by Marcus Sloss
“RVs, pull back. I want trailers being backed up for easy loading!” I ordered.
There was a double set of heavy steel doors. Soldiers attacked the exterior hinges with torch cutters. The glow was bright red until there was the sound of the hinges falling to the rough ground. The doors collapsed forward with a loud thud with only a slight tug from a chain. A soldier behind a heavy shield stepped into the doorway opening. The smacking of rounds crashed into the shield. Troops leaned out to disable the incoming fire.
The lead soldier walked forward. Mclain’s team was on point. His sergeants pushed troops into the breach. I was not sure what I would find. Well, a barley-type growing operation, sure. In my head, I pictured a dark, musty place with hooks in the ceiling managing the tedious work. Nope.
I was in a stark white warehouse that went for miles and miles. I stepped back outside to figure out the design. Then it hit me.
“Drone teams, the auto feeders are built on the surface and then covered in dirt. We will find more if you look for that. Also, this unit had four external turrets, two internal. Find me more. Bravo Team, you have the next bunker.”
I went back into the warehouse to study the automation. It was not too different from how our cattle farmers had adjusted to the end of the 2020s. The initial growing was for seed regeneration. I wish Norm was here to tell me what kind of seeds these were. I called them barley for now. Tan-colored barley stalks were grown until they produced lush heads of seeds. There must have been thirty seeds per head and three heads per stalk, meaning a single seed was making a hundred more seeds—give or take. A conveyor belt separated the seeds from the stalk. A few followed a small belt to enter a container to start the cycle all over again. The rest went down the line to enter a short growth section. These second lines were vertical farming trays in various stages. I watched a ready-to-go six-inch growth spill onto a different belt. That belt sent the new, fresh green growth to a compactor. That compactor had a dozen conveyor lines leading to the surface.
I let out a whistle as the hum of automation sounded throughout the facility. Everything I saw was done hundreds of times. The amount of feed being produced was staggering. There were variations of seeds too. How was I going to loot this all? Shit, now I wished I had Braxton here.
“Six, Alpha One,” Mclain said.
“Go.”
“We found the power source. A generator of some kind. Translator is drawing a blank. There are no wires anywhere. Not sure how the power is getting from A to B. Hmm… Recommendations?”
“Do not shut it off. These machines… I am thinking about how to move them. Or do we strip the best parts and trash the rest?”
“Six, Bravo One, new location identified. Disabling defenses now,” Slister said.
“Drone One, this is Six. Did you find the pattern?” I asked.
“Yes, there are three total. Sending third location now.”
I checked my Gpad. The three bunkers created a massive circle of feeding stations.
“Aspen actual, this is Mansion actual,” I said over the Aspen radio.
“Go,” Reinhardt replied with a crackle. The bunker must be affecting our connection.
“Unless we figure out how this alien power works, we will not be feeding these animals we get home the same way. I am planning on stripping the best parts, then designing our own systems. Assuming whatever you haul back survives long term, anyway.”
“Understood most of that, Aspen out.”
I sighed. These machines were amazing. It would be a travesty to smash them for their rare metals. These were the hard decisions only the boss could make. Their parts would not go in vain. A new position just opened up: the automator.
I keyed up my Gpad to talk to my troops only. “Leave the third bunker alone so we can effectively loot. Gut the brainboxes, generators, and a few samples of seeds. We have forty-one minutes remaining. Hurry up. If we have time and space, shift to random metal after. Everyone loaded up with twenty minutes on the timer.”
I received acknowledgements on my Gpad from my team leaders. Jevon found me walking out of the bunker.
“Any activity from the ocean?” I asked my executive officer.
“Nothing. The Aspen teams already shifted a big herd through. They are pushing two further groups into the portal as we speak. The question becomes, do we fight the squibbles wanting to get home, or fall back with our gains?”
“We fight them. They are trapped. That is to our benefit. Also, they killed Paul. If we can get the upper hand, then we do so. Their mistake is our gain. When we get home, detach trailers in a central spot and prepare to fight,” I said, reaching RV3.
