Dark Space 49: Invasion

by G. K. Scott

He turned on his heels, oh yes they’d be back plus if they were in trouble he’d be able to help them. Since he’d fitted a transmitter on there ships inner hull. He’d had his people paint it to look like a light switch. He also had a gut feeling that the symbol on the side of there ship meant more than they where making out. Why put the Jeuki’s Yautja clan symbol of their vessel? It had to mean something, something important. He shrugged slightly, one these days he’d find out. He slowly took hold of the bottle of Bacardi Oro pouring some in to his glass of coke. He watched as the two liquids swirled as they merged, he slowly picked up the glass. His gaze turned back to space soon they’d be home. He couldn’t wait to see grass and fields again. He took a long sip of his drink it was one of the things he’d really missed out in space. As well as the sunshine rising high the sky, he took another long drink. He pulled Emma’s dread lock free again feeling a smile move across his lips.

  CHAPTER 31

  AS WE COME TO THE PLACE THAT LEADS SOME OF US HOME AND SOME OF US TO OUR BITTER END

  Location, floating above the ice planet eduiji, docking with the biggest of the Yautja battle cruisers.

  A part of me is very much afraid right now here is where we are ether sent away from the ice planet. Or we stay for a while before we go to the mother ship, which is in another part of the galaxy. Everyone’s nervous even Erisoki the time has come to greet the leader of these ships, who is an Arbitrator. Arbitrators out rank elders, which is a shocking thought. Arbitrators are the powerful law bringers in Yautja society, who even hunt down bad bloods as well as keeping the clans in check. The Tosuji clan has five Arbitrators each with different purposes. I don’t know all the purposes but it would seem that they do truly hold power in there hands among the Yautja society. There word is law, and they can strike down those they wish, unless an elder opposes them. I guess my hands are shaking a little because I could be seen as unworthy and if the great Arbitrator choices I can be struck down. Unless Erisoki opposes I shouldn’t be afraid I’ve faced worse than death deep down I know Erisoki will defend me.

  He has been defended Jeuki and myself from the start. On top of that he always looks over his shoulder to check on us. The only reason that air even moves through my lungs is because he revived me. I admire him so much I would do anything he asks off me because I already know he would do the same for ether Jeuki or myself. He is a truly great leader; everything about Erisoki is about respect and honour. He only asks that we show courage and pride and show him a glorious hunt. In his view we are the life’s blood of the Tosuji clan, though us flows the glory of many generations past. I know now that it was his brother who was training Jeuki, getting him ready and teaching him leadership. I deeply appreciate that Jeuki taught me what he learnt from Erisoki brother. More so now because I’ve found out Erisoki is the older brother and this means that if I live through this greeting. I’ll live to learn so much more from him. I’ve never met such a great leader not one like Erisoki. I’m curious as to what the other leaders who lead clan are like, I mean are they all as noble and as good? Do they all believe in bringing humans in to their clans? I mean what if there are other humans out there in different clans? It’s an odd thought to think that other men or women like me could be in other Yautja clans.

  I know that their story would be so different to mine, so different and that they could be a different type of warrior to me. Christ I hope that I do meet another human being among the Yautja one day. It would be wonderful to know that others have come to truly understand the Yautja as a wonderful race the way I have. I only hope that one day I get to meet a person like that, who I could share my story with, but I know I have to get through this meeting and hope everything goes well. Emma turned slightly as Jeuki moved his clawed fingers through her hair she smiled as he leaned down slightly. Jeuki tapped his upper felt mandible. “Are you ready?” Emma put a hand gently on his mandibles moving her fingers across them in a gentle motion. “Yeah I’m ready.” Jeuki eased up his other clawed hand. “You know what to do.” Emma leaned up kissing his lower right mandible. “Yeah I’m okay I know what I’ve got to do as soon as the Arbitrator walks through the door.” Jeuki looked up sharply as Erisoki signalled for silence. He moved his hand taking Emma’s giving it a light squeeze. He knew she could do this with out any trouble. Saying that though if the Arbitrator hurt her in any way, he’d challenge him to a fight to the death if Erisoki didn’t get there first he lowered his head slightly his beautiful mate was worth fighting for no questions asked.

