power.”

  “Have it recalled to Mertia. We will use this world as our staging area. Everyone thinks it is radioactive.”

  “Brilliant, Admiral,” Ebry complimented. “We will have to restock soon.”

  “Messenger, have the ship at Hitakkita restock before they depart. Have them bring extra of the things we cannot acquire here.”

  “Yes, Admiral. Out.”

  Once Admiral Grame was sure the messenger was gone, he continued speaking with Captain Ebry. “I have the codes for the grid. It isn't the easiest thing to do, but I can have the pulse stopped long enough for us to grab what we need.”

  “I will have my team ready, sir.”

  “Have them get extra humans. We need to keep the morale up. I shall instruct my team to do the same.”

  * * *

  Jard Dundarsheef believed in paying his debts. He strolled along the narrow corridors of the city, avoiding the main streets on his way to his favorite vendor. He enjoyed Hitakkita Bay. He knew of no other place in the galaxy where he could freely walk busy streets without causing a panic. But he still wore his cloak, if for no other reason than to avoid an accident. Its ability to conceal his pistol was an added bonus. Making his way to the sealed door, he knocked twice.

  “Who is calling?” The voice came from a tiny speaker that was recessed within the wall to the right of the door.

  Instead of answering, Jard looked up at the camera that was concealed within the identification plate above the door. A few short moments later the door slid open and Jard slipped inside.

  “Jard,” the vendor hissed. “It's been a while.”

  “I've been away on business.” He didn't mind this particular vendor remembering his name.

  “What is it that you seek?”

  “I need a data collector,” Jard replied.

  “Interesting. What data language?”

  “Whatever it is the Gurdiks use.”

  The vendor stared at him for a few seconds. “Let me see what I have.” Jard watched him slither into a room and imagined just how he came ab
out the knowledge he possessed. The vendor knew the answer to just about every technical question he'd ever posed. Holding a device in each claw, the vendor returned and placed both of them on the counter-top. Gesturing to the one on his left, he said, “This one will work on just about every Gurdik computational system.”

  “And the other one?” Jard asked with a smile.

  “This one will work on older Rhoshe systems. I happen to know of two Gurdik ships that use such a system.”

  Jard held his gaze again. “I'll take both,” he finally said.

  “You are one of my best customers, Jard, so I'm going to offer a bit of advice. And please don't be offended.”

  “I'm not easily offended.”

  “I know. Look, the pirates will kill you if they find you snooping around their ship.”

  “Thank you for your concern. Do they ever shop here?”

  “I don't think they shop anywhere. I mean, I don't think they actually pay for much.”

  “That stands to reason, them being pirates and all.” Jard gave a black smile. “How much do I owe you?”

  “Five thousand.”

  Jard gave him ten. “Here's a little extra for the sound advice.”

  * * *

  Laro's supply of wine seemed to be endless but it gave Frank an excuse to go sit under a tree. He claimed it was getting to his head although his friends all knew better. Nera snuggled in close to him as he watched the interaction between the Earthlings and the Nuunians. While everyone was certainly in awe over Robert's size, Denise and Constanthos were actually getting the most attention. At least from all the young men. Denise only smiled and pretended not to notice. Constanthos was too distracted by the children. She was happily sharing in their curiosity and they were delighted that she knew their language.

  “I think they'll be fine now,” Nera offered after she followed his gaze.

  “I sure hope so,” Frank replied. “You all did really good.” He kissed her forehead. “I'm very proud of you.”

  “And I am proud of you, as well,” she said. “And when I get you alone, I plan to show you.”

  “That sounds nice, Babydoll. But you should know that I'm as strong as a Gote right now. Gladys assured me that I'll return to normal, eventually, but I nearly killed myself with my toothbrush.”

  “Perhaps I should ask one of my sister-wives to assist me,” she replied with a smile. Reaching up and feeling his arm, she added, “Maybe you can help clear a couple of the larger trees that were knocked down in the groves.”

  “I would be more than happy to.” Frank noticed Robert standing awkwardly among a group of Nuunians. “Maybe I should rescue Robert. His cheeks must be sore from all that smiling.”

  * * *

  “Terri, could you please try my wife again?” Stan had finally sat down after several minutes of pacing around the office. He looked around the empty room, and realized how nice it was to have a moment alone.

  “She still isn't taking your calls, sir,” Terri answered, her voice coming from the little box on the desk.

  “Thanks anyway,” Stan replied. He couldn't help but to smile. “It's still better than Korbaal,” he said to himself.

  “Sir, Mr. Lidseam is calling.” Terri's voice came from the box once more.

  “I've been expecting his call. Please have him call my other phone.” Stan pulled his other phone from a drawer and placed it on his desk. Within a few moments, it rang. “Hello, Richard.”

  “Hello, Stan. How are you feeling?”

  Stan chuckled. “I find it hard to believe you called to ask how I am feeling.”

  “Your wife is in the news. There are rumors.”

  “I'm the President. There are always rumors.”

  “Yes of course. Now for the reason I'm calling. There are a couple of pieces of legislation that should be hitting your desk this week.”

  “If you're referring to the Spears Energy Act, you can forget about it.”