With the minimal defenses defeated and my inspection complete, it was time to be the overseeing commander. Jevon left to ensure our troops were working effectively. Willow was at the table watching the drone feeds as I entered the RV. My butt slid across the booth to join her. I checked my Gpad for alerts. There were low-priority updates. The generators had push buttons. When they were shut off, the teams inside had to turn on backup lighting. Brainboxes were found, with the locations on machines being distributed.
The drone feeds showed both bunkers having streams of soldiers tossing components into the back of trailers. The pacing was quick as everyone hustled. Well, everyone besides my lazy butt watching everyone else work. Yes, it bothered me, and yes, I got over the fact. Someone had to watch the big picture.
Nancy returned to RV3 five minutes early. She carried a hefty load of seeds. Soldiers from her team brought clear containers behind her. My eyes barely glanced at them while watching the drones. We finally had activity on the beach. A single squibble scout was watching us. They probably were wondering where their raiding team was.
That was the wrong assessment, as the single scout turned into twenty or so squibbles. Additional units were stuck in the water without grav sleds for land. This further confirmed my theory that this planet was new to the rotation. The enemy watched us from a far distance. When twenty-two minutes hit, the alert went out. Everyone dropped what they were doing and loaded up.
Dedric started the convoy for home. He had to use the overhead drone feed to drive. The Aspen crews had stirred up so much dust pushing the herd animals that the air was clogged. Thank goodness for drones. I watched the convoy moving through the dust with unease. If we had an accident, there would be a lot of issues.
“Nerve wracking,” Willow said from my side. “Plop a seat, Nancy. No use sticking your head out there right now.”
Nancy shifted her gaze to me for approval. I gave her a tight nod. She shimmied out of the loft to join us. The aliens returned to the water; they probably knew we were too far and too many. Well, that was good. At least they did not have infinite gravity sleds to use over land. When we neared the Xgate, the billowing dust cleared magically. Dedric pulled us over to the side without the button. I climbed up the loft and opened the hatch.
Six drones converged on my location. They landed with precision on the RV roof with only the slightest whines of rotors. A few seconds later I had them resting on the loft bed.
“Six recovered,” I shouted down below.
“Heading home,” Dedric shouted back.
I felt the light of the blue overwhelm my senses for the tiniest of moments, and then we were back on Earth.
“Launching drones,” I shouted. I placed the drones on the roof and they lifted off to climb high into the sky. A quick glance showed over a thousand Savannah One animals clogging the landscape.
My Gpad pinged a central location behind some tree cover where Jevon wanted to consolidate the trailers. Our RV was trailer-less, but I wanted to group up regardless. The herds were being pushed south towards Aspen as planned. I had zero desire to care for animals not suited to our weather. We, technically, would get half the meat. I think Reinhardt cared less about long-term sustainment and more about the next ten days. Sorting half of the loot would have to wait for when things calmed.
While a few vehicles kept t
he herds moving, the rest of us readied for war once our trailers were dropped. The tank was facing the south gate ready to rumble. When we were ready to go, I saw five minutes on the timer. We sped for the tank’s defensive position. At the two-minute mark, that last vehicle with the button pusher was coming home. Mansion troops arrived just as the Xgate lifted off the ground.
A slight jerk started the construct’s roaming again. The washing cascade of teal light returned to the other portals. The squibbles were gone. A shifting head tilt revealed they were not trailing the gate anymore. While we waited, I pulled up the other videos.
The image of Castle One was drifting by weeping willow trees. Quiet was good. I really did not want any issues from them. The Jungle One image was a flaring of greens and browns being consumed by reds and oranges. The crixxi were very likely permanent residents. I sighed, wishing there was more I could do for their home.
“Mansion, this is Aspen. Leaving scouts with airborne drones. Heading home to improve our base and prepare for looting South Denver. I will have the radio on. If I am not around, Major Ulanda has command.” Reinhardt sounded tired.