  Erisoki breathed in deeply as he felt the floor shake as the huge cruisers clamps locked on to their space door. He turned sharply making sure Emma and Jeuki where in their places directly behind him. The two young bloods were both behind them each holding down one of the prisoners. He breathed in everyone was dressed in there full armour only helmets where missing. He tapped his prized spear on the ground; he slowly leaned over typing in the space doors lock combination. He had no idea what reception they would reserve; the clan here was the Tugi Ui. There was with out a very powerful Arbitrator here, who was in full control of this clan. His word like any Arbitrator’s word was law. He could refuse and even kill both these prisoners if he thought it was better than his own judgement. He turned looking at Emma then and Jeuki his main worry was the reaction to them. He breathed in deeply watching as the space door hit the inside of the cruiser. He was a leader his job was to protect his clan no matter what.

  He stood tall as three figures moved through the smoke the leading member was about his height. The long flowing cape moved behind him as he came forward with tall strides. Gleaming heavy armour plating came in to view his spear, which was same kind as his own shone. Five ooman skulls hung from his chest plating. Embroidered patterns where scored in to the helmet along with the Tugi Ui’s double strike symbol. The Arbitrator had a scared face with over grown white hair like his own. Two long overgrown back teeth showing age along with a steel tusk, which had patterns, carved in to it. One good eye met his own, as the Yautja who was far older than him came to a stop. Two warriors who were both older than Jeuki stopped on both ether side of the ancient Arbitrator. One carried trading items, while the other held fresh meat and fruit. Erisoki looked around sharply. He really hoped that Jeuki had talked Emma through this whole ritual. It was so important that she didn’t slip up.

  Emma watched as the Erisoki lowered his head bowing she breathed in Jeuki had talked her through this ritual. She wasn’t about to screw this up it would be a sign of deep disrespect if she did. She watched as Jeuki slowly lowered himself on to one knee, she slowly did the same. She kept her eyes low, to elders you bowed to Arbitrator’s you kneeled. Jeuki heard the two young bloods move as the lowered their heads. They were already on one knee holding down the chained prisoners. Erisoki watched as the Arbitrator moved slightly looking at them all. He slowly raised his staff his strong voice hit the air. “My name is Nadui and I welcome you to Eduiji. The great Tosuji clan is well spoken off among the Arbitrators.” Erisoki slowly raised his head. “I am Erisoki and I bring my clan here to your great territory to drop of dishonoured prey and a bad blood. We thank you for your welcome Nadui.” The Arbitrator clicked his lower metal tusk he turned looking at the three still kneeling hunters and the armoured ooman female. “You’ve been out of contact for a whole season we heard your scout ships were trying to find you.”

  Erisoki turned slightly. “We ran in to some problems which I will go over with our Arbitrators.” Nadui bowed his head. “Of cause we will send a message to them back on the great mother ship that you will be arriving. It will allow the young bloods who are still waiting to prepare, along with the older hunters.” He put a hand on his chin. “My I ask a question Erisoki?” Erisoki looked at him. “Go ahead.” Nadui pulled up his clawed hand pointing at the armoured ooman. “It has been a long time since I’ve seen an ooman, especially a female.” He paused. “What is one doing in your clan?” Erisoki clicked his lower mandibles. “She earned the right to walk by the side of my
hunter’s.” Nadui turned sharply. “Are you being serious Erisoki?” Erisoki flared his mandibles. “Do not question my words! She is very important to my clan and has earned the right of high rank, her loyalty is unquestionable.” Nadui raised a clawed finger. “My questions are purely informational Erisoki, although there have been oomans females in clans before through the ages. There have been some who have been disloyal.”

  Erisoki took a step forward. “She is the mate of my second in command Jeuki she herself is my third in command. Believe me Nadui when I say the only reason this clan lives is because of her. So don’t ever question her loyalty again!” Nadui nodded in respect. “As you wish, your warriors my rise.” Erisoki turned to the others. “Rise all of you.” Nadui clicked his fingers. “Honour our guests by giving them meat and trading items.” Jeuki slowly stood up watching as Emma did the same. The two young bloods raised their heads keeping both the prisoners held down. He pulled out his hand stopping the trader who was coming around with assorted items like swords and the translators. He pulled up a piece ooman circuitry from his belt. Emma had, had this in her torn lab coat she had made from left over parts in her pocket. This was during the days before they spoken or even been friends. She had sat in the corner opposite to him on the ship playing with it. Trying to make it show different colour combinations. After they had become close she’d lost interest in it.

