0103

by Jessie Rose Case

  Exasperated at his King placing him in this position Tah shook his head and started to pace. His personal space was a mess. There were information displays all over the place and he hated it. His head was banging. He’d done so much reading he felt like his head would explode if he saw another piece of text, his eyes so sore, he was sure they were blood shot. He was not researcher this job required.

  He liked things neat, tidy and predictable. Organised. Nothing was neat, tidy or predictable about this job. He realised he needed to get down there and mix with these people. Information only got him so far. He needed to find out what makes them tick. Tah knew he couldn’t do that from his ship, factual information was one thing, actually seeing it first hand and being involved in it something else. Subtle differences in beings in body language and speech could mean different things and written information was from the prospective of the writer.

  Frustrated. Tah leaned in the doorway holding onto the top of the doorframe with his hands, an easy task for him being tall even for his kind. He worried. What would be the cost of his actions? What if he was discovered before the armada arrived, what if he gave something away by walking the Earth. Tah slammed his hand on the doorframe.

  “I can’t be discovered and that’s all there is to it”. He had his wits and skills and his camouflage but even so, physically, the Bataari did look much like Earth males. Earth cultures were already very diverse in looks and Tah was just taller, bigger, with longer than average male hair. He understood his look would not be ‘fashionable’ and he had stronger features than most.

  His colouring would fit in. His hair was long, thick and black, hanging down passed his shoulders. His eyes a violet blue, which could be passed off as Earth contacts in his eyes and his skin colour was considered tanned by Earth standards. He was larger than the general male population. Not just in muscle but in size. He was just…. Big. Tah reasoned he could pass for what he is, just a much larger Earth warrior if need be. He would have to hide his weapons but that wouldn’t be too difficult, he was after all, a warrior. He could go down and interact with the indigenous people. Look around a bit. See how things worked. How they ticked. Just enough to get a feel for how life was lived on this Planet.

  “Yes” He thought aloud. He would have first-hand experience to share when his King arrived. This was perfect he told himself. What could be better?

  “Computer, provide the organisations local information for personal research on the ground, location and infiltration information”.

  “Compiling, requested information, uploading to PID”. Tah check his Personal Information Device, his PID, held in the arm brace of his uniform and started to tack up. All Bataarian’s had the same uniform. His legs were covered in a toughened metal mesh that looked similar to Earth leather. It was unbreakable, difficult to penetrate with even the largest of weapons and it would pass for Earth trousers. His top was standard issue. The same material in a softer version for better manoeuvrability. It would pass for a casual Earth high neck top and was dark grey as well. His personal camouflage, his camo, would hide his PID along with himself. He would go unseen. Tah checked the information as it appeared to be listed on his PID and he engaged his camouflage.

  “Computer, drop at discrete first location and await further instruction via PID, secure ship”.

  “Compiling, calculated drop requirements and will drop in 3, 2, 1 drop complete, ship secured”.

  Tah materialised in a gap between buildings with no windows or doors. It was a good location that could not be overseen even if he had not used his personal camouflage. Tah reeled back. The smell. What the ‘batac’ was that? Tah looked around him.

  “They left their rubbish on the streets, by the Goddess, that is disgusting!” Tah spoke aloud in shock and looked at the floor. It was covered in what passed for food, drinks and was that Human and animal waste? Tah thought staring at it in disbelief.

  “Batac. These people”. Tah was disgusted. Did they not understand that living like this brought death? Gagging and holding his breath, he checked his PID. The information was clear and he had the directions to the first on his list. He moved quickly. Did all of Earth stink and look like this? This was no paradise. How were his people to live here? Their sense of smell would be their undoing. Living like this would not be easy for their kind. It didn’t look this bad on vid he reflected. Raising his nose trying to get above the smell he started to jog to the end. His people would not understand this way of living. No respect for the environment, no respect for themselves or what sustains them. This pained Tah. He was a little less hopeful that this world would provide the answers he needed. The salvation his people needed. With determination, he headed to his first stop.

  ***

  Alex sat back in her chair and looked around at the empty office. She was always amazed when she looked down the open plan office just how large it was. Keeping your head down tended to warp your sense of space. Your desk became your bubble. No pictures of children or husband on her desk. No hand drawn pictures from the kids. No, not for Alex. A noddie head smiley character. Her personal mug. Stacks of paperwork full of useful reference material. Two screens. 3 Phones. 5 Systems on line. Legal documents and a pen holder. And a bowel of sweets for the staff who passed her desk or came by for a chat. That was her desk.

  Alex smiled at the last of her staff who was heading out the door “You go home too Alex” Emma, Alex’s admin called out to her, Alex waved them off.

  “Sure thing on my way now too”. The staff knew Alex had a rule. If the staff were still working so was she. It made for an interesting life. Unpredictable and challenging but her staff never doubted her support. Alex swivelled her seat and turned back to her desk. She looked out the window. It took a very special man or woman to be able to put up with that crap. You couldn’t make plans. She’d tried many many times and often ended up paying for tickets and not getting there. You just couldn’t guarantee what time you’d be home. Couldn’t guarantee you wouldn’t be up all-night re-writing court paperwork for the next day.