“When you send your team tomorrow morning, I will have half your loot outside the gate waiting for you,” I said, feeling relieved. While I didn’t mind fighting, I was in a sense glad we had avoided a slugfest with the squibbles.
“Want me to add an animal a day to our drop-off?” Reinhardt suggested.
“Every other works. If we get over saturated, we will adjust. I need to build a slaughterhouse now. Which means more tree clearing, additional wiring, lighting, and the tasks go on. I will keep you updated. How do you want to split Denver?”
“I think Colorado Springs might be looting it already. These radios are pretty amazing with their range. We take it slow. Who knows? We might have to fight those lurrol or something worse instead.”
“Now, why did you have to go and say something like that? Mansion out.”
My snicker echoed against the RV walls. I left the table for the bucket passenger seat. Willow activated her shield before climbing up to the perch spot in the loft. No bugs for my princess. I smiled as I plopped into the comfy chair. I kicked my feet up while watching the Gpad feeds.
“Take us to the trailer drop-off and then home, Dedric,” I ordered.
I watched the view of the four portals. The reality of our new life was finally setting in. There would be those eager to kill, maim, and destroy. Others would be trying to hold on to a semblance of life the best they could. Some would hide behind walls in isolation, living their lives without interference. All because some egotistical asshole aliens decided to prevent others from space travel. I wondered who they were. How could they really justify their atrocities? The line of thought left me flustered. I smiled at seeing Dedric beating his thumbs against the steering wheel.
We had achieved another victory in my books. Now was the time to assess what was our next best course of action.
CHAPTER 10
Daphne found me eating dinner at the park bench under the communal dining roof. The area was bustling with light banter while citizens ate large meals. This conversation had been expected; actually, I had been meaning to talk with the leader of our newest faction. She grabbed the bench slot across from me, waiting for me to finish chewing. My delicious fruit and spicy yexin were hitting the spot. I noticed my appetite had increased by a lot, which resulted in my rapidly growing muscles. I reluctantly paused my ravenous eating when Daphne asked her odd question.
“Chief, I come to request approval for our building plans,” Daphne said with a toothy smile. The crixxi had six fanged teeth instead of the human two. While not the most alien thing about them, it also gave me pause. She placed a delicate hand over mine. It was clear she had not toiled in fields or fought with weapons for quite some time. “I assure you this will benefit the tribe.”
“Excuse me? I studied the plans that Perci sent over. You want to build vertical wood towers with platforms in between the longhouses? Why not live in the longhouses?” I asked, seeking clarity. I did notice she was thumbing the back of my hand gingerly. I wondered if in crixxi society it was common to try to woo a man with affection. The crixxi were certainly gorgeous. “Are you flirting with me?”
“Yes, but not for the homes. I am… was… the tribe leader. It is relevant for our transition we at least work closely together. I have found that an attractive male I must engage with is best pleased instead of scorned. I will stop if I have offended.”
She kept her hand where it was. I let her have her fun while her yellow eyes locked to mine seductively. I mostly allowed it because her large, swollen cleavage looked fantastic from this angle. The bonus was the thumb on my hand felt nice.
“I like an audacious woman. You being flirty will not hurt unless the queens get mad. Might want to talk with them about what you are doing and why. But I do not disapprove. Now, onto these towers you want.”
“We are not accustomed to ground dwellings. We can build the structures ourselves. If we were in Crixonia we would simply build in new trees. If we use only available supplies, is that okay?” Daphne asked.
Her explanation landed flat. I understood the desire to do what you were used to. If the roles were reversed, I was sure our people would rather live on the ground than in the trees.
“How about a compromise?” I asked with a smirk.
“What did you have in mind?” Daphne’s yellow eyes stared down her nose at me. I doubted she was accustomed to not being in charge.
