by Angela Timms
Rennon reached into his bag and put a hand on Kel’s arm as he heard sirens going off around the base. “Stay back. No time to deal with it any other way. The research guys are going to kill me but…” The Marines formed up around him as he opened the door, his body to the side so that all anyone firing randomly through the door would hit was the back wall. The scientist looked up from his table where he had been grinning insanely as he mixed two vials together. The resulting green liquid foamed slightly. He was about to drink it as a small round metal object rolled across the floor. He looked at it, the shape and recognition that the object was a grenade occurred to him just after Rennon had called to the others “Fire in the Hold”. Rennon shut the door and as it went off the scientist, the room, his experiments, notes and chemicals were blown to pieces. The blast blew the door open and burning debris flew out into the hallway and fell ineffectually on the stone floor. Inside the lab everything was burning.
Rennon waved them on. The crew ran around a corner where they came to an open window. Rennon turned to Kel, “Now this is where we came in. The Hopper is outside and it will uncloak when they see us. I’m going to take her from you. You climb out and I’ll pass her out to you. When you have her run and don’t stop. Get in, buckle her up and yourself. We’ll all get out if we do this as smoothly as possible. Now go.”
3
Dr Samson looked at the readings on the screen and shook his head. His sandy short cropped hair was neatly combed. He had gentle “boy next door” with a touch of the rogue features. His face was set in concentration. He ran his fingers through his hair, messing it up before pressing a button and calling up more readings. He was in his early forties, his white coat immaculately clean, his retro stethoscope hung decoratively around his neck.
In the isolation room down the hallway Kel was screaming at the walls and trying to break his restraints. He bellowed and screamed and fought with a ferocity that was moving the restraining bed. Red bands were appearing on his wrists and ankles despite the amount of padding and bandages that were there to protect him. His eyes were wild, the veins standing up in his neck and face. Commander Zack strode up to the exhausted doctor and looked over his shoulder. “So, what is the diagnosis Samson? Can you isolate the drug?”
Dr Samson looked up, his features worn with care and too many hours looking at the screen. “The drug is definitely ravaging his system but that is pretty obvious to everyone. The strange thing is that this time there is no device. Normally when the Followers use a controlling substance there is a mechanical device which synthesizes what it needs and introduces it into the system gradually. That could be a good thing as this may be a short term situation that will stop when the drug literally runs out. It seems to have a part of it that has reacted with the part of the brain that produces adrenaline, the basic fright flight part of the brain triggering an almost constant need to go into a form of kill frenzy which we can’t bring him out of. Isolating the drug has become a problem as it seems to involve a protein which has bonded with his genetic structure. It is a shame that the laboratory it came from has been destroyed so getting any more is unlikely. I ran a full scan and I have the technical readout for the drug, it seems to be multiplying in his system. If I can’t check its multiplication he is going to be locked in a constant rage and the corresponding wear and tear on his organs will lead to shut down. In short, it’s going to kill him if I can’t come up with something fast.”
The Commander looked at the nearby computer screen with the technical readouts displayed. “Is he lucid at all?”
Dr Samson turned around. “He knows that there are people near him and reacts violently but as to whether he knows who they are or not, I don’t know. Everyone seems to be the object of his hatred, fear and need to attack. I think there was more going on there than we originally thought. Rennon was in here earlier and he too thinks that the rescue was too easy. The base seemed empty and it was all too quiet. That the scientist was still there is bemusing but by what Rennon said he was pretty nuts anyway. I think we were either expected to rescue Kel or he was going to be turned loose at this point, probably at some location where we would be sure to pick him up and bring him back here. That drug makes him a bomb waiting to go off. He was lucid for nearly a day and then he just flipped into what you see now. It is also possible they were using some form of neural inhibitor to keep him manageable. The effect of that has now worn off. For now all I can do is try to administer a similar neural inhibitor and buy ourselves more time. That is him with the inhibitor, that’s the best I can do. It does at least make him lucid on occasion. Whether that is going to be any better for him emotionally I don’t know. He’s pretty cut up over what he did to that other prisoner.”
The Commander put his hand on the table and turned around. “I know you are doing all you can. You can only do your best. If you need any resources or equipment just let me know. What about the woman. How is she?” “Unfortunately Kel is a very efficient killing machine and I have no idea how she has survived her injuries. She has her arms and legs broken, most of her ribs, two lumbar vertebrae and her lower jaw has had to be wired. Her fingers were broken and she has a shattered pelvis. Most of her internal organs have sustained severe damage. But she’s still with us and strangely enough her vital signs are strong. I put her in a chemical coma to give her body a chance to heal. With that amount of injury the pain was just unbearable and any painkillers I was able to give her were just not enough. She’s resting now and the body can do its work. I’ve set the bones, pinned and wired what needed to be pinned and wired and we will have to see how she comes on. I got a chance to talk with her before I put her under and despite the pain she was very logical about it all. Her main concern was to let Kel know that she knows it’s not his fault and she doesn’t blame him. She made me make a recording of her forgiving him and explaining it all just in case she doesn’t make it through. I found it quite remarkable that her only thoughts were so practical considering the pain she was in.”
