by Dean Sault
An older human stepped into sight of the scientist and stretched his hand out in greeting.
“I am Shilgar. Won’t you please join us?”
Dr. Hadje slipped around the rock corner into full view and grasped the human’s hand.
“How do you know my name?” he asked.
“We’ve been monitoring your efforts on behalf of humans for over a hundred years. My people thank you for your good intentions. This must be quite a shock. Please accompany me to my quarters. I will be honored to answer your questions.”
Unusually tall for a human, Shilgar placed an arm around Dr. Hadje’s back and guided the Tanarac through the cavern with Jix close behind. They walked past humans, many humans, all living free. If that was not enough, when they passed a crude dwelling, Dr. Hadje saw a female human inside, brushing the hair of a full-grown hicay. Then, the Tanarac scientist got the greatest surprise of all.
Children!
Chapter 17
In the War Room, Ludic feverishly tapped every power source he could find on the planet’s integrated energy grid. Each one collapsed quickly after being drained by the enormous demand of the shield generator. The general encouraged his electronics warfare officer.
“Hang in there, Ludic. Get me five more minutes.”
General Tragge stood near a monitor showing empty space above the southern hemisphere of the planet. A small dot appeared on the display and rapidly grew in size. The general clenched his fist and forcefully uttered, “Frox!”
The growing dot soon took on a familiar shape. It was a deep space battle cruiser, closing on the Tanarac home world at close to light speed. Everyone watched the approaching starship. Even the Heptari cruiser suspended its bombardment on Site Three to assess the approaching threat.
Ludic used those precious moments to restore some of his collapsing energy grid.
Heptaris quickly figured out an unarmed, outdated starship posed no real threat. They resumed their particle beam attack on the last shield site while the two medium Heptari picket ships left the safety of the cruiser to intercept the incoming Tanarac vessel.
“Is that the 9th, sir?”
“No,” replied the general. “It’s an old friend, come to help us out. Send all our fighters to engage those Heptari mediums. We need to take some heat off that old ship.”
The Tanarac starship masterfully executed evasive maneuvers as both Heptari cutters fired weapons at its command bridge. Three battling spaceships disappeared around the western horizon of the planet with dozens of small system fighters in chase.
Sentinel satellites provided witness to a ferocious firefight as combatants rounded the planet. Little intra-system fighters swarmed the two aggressor ships while the enemy vessels poured their main firepower into the old Tanarac Kyome warship, ignoring local system fighters.
General Tragge’s chest inflated with deep admiration as he watched the heroics of his brave pilots. The intense engagement rose on the eastern horizon, having circled around the planet.
Without warning, the decommissioned Kyome battleship accelerated away from the other ships, angling down into the upper stratosphere. Its leading edges glowed white hot from atmospheric friction.
“General, it looks like that old Kyome has catastrophic command failure.”
“Yes, it does,” the general replied with an odd tone of approval.
Heptari mediums changed course, apparently satisfied that the big Tanarac ship would crash into the planet.
“Too late,” General Tragge bellowed and pumped his fist in defiance.
The large Heptari command cruiser struggled desperately to gain altitude. All its weapons were now firing at the big Tanarac starship as it began rising out of the planet’s atmosphere. The old warship, surrounded in flame, seemed to be gaining speed and closing fast on the fleeing Heptari command cruiser.
Moments later, a massive fireball filled the sky as two star-class vessels exploded on impact. Brilliance of the detonation subsided quickly in the vacuum of space, leaving dark wreckage, tumbling slowly away from the planet. Every few seconds, a flash burst from the blackened tangle of metal, as secondary explosions marked small quantities of escaping antimatter.
Silence settled over the War Room as the remaining Heptari mediums left all screens in a hasty retreat to deep space. General Tragge monitored post-conflict damage reports. The crisis was over.
Captain Ludic spoke first. “Sir, shield three is up to seventy percent. Local power grids are thirty percent restored. Full power to all grids will take another four hours. Repairs are under way at the other two shield generators.”