  It was ironic. Alex told herself leaning back in her chair. This job was to support relationships and family. Yet, so many social workers were broken by the demands of the job. Partners not understanding the pull and drive of it or that they had to take a back seat when needed. It takes a very understanding and secure person to be able to deal with that and not question that your not ‘out partying’. Sadly, Alex reflected, it had affected many of her staff’s relationships as well as her own. When she interviewed for new staff positions, she was always honest with them. There would be times when you had to do after hours work, it would be at short notice, you needed child care, if you had them, in place in case you needed it and sometimes you would have to cram the weekends. It was the job. They were an Intake Team. It was the reality. The demands of the job outweighed the paid hours 2 to 1 at times and would wear you down.

  No. Relationships were not easy in this game. As if. Alex snorted. Who had the energy for that anyway? It was such a great view from her desk on the 7th. The sun was setting, it was getting dark earlier now she noticed. The night’s drawing in and cooler nights were in the air. Winter will be here all too soon thought Alex. The different changing seasons always brought work to her door. No matter what was going on in the world, be it economics or politics, people were still the same. Nothing trumped nature.

  Well, not today it seems. She’d be leaving on time. She could definitely do with that glass of wine when she got home. Alex rolled her shoulders. Yep, definitely time to go she told herself turning off her computer and screens, she filed her papers, forwarded her phone, picked up her bags and headed for the elevators. She was done.

  ***

  Tah was reeling. He’d returned to the ship moments ago after visiting three of the locations on the top of his list. He had remained hidden to all eyes but what he had witnessed and heard, he had little words for and those he did, made him want to punch something. Tah was angry, his control on his emoti
ons slipping as he headed for the training room. He was in serious need of exercising some rage.

  “How could they let that happen?”, he shouted to no one, the same question he had asked himself over and over again. Tah burst through the training room doors, looking for someone to combat. Remembering he was alone on his craft. Dam it.

  “Computer, simulation warrior Tah two”.

  “Compiling, warrior simulation Tah two”. Bouncing on his heels, Tah stripped off his weapons and PID and eagerly waited for the sim to start. Human behaviour left him feeling cold, angry and sad. Tah realised this was not all the people of Earth but there were plenty like this. He would eradicate all those that posed harm. With a primal roar Tah engaged the sim.

  Two hour’s later exhausted but feeling more in control of his emotions, Tah made his way to the showers, ordered nourishment, ate and fell into a dreamless sleep.

  “Tomorrow had better show promise” he murmured as sleep took him.

  ***

  Tah was irritated. The last 4 days followed a similar pattern. He shadowed three organisations a day. Returned to the ship. Beat on some training equipment to vent his anger and frustration, showered, ate and slept. The information he had gathered told him nothing but the worst of these Human’s and their nature and yes, also some of the best. People willing to go to great lengths at their own sacrifice sometime to help those in need. That had been humbling to see. But the fact remained, they wouldn’t be needed if the situation didn’t exist. Earth was failing at dealing with these issues. Politics often getting in the way. It wasn’t working and yet, no one was willing to stand up and do something radical.

  Tah hit the sim hard. Tomorrow was a ‘weekend’ Tah had learnt that from several people he had overheard. Time worked differently on Earth. Many organisations did not work the days know as Saturday and Sunday. But he had overheard some of the workers talking excitedly about meeting up after work on Friday evening to what they called “blowing off some stream”. Tah smiled at this saying, they had a similar one on board the fleet ships. It was clear they had plans to meet up with people they worked with from other organisations and have what they called “down time and a few laughs”.

  Tah understood letting off steam with follow warriors after much hard work. This social event with a mixture of alcohol and company could be both enlightening and eventful. Tah raised his eyebrows. Certainly, if it is anything like his troops ‘down time’ it would be. Decision made, Tah headed for a shower and change of clothes. After his meal he would be meeting up with those people. This is going to be perfect.

  Tah engaged his PID at the appointed hour. “Computer location of Sid’s Wine Bar, up loaded to PID, drop and secure ship”.

  “Compiling, uploaded information to PID, drop in 3,2,1 drop, ship secured”.

  ***

  Alex dropped into the bar chair. Was it really Friday night already? she thought. Haaaa. There was a god after all but it felt like it had taken an age in getting here. Alex took a quick look round the bar that had become important to those in social care. Near enough to the office that it wasn’t a huge walk and in the business sector so no client housing. It was perfect. A mixture of departments was present. Some from different services too. Alex recognised most of them. The bar wasn’t much, not posh or spic and span, a bit rough round the edges, a place to let off steam, and devoid of clients. It was relaxed and clean with good bar staff and company.

  More importantly the food was good and for those that wanted it, the drinks not overpriced or watered down. Alex noticed about half her team letting off steam, she would leave them be. She liked the bar and they deserved it. If they wanted her to join them they would ask. No insult given, none taken. Who wanted their manager round them all the time? God knows, I don’t, she reminded herself.

