Dimension Lapse II: Return to Doomsday (Dimension Lapse Series Book 2)

by Nicholas Davis

  The next day, Milgic, him, and several other of the males went to go fishing. Jeff, George and the humans went to hunt a wild boar for the sixteen humans to eat at the wedding ceremony.

  Jeff woke up to be greeted by Lori's shining face.

  "Good morning, Mr. Lazy," she smirked. She held her right hand to the side of his face. "Must have been some night."

  Jeff lay there, his head still spinning.

  "Must have been the Talokian ale! I remember talking to Dormiton before he left, and then after that, things got a little fuzzy."

  "Well," she said. "Your two lingwort buddies are down at the beach, the girls are working on some wedding stuff, and the guys are working on other things. That leaves us totally alone."

  "I'm afraid I'm not in the best shape," he said, as he rose from the bed. Lori moved out of the way as he ran outside, and became sick to his stomach, and stumbled back into the hut.

  "I'm sorry."

  "I'm sorry too," Lori said. "I was hoping for at least a kiss, but I'll have to pass. Lie back down for an hour or so, I'll see you later." She kissed him on the forehead, and he crawled back into bed.

  When he finally did get himself together, about mid-afternoon, he met up with George and three of the other human males to hunt for the boar. They were deep within the jungle to avoid the humans of the village. The animals showed indifference to the lingworts because they weren't hunted by them. This could've worked to the human's advantage, but they didn't want to place their amphibian friends in peril either; boars were very aggressive when provoked.

  The men reached the thickest part of the island's fauna, and crouched down behind some large ferns and rocks. The easiest way to catch a boar was to let him come to you, so they threw a bunch of rotting fruit in the jungle about ten feet away, and waited for a couple of hours.

  They kept as quiet as possible, other than an occasional cough or sneeze. In another ten minutes, a large boar began to sniff and make his way towards the fruit. He began to eat, and Jeff directed George and one of the men to go to his right twenty feet, and the other two to the left. He stayed where he was.

  Once the boar realized he was surrounded, he darted towards George, who threw his spear directly at his head. When the spear hit him, the animal squealed in pain, but managed to break free, and ran towards Jeff. His spear hit the beast dead-on, in his chest, through the heart, and dropped him. He lay there in pain, barely alive. Jeff pushed the spear deeper to end his life, and it was done. Now all they had to do was drag the two hundred pound creature back to the village.

  By the time they got back, it was nightfall, and Lori was already a little upset. She greeted Jeff as they returned. "Where have you been?" she asked. "We were starting to get a little worried."

  "It took longer than we expected," Jeff said. "The boar was heavy. Is dinner ready?"

  "Everybody's had their dinner, except you guys."

  '"You go ahead and eat George, "Jeff said. "Looks like I've got some mending to do."

  "Eat first, we'll talk later," Lori told him. "We've got the rest of our lives to talk."

  "I bet Jeff can hardly wait," George joked, as he grabbed a plate off the table.

  "All right, George," Lori sniped. "Don't encourage him!"

  They finished their dinner, and then Jeff and Lori walked to the beach to watch the tide come in, gazing at the two moons. One was slightly larger, and reddish in color; the other was a brilliant white. Walking in the sand with him reminded her of the days in the Martian biospheres. It was as close to a beach she ever saw, until she came here. This was so beautiful and real; not that the biospheres weren't real, it's just that they weren't natural to her. She could smell the ocean and taste the air here, even if it was a little thicker. She could hear the waves crash against the rocks, not a steady flow of water like a mechanized fountain.

  Walking along the shoreline, they held hands and talked a little about the old times. "Honey, do you ever miss Mars?" Lori asked.

  "Some things I do miss, believe it or not," Jeff said. "I miss the pink sky. I miss the sense of purpose. I mean, not that we don't have a purpose here, I just miss knowing we were the only hope for humanity. But now I know humanity has a broader meaning,"

  "And what would that be?"