“Did you find out anything about her?” The Commander looked concerned. ”Do we know where she came from?”
“Yes, I’ve written it in my notes. It could be worth making contact with her people and letting them know she is alive. She’d been there a little over six months.” He picked up his notes and looked at them. “Not a lot else to say really but we have her home world so that is a start.”
The Commander left the room and sent a communiqué to Kyla’s home world. It was answered and three hours later Rennon was dispatched in a Planet Hopper with a couple of Marines.
The Hopper flew over the lush woodland and rolling plains of Eltalash. It settled in a clearing next to a mud hut village. They did the post flight checks and the ramp lowered. As they were stepping outside they noticed a party of people walking, slowly and deliberately. party got to them. The woman who seemed to be in charge was elderly. Feathers hung from her long white plaited hair, animal skins and trinkets hanging from her woven brightly coloured loose fitting clothing which swayed as she walked with the aid of a stick. She was being supported by two muscular young warriors armed with spears and blasters. They were dressed in buckskin tunics and trousers and similarly had feathers hanging from their hair. Two middle aged men walked behind. They moved to stand either side of the elderly woman when she got close enough to the Hopper to speak to them.
The woman looked them over and spoke in a slow and reassuring voice which was somehow calming. “Welcome to our village. I am Maran, Onoshari of the tribe. This is Erlis and Ren; she indicated the middle aged men and these are my helpers Sher and Irol. I have been expecting you and if you would join us we would like to invite you to enjoy our hospitality.”
Rennon stepped forward. “I am Rennon. I believe we spoke earlier. Thank you for your hospitality. We would be delighted.”
He fell in behind the welcoming party, the Marines fell in behind him and they walked to the village which mostly consisted of dome topped mud huts constructed in various shapes wi
th added c a r v e d wood and material. Each was elaborately adorned with feathers, painted wood and carved bone. Many had mobiles which fluttered and clattered in the wind. The wood that supported the roof structures had been intricately carved where they could see it through open doorways. In the center of the village there was what looked like the main meeting building, another dome. It was colossal and towered over them as they approached. They were invited inside by Maran and as they entered the huge vaulted ceiling took Rennon’s breath away. It was completely painted in rich colours, the light which filtered through canvas panels creating an atmosphere inside that was distinctly magical. In the middle of the room there was a raised platform on which there was a large fire burning in an ornate metal advancing towards them. They were It took a while but eventually the fire pit. Behind this there was a large throne. Benches and tree trunks were set out in two concentric circles around the outside of the room. A table had been set up beside the fire and drinks were brought on a wooden tray for them. Maran seated herself at the head of the table and they were brought food which looked like a cake made of meat and vegetables.
Rennon bowed his head slightly as a good sized portion was put in front of him and a drink placed to the side of it. “I thank you for your hospitality.” Maran smiled. “Eat, drink young one it has taken courage to come here. You must be very hungry.”
When they had eaten their fill and were relaxing with a warm drink Maran waved the rest of her people away. Rennon did similarly, leaving the two of them in the silence broken only by the crackling of the fire.
Maran looked at him earnestly “I thank you for taking care of Kyla; she is like a daughter to me. You have done much for her but I’m going to have to ask you to do more.
I will be direct. You said in your message if there was anything you can do. I know that usually this is a pleasantry intended to convey your sadness at the situation and willingness to put it right without it being actual physical help. In this case I do actually need your help.”
Rennon looked confused and a little worried. “I can’t see what we can do but I am happy to listen.”
Maran shifted her position in the chair and sat forwards. “You may or may not know that Kyla has for many years been our leader. I am very proud of her as she could not have done any better had she been a true born daughter of this tribe. That is the problem, she is not.
Since she has been away Andalon has taken her place. He took over her rule temporarily by right of birth. He would have been leader had it not been for Kyla and her prior claim. He has faced a minor challenge from Desash who also feels he should command the throne but what little resistance there has been was not substantial as he fears Kyla’s return. It will not be so once the truth comes out. I’m telling you this as there is nobody else I can think of who can help with this situation. Either way I will have to tell the tribe now that she will not be returning before the moon is at its full tomorrow night. That is when she must reaffirm her right as ruler or it will pass to open contest unless it passes to the true heir. Andalon is now a member of the Order so he must not take up arms until his first initiation.
This could not have happened at a worse time. She has been away on her pilgrimage which was supposed to finish with her return for the full moon. The White Lady would then have granted her full mastery of the last order and all would have been well.
Kyla cannot be here for the reaffirmation so her rule is at an end. There is nothing we can do about that. Nobody can take that promise for her.
Kyla is not of this tribe. The elders know of this but it is unknown to the rest of the tribe. It was decided many moons ago to leave the situation as it was when she proved to be such an effective leader.
Her mother died giving birth to her but she was a visitor here. I took her under my protection when she arrived in a damaged shuttle. I did all I could to save her, much as I did for Tyrannon’s baby who also died that same day. It seemed such a harmless thing to do, I took the baby without a mother and gave her to the mother who had lost her baby, she never knew.
