“You look lovely,” Nera offered.
She hadn't spoken to Dorothy before and that somehow made the compliment more meaningful.
“Thank you.” Dorothy was beaming.
“When the door opens, go to them.” Gladys led her closer to the opening. “The lower gravity might send them off their feet.” She shifted her focus after Dorothy nodded agreement. “They're here.”
The door slid open.
“Mama?”
* * *
“Report.” Captain Ebry squinted in the bright sunlight.
“We've stabilized the perimeter, sir. Every shot they take gives away their position.”
“Wonderful. What are they using?”
“Small arms, sir. We haven't encountered any more of the large rounds that disabled the landing ships.”
Ebry smiled. “They must have run out. There was no response from the warships up top when the power came on. Our scanners don't seem to work very well from down here. I'm weighing the options.”
“If there's anything I can do to help, sir.”
“I'm considering turning on the power from down here.”
“I don't see any harm in that, sir. It would make everyone more comfortable, for sure.”
Ebry looked around to gain his bearings. “There is a Li fog dome on the far end of the city. Inside is the device that is blocking the power. Assemble a team to assess and disarm if possible. Full armor.”
“Right away, sir. Is there anything else?”
“Bring me a human.”
“Male or female?”
“Whatever.”
* * *
Wiping her face, Constanthos found herself fascinated with the concept of tears of joy. She'd witnessed the reunion and heard their sobs. Only Nera's eyes remained dry but her expression softened considerably. Even the hardened Marine, Damon, had tears in his eyes, but there was a profound change in him after his communion with Cindy.
“I'm going to move us to Rhoshe,” Constanthos said as she gathered the halo and walked out into the hall to compose herself. She couldn't help smiling and there was a tightness in her throat she was unable to swallow away.
* * *
“I want you to meet my friends,” Dorothy said through her tears. She turned to gesture out the door. “This is Gladys and Cindy. You already met that nice young man, Damon. And you already know Connie, from what she says.”
“I'm very pleased to meet you in person, Raymond,” Gladys said. “I must say, your Chloe is a lovely young lady.”
“It is an honor,” Raymond replied with a bow. He was going out of his way to not stare. And then he turned his gaze toward Cindy.
“We aren't formal here,” Gladys said. She followed his gaze.
Before he could speak, Constanthos reemerged.
“Something is wrong,” she exclaimed as she found the television remote. She turned on the screen.
Everyone came forward to take a look. Gladys even took a few steps into the higher gravity. The Ekokes were swarming. There didn't seem to be any logical flight paths.
“Gladys, can you explain this chaos?” Constanthos asked, knowing there was no way Gladys could know.
Gladys looked into the white eyes of Constanthos. “I'm going to find out.” She turned to head toward the control room with Nera trailing closely behind.
“What are we looking at?” Chloe asked as she sat on the couch next to her mother.
“Those small craft are piloted by the Ekokes,” Constanthos replied. “They are usually highly organized. This seems to be some attempt at a blockade.”
“The Rhoshe do more trade than any other species in the galaxy,” Raymond said. “For them to be doing this is way out of character.”
Damon was studying the screen. “I wish Pock was here to explain this.”
Constanthos turned to face him, not thinking at all about her white eyes. “Gladys is trying to hail the palace of the Mother.” She paused. “They aren't replying.”
“You get all that when your plugged in?” Damon asked.
“Yes. She is now hailing the Ekokes.”
“I don't know what an Ekoke is,” Damon admitted.
“Think of them as pilot bugs. Pock is a scout. You didn't meet Breet but he was a warrior bug.”
“I bet he was something.”
“He certainly was.” She paused once again. “Ekoke 17 has replied. Look at that.” The swarm transformed itself into elegant streams of ships. “Gladys. There is a cloaked ship.”
The room became quiet. Damon knew he was only hearing one side of the conversation and he found it aggravating. Cindy could sense it and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. They were startled when Constanthos suddenly took two steps back before turning and marching toward the sword rack.
“What's up?” Damon asked.
“There is a Sessik in the Mother's chamber.”
* * *
“I fear you are getting yourself into trouble,” Phildan said even as he was fine tuning a piece of equipment.
“I think Mom would approve,” Pock replied. “And these guys don't mind.”
Phildan looked to where the bugs were assembling a platform a little farther inland than the previous one.
“I love watching them work,” Phildan said. “But I fear they are over-building. That exceeds the construction of Frank's old platform exponentially.”
“I overheard him talking about what he called a spaceport,” Pock said. “This tiny fucking island isn't big enough for a proper yard but this platform will hold the biggest freighter.”
“I'm sure he will love it,” Phildan said. “I wish I could rebuild his bar. But I think he'd want to do that himself.”
“You're right about that,” Pock said. “That place carried a certain feeling. I can't really explain it.”
“It was home, Pock. I've never felt so welcome anywhere before.”
“This place will never be the same again.”