  "When I figure it out, I'll let you know," he said, as he smiled at her and gave her a kiss." "I just meant there are more humans out there than I expected."

  "What was it like, landing here and not knowing how you got here?"

  "Confusing. I did know that I didn't get here on my own. Once I came here, the lingworts pulled me from my ship, and helped me get back on my feet. They thought I was a god until I told them that gods don't go riding around in spaceships. Some of the tribes on the other islands still believe that."

  "It must have been so hard those couple of years, not having any humans to talk to."

  "It was, but I managed. We learned to communicate with each other. Who do think taught them English?"

  "Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Lori asked. "I know I am!"

  "A little."

  "You're lying," she laughed. "You never get nervous. Even when the whole world comes crashing down all around you! Any second thoughts?"

  "Of course not," he said, and then gave her a long passionate kiss. "Let's turn in for the night, shall we?"

  "I thought you'd never ask," She smiled, and they walked back to the village, and retired to their hut, but not quite ready for sleep.

  The next day, they prepared for the wedding ceremony. The men started a fire first, so they could roast the boar for several hours over it. George gutted it the night before, and threw the entrails into the sea. Predators such as the cats on the island would smell it and come wandering around the village, and at night, the humans were at a disadvantage. The carcass was wrapped with palm branches, and hung until the next morning in a specially locked hut. Dormiton, Milgic and George had also skinned the tiger earlier, so they could make Lori and Jeff a rug for their hut.

  The lingwort males were busy rolling the wine barrels down to where the beach ceremony was to take place. They also brought about ten tables and benches as well. It wasn't far from the village; less than a quarter of a mile. Dormiton was still a little nervous about what he was going to say for this "toast."

  The female humans and lingworts set up the flower arrangements around the alter, and the tables as they were brought. There wasn't any seating arrangement for the actual ceremony, everybody was to stand around the alter.

  By late afternoon, Jeff and the other men finished cooking the boar, and the ceremony was about to begin. Lori wore a polyethylene dress made from her old flight suit; she cut it apart and sewed it together, adding a little extra material from other garments brought with them. There weren't any sheep for wool on the island; silk was very hard to weave, and it was a long pain staking process. The light material of the flight suit kept Lori comfortable, but not too warm. She used small sea shells and pearls for a necklace and some earrings.

  Jeff had only his new spacesuit he wore there, which was much too heavy. He decided to uphold the Lingwort's part of the ceremony by wearing shorts and the ceremonial "bird coat,” made from different feathers of various birds on the tropical island. He also wore a necklace of shells and sandals as well. Lori laughed at how silly he looked to her, but he just brushed it off. It wasn't exactly formal, but it was the best he could do considering the resources they had.

  The sun glistened a bright white as it reflected off the sand, and it was about eighty five degrees. Dormtion kept the rings in his arm sack, as Jeff and Lori walked in front of him, and Mary next to him. She was at least twice his height, which made him a bit uncomfortable. 'Why didn't he get a human to do this,' he thought to himself.

  As the group reached the altar and stood in their positions, several lingworts began to bang on drums. The Hodiku approached the alter, and wore a coat similar to Jeff's, but much larger. He also wore a crown made from the bottom part of a shark jaw. He a
pproached the couple, and held his arms high in the air. He then turned towards the crowd, facing them, and began to recite the rights of the matrimonial union.

  "Garla Reduka varla irla redari," he announced. "Vararti, Lamika! May the gods bless this couple. Welcome, Friends." He lowered his arm and placed a coconut shell on the small table in the middle of the alter. He then turned back to the crowd, and spoke in English. "We are here to celebrate the joining of this couple. May their journey through life be a long and happy one together. I will now paint the ritual markings on the couple and recite the sacred words of bonding." He then reached his fingers inside the coconut, took a red-pigmented paint, and made three lines on each of their faces. He then wiped his hand on a cloth, and placed his hands on both their heads. "Garla reduku fala warla hawa vorta warla fortata! Co ula morta!"