  He knew now that she’d made it because she had been desperately trying to keep mental focus and find some joy in her early situation. It would make a perfect trade item though one thing Yautja traders loved was fascinating items from hunts especially the strange and unusual or hard to come by. The trader opened his mandibles looking at. “What is it?” Jeuki clicked his mandibles in excitement he felt Emma move so she was by his side. “Ooman play thing very rare.” He turned looking at Emma. “He’ll want this trust me.” Emma smiled looking at him. “I hope so I don’t really want it, it reminds me off a bad times between us.” Jeuki rubbed her back ignoring the trader’s stunned look. “I know don’t worry he will want this so badly, believe me.” He slowly turned back to the trader then pressed one of the buttons on the side watching as the flashing lights moved in a pattern. He clicked his upper right mandible watching the trader’s eyes light up. The older Yautja trader made a grab for it causing Jeuki to pull it back clicking the button off. He raised a hand. “You only get this if I get what I want!”

  The trader pulled up his items. “What would you like? I have swords, ooman guns all prized.” He looked at the ooman female. “Would your mate like something special?” Jeuki eyed him. “I would like a translator for her the very special kind, which translates all languages and fits on the back of the canine tooth.” The trader looked up. He slowly pulled out a small box. “This is the latest version, it has a turn off switch which can be turned on and off by the lower canine pressing it.” Jeuki watched as he opened the box he clicked his mandibles looking at it with pleasure. “Very, very nice.” The trader leaned forward. “So can I have the ooman play thing now?” Jeuki handed him the device, he calmly took the small box out of trader’s hand. He watched the traders mandibles flare with glee as he placed Emma’s item in one his special holders. Jeuki leaned down looking at Emma. “Take this out and put it behind your canine it’ll clamp instantly.” Emma leaned over taking the tiny item out. She slowly put in her mouth only to wince painfully as it attached to the back of right canine tooth.

  Jeuki put both hands on her shoulders. “That pain won’t last long, and you’ll soon forget that it’s there.” Emma moved her lower jaw. “It doesn’t hurt but it feel numb.” Jeuki leaned down. “Just use your lower canine to press the back of it to turn it of and on.” Emma nodded slightly. “Thank you Jeuki.” Jeuki pulled her closer. “Anything to help you.” Nadui turned slightly looking at Erisoki. “What did your two prisoners do to end up here?” Erisoki moved slowly over to where the two young bloods where holding Oni Jui and Oran down. He eased up a clawed hand. “Oni Jui is charged with treason against the clan, his actions almost led to what was felt of our clan being killed.” Nadui turned looking at the ooman male. “And the dishonoured prey?” Erisoki turned slightly. “Capturing and torturing the remaining clan along with trying to steal our technology.” Nadui flared his mandibles. “Filthy ooman, some of them are disgusting unworthy prey.” Erisoki eased out his hand picking one of the fruits of the tray the Yautja was carrying around. “Some not all.”

  Nadui turned eyeing the ooman female again. “It would seem some are still honourable warriors. Surprising from a lesser race whose society focus’s on items and money. Although they call it credits now, or so I’ve heard.” Erisoki tapped his upper right mandible. “The dishonoured prey at my feet I consider lesser the mate of second in command I consider equal.” Nadui looked up slightly. “Tell me have both these prisoners had the Un-Life ceremony?” Erisoki looked down slightly. “Yes there nothing more needs to be done apart from the drop off.” Nadui turned signalling to the other two Yautja who’d been guarding the walkway. “Good then I’ll have them removed and dropped of on Eduiji immediately.” He watched as the two older warriors came forward, each grabbing one of the prisoners and pulling the away savagely. “No use in them waiting any longer for their punishment.” He turned slightly as both prisoners where dragged past him. “They’ll see their end in the land of ice where only death and Un-Life awaits them.”

  Erisoki watched as both Oni Jui and Oran were dragged in to the corridor before both vanishing out of sight. “I hope they meet death sooner rather than later.” Nadui turned slightly patting his shoulder. “Don’t concern yourself, they’ll be down on the planet in under twenty minutes. My warriors are the best at what they do, believe me.” The Arbitrator breathed in deeply. “Come with me great warrior bring your clan and let us talk about your many glorious hunts and how the female ooman became so honourable to the point of wearing your mark.” He raised a clawed hand. “Let us drink alcohol and eat cooked meat and tell our stories.” Erisoki nodded calmly. “It would be my pleasure to join you and your clan Nadui and talk of our hunts.” He turned sharply looking at his clan who where waiting, some were chewing fruit. “Follow Nadui’s lead all of you, he request’s our presence and wants to hear our story.” Jeuki put an arm around Emma. “This should be good he’s honoured by our presence, this means we’ll get to eat some fresh cooked meat.” Emma looked at her stomach. “That sounds great I’m sick of eating dried No Bo meat.” Jeuki put a clawed finger under her chin. “Same here I want something that tastes fresh.” He turned watching as the others followed Erisoki and the Arbitrator. “Come on lets eats a good meal we both deserve it.” Emma began to walk faster as they followed the others inside the massive Yautja space cruiser.

