Colin thought for a minute, then nodded, "good point, Margo. Yasu, see to at least the distribution to off-duty security personnel immediately, and tomorrow be prepared to discuss the possibility of further distributions. But be very careful who you propose on giving weapons to other than security; any of you who wish submit lists to Yasu of those you think are appropriate. Remember, we still don't know whether the act was by Torgai or dissident colonists, and if its our own they'd be even more dangerous if armed. Anything else before we adjourn; suggestions, new business?"
Receiving no answer, "until tomorrow then, at 1:00 PM. Have your ideas ready."
And, at the Village of Hath . . . .
The council house was filled with the gathering of elders when Hath and Barco entered. There was an air of expectation, something important was to be discussed, but the elders hadn't as yet been informed of the subject. Hath helped Barco to the far side of the room and supported him as he lowered himself to the robes that covered his council place. Seating himself next to Barco, Hath looked around the chamber, observing each of the elders sitting silently but with evident tension. All the elders knew this council was very unusual; nearly all council sessions were held in the late afternoon or evening, almost never in the morning. But in spite of the obvious importance of the meeting the protocols must be followed, the steps of preparing the ritual fire and sharing the ritual smoke from the sacred herbs must come first. Until then everyone was expected to keep their silence.
Barco had spent the full night in his den, the smoke from the den smoke hole showing the herbs used in the dream state were in use, and that Barco had been in communication with the other shamen. Later, just after sunrise, Hath had spent over an hour with Barco in the den, but no one else had been allowed in, even the apprentice shamen. The information from Barco was shocking, and Hath's mind was still in a state of turmoil. He had, however, the presence of mind to take steps to protect Eric from harm from enraged Torgai once the news became known.
And . . . .
Eric moved up the narrow path through the ravine, ahead the foothills only partially obscuring the mountain range to the east, which was their goal. Ahead, Hath-Ha followed one of the older hunters, with another older hunter bringing up the rear. The land was becoming increasingly rugged, but the path was well worn from years of use and the going was easy.
This was a surprise trip; Eric had only been notified at the morning meal that he and the three others would be going to the flint quarry to gather a supply of flint. He had never before been to the quarry, but now with his increasing expertise in working with flint was to be responsible for selecting the proper pieces. He was told the round trip would take close to two weeks, including about three days to select the best of the supply available. This responsibility pleased Eric, showing the increasing acceptance he had achieved among the Torgai.
CHAPTER 23: Changing Planet
If the second planet from the primary sun of the Alpha Centauri star system were viewed from far above it would present a peaceful setting; like Earth, not like what Earth had become, but what it must have been like at an earlier time.
As the viewer moved closer the oceans would begin to disclose their population of islands, large and small, the peaceful shores and those with crashing breakers, and the colored quilt of shades of blue. The great central landmass would resolve itself into a combination of well watered lowlands and rugged, desolate heights, with the tributaries of great rivers taking on the appearance of the veins in a leaf converging on the central stem.
If over many years the observer watched the planet below little change would be noted. The seasons would come and go, and the same pattern would follow year after year. The planet would be in the hands of nature and its natural forces.
Focusing on the western section of the great continent, between the north-south mountain range and the western ocean, and moving closer still, the dense forests south of the tundra bordering the northern polar region would resolve into their individual trees or clusters of trees, interspersed near their margins with clearings as they merged into the broad, grass covered 7savannas that covered most of the western slope. The savannas themselves would resolve themselves into broad ranges of grass interlaced with streams or dry creek beds, with clusters of trees along the streambeds.
Now the observer would begin to see activity on the land. While the forests masked whatever lay below the tree cover, the vast savannas would be seen to be teaming with life. Herds of herbivores and their more solitary cousins would become visible, followed by their carnivorous associates. Beginning in the early spring even the barren northern tundra would have its life; herds of animals grazing on the rich growth of the awakening tundra as they followed the receding snowline, stalked by their own coterie of hungry predators seeking the young, weak, or unwary.
The scene below would appear to be totally molded by the hand of nature, except suddenly, as if overnight, a small cluster of rectangular and circular structures would appear on the western shore of the great landmass. Around the cluster of buildings a beehive of activity would be apparent, creatures totally different from those observed on the savannas and on the northern tundra would be in constant movement, entering or leaving the buildings. If the observer stopped and, over a period of days, weeks, months, or even years, compared what he saw, little would change during the daylight hours. The herds of animals would still wander the savanna and the tundra, and the activity around the group of structures would follow a familiar pattern, with the exception that expansion in their size and number would be noted. And surrounding them patterns of cultivated fields would appear. As night fell activity would largely cease, and, with the exception of the solitary hunters, stillness would dominate.
But if, three years after the first appearance of the structures on the western shore the viewer had chosen to, and been able to, look at the same area under the cover of night, a different picture would result. Signs of activity differing from the earlier night time pattern. While immediately around the structures on the western shore only small differences would be noted, some distance away heightened activity would be apparent. From the elevation of the observer it might look like ants converging, stopping a distance from their objective, and then disappearing from view before the arrival of dawn. From the mountain ranges to the east, from the savannas to the north, and from the region of the great river to the south, similar activity would be present; moving in columns toward the same central point. And behind those columns in the northern areas of the great continent, other groups would begin to emerge from the northern forests and spread out over the savanna and foothills.