Another officer handed the general an electronic pad that accounted for battle casualties. He summarized the list for his commander.
“General, we destroyed twenty-one of their ships at a cost of seventy-one fighters. We recovered all our pilots from escape pods. Twelve are injured, none dead, sir. And, uh, we lost that battle cruiser. We don’t know what ship that was. She had no beacon signal. We have no idea how many spacers were aboard her.”
General Tragge looked at the monitor showing the blackened hulk that was once a proud Tanarac command ship.
“She was the Vaal III. She’s a decommissioned Deep Space Kyome from the scrap yard. Thank God, she had one more battle in her. Her crew was only one pilot, retired General Frox, Ja Frox. He was a good soldier.” He paused for a second. “He was a good friend.”
The general forced himself to turn his thoughts away from his personal loss.
“Did we take prisoners?”
He already knew the answer to his obligatory question. Heptari military tradition of fighting to the death was well known.
“No, sir. They all died in their ships.”
General Tragge wondered how things had gone so terribly wrong. He thought he had a good handle on the situation and never expected the Heptari fleet to attempt a blockade, much less fire on the Tanarac home world. Troubling him most was how easily they defeated his first two shields. Those shields were the best of Tanarac technology, designed to withstand the most powerful weapons known to exist. Yet, a single Heptari cruiser almost brought their home world to its knees, using a new cannon, the likes of which, they had never before seen.
A nearby audio speaker crackled loudly with static. It was the private comm channel reserved for general-rank, staff officers. Everyone in the War Room looked toward the sound, expecting one of the generals to come on line. An excited voice flooded the War Room.
“Byn, hey Byn! You there? We got em Byn! Just like you said. Good call, skipping off the atmosphere from the opposite horizon. I almost rode that damn ship in! Had a helluva time getting my escape pod to launch through all that damn fire. Byn, you there?”
The general broke into a big smile and crossed the room to respond personally at the Senior Officer console.
“Ja Frox, you tough old warrior. You did it! Thank you, my friend. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine Byn, but sure could use a lift. I’m bobbin around out here in the Northern Sitt Ocean in wunna them old-style escape pods. Damn thing’s leaking! I don’t mind dying in space to save Tanarac, but I’d hate to drown out here in the stinking ocean.”
Everyone in the War Room laughed, while the general’s aides began coordinating a rescue.
“I’ll see you when you get back on dry land, my friend, and, thank you again, Ja. Thank you, from all of Tanarac.”
Relieved, the commander’s thoughts returned to the situation at hand.
“Recall the fighters. Get me Admiral Lorm Paad of the 9th Battle Group.”
General Tragge was too good of a military man to take satisfaction in this victory. Besides, something didn’t smell right. Many years ago, he learned to trust his intuition. Some instinct now warned him that there was a lot more to this attack than a few humans. An aide handed him the communicator.
“Admiral Paad?” The general waited a second while the comm technician completed the link. “Lorm, we’re okay for now, thanks to
General Frox. I’m sending you a complete transcript of the past few hours. Do not, I repeat, do not continue your course to Tanarac. Take position outside the system at the fifth asteroid ring and await further instructions. Make sure you send out patrol ships at minimum intervals and maximum scouting range. I have a hunch we didn’t see the entire Heptari fleet.”
The general waited for a moment while the admiral implemented his instructions. Then, he offered one last bit of advice.
“Lorm, the Heps have some kind of new particle-beam cannon. It’s twice as powerful as anything on record. Avoid engagement, if possible.”
The general responded to a few questions from the admiral.
“Yes, I recalled our deep space battle groups to Wallow Minor. We’ll bring in more heavies from there, after they reach full strength. That should take a few more days. Until then, you’re all we’ve got. My electronics warfare officer found a way to modulate our shields against that new weapon. I’ll put him in contact with your e-war techs. Maybe he can help you guys out. Good luck, Lorm.”
