The First Colony: Book I: Settlement Chronicals

by W. J. Rydrych

  Yasu lay unresisting under the weight of several Torgai, his face pushed into the ground. Soon the cries and firing behind him ceased, and all Yasu could hear was the sound of the Torgai moving though the woods. After what seemed an eternity Yasu was roughly jerked to his feet, his arms held firmly by two Torgai. Facing him was another Torgai who stared carefully into his face, and then walked away, the two Torgai holding him dragging him back along the path they had followed. Around the bend he was dragged up to a Torgai who was crouching examining one of the bodies laying on the trail. There was no movement from any of the bodies of his party who were sprawled on the path, intermingled with the torn bodies of several Torgai, some of which were still as if dead, others clutching at bleeding wounds. The laser rifles had taken a terrible toll.

  Among the group of bodies Yasu could see Buchan laying unmoving, his eyes open as if staring at the sky, blood coming from his mouth, his rifle still strapped across his shoulder. Again, thought Yasu, killing again. It wasn't supposed to happen this way.

  The Torgai that faced him carefully examined the bodies of the dead and wounded laying on the path, and then walked over and examined the wounds of the several Torgai who sat or stood on the path. He acted as if he were the leader. Then he walked over and stared Yasu in the face for several moments, before raising a club and striking.

  CHAPTER 21: Aftermath

  (January 12, Alpha Year 3): The smoke from the herbs on the smoldering coals filled the den, slowly eddying and flowing as it drifted along the ceiling to the air hole. Barco sat unmoving, eyes closed, his shadow dancing against the wall as the coals occasionally flickered with life. Against the wall crouched the two attendant apprentices, silent but watching. Barco's mind drifted as it sorted through the dream-state visions that moved through his consciousness, some his own memories of the past, others memories of other shamen implanted in the past from their experiences, while still others were the thoughts and visions of brother shamen also drifting in a dream state.

  But what he sought was not there, the thoughts of his mentor, Cormandai. Never before had Cormandai failed to join his visions with his when Barco entered the dream state, but now only silence from his old friend. The meaning of Cormandai's silence lay heavily on Barco, and left a sense of loneliness and loss in his soul. Cormandai was dead; only that could be the meaning of the silence. The implications of the loss of their great leader seeped into Barco's consciousness. Now Barco must become the core of the shamen's dream-net and provide the guidance that would previously have been provided by Cormandai. He was now the oldest and senior of the shamen, and must assume the unwanted obligations that came with that status. And the decisions that needed to be made about the new stranger in the village and the colonists now rested on his shoulders.

  Barco had badly wanted to consult with Cormandai not only about the dream he had related before and find an interpretation, but what the recent death of the humans meant to them. Barco and the others had just reached the village the previous afternoon, their trip speeded by the humans who had taken them from the colony to the edge of the river valley in their trucks. But it had been too late; too late for the humans sent to his village earlier. And, perhaps, too late for the Torgai as well.

  Elsewhere in the village . . . .

  Yasu rubbed his wrists where the newly removed ropes had rubbed the skin raw. Eric sat a few feet away watching, without saying anything. Yasu felt filthy, not having been able to wash himself since his capture, his scraggly beard and gaunt appearance a dramatic change from when he had left New Athens.

  Yasu shuddered at the recollection of the battle and its aftermath. Vague memories of the bodies of his team on the path, of being carried to the village, of being examined by the natives. The blinding headache that kept his thoughts from focusing. The uncertainty of whether he would be killed or tortured, his complete inability to communicate with his captors, and their apparent lack of interest in communicating with him. He was still unable to sort the dream from the reality. As time dragged on he had almost given up hope, falling into a deep depression, willing himself to die. And then late in the afternoon yesterday Eric and the other Torgai had returned.

  Eric's intercession had finally convinced the Torgai that Yasu posed no danger, would not try to run away, and had no reason to try since he had no place to go. He had been untied and allowed to stay with Eric and his overall treatment had improved considerably, but there still remained the undercurrent of anger and distrust. The Torgai ignored him even when he was with Eric. It had been weeks since his capture and Yasu had been tied to a tree under guard during that time, at night nearly freezing in the cold night air, with only a single fur robe for cover. Yesterday with the return of Eric he had been given more furs to keep him warm, and more to eat. But only today had he been freed.

  Since their return the Torgai had been in discussions in the council house, according to Eric trying to determine what to do with Yasu, and what to do about the killing of the Torgai. Whether this would affect the agreement with the colonists was in dispute; the new deaths raising the level of concern among the Torgai of retribution from the humans and whether the agreements still held. The fact the humans had located their village and had possibly planned to attack it made them edgy and distrustful. Eric knew there had even been talk of relocating the village.

  Barco, Hath, and Eric knew the reasons for the colonists expedition, but had a hard time convincing the other elders their intention had been peaceful. The death of more Torgai had infuriated them. After all, they had only intended to capture the humans, not kill them.

  "Any idea what the Torgai plan to do?" Yasu asked.