All of this activity would present to the viewer a pattern that would say, “something is happening below that is out of the ordinary; something that bears watching.”
CHAPTER 24: Retribution
(April 2, Year 3): Eric worked carefully, flaking slivers of flint from the spear point slowly taking shape in his hands. At his feet the packs of flint brought back from the quarry spilled over the ground. The quarry trip had taken longer than they had planned, and since Hath and most of the hunters still had not returned his time had been spent primarily with the flint workers. While indicating their trip would take several weeks, Barco had said nothing of what Hath's mission was all about; but since Barco had stayed behind, Eric felt it might involve preparing the ceremonial island for this year's manhood ceremonies.
During the meetings at New Athens the colonists had agreed to stay away from the island to allow its use by the Torgai, and Eric realized it was out of bounds for him. Someday, perhaps, he would be accepted to the point were he could be involved in those aspects restricted to hunters or hunter candidates; but even then he would first have to undergo the ceremonies himself. That is something he knew was almost an impossibility; he had learned on the recent trip to New Athens the nature of the manhood ceremonies, and knew full well he would be unlikely to survive even if willing to make the try. While the other hunters were gone Ha
th's son, Cormo, was in charge of the village.
With the village short handed Eric would have thought that even he would have been involved in hunting to supply the village, but this wasn't the case. Cormo wanted him to spend his time working the flints, deemed more important that the limited help he provided on a hunt. Eric did, however, feel uncomfortable, since it was clear the Torgai were engrossed in something that they were reluctant to share. He sensed that he was being avoided, as he had been several months before after the incident at the island. Well, Eric thought, he was no longer considered a prisoner, but more as a guest from a foreign tribe. He didn't mind. Crafting flint knives and spear points was an enjoyable occupation. He had become more adept at that task than any of the Torgai, and found himself challenged to create even more beautifully crafted points.
However the colony might wonder at his lack of feedback. On the way back from the quarry the Torgai carrying the only radio had carelessly dropped it, and Eric lacked the ability to make a repair; or repair parts if he had.
In the Torgai quarters . . . .
Hath-Boc crouched, listening to Rath and the other hunters discussing the events of the day. Hath-Boc had originally been relegated to a secondary position, but now things had changed: several days before Rath had gathered all the Torgai together, including Hath-Boc, and told them of the attack on Suth's village and that the Torgai had decided to kill all the humans. It angered Hath-Boc that Torgai had been killed, and his loyalty lay with his people; but he was conflicted by the knowledge that his human friends would also be killed as a result.
The courier who brought the news also warned them to prepare to aid the attack, but not how or when. Arrangements had been made for a sign that could be seen during the day that would signal the night of the attack, a branch that would be broken on one of the trees on the ridge to the east. Which branch was broken would signify the night of the attack. When the sign came, Rath and the other Torgai would be prepared. Since Suth's village had been the one attacked he would be in charge of the Torgai that were even now gathering. All the villages of the Torgai were sending hunters, and word was received that Hath was leading the contingent from his village.
The news of what had happened had been chilling. Rath had said that very few were left alive in Suth's village. Of the over 2,000 dens that had existed less than 500 hunters remained. The losses among the women and children had been even greater since they had mostly fled to cover in the dens, only to have the ground-hugging gas seep in.
Rath thought how fortunate they were that Suth had the foresight to have the paths through the perimeter marked earlier, and that no rain had occurred since. A light rain wasn't much of a concern, it would slow the Torgai but not stop them. A bigger problem was that ever since the building fire they had been restricted to their quarters at night which made their task of killing the guards watching the paths the night of the attack more difficult. And if a heavy rain came they would have to find a way to remark the paths through the perimeter.
They would have to find places for a few Torgai to hide during the day; not too hard since the humans were unlikely to notice a few missing Torgai among the over twenty now here. All Torgai looked the same to the humans, as most humans looked the same to the Torgai.
May 4, Year 3
Margie joined Jake and Tommy who were sitting in front of the video screen watching a movie. With the death of Tommy's brother Mike on the southern expedition Tommy had been left alone. Childless, Margie and Jake had been more than happy to take him in on a full time basis. And clearly Jake enjoyed having someone to share his interests with. The ability of Tommy to shake off the loss Margie found a pleasant surprise; part of the credit, she felt, was due to Tommy's close friendship with Hath-Boc, who had been almost like another brother to him.
"What do you think, Tommy?" Margie asked, "would you like to invite Hath-Boc to have dinner with us tomorrow night? We can find something we all would like."
"Could we?" Tommy responded excitedly. "Will they let him stay out that late? I thought they weren't allowed out after dark any more?"
Looking at Jake, "what do you think?"
Jake nodded, "fine with me. I’m sure it’d allowed."
