Veklocks

by S. H. Jucha

  Aurelia shrugged in response to Jaktook’s questions. There was insufficient data to determine the answer.

  “Then we have two choices. We take a known dome and a known pathway home, or we risk the unknown in both cases,” Harbour summarized.

  “I’m for delta,” Mangoth rumbled and flexed his massive jaw.

  “Me too,” Jaktook added.

  Slowly, the others nodded their agreement.

  “Then it will be delta,” Jessie remarked, but then he paused. He stared at a platform, visualizing the team appearing in that distant dome.

  “We lie down,” Jessie said excitedly, smacking a fist into his palm. “We’ll present smaller targets, while we focus on the reds, especially those with tubes. Better yet, we’ve ten launchers. That’s two for everyone but Aurelia and Jaktook. Aim your primary one at the reds. Use the other one to keep the grays off you.”

  Jessie waved the team toward the platform, while Devon and Aurelia remained at the console. He positioned Mangoth in the center and arrayed the others in a three-quarter circle. Room was left for Aurelia and Devon. He whistled, caught their attention, and pointed at their positions.

  “Jaktook, we haven’t seen many attacks from the rear, the portion closest to the dome’s wall,” Jessie said, “but I need you to guard that quarter of the platform’s circumference.”

  “I will do my duty,” Jaktook replied with determination and a flash of teeth.

  Jessie unlimbered the two launchers he carried and took his place between Mangoth and Harbour.

  Every explorer loaded fresh drums. Devon, having examined Tracy’s weapon, had delivered the sad news that she’d emptied her drum of darts. It left the team wondering whether Tracy had been caught unawares by the red’s shot, or whether she’d deliberately interposed herself between Jessie and the red.

  In quick succession: Jessie signaled Aurelia; Devon fired at two grays edging over the ramp’s top, killing one; and Aurelia activated the panel and then yanked on Devon’s arm.

  The couple ran to the platform, and Devon hurriedly prepared both launchers, as Aurelia lay down next to Mangoth.

  Grays raced up the ramp in an attempt to cancel the platform’s activation. They were denied the opportunity. The Messinants energy field had already sent the explorers to another star.

  Delta had indeed received reinforcements, most likely from beta. When the team arrived, the deck was crowded with reds and grays.

  The grays were so close to the platform that the team reflexively fired into the bodies that reared up to strike them. The destroyed tissue blew back into their faces, temporarily blinding them.

  The explorers did gain some precious moments. The reds had fired their tubes where they expected the team to coalesce, but the rounds had sailed harmlessly over the explorers’ heads.

  Jaktook faced no one. He spun, hopped up on Mangoth’s ample bottom, and targeted any red with a tube.

  Single-handedly, Jaktook destroyed five reds, while they labored to reload their tubes. That valuable reprieve allowed the others to wipe their eyes, clear the nearest grays, and target the remaining reds.

  The team climbed to their knees, dropped their secondary launchers, and sighted with the other. Mangoth stood, rolling Jaktook off. Swiftly, the remaining reds and many more grays were eliminated. As expected, the group of grays, who were left on deck, retreated to the ramp.

  “Aurelia, get us out of here,” Jessie ordered.

  Aurelia sprinted toward the console, and Devon swore as he raced to keep up.

  In the few moments Mangoth had, he lumbered over to a red, kicked over the body’s remains, and grabbed the alien’s tube weapon.

  “Souvenir or evidence?” Jessie asked the Crocian, as he climbed on the platform.

  Within moments, Devon and Aurelia were reversing course to join the others to leave delta and the carnage behind.

  In the next dome outward, the team quickly cleared the platform, and Mangoth laid down his launchers and tube weapon to throw a net over it.

  “What we’ve documented better be enough,” Devon said harshly, as he picked a chunk of gray out of his hair. He threw it on the deck in disgust.

  “We’re safe,” Jessie said. “Let’s get cleaned up.”

  “No,” Harbour objected strenuously. “The Sylian dome recorded eight explorers leaving alliance territory. Let it record the return of six of us and in this condition. Aurelia, remind us how to get home.”

