Betrayal

by E. Wayne Stucki

  The Commander nodded his acceptance of the unspoken order. “This time I go,” he announced.

  As Kazikami left the room the two Swarm Leaders looked at each other. “He can’t take too long to find out,” said Zelof. “I think the Kthpok are getting very close to the completion of their plans. They’ve repaired their original ships and constructed a number of additional vessels. In fact, we’ve helped them upgrade their weaponry.”

  He paused and consulted something on an electronic pad he’d pulled from a harness pouch. “I thought I’d seen this notice earlier,” Zelof said and looked up at Sesum. “The Kthpok Point has notified the Presiding Assembly of his wish to give his people a live fire training exercise. The date’s been set for a couple of weeks from now and the Kthpok Swarm will be assembling near the outer asteroid belt. Besides practicing maneuvers with their ships they’ll be doing a little target practice on asteroids. That’ll give them a feel for the power of the missiles we gave them.”

  Sesum replied. “I see. Let’s hope Kazikami does better than Masiden.”

  Chapter 12

  Commander Kazikami ducked under a low hanging branch and knifed through the dense bushes blocking his way. A short distance behind him was Liden the computer expert who was supposed to get the data they needed out of the Kthpok computer. Bringing up the rear was Rident, the third and last Iidx of the team. The pod of infiltrators moved through a clump of ferns, came to a break in the jungle at the top of a ridge and paused just inside the trees.

  This was the morning of the fifth day since Kazi’s infiltration team had landed on Tarren, the Kthpok occupied island. Soon after passing the protecting reef his team had entered a small inlet and pulled up to the shore. As they were hiding their vessels Rident came across some rocks and sand that’d been fused into a large mass by intense heat. Moments later Kazikami found another area a short distance way that’d been likewise fused.

  It was an indication to the Commander that at least some of Masiden’s people had reached the island. One thing had bothered him when they’d made the discovery and still did. Three Skippers had left the cargo ship but there was evidence of only two vessels being destroyed. He wondered if only one crew had been able to make their objective only to die on the ocean. Another possibility was that one of the three teams had never reached the island in the first place. Or had the Kthpok found and captured the vessel with its crew? That last option concerned Kazi the most.

  The Commander brought his thoughts back to the present and reached into his pack to pull out a map of the island. As the other two Iidx waited Kazi spread out the thin plastic and used his compass to orient the map. After a moment of examining the details of the island he looked up to find landmarks. Then he pointed. “Our entry point is in that direction,” he announced. “It’s just over the next ridge. We should reach our jump off point a couple of hours after mid-day.” Kazi began putting away the map. “That’ll give us a chance to rest before we enter.

  “Rident,” he called, “have you got your bearings?”

  The officer looked down at the map for a moment then nodded. “Yes, Commander.”

  “Good,” said Kazikami, “off you go! Point your drop at the fence then meet us at the entry point.”

  With a nod of acknowledgement Rident pulled on his pack, crossed the small clearing and disappeared into the jungle.

  After the map had been put away Kazikami and Liden grabbed their own packs and started for the entry point. Moments later the two Iidx came to the bottom of a small valley and began to move up the slope on the other side. “What is that smell?” asked Liden. He stopped to look around for the source.

  Kazikami continued moving through the trees, bushes and grass. “I’m not sure what it is,” he called back. “But we don’t have time to find out. Now keep up and be quiet. Any Kthpok patrols in the area will hear you.”

  Realizing his commander was right the computer expert kept quiet as he hurried to catch up as quietly as he could. The two Iidx moved up the slope, knifing through plants and bushes with the foul odor increasing the higher they got. At last they broke through a dense line of ferns at the top of the ridge to find the trees of the jungle had been removed in the ravine below. The stench was so strong that both Iidx stopped and took quick, short breaths. They looked around searching for the source of what reeked but all they could see in the ravine was bushes, grass and the stream in the bottom. It seemed the plants closest to the water had a sickly yellowish tinge.