  “There you go Alex, one spritzer heavy on the lemonade”. Alex looked up into the smiling face of Ryan. An ex-employee who now worked for one of the organisations.

  “Thanks Ryan I could do with it, haven’t seen you for a while, how’s the family and how are you doing”.

  Tah found the ‘bar’ just fine. It was in a nicer part of the city. Lots of what were described as business tower blocks. As he walked in he was assaulted by a multitude of smells. Sifting them he found one intoxicating fleeting scent that was wholly surprising. He tried to narrow in on it and failed. Too many other scents mixing in. It looked busy for early evening but guessed that most had come from ‘work’.

  Walking discretely, silently due to his camo, Tah walked into the bar and moved from one group to another unseen. As he studied them, it was clear that there were several groups within these groups of people. Most surprising to him was that most of the people were female. Unescorted and no males to speak of. It was clear to him that some were just like his warriors in many ways. Some appeared to be old timers. Some being nurtured. Some were here to drink away the week, some appeared angry, some sad, but generally, they were there to socialise and bond, to have ‘fun’ and catch up with friends and unwind.

  Tah was heartened to see that when groups come together with a common thread whether Bataari or Human, the atmosphere is the same. There was plenty of rowdy complaining and storytelling although all were obviously careful not to talk about people from work. Generalisations where the order of the day and clearly no names but meaningful looks. It was clear that these people were protective of their clients and the chatter quickly moved away to other issues. One name came up often as they spoke of many things. Said with a mixture of awe, sometimes gratitude and thankfulness or some slight annoyance. They had the answers to many things it seemed. Tah needed to check this person out. They were clearly wise and enlightened on Earth cultures and had mentored many of these people and clearly had many years of insight to offer these people when working with males and females of this world. This person would be of use to him.

  Alex came back from the ladies and a Cappuccino was waiting for her at the bar.

  “That’s your one for the road Alex”. Alex smiled at Ryan. She wasn’t much of a drinker. She liked a glass of wine now and then or a spritzer but that was about it and when driving, one was her limit.

  “Thanks hun, you know me, one drink wonder, got a long drive so the caffeine is perfect”. Alex took a sip and visibly relaxed. “Umm it is perfect”. Ryan laughed at her expression. “I see you’re still a caffeine nut”. Alex nodded.

  “Sooo, you still doing 12 hour days 5 days a week or are you doing reasonable hours now?” He asked her. Alex laughed, it always came back to work issues. “You know the job Ryan, it is what it is”.

  “Its gonna kill you is what it is” Ryan choked back emotionally. Alex smiled and squeezed his arm, Ryan had given up mainstream social work finding it too demanding and emotionally wearing, Alex could sympathize. All those that came out of university thinking they were going to make change and save lives were often disillusioned when reality kicked in and unable to cope with the demands of the job, they left finding something easier to work with.

  “No need to worry Ryan, the jobs the job”. Resigned, Ryan nodded. “Yeah, sure”. They both knew Alex gave too much.

  ***

  Tah had followed the conversations round the room and moved to the couple at what was called the ‘bar’. The female had recently returned from what was called the ‘rest rooms’. Tah did not understand this phase. Having checked the place out initially on arrival for any possible threats. The ‘rest room’ was not a place anyone would want to rest. Mostly, they were not nice places. They were places where your bodily needs were disposed of. The males rest room far from pleasant, far worse than the females. The smell with his heightened senses made him gag. That kind of mess was uncalled for.

  Tah moved to get a better view of the female. As he glimpsed her. Tah had to shake the shock of surprise off himself, this can’t be the right person that the others had talked about? But the name was correct. This Alex was not old and wizened at all. Clearly no elder. He wondered again if he
had the right person. Tah touched his PID and looked at the records for this organisation. She had been called a Team Manager. Tah checked again, his concentration distracted by that heavenly scent. His nose tickled and twitched. Tah breathed deeply. It was …….. amazing, he felt he could breathe it in forever, never ending. It was nothing like the artificial and created smells of this world. He’d had plenty of that to deal with over the past week. This was natural. Sweet, warming but not sickly. Clean, like a new sun rise. Tah felt himself being compromised. He had a sudden moment of being out of control. Being led. He leaned forward towards this Alex as if being pulled magnetically to her.

  Tah shook his head and refocused. What the hell was going on? He looked around sharply. Had he been infected with something? Everyone was where he’d seen them before. No one had come near him. The other smells the same as before. Tah checked his PID. The air was tainted with bi products of this Earth but not any known drugs to influence him were present in any of the scans. Suddenly, Tah’s body went on warrior alert. His chest expanding and his limbs loose. Strength streamed into him from his core. Battle blood. Where was that smell coming from? Tah moved around the space checking for possible attack and moved into a protective stance and found none.

  It took all his will power to bring his Battle Blood under control. Tah turned his attention back to the couple at the bar, Tah observed the female. Her name was Alex. She was small for a Human, barely came up to his chest. She had what was called ‘blond hair’ pulled back at the nape of her neck. It looked thick. Shinny. Some strands had come loose and were haloed around her face. Tah wanted to brush them back from her face. He had an intense need to touch her.