They were interrupted by an alarm.
Phildan picked up his data pad. “There is a rift detected.”
* * *
“I told Ekoke 17 we are working on a plan,” Gladys announced.
Damon looked around at everyone. Killing was his job and he felt ready to step up. But when he locked eyes with Nera, he knew he was out of his element.
“He is mine,” Nera said in an angry tone that sent shivers down the spines of every human present.
“There is the matter of the Reverence,” Gladys noted.
“Hold up,” Damon said. “Let's work this out calmly. Tell us what we're up against.” He glanced over toward the Stewarts and Cindy, who were now all sitting under the loba tree. Constanthos was nearby, armed, and looking like she was ready to kill anything in her path.
“He will have control of any of you who come close enough,” Gladys explained. “His shield will deflect any shots taken at him.”
“Will he not have to know my language?” Nera asked. “I will be cloaked. He won't know to speak my language.”
“I would be cloaked as well,” Constanthos answered. “I mean no disrespect, but I am much stronger.”
Nera answered with a glare.
Constanthos was unshaken. “Nera, I was made for things like this. If I fail, I can get another body.”
“If he controls you, he has everything.”
Constanthos was stunned. She never considered failure. There was no argument.
“I'm putting my name in the hat too,” Damon announced. “I am trained to kill. It's what I do. He can't control me if he doesn't know English, right?”
“Please,” Gladys exclaimed. “Let us please not do this. I think I know a way to decide who goes. Of the three of you, only Nera has felt the Reverence. I was doing everything I could do to subdue it at the time.”
“No one wants to relive that moment.”
“Thank you, Cindy,” Gladys replied.
Raymond cleared his throat. “Is there anything I can do? I've been dealing with
shit like this for a while now.”
Gladys forced a smile. “I don't think my husband would approve. No. We will settle this straight away.” She raised a data pad and pressed a few places. An automech flew up and retrieved a fresh loba from one of the higher branches. Another came forward with a bottle of water. “Everyone should get to Frank's boat except you three. I am going to awaken my brother.” She marched toward her lab and heard everyone behind her scrambling.
Entering the room, she closed the door behind her and took a moment to gather herself. She found herself questioning everything except her love for her husband. Moving toward Brogue, she took a deep breath and started the process. After a few moments, his eyes opened.
“Gladosanthos?”
“Yes.”
“I feel wonderful. You were right.” He leaned out of the stasis chamber and took a few clumsy steps. He steadied himself and took a look around. “Sister? What has happened to you?”
“It's a long story and I will be happy to tell you everything. But we have a big problem and I need your help.”
“Does it... Does it hurt?” He was bending his neck, trying to get a look at her wing-stalks.
“I am fine, really. Brogue, there is a Sessik in the chamber of the Mother.”
“Again?” He shook his head in disbelief. “Is it Wold again?”
“We believe so. We were invited to a gathering. There are representatives from several systems.”
Brogue took a few moments to gather his thoughts. She handed him the bottle of water. He held it up with a confused look. She reached over and unscrewed it for him.
“Thank you. Wold has clearly lost his mind. I would suggest you send Frank down there to kill him.”
“Frank isn't here. He is on Mertia.”
“Mertia?”
“Again, it's a long story. He is supposed to be meeting us here but we need to act now.”
“Wold will not be reasoned with, I can tell you that much.” Brogue peeled the loba and took a bite. “He's going to make it so the few of us left will be hunted down. Someone needs to kill him.”
“Are you volunteering?” Gladys asked, allowing herself to smile.
Brogue let out a short laugh. “Me? I don't think I would even know how. And that gravity? No, thanks.”
“I have three volunteers out in the garden.”
Brogue looked stunned. “Who?”
“All are human and each is special in their own way. An Earthling, a Nuunian, and Constanthos.”
“The artificial intelligence? Your plan worked!”
“Yes. But I need your help to choose which one goes to kill Wold.”
“How can I possibly help with that decision? I don't even know them.”
“Brogue, you simply direct the full power of the Reverence toward them and say one word in English.”
* * *
Deon Williams was working with such intensity that beads of sweat were forming on his forehead. “It's opening up. Everything is opening up.”
“Impossible,” Wheelz replied. “I'm closing in on them.”
“This is beyond us,” Deon replied as he put a thumb drive in the empty port. “We're going to need to shut it down. All of it.”
“We can't just shut it down, Worm. Shit! Whoever it is just pushed me aside.”
The door of the lab opened and a uniformed man peered inside. “Confirmed extra-terrestrial. Unless you can work some magic, you have authorization to shut it down.”
“Holy...” Wheelz trailed off.
“Five more seconds,” Deon said.
Wheelz just offered a blank stare.
“Okay, I got it,” Deon exclaimed. “Shut it down!”
After a few motions, Wheelz sat silently for a few moments before finally saying, “It's off. We are defenseless.”