“Rush the kitchen, bathhouse, and slaughterhouse, and keep clearing the trees in front of the base. When the essential buildings are complete—”
“Is that all?” Daphne said, as if those tasks were a mere annoyance.
“I am accommodating to my citizens. I like the idea, honestly. Not only does it utilize the square footage to an efficient standard, it also adds a defense platform. I am planning on letting everyone get some rest until the morning,” I said, pointing at the fading sun. We had a few hours of daylight left. “Those are my requirements for your special homes. I still need more from you. To start, let’s talk about the mozala I see scampering about.”
Daphne left her seat. She had swapped from her leather outfit to a skirt and plain pink T-shirt. The tall woman was so human… until you saw a swishing tail. The last of the yexin steak was shoved into my mouth before I decided to follow her. Perci waved from outside the RV. She was talking with a bustier Jill. Even Perci was shifting her chest uncomfortably.
“Your mates. They will continue to change,” Daphne said, watching me gaze longingly at Perci. I wanted to sit with her and watch the sunset. Duty called, so I motioned for Daphne to lead the way. “My tribe was never massive. We always had been on the outskirts of the kingdom. When we lost our last trial by combat I decided to move us onto a new planet first chance I could. A place where our numbers could grow in a hidden forest without conquesting pressure from our neighbors. I will admit, I never expected a planet with such short trees, or to co-live with a compatible species. My translator is telling me human-crixxi children will have a tail but no extra ears.”
“Wait, it can do that?” I asked with tucked eyebrows. She giggled lightly.
“No, I was teasing. When you live as long as I have you tend to take serious things lightly. Our people will probably crossbreed. I have no idea what genetics will produce. Tell me about these furry creatures playing with the mozala,” Daphne said.
Her eyes watched the playful interactions between the dogs and the climbing koala-looking monkeys. The age-old game of chase was on full display. The mozala would scurry up a wall, jump on a vehicle, and even climb a crixxi for safety. The dogs would bark to continue the game and the mozala were happy to keep going. The mozala would hit the dirt with a slobbering dog in full pursuit. I was surprised by how well behaved our stray dogs were.
“I am guessing you used these creatures as warning detectors?” Daphne asked.
“For thousands of years,
yes, then we changed. I believe our society, with time, would have shifted to a far more peaceful eventuality. These animals are proof of that.” I kneeled down, clapped, and gave a commanding whistle. Three dogs beckoned my call. I gave each one scratches behind their ears. My face was sniffed by the rambunctious dogs; they were interested in my food smell. I retreated to the yexin strips at the dining buffet to hand some out. Daphne raised an eyebrow. “Some of these animals are still capable of being guard dogs. Others, like that bulldog over there, are companions.”
I pointed to a bulldog watching the others play while she panted. Oh! We had a lady bulldog to go with Felix.
“Stupid mothership creators. I was not around when they arrived to decimate our society. We, too, had a past where our species was far less violent. Before Xgates arrived on the surface with their monstrosities behind the blue portals, it was said we rarely fought. Now the most powerful huddle deep within the forest away from the Xgates. They steal from the outer tribes who are forced to defend the jungle from the aliens. Life can be so barbaric and brutal for those on the edges. I wish more could live in a society like this. They would never come willingly, though. Sad, because we need more crixxi to continue our lines—unless we can crossbreed. Which is possibly a reality. I bet we’ll find out soon enough. Your women stare at our males more than your men stare at our women. It is odd. Your men will get muscles soon too,” Daphne said. A mozala retreated to her shoulder. I nudged the chasing hound away. “These dogs, as you call them. They are being bred?”
“Umm…” I paused to see two female dogs humping each other. “Can they get virum?”
“Of course. Will they join together, who knows? A very few species die to the virum. Many reject the creatures, and then species like ours accept them. You will find out if your female dogs are pregnant soon with full litters,” Daphne said. She paused our walk by jogging to the dining hall. She returned with a stick loaded with meat. I was handed the stick. “Hold that for me. I’m going to do a test.”