  8

  Oran felt the rough tug as he was brought forward. Oni Jui was right next to him both of them where being held tightly by the two Yautja warriors. The moment they’d been pulled away they been dragged towards this small vessel where the two Yautja who were waiting had started the ship up. With in moments they had left the huge battle cruiser behind as they sped towards the ice planet bellow. He groaned feeling the chains, which hadn’t been taken of and where still wrapped around tightly. The huge bay door of the vessel was suddenly opened. Oran found himself wincing as ice-cold snow blew through he’d heard Oni Jui howl as the cold hit him. He looked down seeing the snow blizzard bellow he couldn’t see any ground anywhere. He felt the Yautja grab his collar harshly he found himself turning in horror the ship wasn’t slowing and they where going to throw him out of it! He didn’t get a chance to contemplate that thought, as he was thrown out. All he could see was the blizzard as he fell forward full force. His body smacked in to the icy cold causing him to cry out in agony.

  He looked up watching as Oni Jui hit the ground hard near by him the hunter’s howl of agony hit the air. Only to be blocked out as the vessel, which had dropped them down on to this ice-cold world, flew over them cutting out all the noise. The hunter
vessel slowly moved upwards its huge engines blasting as it sped upwards disappearing in to the blizzard. Oran snarled pulling himself to his knees as best he could with the chains on, he looked at Oni Jui who was slowly getting up. “I ought to kill you! You’re a stupid son of a bitch who couldn’t kill one annoying little woman!” He stopped sharply as he started to cough painfully. Oni Jui looked up roaring at the ooman in anger. He stood himself up slowly trying to free himself from the chain like cord. “Admit defeat you stupid filthy ooman! Stop trying to threaten me! Except your fate!” Oran stood up slowly ignoring the snow as it hit his face. “You think I’m going to die here? I am not going to die here with you!” He bent over feeling a sharing pain in his chest.

  Oni Jui took a step forward. “Death is your end and it’s my end, deal with it!” He turned kicking the snow at the ooman. Oran looked up sharply. “You’ve given up haven’t you? You worthless, disgusting Yautja your nothing but a quitter!” Oni Jui turned sharply. “You don’t get it do you ooman? There is no way out! No one ever escapes Eduiji!” He roared again. “On this planet all you’ll do is suffer and despair! Here the suffering is vicious and never ending!” Oran pulled himself up. “I might get lucky and die from cold and avoid the never ending suffering!” Oni Jui came forward leaning over him. “You can’t avoid death on this planet you stupid pathetic little ooman!” His roar echoed in to the blizzard. “You die just like everyone else when your bodies finished rotting away!” Oran spat harshly. “I heard what Emma was saying to Jeuki and I don’t believe it! Chest busters don’t live in people for decades! It’s not possible!” Oni Jui shook his head. “Stupid little fool you underestimate my races technology!”

  Oran was about to say something when he heard a long moan, which came from the other direction. Oni Jui looked up. “They’re coming.” Oran turned sharply. “Who’s coming?” Oni Jui backed away the fear showing in his eyes. “Those who suffer the Un-Life.” Oran laughed as best he could despite the pain in his ribs “Coward.” He turned looking out in to the blizzard there where a set of figures coming forward. He couldn’t make them out well but they looked like another human and four Yautja. Behind them he could see five other creatures following but couldn’t make out what they where. He pulled back eyeing Oni Jui who looked terrified. “Christ you are pathetic, you let a bunch washed out ice prisoners scare you!” He stopped seeing the figures get closer he pulled a hand. “Over here!” He stopped feeling pain in his chest. His gaze widened as they got closer he was right it was a bunch of Yautja and a human. He found himself stopping as he realized something didn’t look right. One of human’s arms was hanging down in a crippled way like it had been broken a few times and never fixed.