  Aurelia wiped her hands on the front of her mesh suit, which had managed to stay relatively clean. She consulted her comm unit and directed the team to the appropriate gate. The explorers journeyed quickly through the Messinants network of connected stars, soon reaching the Sylian dome.

  When the explorers appeared in Shevena’s dome, she was aghast at their condition. “Call medical,” she whispered urgently to a console operator.

  The operator halted when he saw the explorers leave the platform without difficulty.

  Journeyers stared in horror at the explorers, whose faces, heads, and shoulders were splashed with blood and bits of tissue. Many retched and fought to prevent their stomachs from emptying on the deck.

  The team saw the reactions of those who stepped aside for them, and they hadn’t the energy or desire to care. They’d performed an ugly and dangerous job to understand the threat represented by the Colony. In the meantime, alliance citizens were able to blithely pursue their peaceful lives.

  At the Jatouche dome, Jaktook waved off the techs, who rushed forward to assist them.

  “Envoy, I believe you’ve made an indelible impression on the races, as you wished,” Jaktook said. “I suggest it’s time to get clean before we travel any farther.”

  “Agreed,” Harbour replied. “Our gear is on the third level.” She led the team off the platform and toward the ramp.

  While nearby journeyers were stunned by the explorers’ appearance, as many in other domes had been, they couldn’t help but notice the honor paid by every Jatouche on the deck. Each one bowed deeply and held that pose until the explorers passed.

  -18-

  Hyronzy Station

  The explorers fanned out to separate rooms and luxuriated in the facilities, cleaning their suits, themselves, the launchers, and their gear.

  Then they assembled where the Pyreans had left their duffels. Multiple servings of paste were consumed, as well as greens by the empaths. The food filled their bellies and steadied their nerves.

  Slowly, the twin knives of guilt stabbed into their psyches. They’d lost two team members, and they’d survived.

  “What’s next, Envoy?” Jaktook asked.

  “I’m bothered by the discussions about the Tsargit,” Harbour replied, “and I’m not interested in waiting to find out where we stand.”

  Jaktook and Mangoth stared at each other. At first, it was in surprise, and then Jaktook chittered and Mangoth roared in amusement.

  “What?” Harbour demanded with a touch of anger.

  “Apologies, Envoy,” Jaktook replied, quickly gaining control. “We interpreted your remarks as you wish to confront the Tsargit.”

  “Then you understood me well,” Harbour shot back.

  This time Jaktook and Mangoth’s expressions were ones of angst.

  “Envoy, with respect, that’s not how the Tsargit conducts business,” Jaktook said judiciously.

  “Explain,” Harbour said tersely. She was losing patience. She felt a touch on her arm from Aurelia, and understanding the signal, she clamped her mental gates tightly.

  “The Tsargit chooses who may present to them and when,” Jaktook replied. He wished Tacticnok was present. He thought she might better handle this delicate conversation.

  “And their committees are never in a hurry,” Mangoth added. He glanced toward Jessie, seeking support. However, Jessie stared quietly back at him.

  “Are the committees the ultimate arbiter of presentations and decisions?” Harbour asked.

  “Yes and no, Envoy,” Jaktook replied
. “The committees approve those things that fall within their purview. However, in our case, a committee would need to approve our presentation and then recommend it to the council for calendaring.”

  “Explain that last part,” Jessie requested.

  “The council would review the committee’s request,” Mangoth replied. “They might calendar an interview or choose not to hear us. If they do accept, the council sets their quarterly calendars about a half annual ahead of time.”

  “Why should this be so complicated?” Harbour asked. “The Tsargit requested we survey the Colony’s expansion, and we worked out the agreement with the Veklocks.”

  “It’s never that simple with the Tsargit,” Jaktook pleaded, “but we have a good case for convincing the council to ultimately honor the terms of the contract.”

  “Why do the races put up with this ludicrous arrangement?” Jessie asked.

  “We’ve no other option,” Mangoth admitted.

  “Do you know how to get to the Tsargit?” Harbour asked.

  “We both do,” Mangoth replied. “The Tsargit occupies an enormous station near the Hyronzy dome. It accommodates the many races who comprise its representatives, committees, and council.”

  “We rest today; we go tomorrow,” Harbour said. Then she stood and held out her hand to Jessie.