  “Stan, hear me out. While I certainly understand your feelings toward the late Senator, if you read through the bill carefully you will find that a great number of people would certainly benefit.”

  “I have read it, Richard. It's a terrible thing for the American people. It's a terrible thing for the whole planet. I won't sign it.”

  “Do I need to remind you that there were certain aspects of your campaign that you wished to remain secret?”

  Stan laughed out loud. “You're going to have to do better than that, Richard. You can't threaten me with secrets that I plan to reveal myself.”

  “You wouldn't.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, I'm not planning on running for reelection. Perhaps my successor can help you destroy the planet.” Stan hung up the phone and then pressed the button on the box. “Terri, could you please have Phillip report to my office?”

  7.

  “You are our guests. We couldn't possibly ask you to do our work.”

  “Laro, we are family now,” Frank answered with a smile. “I don't mind helping.” He set off to move some trees, with Robert in tow.

  After Frank was out of earshot, Nera turned to her uncle. “My husband needs to do work of this nature.”

  “I don't understand,” Laro replied. “Is he not a great warrior?”

  Nera paused as Constanthos strolled by. After they exchanged smiles Nera said, “He is indeed a great warrior but if you were to ask him he would tell you he is a builder.”

  “Well, I certainly wouldn't want to offend him.”

  “You worry too much. But you should tell him where you want the trees moved to.”

  “Yes, of course.” Laro gestured to the four young Nuunian men who were patiently waiting. “Come, it's time to work.”

  “Uncle,” Nera interrupted, “they will just get in the way. Tell Frank where you want the trees moved to and then stand aside.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Trust me.”

  Laro relented and walked over to where Frank, Robert, and Constanthos were gathered, surveying the wreckage of a destroyed Gote drop ship. “We would like to use the metal from that mess to fabricate more weapons and tools.”

  “That's a great idea,” Frank replied. “It really sucks that it took down these trees. They looked like they were pretty prime.”

  “The largest didn't belong here. I actually had plans to remove it before we had to abandon the groves. It had grown so large that it would have been a huge undertaking.”

  “It's down now.” Frank pounded on the trunk. “That's a nice tree really. Where do you want it?”

  “It is far too large to move. I am going to cut it up and use it to build a shelter. These trees do nothing to keep us dry when the rains come.” Laro was tilting his head, eyeing the angle of the trunk.

  “How about the others?” Frank asked.

  “We were hoping to drag them over there, in that small clearing.”

  “That would make a perfect work area. Good thinking.” Frank knelt down and grabbed the trunk of the nearest tree. He shouldn't have been able to pick it up, but he did. And then he dragged it over to the clearing as if it was nothing.

  “No time like the present,” Robert said as he spit on his hands and bent down to grasp a trunk. He lifted it a foot off the ground and pulled it about two feet before he had to let it go. “Well, shit.”

  “Allow me,” Constanthos said in a polite tone as she picked up the trunk and marched off. “Keep in mind it would be over five times heavier on Vera.”

  “Yeah, that's cool,” Robert said. “I'll just gather up this small stuff.” He was very glad Michelle had stayed behind with Denise.

  After a short while, every tree except for the largest was cleared. Frank stood and looked at it. “I don't like the way it's laying. You would have to do a lot of trimming at the top to save those younger trees over there.” He was pointing to where the top of the tree had fallen, and was either leaning on, or with its immense top, blocking the precious sunlight from the younger fruit trees.


  “We might just have to lose them,” Laro replied. “This tree is pretty green. These are hard enough to cut when they are dry.”

  “I'm at least going to try.”

  “I'm not going to argue.”

  Frank laughed. “Okay, take everyone around to the backside and brace it. When I move the top, I don't want the bottom to move and take out more trees.” He turned to Robert and spoke in English, “Go make sure the bottom stays put. Don't let these guys get crushed.” Robert nodded and followed the Nuunians.

  Constanthos looked at Frank for a moment. “I think I should go help Robert.”

  “Yes, please do.” He watched her stroll away and then caught himself looking around, in case someone would spy him looking. Shaking his head, he moved to where he thought the best angle of attack was. “Ready?” he called out.

  “Ready.”

  He reached up and pushed. The tree moved, but then it rocked back into its original resting place. He tried again, grunting under the strain, but the large tree once again fell back into place. “Fucking fuck!” Before he knew what happened, the tree top had flown nearly thirty feet away from him. His shield had somehow responded to his anger and repelled the tree away. Coming to his senses, Frank called out, “Is everyone okay?”

  “Connie is hurt,” Robert called back.

  Panic set in as Frank darted around the tree. Laro and the rest of the Nuunians were still in the process of pushing themselves upright when he spotted her. Her legs were pinned under the trunk from where the base of the tree had lurched forward.

  “What the fuck was that, Frank?” Robert asked. “She pushed me into them, like she knew it was coming.”

  “It was my shield...I don't know. Pull her out.” Frank knelt down and grabbed the largest sections of roots that he could grasp and lifted with all of his might. Robert was able to pull Constanthos free. Frank lowered the tree and rushed to her. “Connie? Are you okay?”

  She looked up at him with a curious gaze. “There is a broken bone in my leg.”

  “I am so sorry.”