  The Commander gestured at the ravine. “We follow the water,” he whispered. “Head upstream.”

  “We have to walk breathing this?” Liden asked. “It’ll kill us!”

  Kazikami gave the Iidx a glare. “A bad smell never killed anyone,” he said. “We follow the stream!” The Commander gave a decisive nod of his head and pushed through the ferns to make his way down to the stream. There was a moment’s hesitation before Liden followed.

  After another hour of walking the two Iidx came to the abrupt end of the ravine. This was the edge of the area next to a large lake which the Kthpok had leveled to construct their surface facility. They’d cut off ridges and raised streambeds. A large pipe appeared out of the ground where the leveling had ended. It was large enough for the average Iidx to walk normally. The stream they’d been following issued from the darkness of the pipe and the increased stench combined with the yellowish color of the water made the pollution obvious.

  Motioning for his companion to remain next to the stream Kazi crept up the embankment and peered over its edge. Once out of the depression a breeze swept in, clearing away the foul stench. He spent a few minutes taking deep breaths then he got back to business. The Commander was careful to use the grasses and bushes as cover while he examined the area. He noted that the trees and bushes on either side of the ravine disappeared into the flat grassy area of the security perimeter. The breeze rippled through the tall grass. A hundred yards away was the wire of the security fence and the Kthpok base itself. Kazi gave a satisfied wave of his antennae. There was no Kthpok in sight. From what he could see the cameras and personnel in the observation towers of the perimeter fence couldn’t see into this depression. Since that was the case it was a certainty that any Tails walking along the fence wouldn’t spot his people. If his Iidx were careful the Tails wouldn’t even know the infiltration team had been in the neighborhood.

  The Commander slipped back down to the stream and almost gagged at the stench. “There’s no chance of the Tails in the base seeing us,” he announced to Liden. “They made a mistake and didn’t make the towers high enough. They also didn’t clear the jungle far enough back. Or they let it grow back.” He checked the time. “Now we have two hours before it gets dark.” Kazi gestured around the ravine. “Find a spot and get some rest.”

  Liden sniffed and waved his antennae in disgust. “I’m supposed to rest,” he muttered, “with this stench?” The tech moved over to the Commander and pointed at the crest of the ridge a short distance back down the ravine where the jungle was thickest. “I’m going to be on the other side of that ridge under some bushes. Maybe the smell will be less objectionable there.”

  Kazikami looked at where the tech pointed then nodded. “That’s not a bad idea,” he said with an amused wave from his antennae. “In fact, I think I’ll join you. But remember we can’t be seen or heard. The Kthpok still send out the occasional patrol and wouldn’t mind using us for target practice.”

  Careful to not leave any signs of their presence the two Iidx moved back down the ravine then up the slope to cross over into the jungle. Once inside the trees they found a fairly dense clump of bushes with a patch of fragrant ferns. Being on the other side of the ridge combined with the pungent smell of the plants masked the stench of the polluted stream. Settling down in the ferns the tech was soon asleep.

  Commander Kazikami made sure the bushes had come back to hide their passage from any observer. Then, satisfied with his efforts, he adjusted his timer to waken him twenty minut
es before the sun was due to set then joined the tech.

  Just as the day was starting to fade Rident slipped out of the jungle and dropped into the target ravine. Ignoring the stench of the stream and without making a sound, he moved up next to the large pipe where the discolored water issued. Slipping off his pack, Rident reached inside to pull out a small creature. Holding it up to his face, he stroked the creature with his antennae. After a few repetitions the creatures’ own antennae began waving in time with Rident.

  “Okay little one,” whispered Rident. “I’ve carried you long enough. It’s time for you to earn your keep.” He put the insect down, next to the stream in the pipe, made sure it was directed in the right direction then released it. With antennae sweeping back and forth, the multiple legs began moving. He watched as the insect disappeared in the darkness of the pipe.

  “Have the others been released?”