  Aurelia and Devon soon followed them out the door to seek their own private quarters.

  Jaktook regarded Mangoth. “There hasn’t been adequate time to express sentiments,” he said. “I’m disheartened by the loss of your sibling. I admired him.”

  “And I regret allowing him to journey with us,” Mangoth replied.

  “It seems he was determined to go,” Jaktook offered.

  “He was,” Mangoth allowed. “If the reds hadn’t wielded weapons, Tracy and he might still be among us.”

  Jaktook rose, and Mangoth asked, “Where are you going?”

  “To speak to Her Excellency. This desire of the envoy to confront the Tsargit is beyond my control,” Jaktook replied.

  The desultory expression on Mangoth’s face gave Jaktook pause. “Your presence would be valuable, if you care to accompany me,” he said.

  “I would,” Mangoth replied, pleased not to be left alone at this time.

  As they exited the room and headed for the shuttle, Jaktook gazed up at his enormous friend and asked, “Can I ride?”

  Mangoth rumbled deeply. “Thank you, Jaktook,” he said. Two annuals ago, it would not have occurred to him that he’d consider the diminutive Jatouche a close friend.

  “Is that a no?” Jaktook pursued, and he was finally rewarded with Mangoth’s booming laughter.

  * * * *

  Jaktook and Mangoth rode the shuttle from the moon to Rissness Station. They exited the bay and cars took them up through the station to the royal apartments.

  In the antechamber, staff asked Mangoth to wait, while they ushered Jaktook into Tacticnok’s presence.

  “You’re safe,” Tacticnok cried out, gripping Jaktook’s forearms and nuzzling his cheek.

  Jaktook was speechless at the intimate reception. Nevertheless, he was enthralled by Tacticnok’s open declaration of her choice for him as her mate.

  “The report I received said only six explorers returned,” Tacticnok said, releasing Jaktook.

  “We lost Tracy and Hangor to the Colony,” Jaktook said sadly.

  “I would hear more,” Tacticnok encouraged, indicating a pallet.

  “Your pardon, Tacticnok. Time is of the essence. Mangoth and I must speak to you on urgent business,” Jaktook pleaded.

  Tacticnok signaled for a staffer and requested he admit Mangoth.

  When the Crocian entered, Tacticnok dropped her head to him. As she lifted her head and gazed sadly at the Crocian, she said, “Mangoth of the Logar, I’m grieved to hear of the loss of your sibling.”

  “Your words are generous and a comfort, Your Excellency,” Mangoth replied formally.

  “Come. Sit with us, Mangoth,” Tacticnok invited. “Jaktook tells me that the two of you have concerns that you wish to discuss.”

  When the threesome was seated, Tacticnok asked, “First, tell me. Was your expedition successful?”

  “Beyond our expectations,” Jaktook replied.

  “Devon and Aurelia have incomparable skills where it concerns the Messinants and their domes,” Mangoth said, “and Jaktook has plenty of documentation.”

  “What am I not understanding?” Tacticnok asked. “Why was a substantial amount of data collection necessary? What did you discover?”

  “The Colony’s expansion is greater than we could have anticipated,” Jaktook explained. “We were forced to explore adjunct domes connected to one we called delta. That dome leads directly to the Colony’s home world through beta and alpha, where we found the insectoids last time. They now occupy those three inline domes and eleven adjunct locations, as best we can discern.”

  “We believe our first incursion might be the cause as to why the Colony redoubled their efforts to expand,” Mangoth added. “In addition to those efforts, the Colony developed strategies to trap us with nets and kill us with weapons.”

  Despite her royal bearing, Tacticnok’s mouth hung open in shock. “This is what you needed to see me about?” she asked, as she digested the horrific news.

  “No, Your Excellency,” Mangoth replied. “We’ve been unable to convince the envoy of how the Tsargit works.”

  “Why is that necessary?” Tacticnok asked.

  “We explained to the envoy that unless she thoroughly convinces the Tsargit of what we uncovered, they’re likely to withdraw from the agreement,” Jaktook replied.

  “It’s happened before,” Tacticnok allowed, “but you believe you’ve amassed sufficient records.”