“Cool,” Deon said as he stood up. “Want me to grab you a pop?”
26.
Nera removed her necklace and draped it over a nearby flower before looking to her left. Damon was hopping around, stretching, and taking deep breaths as if he was preparing for a fight. Constanthos almost looked amused by his antics but quickly changed her expression when the door slid open.
As soon as Brogue cleared the doorway, he spread his wings. “Kneel!”
Nera felt the weight hit her chest. It was pushing her downward but she fought with all her might. She had no idea what he had said.
Damon hit the floor right away. Constanthos sank more slowly but was soon on the ground beside him.
Nera somehow remained standing.
“I can feel the orange one resisting,” Brogue said in a low tone as Gladys joined him.
“She's removed her translator. But she should still be down.”
“How is it possible?” Brogue asked.
“She is driven by revenge. Wold is responsible for the death of someone she loved.” Gladys watched Nera struggle for a few moments and thought of how she must feel. “Release them. Thank you, Brogue. Please return to the lab.”
“You may rise,” Brogue said aloud in Sessiki before folding his wings and returning to the lab. He shot a smile at his sister. “That was interesting,” he said as he disappeared into the door.
“I know he said we could get up,” Damon began, “but I think I'm just going to lay here a minute.”
“You were right, Nera,” Constanthos said as she stood. “I don't want you to think I was doubting you.”
Nera allowed herself to soften. “I know you were wanting to keep me safe. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. My strength has always been in my intensity.” She offered her hand to Damon and pulled him up to his feet.
“This is all making a lot more sense to me,” Damon said. “I have no idea what any of you are saying right now, but I totally get it.”
Nera retrieved her necklace and put it on before asking, “What was that?”
“Don't kick my ass or nothing, but wasn't that cheating?” Damon asked with a smile.
“I was only trying to prove my point,” Nera replied.
“He could have said anything, Damon.” Constanthos slapped him on the shoulder. “What Nera has cannot be taught or learned. Brogue didn't have to say anything at all and I would have been down. That is the nature of the Reverence.”
“It is true,” Gladys said.
“Oh, I'm a believer,” Damon replied. “Now let's get down to business.”
* * *
“We would like to formally apologize to you, Frank.”
“Huh?” Frank had brought Gelan up to speed with his side of his story and was taking a moment to enjoy the scenery and the wind in his hair.
“We tested you. You have been tested enough.”
“You did not know. There is no need to apologize.” Movement on the bank caught his eye. “There.”
“Those people are fleeing,” Gelan said. “They are fearful. You are fearful as well.”
“I am afraid of me, Gelan.”
“Yes. That is why we put our trust in you. The steward of the capital states the invaders have claimed territory on this side of the city. The river winds around toward the human's facility that supplied the power. There is where the fog dome is.”
“So it is not all in the same place then?”
“No, Frank. There is a short distance between.”
Frank thought about it. “We had to be directly over the thing to transmit the, uh, signal. There must be nowhere to land nearby. Or maybe the spin of the planet caused their ships to drift. Or maybe I have no clue.”
“It is not important, really. We sent word. You are expected.”
“I appreciate that. It gets old being shot at everywhere I go.”
“We have enjoyed your conversation more than you can ever know. There are human soldiers waiting for you. They are staying away from the water, of course.”
“For what it is worth, Gelan, I think you look awesome.”
“We have always thought so. Brace yourself.” The boat crashed into the bank and Frank
stepped out. “They are up that way.” A lone tentacle pointed the direction.
“Thank you, Gelan. I count you among my friends.” He pulled his sunglasses from his pocket and put them on.
“We are honored.”
Frank didn't know what to do so he merely nodded before sprinting up the bank. The brush was thick but he just pushed through it as if it wasn't there. After a short while, he came upon a human soldier.
“Which way?” Frank asked.
The soldier carried a weariness. He pointed up the hill with his tired hand.
“I will put an end to this straight away,” Frank said, trying his best to sound reassuring.
There was no reply, only a blank stare.
Frank turned and continued up the hill, only stopping once to relieve his bladder behind a tree. After a while, he came upon a Gote from behind.
“Excuse me,” Frank said in Gotian.
The Gote spun around and pointed his pistol right at Frank's head.
“I would like to discuss surrender.”
* * *
Nera's feet hit the ground near the entrance closest to the landing pads. She quickly found herself ducking and dodging bugs of all shapes and sizes as they wandered about, unsure of what to do with themselves. They all knew their queen was in danger and her replacement was not yet ready for duty. She pressed her way through, following the orb, and was pleased to find her cloak holding after several dive-rolls. The bugs formed themselves into a twitching blockade at the mouth of the main tunnel but Nera found an opening and crawled through. It became darker so she relied on Gladys to lead the way.
After a while the way cleared and Nera could march steadfast like the proud warrior she was. The density of the bug traffic diminished as they neared the chamber. As she entered, the weight of the Reverence hit her.
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