General Tragge stared at the Deep Space monitor. All the sentinel satellites around the Tanarac system displayed normal visions of asteroids or stars, framed by the black void of deep space. With exception of the blackened space hulks slowly drifting away from Tanarac, space around the general’s home world looked non-threatening.
The old military leader knew different.
Chapter 18
Benjamin’s comment, “The Wall,” was spoken with great reverence, but Simon was not impressed. He expected more. Ahead of them was a black surface extending completely across the end of a cavern. It appeared oddly smooth, but otherwise, looked unremarkable.
The free human leader approached The Wall slowly. His fingers pointed up and palms faced the surface as if he was going to push it. He was still a forearm’s length away when it began to lighten in color. Its surface grew brighter until the entire cavern was bathed in light making every one squint.
“Hello, Benjamin.” A man’s voice formed in the air around them. “It’s good you have come at this time. There are matters we must discuss. You brought guests.”
“Yes, Simon and Kelly are the newest runners to join our colony.”
The free human leader told The Wall about the Tanarac pursuit of Simon.
“For the first time,” he said, “Tans followed a runner into the Central Jungle. We are considering the best way to—”
The strong voice interrupted.
“We are aware of Simon’s impact on the Tanaracs. It is of no concern. There are matters of greater urgency.” Then, The Wall changed the subject. “Simon, approach.”
Benjamin raised one eyebrow while contemplating the command from The Wall.
“What could be more urgent than Tanaracs finding our community?” he asked.
The Wall ignored the question and repeated for Simon to approach. The Elder nodded approval to the young man who had been hesitating. Inching cautiously toward the glowing surface, Simon obeyed, and The Wall resumed its communication with the senior man.
“As of this day, Benjamin, Tanaracs are no longer your primary concern. Heptari warships have blockaded this planet. They search for human life.” The Wall went on to describe the standoff in space above and Tanarac’s recent resolution to end human reproduction.
Every free human knew what Heptari did to Earth. Even Simon and Kelly now understood what would happen if the Heptaris found them.
Benjamin weighed this new information. “If Tanaracs would place us back into captivity and Heptari soldiers would kill us, then why don’t we just remain hidden?”
The Wall’s voice softened.
“Simon, do not be afraid. Come closer. We will not harm you.”
He stopped inches from physical contact with The Wall and stood motionless with his hands held slightly outward.
While instructions were given to Benjamin, a bright spot of light formed on The Wall. It began to spiral slowly and lift out from the surface. Energy churned and expanded until it was slightly larger than a full-grown man. Simon’s instinct was to step back, yet for some odd reason, he stood his ground.
Kelly became alarmed. “Benjamin, what’s going on? Simon, get away from there!”
All the Elders, except Benjamin, stepped back from the strange mass of light.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” he said and attempted to reassure her. “The Wall has never harmed any of us. It will not harm your friend.”
Despite Benjamin’s opinion, Simon’s apprehension grew. The swirling vortex quickly engulfed him in a glowing cocoon of energy. Violent bolts of energy fused in and out of his body. They felt warm. Tips of his fingers tingled with each tiny spark of static that discharged from them.
The energy field suddenly lifted him off the ground. He attempted to step back, but his muscles would not respond. Kelly’s fear surged into his mind. The energy beam began retracting into The Wall, carrying its prey with it. Even the free human leader lost his composure.
“What are you doing?” Benjamin demanded of The Wall.
“Simon!” Kelly called out and lunged toward her friend.
Two Elders restrained her.
The Wall responded, “He will not be harmed. You must trust us.”
Simon’s body disappeared through The Wall right before their eyes. Kelly’s telepathic link ended instantly as the last bit of his body vanished from sight. Everyone stared in astonishment. The surface began to dim and spoke one last time, urgency tempering its voice.