  The Hodiku lifted his hands, and again addressed the crowd in English. "It has come to my attention that the newcomers have a tradition that involves trading of jewelry, and promises to one another called vows. Dormiton, do you have those rings?"

  Dormiton, nervous as hell, stepped forward, and reluctantly said," Yes. I do."

  "Hand the diamond one to Jeff, and the gold one to Lori, please." He followed the Hodiku's order. "Lori, place the ring on Jeff's finger, and the two of you can state your vows you have prepared."

  She responded to his command. "I, Lori Anderson, promise to keep," she said, as her eyes began to tear up. "And to hold my love and life long best friend, Jeff. I promise to cherish, love, and guide him through our lives together. To support him through times of sickness and despair, and to never leave his side. To give him the best years of his life, to respect him, and to honor him as I would myself, until death do us part."

  Jeff then put the diamond ring on Lori's finger, and he could see that she felt it was the most beautiful ring she ever saw.

  "I, Jeff Walker," he began. "Do promise to keep and to hold my love and life long best friend, Lori. I promise to cherish, love, and guide her through our lives together. To promise that I will never leave her side, will protect her from all harm, to honor her as I would myself, and to provide for her until death do us part."

  The Hodiku raised his arms and faced his audience one more time. "Pora redukus talas, vol irla vartu tarma! Let the celebration begin!" Jeff cleared his throat loudly to get the Hodiku's attention. "Sorry, Master Jeff. You may kiss the bride!"

  Jeff turned and embraced her tightly, as their lips met one another's in that special moment of passion. The crowd cheered, and embraced the couple as they left the altar. The lingworts' drummers began the music for the ceremonial dance, they were surrounded, and everyone began to clap.

  While the couple danced and the lingworts joined in, the other humans prepared the feast. Towards the late afternoon, they gathered around the tables to prepare to eat. Before the meal, they each poured themselves a wooden cup of gogi berry wine for the toast.

  After all sat down, Dormiton reluctantly rose; he fretted about this moment all week, figuring out what to say. Everyone ceased talking, and all eyes were fixed on him, which made him all the more nervous.

  "I-I have known Jeff for almost five cycles of seasons," he stuttered. "He-he has been a teacher, protector, and friend. I'm afraid I'm not very good at this."

  "You're doing fine," George yelled, as the crowd laughed.

  "Like I said," he continued. "He has been a good friend to me. He has helped all of us survive against invaders, and has seen us through tough times and given us a better way of life. He has taught us to live with other beings different than us. Lori is a good woman for him; I can see that. I haven't known her as long, but she has treated me like my own mother or a sister. I wish them nothing more than happiness. Thank you."

  Everyone then took a sip of wine, and clapped. Jeff then rose from the table.

  "Thank you, Dormiton for those kind words," he said. "He was a little nervous about what he was going to say. I think he did just fine, how about you?" Everyone clapped again. "I just want to thank all of you for the tremendous job you did with the wedding, and preparing for it. Lori and I appreciate it. Now without further adieu, let's eat!"

  As George began to carve the roast boar for human consumption, Jeff noticed a faint white light moving over the ocean. Dormiton and Milgic saw it as well, and knew it was not a good sign. They saw these lights before, and they only brought destruction and chaos with them. As it came about a mile away, it began to take shape in the form of a large gray craft that fired its afterburners just before it landed a half mile down the beach. Jeff could see it was a Republic craft. The lingworts were frightened by it, and searched for shelter, but George and Mary assured them there wasn't any danger.

  He turned towards it, Lori grabbed his arm, and gave him a look in defiance. He brushed her off, and began to walk towards the craft, the door opened, and a clean-shaven older man about six feet tall emerged from it. As Jeff continued towards it, he could tell it was his former superior officer, John Carver, who was in his sixties, with whitish gray hair, blue eyes, and a rather burly build. He met with Jeff about half way.