  Eric shook his head, "no, but I think it'll work out. This is a new situation for them and they have no experience to draw on." Continuing, "but Hath and Barco seem to be willing to accept this new incident as an accident, a misjudgment by both sides. Partly, I think, because they fear a major confrontation. The longer they take to decide the better it's likely to be. At least for now it's being handled as a local incident involving only this village; otherwise Suth and some of the more militant Torgai would be involved in the decision, and that would be bad. The Torgai of the other villages have been informed of what happened, but for now are waiting for a decision by Hath's village. Without a full grand council they aren't bound by the decision here and could act independently if they chose, but if Hath's village decides to do nothing, chances are all or most of the other villages would honor the decision."

  "But unfortunately," Eric continued, "the former grand council decision is in a state of limbo now even if they decide to do nothing, Hath and Barco may not be able to keep the lid on. As chief shaman Cormandai was responsible for interpreting the last grand council decision, but now no one really knows for sure. Cormandai is dead, which could be disastrous for the colony. While Barco inherits the position of chief shaman he doesn't have Cormandai's prestige, and has little influence over Suth. Plus, this village is small and unimportant compared to the ancestral village Suth heads. Without Cormandai it's questionable whether Suth can be controlled; at least that's what Hath and Barco seem to feel."

  After a few moments thought, "also, it's possible Barco's position may be challenged by some of the other shamen, but that's unlikely. He's the oldest and has a lot of respect. But according to Hath, Barco only serves as chief shaman if the other shamen allow him to be the center of what he calls the 'dream-net', or 'mind-net', which they join or leave at their discretion."

  "Dream-net?" Yasu asked. "What really is it? I've heard you refer to it before."

  Eric shook his head, "I don't fully understand what it is. Hath has mentioned it, but to him it's a matter private to the shamen. Apparently, under the influence of drugs, the shamen are able to enter a dream-state and pass thoughts among each other. They are able to pass information and memories, consult, and make joint decisions. Cormandai was the 'central node' of the dream-net when he was alive, but now that role should pass to Barco. Because of the
mind-net all the other villages are already aware of what happened here, and I'm sure are holding their own discussions. At least all villages that have a shaman; some of the smaller ones don't."

  “Unfortunately”, Eric added, “no one with the ability was left at New Athens, so they remain in the dark about what happened; although when the mission doesn’t return it will become obvious.”

  Yasu shook his head slowly, "we never should have carried the weapons charged on the final approach. We should have realized that someone would panic and fire if they thought themselves attacked. Either that or we should have stopped before coming so close and waited for them to approach us."

  "It might still have happened," Eric responded, "the problem was really that Nak and the other senior hunters were in charge in Hath's and Barco's absence. They never should have tried to capture your group, but should have simply approached openly and had some initial contact. When we were at New Athens and heard about the expedition, Barco was very upset; not so much because of the expedition, but with himself because he hadn't left an apprentice back at the village to maintain communication. We learned of the expedition before it arrived at the village and could have warned Nak and the other elders. A misjudgment on both sides. The Torgai simply didn't know your intentions, or even of the grand council decision."

  Yasu nodded, "so you have said. But five dead colonists and a dozen Torgai dead or wounded doesn't set the stage very well, does it? Particularly after the island fiasco. What conclusions can they draw, other than we're a threat?"

  Eric shrugged, "the Torgai may not be the only problem for co-existence. They're basically non-violent and not very competitive. My real fear is what the colonists will do when the news of this latest killing reaches the colony."

  Yasu nodded, "well, those aren't human traits. If they were we'd still be on Earth. What do you think happens to me?"

  Eric laughed, "your being captured creates a lot of confusion for them. They certainly won't kill you since they consider humans at least sort of under Torga's protection. Actually, your being captured causes a problem that wouldn't be there if they had simply killed you right away. But now they really don't seem to know what to do. Frankly, I think they will either drive you from the village, accept you as part of the village like I am, or return you to New Athens. Those are the only ways out of their quandary."

  Yasu sat with his knees pulled up to his chest, rocking slowly from side to side. He asked quietly, "what happened to the bodies of Buchan and the others? Have they even had a decent burial?"

  "I'm afraid not," Eric responded. "They were dragged off into the woods and left for the animals. At night the great cats, and some of their smaller relatives, visit the valley; mostly that wooded area. There's not much left; some bones, a few scraps of clothing. Hath allowed me to collect and bury what I could find, but it was pretty well chewed over."

  "Do the Torgai realize how the colonists might react to the situation? Things have changed a lot since you first left the colony, and you weren't there very long on this trip," Yasu asked. "They probably think the colonists follow their leaders like the Torgai do. You say the Torgai can be controlled by the elder's decisions, but, from the feeling I got when I was at New Athens, I'm not that sure the colonists actions can be controlled by Colin or the board."

  Eric rose as Hath approached, beckoning Eric to come with him. Following Hath through the village they stopped at Barco's den, stooped, and entered. The den was lit only by a small fire where Barco sat with his two apprentices. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light Eric joined Hath across from Barco at the fire. Barco was idly fingering one of the captured laser rifles, looking deep in thought and oblivious to their presence. Eric and Hath sat silently, not interrupting. Finally, Barco set the rifle to the side and looked at Hath and Eric.