But, all actions have repercussions. At that time the Followers were unknown to us and her position in the family was so insignificant it was deemed as a mercy to allow the childless mother to have the baby. But by the time Kyla came of age all her adopted family was dead and that left her next in line for the tribe leadership.
This is the only plan I can come up with. Andalon must assume leadership of this tribe at the full moon tomorrow night. It will be challenged. Then the title would most likely pass by rite of combat. They should fight it out but that is not possible unless Andalon abandons the first order. He is a fierce warrior.
I had planned to reveal the truth to Kyla on her return after she had completed the rite of the healer and been given her sword back. As High Priestess of the White Lady she would have taken her place within the Higher Order. Sorry, I’m going a bit away from what I am trying to say. I was trying to put things right as by her healer status she would have responsibilities elsewhere so it would have been easy for me to talk her into letting Andalon take over.
Andalon must not ascend the throne with blood on his hands or an ancient prophecy will be fulfilled and whether it is true or not there will be dissention within the tribe. Once he is safely on the throne, reinforced by right of birth, then I could have revealed the full truth or let it be forgotten if Kyla had chosen to keep her position here. Once he has taken the oath at the appointed hour nothing can be done to change that and my deception may well in time have been forgiven if the truth comes out. Now it is all just a mess.
What I need you to do is to find someone who will fight for her. I intend to ensure that this is the only way that the throne can be taken. This is not to be undertaken lightly as the battle will be bloody and to the death as to leave that viper in our midst would ensure trouble for years to come. It is undertaken in the mountains in a cave which provides a natural amphitheater and there will be no quarter given. The challenger is an accomplished warrior even though he is a coward. He is skilled and will fight very dirty as this is everything he has ever wanted. I need you to find me someone who will be able to fight him with no mercy, he must die. Can you do that? You explained to me the situation and how she came to be harmed. Will her attacker take on the fight that she now cannot?”
Rennon looked thoughtful. “I’m going to have to return home before I can make any decision as it is not my choice to make. We cannot speak with Kyla, her injuries are too severe. We have put her in a chemically induced coma and it is not known whether she will survive. If she does we are unsure what sort of a life she will have left.”
Maran’s eyes filled with tears. “If she had not been on her quest the result would have been very different. She is a fine warrior. She has truly proven herself worthy of mastery and I would ask you to take her sword back with you, whether she lives or dies. She must die a warrior. But for now the one who harmed her must take her place for that fight. I can only ask you but considering the situation I would be very disappointed if you refused.”
Rennon looked down at his hands. “He has taken the drug and the effects of it could kill him. Its effect on his system is taxing and he cannot take much more.”
Maran smiled. “Bring him here and I will heal him if I am able. We will work on bringing him back to his old self once the safety of the tribe is assured.” The smile fell from her face. “Return to your people and make the arrangements and make your decision. I will be waiting for you.” She got up and left. Rennon followed her and found his men outside the door. In the Hopper on the journey home Rennon piloted the craft solo so that the Marines could take part in a game of Battlestones in the back. The Hopper g l i d e d e f f o r t l e s s l y i n t o the d o c k i n g b a y a n d the p a s s e n g e r s disembarked.
Rennon went to the mission briefing room. There empty chairs were not lost on him. It was merely days since they had been filled. Now there was just him, Dr Samson and the Commander sitting there discussing what
was to be done.
The Commander took a drink of his coffee and put the mug carefully down. “What they are asking is for me to put Kel’s life on the line. What is your medical opinion on this Dr Samson?”
Dr Samson looked down at his notes. “In my opinion Kel is under more strain because he isn’t fighting. It is in the drug’s nature to make him want to fight and holding him back is putting strain on his body. If we can restrain him and take him there then he could well do what they want but it is exposing him to the possibility of being killed. It is also putting him in a position where he can in some way make amends for the damage he has already done, albeit not his fault. It will give him a better chance of healing himself mentally and forgiving himself.”
The Commander looked up, surprised. “Well, under those circumstances you have a go. Arrange containment for him, fetch his weapons and return to the planet. I want you to go with him Dr Samson and at the first sign of trouble sedate him and get him out of there.”
Dr Samson closed his file. “I will get him contained and moved this afternoon, by what you say there is little time to lose. I am assuming here that Maran is going to do all the talking.”
Rennon smiled. “Maran might be able to do the talking for all of us.”
The Hopper touched down gently on the planet and a tracked vehicle rolled down the ramp, carrying the containment unit with Kel inside. His weapons were strapped in a box to the side of the unit and Rennon and Dr Samson walked beside the vehicle, checking on the readouts and making sure that everything was working.
Maran came out to meet them, accompanied by her two helpers. “I am glad that you have come. I have been using the Orb this afternoon and I have discovered much. The signs are good. This was all meant to be. It will work out for the best, I am sure of it. Bring him, the gathering is about to commence. I will do all the talking. All you need to do is to let him out of the box at the correct time and all will be well.”