“Return to the surface immediately, Benjamin. Your people need you. Come back for Simon exactly two days from now.”
The Wall went fully black after its last words.
Kelly staggered along the path, walking mechanically, as the party began the arduous trek uphill toward the surface. She was in shock after losing Simon for the second time in her life.
The cave travelers were halfway to the surface when a young man approached from the opposite direction. He struggled to catch his breath.
“Benjamin, something terrible has happened! The entire sky exploded above us. Pieces of burning metal fell everywhere, and Tanarac communications sound like they are fighting a space battle. What should we do?”
The old leader knew calm was needed.
“Myebac, you are young and can travel faster than us. Return to the surface and issue my general order for our people to go into the deep hides. Tell them this is only a precaution, and The Wall has provided guidance to deal with this event.”
The young messenger departed, and the Elders resumed their slow, steady pace for the final hour on the return path. As they stepped out from the tunnel entrance, a noisy crowd of worried citizens waited. Benjamin ascended a nearby balcony and silenced the crowd with a wave of his hand.
“Fellow free humans, we bring you news from The Wall. We received instructions on how to adjust to these events. Let us face our new challenges with the courage of our forefathers. For now, stay-to-ground, and you will be safe. The Elder Council will shortly implement plans that were provided to us. Everything will be okay. Trust The Wall.”
The crowd responded to Benjamin’s leadership as they headed off to their homes following his directions. Elders went into the conference room in the Central Hall to review the situation while a young man waited at the entrance with a large hicay sitting by his side. Benjamin stopped to speak with the man. As he did, his fingers ran through the thick fur between the animal’s ears.
“Ammul, you brought Kelly to us. She could use a friend right now. Would you mind taking her into your home? Perhaps your wife will make some Sivl-herb tea. It will help her relax.”
The young scout quickly agreed.
The Elder leader turned to Kelly. “Try to get some rest, my dear. You may return to The Wall with us in two days for your friend. I am certain he will not be harmed. Ammul and his wife may know what happened.” He cocked his head to look squarely into the young man’s eyes. “Not one word about this to anyon
e else.”
Ammul nodded.
Benjamin joined the other Elders in the conference room and noticed a small group of people standing in the shadow at the far end. He recognized one of them.
“Shilgar? We meet again, so soon. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Shilgar did not approach for their usual greeting. Instead, he and Tai stepped aside, revealing two tall figures in hooded scout garb. They brushed back the hoods of their guests.
“Tanaracs!” one of the Elders called out in alarm.
“It is my privilege,” Shilgar said, “to introduce Dr. Hadje and his associate, Dr. Lillip. Benjamin, the Time of the Sun is now.”
His reference to Johan Frumm’s third prophecy left no doubt. Only an Elder of his high stature would dare bring Tanaracs into their hidden world. The long-standing prediction of such an event was, indeed, at hand.
“Yes, my learned friend. I agree. It is indeed the Time of the Sun,” Benjamin spoke as if only to Shilgar.
Then he turned to address the others.
“My fellow Elders, we have spent our entire lives teaching our people the importance of stealth. We must now find a way to lead our people into the light. Johan Frumm called for great celebration when we are finally free to abandon our cloaked existence. I doubt the current circumstances are quite as he envisioned. Nevertheless, the time has come.”
Then, he spoke to the guests directly.
“It is my honor to meet you in person, Doctor. We have documented your work for over a hundred years and are forever in your debt. Your advocacy on behalf of our cousins in captivity assured the survival of our race. Thank you.”
The human leader crossed the room, extending his hand in friendship. The Tanarac scientist accepted the human hand in both of his, returning the gesture. As Dr. Hadje spoke, his words came out in perfect human dialect from his electronic translator.
“Shilgar provided a brief history of your society. Despite his preparation, I am thoroughly stunned by what I have seen in the past few hours. It’s truly amazing.”
The translator crackled with feedback, and while he made a small adjustment, an awkward silence fell across the room.