  “Yes, we have, but we might have overemphasized the duplicitous nature of the Tsargit, Your Excellency,” Mangoth said apologetically. “The envoy wishes to journey to Hyronzy Station and meet with the Tsargit now.”

  “Without invitation?” Tacticnok queried, surprised by the idea. Then she frowned, and a hand stroked the fur alongside her jaw. “What did the envoy tell you were her reasons for the unauthorized visit to the Tsargit?”

  Mangoth and Jaktook shared nervous glances.

  “I require an answer,” Tacticnok said quietly but firmly.

  “It’s our thought that the envoy wants to challenge the Tsargit,” Jaktook replied. “She wishes to ensure that the Tsargit will abide by the contract based on the data we’ve collected.”

  Tacticnok regarded the two males, as thoughts ran through her head. The fluid nature of the Pyreans and the Tsargit’s rigidity created the opportunity for a clash of wills. Any alliance race would avoid this type of confrontation at all costs, but as the envoy herself often pointed out, the Pyreans weren’t alliance members.

  The envoy’s idea to visit the Tsargit without an invitation was entirely unorthodox, even absurd, but it might be the kind of confrontation that the Tsargit needed — an interruption in their sanctified procedures.

  “Return to the envoy and escort the team to Hyronzy Station,” Tacticnok directed.

  When Jaktook and Mangoth regarded each other, Tacticnok said sharply, “Stop that. I’ve not lost my faculties. We agree that the Tsargit has a dubious history of keeping the agreements that the Veklocks negotiate. The envoy is right to challenge them.”

  “Your pardon, Your Excellency, but why would the Tsargit deem it necessary to meet with the envoy who would turn up without being invited?” Mangoth asked.

  “You underestimate the Pyreans,” Tacticnok replied. “I’ve no idea how they’ll accomplish it, but I believe they’ll find a way.”

  “As you wish, Your Excellency,” Jaktook said and stood, believing the discussion was at an end.

  Mangoth, who was on the verge of asking another question, closed his jaws with an audible clack.

  “One more thing,” Tacticnok said. “Deliver a message to Advisor Cinders from me. Tell him to
negotiate as if the other party was untrustworthy.”

  Mangoth rumbled. “This should be an interesting conflict,” he said. “Let’s hope it will be less bloody than our encounters with the Colony.”

  Jaktook chittered but truncated his reaction when he saw Tacticnok wasn’t amused.

  “We’ll be returning,” Jaktook said, expecting to be excused.

  “A final item,” Tacticnok said, standing. She requested staff to bring her a familiar case. When she received it, she opened and displayed its contents to Mangoth.

  “I had this prepared for Hangor,” Tacticnok said. “Perhaps your progenitors would care to receive the honor.”

  Mangoth eyed the medallion. It was similar in size to the one he wore. He accepted the case, hefted it, and said, “I’ll give this to the envoy.”

  In reply to Tacticnok’s confusion, Mangoth said, “Knowing the envoy as I do, she’ll revere the medallion as an emblem of Hangor’s sacrifice. I predict one day all Pyreans will possess ear wigs. They’ll walk by some prominent location, where the envoy will display Hangor’s honor, and every Pyrean who passes will hear the medallion’s message. They’ll be reminded that Crocians were their allies and friends from the beginning.”

  Tacticnok and Jaktook were taken aback by Mangoth’s connection of the present and the future. They stared silently, as he bowed to Tacticnok and left the apartment.

  Jaktook clasped Tacticnok’s forearms, nuzzled her cheek, and hurried after Mangoth.

  * * * *

  Now numbering six, the team met in the primary dorm room for the day’s first meal.

  “Well?” Harbour asked, spooning paste and eyeing Jaktook. She was seeking the answer to her request to be taken to see the Tsargit.

  “We journey to Hyronzy Station, Envoy,” Jaktook replied. “Once there, it will be up to you to gain an audience.”

  “Who travels with you, Envoy?” Mangoth inquired.

  “I would hope all of you will accompany me. I don’t know whether you’ll have a role to play, but you should be seen by the Tsargit for who you are and what you’ve done for the alliance,” Harbour replied.