  "Have you told Eric of the decision?" he asked.

  Hath indicated no with a motion, saying nothing.

  Barco turned his head to look at Eric, "the elders have agreed that the humans did not intend to attack the Torgai, but killed when surprised. For that reason we will return the captured human to his home and speak again with the humans. But, after my recent travels, I am too tired for the journey, so Hath will lead, and you will also go since only you know the languages well enough for discussions. I will also send my apprentice so I can be consulted if needed. While his isn’t as yet fully trained he can access the dream net. The apprentice will stay to allow future communication also so things like this don’t happen again."

  Eric nodded. "That is wise. The trip should be soon and fast. The expedition return will be expected, and if they don't arrive the colonists might be angered and come again, this time to fight."

  "That is what we have also thought," Barco said. "This fighting with other peoples is something we find hard to understand, but we wish to avoid any more. You and Hath will go, with twelve litter bearers so the travel can be fast. If both you and the new human go by litter the trip should take no more than a month. You will start tomorrow morning."

  With that Barco motioned the meeting was ended, as his apprentices helped him to his feet to take him to his sleeping quarters. Dismissed, Hath and Eric arose and left the den.

  January 13, Alpha Year 3

  Colin thought, still no word from the south. Buchan's party had been gone for over two months and still no word. If they had reached the village as scheduled they should be well on the way back by now and in range of the scoutplanes, but there had been no sightings. And no word from Barco or Hath following their leaving New Athens in early December. But then, even if they sent a messenger it would take another month to six weeks. However, several new Torgai had arrived from Suth's village to take up residence, but that was the only new contact. Something was wrong, Colin was sure of it.

  Colin thought of the implications if Buchan's expedition was lost; it could easily lead to John having his way. The decision to use accelerated growth in nutrient tanks of the human embryos to supplement the normal birth rate couldn't be postponed much longer. If that went forward an embryo could reach the adult stage in less that five years, with basic knowledge imprinted by transfer from an existing colonist. Well, thought Colin, that's what they are for, religious and moral scruples aside. Opposition would result, but it if the colony was pressed with the threat it might be overwhelmed it could be necessary for the colony's survival. And that survival came first.

  February 15, Alpha Year 3

  Eric, Yasu, and the Torgai had arrived early that morning, taking the colony by surprise. The trail they had followed from the river was further to the east, an area not patrolled by scoutplanes, and their approach hadn't been sighted until they were well past the Great River and nearly half way across the savanna. The news of the death of the five expedition members sent shock waves through the colony. Several angry gatherings of colonists had kept the colony in a uproar.

  The morning had been filled with an emergency session of the colonization board, with Eric and Yasu present. Later, individual members of the board met with a large group of colonists in the cafeteria to brief them on the full details in an attempt to keep a lid on the situation, with Eric and Yasu trying to convince the angry colonists that no unilateral action should be taken by anyone. The Torgai at the colony had been moved to the main office module for meetings with Hath so he could explain the situation to them, and also for their own protection.

  Eventually reason prevailed, and the board planned a series of sessions with Hath to work out steps to keep any further conflicts from happening. How to control contacts in the future, protocols to be used in any future contacts, and further restrictions on the boundaries between the two groups. For now at least, if any further trips into Torgai territory were made a Torgai representative would always be present. Also, if Torgai traveled to New Athens they would stop at a location several kilometers away and wait for an escort. The Torgai villages were notified by the apprentice resident at New Athens and agreement reached.

  Feb
ruary 18, Alpha Year 3

  Eric sat leaning his chair back against the wall in Yasu's room. Yasu lounged on the bed with his hands behind his head. Carter sat on the floor, using the wall for support. The following day Eric would be returning to the Torgai village with Hath and most of his people, leaving only a small contingent, including Hath-Boc and Barco’s apprentice, behind.

  "Well," Eric commented, "I hope we learned from this. Every contact we've had so far has ended up with some misunderstanding. We've simply got to keep contacts controlled until we learn more about each other's ways."

  Yasu nodded, "we expected too much, both from ourselves and from the Torgai. Sometimes we don't think through the consequences, intended or not. Can we make the restrictions work?"

  Carter shook his head in doubt, "unfortunately we have a lot of people who are angry. The situation is very volatile and brings out the worst in people, and John and some of the others don't help." After a pause, "I'm more worried by John's silence on the matter than if he had ranted and raved. In earlier meetings he was frank in bringing his position forward, and his arguments would now be attractive to many of the colonists; many more than before. Coexistence has rarely been successful before and is unlikely to be now. He speaks for a lot of the colonists, though, and I wouldn't be surprised if he started something. He should be watched to keep track of his contacts, anything out of the ordinary."

  After another moment Carter added, "it's probably better not to let Colin know. I don't think he'd go for it."

  Yasu nodded, "I've already given instructions to some of my people; if he makes any moves we'll know. I don't think his support is that strong, at least at the moment. According to my sources no more than 50 or 75 of the colonists would follow his lead, and some of those wouldn't support him over Colin."