  Rident’s antennae stiffened in surprise at the sound. He whirled around and reared back on his back legs taking a combat stance, four limbs ready. Then he recognized the two Iidx who stood easily beyond arm’s reach. Dropping from his stance Rident replied.

  “You’re lucky I couldn’t reach you. I’d’ve cracked your shell, sneaking up on me like that.”

  Kazi gave an amused wave from his antennae. “Why do you think we’re way back here?” he asked. “Now, the release?”

  “I released the Brentons as planned,” Rident reported. “The Kthpok should have spent most of the day wondering what’s been poking around their electric fence and setting off their motion sensors.” The officer gave a smile. “When they look they’ll find the small brothers. Seeing that they should decide it’s nothing to worry about.” He gestured at the pipe. “Now, they’ll see the same signs in there and think they know what the cause is.”

  Kazikami nodded. “We’ll allow another hour for the Kthpok to get used to seeing something in the tunnel,” he said then paused. “Of course, that’s assuming they’ve got sensors in the pipe. I know if I were designing the defenses I’d have something in there. Take the time we have left to eat. Once we start we’re not going to stop.”

  The sun had been down for an hour and stars were starting to appear in the darkening sky when the three Iidx climbed into the drainage pipe. Commander Kazikami took the lead holding a small sensor out in front to detect emissions or leakage from electronic equipment. If there were any trip lights or motion sensors they’d be warned. The Brenton had been sent in earlier to condition the Kthpok to seeing movement in the pipe. It was hoped the Tails would ignore the warnings if the Iidx missed something and set off an alarm. In addition to their electronics all members of the team wore helmets which had special goggles over their eyes that helped them see in the darkness. That precaution was in case a Tail had been sent into the storm drain to confirm that Brentons had caused the alert.

  Kazi didn’t think that likely. The entire Kthpok Swarm was heading for their exercise in the outer asteroid belt leaving their surface facility understrength. Analysts determined that there shouldn’t be enough personnel left on the ground to investigate all the alerts created by the Brentons. It was assumed the person in the Control Room would be overwhelmed coordinating all the alerts and reports. The commander had chosen this time to infiltrate the Kthpok for that reason.

  Ignoring the stench all three infiltrators moved deeper into the pipe, splashing through water which reached one third the way up their legs. Twice they had to pause to jam or evade some Kthpok equipment before continuing on.

  After an hour of slogging through the pipe in the pitch darkness they came to a large square junction where two pipes merged into the larger one they were in. Kazikami paused once more to check their position on his electronic pad. The device wasn’t getting any signals from satellites to allow a perfect location fix although it worked well enough to give an approximate location.

  He peered down both tunnels as Rident and Liden stood a short distance back trying to hold their breath. The stench hadn’t gotten any better. In fact, the confined area seemed to intensify the odor.

  A moment later Commander Kazikami grunted then headed down the tunnel on the right. Without a word the other two Iidx splashed behind. As they walked the Iidx passed through large square areas with pieces of metal climbing up one wall. It was in the fourth such square area that the Commander stopped and keyed for a location check on his positioning device. Grunting in satisfaction a moment later he put the pad back in a harness pouch. Next, he pulled out a small infra-red light, switched it on and pointed it at the ceiling. There in the center of the red light was a large metal circle.

  Using the metal rungs conveniently attached to a wall Kazikami climbed up to the ceiling. After making sure all lights were turned off Kazi slid the metal aside and poked his head out through the hole. When he was sure no one was in the area he climbed out and disappeared.

  Rident and Liden waited, staring up at the circle of stars shown though the hole, alert for any sign of danger. A moment later a portion of the stars disappeared. Rident had his gun out in a moment and pointed at the shadow when Kazikami’s voice was heard.

  “Hurry,” the Commander hissed. “Get up here while it’s clear!”

  Rident and Liden didn’t hesitate. One by one they swarmed up the wall rungs and climbed out of the sewer. Rident helped Kazi replace the metal lid then all three hurried into the shadows of a nearby building.