  "What the hell are you doing here!" Jeff yelled. "We had an agreement."

  "I know, Jeff," he said. "Believe me, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important. As long as I'm here, let me offer congratulations to you and Lori."

  "Thanks, but I'm sure you didn't come here just to visit."

  "Actually," he said. "There's been an incident."

  "What kind of incident?"

  "One week ago, there was an attack on a fleet of Republic ships. They were all destroyed."

  "What does that have to do with me?"

  Lori, Dormiton and Milgic were walking towards the couple as they spoke.

  "It was a fusion weapon."

  "So, a lot of races create fusion weapons."

  "The vessel was Tolarion."

  "That's impossible." Lori now stood next to him, and held his arm tight.

  "I wish it wasn't true, but there's no mistake."

  "One of Balta's subordinates must have created it."

  "He was the only one who had the blueprints and knowledge to build it. The others are mutations of him. Even though they look alike, when Avery made him, he broke the mold."

  "So you're saying he's still alive? I was sure I killed him! How could that be?"

  "Nonetheless," Carver said. "We need your help."

  "Why me?"

  "No one knows him better than you do. In some ways, you think alike. You're both smart, resourceful and shrewd."

  "Insulting me is not going to get me to do it. Can't they find another hero? We just got married!"

  "It has to be you."

  "I'll have to think about it." Lori grew angry, grabbed his arm tighter, and stared into his face.

  "Think about it!" she screeched. "There's nothing to think about! You're not going!"

  "Lori, you remember what happened the last time?"

  "I don't care," Lori cried. "They've got a whole fleet to take care of it! Why do they need you?"

  "I'll give you until tomorrow morning to make up your mind," Carver said. "The special team is preparing a ship to take us to Garlicia."

  "Garlicia?" Jeff asked.

  "Don't worry about the details right now," Carver said. "Just enjoy the rest of the evening. Look, I even brought you a gift." He pulled out an old bottle of American whiskey. "My father gave this to me when I turned twenty one. His father gave it to him, and now I'm giving it to you, because I always thought of you as a son."

  "He's not going, plain and simple," Lori told him.

  "Let's have a drink and talk," Carver said. "You haven't heard what I have to say yet."

  "You can talk all you want, but he's not going."

  "There's a position for you as well."

  "What!" Jeff yelled. "It's one thing if you jeopardize my life, but not hers too!"

  "Oh I see how it is, " Lori snipped. "If it's you that goes off to get killed, it's okay, but if it's me
, you don't want to hear it. Well, guess what, neither of us are going, and that's final!" She stormed off towards what was left of the dinner celebration, and then towards the huts. The two lingworts followed her, trying to give her comfort.

  "She's got quite the tempter, " Carver said.

  "She'll be all right. What kind of position for her did you have in mind?"

  "Strictly communications. She would never leave the ship."

  "What kind of special ship are we talking about?"

  "More of a battle cruiser," Carver explained. "It has an albercurie antimatter warp drive courtesy of the Talokians, fifteen photon laser banks on each side of the vessel, and is equipped with ten small nuclear fusion warheads."

  "How small?"

  "Well, they'd probably be able to take out half this island."

  "You really want to make sure he's dead this time, huh?"

  "There is also three smaller ships in the hangar deck specifically designed for surveillance."

  "Why all the firepower for one ship?"

  "We fear the Garlicians are helping the Tolarions. They've had a long relationship of tyranny together. We think that's where Balta is heading. There's only about five thousand Tolarions left, and he wants to find a way to gain his power back."

  "Well, I'll have to talk with her," Jeff stated. "She really loves it here, you know?" He unscrewed the cap of the whiskey bottle and took a swig, then handed it to Carver.

  "Yea," Carver answered. "I know. If I didn't like adventure so much, I'd settle down here myself." He took a swig, and handed it back to Jeff, who placed the bottle in his shoulder sack.