"Lets plan on it," Margie responded, "both of you find out by tomorrow morning, but be sure to let me know by noon so I can fix something he might like."
That night, 3:00 AM . . . .
In the Torgai quarters Hath-Boc crouched with the others in the small room, waiting for the moon to drop below the horizon. Ever since he had first been briefed on what had happened at the Torgai village and the plan to destroy New Athens his feelings had been in turmoil. Shocked by the story of the attack on Suth's village, the thought of destroying the humans filled him with sadness. But he understood the need. They had tried and failed to live with the humans, and now to protect themselves the humans must die. But why his friends too? They had hurt no one.
Hath Boc looked up when one of the Torgai stationed near the door hissed and moved out into the yard, signaling the guard had been eliminated. Rath and the others stood and followed, until Hath-Boc and only two others remained. One of the remaining Torgai touched Hath-Boc on the shoulder, motioning him to proceed. Hath-Boc complied.
Outside the perimeter . . . .
Suth, Hath, and the other headmen lay concealed on the ridge watching the quiet colony below, unmoving. It was nearly 3:00 AM, and soon the second of the two moons would drop below the horizon; even now the lower edge was partially obscured and what light there had been was fading. The Torgai hunters lay hidden, each in their assigned place, waiting for the word to move closer to the perimeter. With nearly all the villages of the Torgai represented the number of hunters numbered well over 5,000; making it by far the largest gathering of hunters within the memory of any of those present. It was said there had been as many, or even more, during the war against the Kraa many years before, but none remembered that.
It had not been easy bringing the hunters together undetected with scoutplane and ground patrols frequent both night and day. But with care both could be seen from a distance, and they had learned to immediately seek cover. While they didn't understand the heat sensors used by the scoutplanes at night, they did learn detection could be avoided by mimicking herd animals or hiding underground or under objects.
Over the last week the groups had been arriving at the several staging areas located between 50 and 75 kilometers to the east and northeast, and tonight had moved to the vicinity of the colony, gathering into their assault groups. Each group had been assigned jobs to accomplish during the attack and briefed on the layout of the colony and the routes of entry. Now the training was complete, and the Torgai hunters had been moved into position.
The special assault team that would enter first consisted mostly of Suth's and Hath's hunters. This group of roughly 200 would be led by Suth and Hath personally, with their assignment being to make their way through the perimeter paths without being detected and eliminate any remaining guards. Smaller groups of selected hunters were trailing the roving patrols circling the perimeter and would eliminate them as soon as Suth and Hath began to cross into the compound.
Once the guards had been killed, the signal would be sent to the massed Torgai hunters that it was their turn; even if they set off the sensors they would be across and into the compound before the sleeping colonists could react. Now all was ready. The previous night the branch had been broken, signaling the Torgai inside the perimeter that tonight was the night.
Below, in and near the settlement, the only activity was an occasional pair of guards on patrol with everything else quiet. Rath has done his job well, Suth thought. Information on the layout of the buildings, where the residents slept and their numbers, and how to gain access to the buildings had all been provided. If the guards were where he said, and if Rath and the other Torgai were able to get free and eliminate the guard posts covering the perimeter paths, little could stop them.
They had arranged for
Hath-Boc to meet them at the power station which he had studied and learned how power could be turned off, leaving the colonists in darkness; while they, with their sharp night time vision, would be little hindered. Suth smiled to himself. No human would escape.
Shortly a Torgai scout crept up to Suth with the latest information on the two roving patrols the humans had outside the perimeter, each followed by trailing Torgai hunters. Suth listened carefully as the scout reported, and then sent him off with instructions to eliminate the patrols.
Gradually the remaining moon dipped below the horizon and Suth signed to Hath and the other headmen to join their hunters and move down to the attack position. The time was almost here. Several minutes passed before the cry of a nocturnal bird was heard from inside the perimeter, followed by Suth responding with a similar call. In response to Suth's signal dark figures rose from the ground and slowly followed Suth and Hath as they led them toward the colony perimeter, moving carefully as they followed the narrow pathway through the still lighted field of sensors, then spreading out throughout the colony grounds. Shortly after the last of the figures disappeared among the colony's buildings the security lights inside the perimeter were extinguished, and the sounds of hundreds of running footsteps could be heard as the massed Torgai charged across the perimeter.
Elsewhere . . . .
Margie Kaminski gripped Jake's shoulder, shaking him awake. "What's the running in the hall about?" she asked. "Something must have happened."
Jake shook himself and rubbed his eyes, slowly coming awake. "What?" he said, "what is it? What's wrong?"
Margie was sitting up in bed, "I don't know," she said. "I heard running, then what sounded like banging on one of the doors."
Jake sat up, listening, hearing the continuing movement in the hallway. Rolling rapidly out of bed he flipped the light switch, but the lights failed to come on. Quickly pulling on his trousers he opened the drawer in the bedside cabinet, gripping the laser pistol in one hand and a flashlight in the other, and moved to the door to listen.
The First Colony: Book I: Settlement Chronicals Page 26