  When they were less exposed the Commander paused once more to check their position with his positioning device. Now that they were in the open the device received data from satellites overhead and calculated their exact position in relation to where they needed to be. It took only seconds for Kazi to locate their target and plan a route.

  As Kazikami worked the device Liden stood nearby taking in deep breaths of clean air. “This air’s much better,” he said in a low whisper then turned to Rident. “Think we can find a better way out? One that doesn’t smell!”

  Before Rident could answer Kazi hissed for the two to be silent. After making sure there was no Kthpok in the area the three Iidx hurried down the length of the building, their shapes blending in with the shadows. They paused to look around the corner of the building to check for any sign of Kthpok. When he was sure there wasn’t anything coming Kazikami led the dash across the open space to the shadows of another building. Once again they paused before hurrying on.

  After a time of furtive scurrying between buildings and across roadways they hid in a clump of bushes next to a building to rest for a moment. All three kept watch for vehicles or patrols. “How much further?” wondered Liden.

  Commander Kazikami looked up from consulting his pad which had their position indicated on an overlay of the base and waved down the road. “Three buildings down is a structure that might house computers,” he replied.

  Liden jerked around to stare at the Commander. “Might? We’re doing this blind?” he asked.

  Kazi shrugged his antennae. “The Kthpok haven’t exactly been forthcoming about what they’ve been doing here so we haven’t been able to get the best intelligence,” he replied. “But our target is the structure the Kthpok Swarm Master has been observed visiting the most. In fact, from the amount of time he spends in there Intel thinks it contains his office. It may not house the main computer but we’re sure we can access the data we want from there.”

  “We’re going to… you want me to crash the Chief Tail’s computer?”

  Rident moved over to rest a true-hand on Liden’s thorax. “Don’t get nervous,” he said. “You knew the job before we left. Besides, if you’re worried about being tortured, don’t be. If we’re caught the demo packs will prevent the Tails from experimenting with your shell.”

  “Some comfort,” said Liden with a snort of disgust.

  The tech fell silent while he turned to rearrange his pack. Rident learned over to Kazikami and spoke in low tones so Liden couldn’t overhear. “I know we’re good,” he said, “but it’s been too easy. We haven’t
seen any patrols or detected sensors now that we’re inside their perimeter. There hasn’t even been a vehicle. Do you think they know we’re here and are letting us walk into a trap?”

  Kazi took a deep breath then let it out, eyes still scanning the area for danger. “There’s always that possibility,” he said also keeping his voice low. “Although I think the Kthpok taking their fleet out to the asteroids is a better explanation. The ships they’ve repaired coupled with the new construction we helped them with will have taken a large percentage of their population. Their attention is on what they’ve made and I’m betting they think ours is as well.” He waved his antennae in wry humor. “For the most part they’d be correct except for us.

  “Okay people, we’ve rested long enough,” the Commander announced in a slightly louder voice. “Remember after we get the data we don’t rest, don’t stop until we’re off the island.”

  Still hugging the shadows and what cover they could find the three Iidx scurried down the street. They were careful to avoid moving into the cones of light projected by street lamps. There was still no sign of any Kthpok as they flitted from shadow to shadow. Nearing their target they slowed and made extra effort to look for guards or electronics. As they neared the door Rident gestured with his sensor. “It’s got to be a trap!” he exclaimed in a hoarse whisper. “There’re no guards and just simple electronics. I see a lock and simple scanning. That’s it!”

  Kazikami didn’t say anything but held up a true-hand, stopping the other Iidx five yards from the entrance. Both Iidx moved over to stand next to a bush watching for Kthpok. Stooping almost to the ground the commander moved forward. He examined every step of the path until he reached the main door. Sometimes he’d give an odd high step. Reaching into his pack he removed two items and placed them on the ground. Then he turned to Rident and Liden. “Step over those markers,” he called in a whisper. “And step high. The Kthpok have a pressure plate disguised as part of the approach. They also placed a hidden trip-wire.”