Shen Ark: Departure

by John Hindmarsh

  “Freddie, I have some bad news, I am afraid. It’s about Sam.” Cedric took Freddie’s hand while Freddie’s Mum busied herself with the teapot and poured another cup of tea. “Let me tell you the details. Sit here.”

  Freddie moved to the couch and sat down, relieved to take the strain off his shaking knees.

  “This week, we fought off a major attack by the Cats. They sent in a very large force to try to break through our defences protecting our manufacturing units, those west of London, out past Wimbledon. They had tried for days to penetrate our boundaries and continued to throw more and more Cats into battle. Sam flew numerous sorties just to provide us with intelligence. Then the Cats launched hot air balloons which drifted over our positions, and we realized they were sending intelligence back to their command. Each balloon held four or five Cats; some were firing onto our people, and others were dropping grenades and other small explosive devices. Very risky, very dangerous, and unfortunately a number of Rats were killed by this. Sam had just refuelled and returned to the battle when he saw what was happening. He fired two rockets and destroyed two balloons.” Cedric stopped to sip his tea and then continued.

  “Instead of returning for more rockets or alerting his other pilots so they could come and help—they were on patrol along other sections of our border—Sam turned to attack a third balloon, using the automatic weapons he had installed in the wing ports. However, it was very difficult for him to hit the balloon in a vital spot. We think he was trying to target the gas containers. He did two strafing runs and on the third—” Cedric stopped for a moment, his voice catching.

  “I was watching. He aimed his Spitfire straight at the balloon basket and throttled back until he just had enough airspeed and flew directly at his target, firing all the time. However, as he pulled away from the balloon, one of the Cats did the craziest thing. He jumped out of the balloon basket and landed on top of the Spitfire. The Cat apparently dug his claws into the fuselage, because Sam did everything possible to dislodge him. He flew an Immelmann, probably hoping the manoeuvre would rid him of the Cat. However, it did not work. Then he barrel-rolled and went through his entire aerobatic repertoire. Still the Cat clung to the fuselage. Sam even flew an external loop, obviously hoping to throw the Cat off. Nothing seemed to work. The entire battle stopped to watch, everyone, Cats and Rats. Then Sam just aimed the Spitfire straight up, probably hoping lack of oxygen and the cold would cause the Cat to release its grip. The plane disappeared with the two of them, into the clouds. We watched and waited for them to reappear. But we never saw Sam or his plane again. We don’t know what happened. We think he may have flown out over the sea. This happened two days ago. We’ve been searching, just in case.” He paused again, obviously under stress.

  “We can’t find any wreckage, and there’s been no sign of survivors, no radio response. We’ve listed Sam as missing. However, I fear the worst.”

  Freddie cried. His best friend was missing. Alice hugged him; she also was misty-eyed.

  “Oh, Mum. He was my best friend. He is missing, prob-probably killed.” He turned to Cedric. “Sir, if there is anything I can ever do for you, for Rats—please ask.”

  ~~~

  In the following days, New Rats, angered and motivated by Sam’s loss, aggressively attacked and defeated the Cats in a series of short and deadly battles. They had more resources, more weapons, and more discipline. New Cats surrendered after Rats attacked their battle headquarters and killed key Cat leaders and a small number of human supporters. Peace of a kind was established, although Rats realized New Cats would continue to be a threat and were likely to carry out random, terrorist-type attacks at any time. As a consequence, Rats continued to maintain their military readiness.

  Freddie, saddened at the loss of his friend, focused on his studies. The remainder of his first year passed without further misadventure, and he scored high marks in his end of year assessments, guaranteeing his continuation at the University and automatic progression to his second year. He was so relieved. He had worked hard even through the summer break, spending all his time at the College. Then, because it was end of the university year, Freddie and Alice returned home.

  Of course, Rats provided transport, and the small convoy of three vehicles braked to a stop outside their home and then turned and drove slowly up the drive. It was a late Friday afternoon, and Charles was working in his shed. Freddie thanked the escort, and then helped carry their luggage into the house. He had not seen his uncle for almost a year, and when Charles came out of the shed, Freddie was surprised to see how much he had aged in such a short time.

  Charles hugged and welcomed them both home. “This is a surprise. I was not expecting you so early. Freddie, congratulations for your excellent first year at University.”

  Alice busied herself in the kitchen while Freddie accompanied his uncle to check the Spitfire which he was preparing for rocket trials; the rockets would assist with take-offs and possibly provide periods of short, sudden acceleration. Just as they were leaving the shed, a small convoy of vehicles arrived and a number of black-uniformed Rats swarmed out of the vehicles, in a highly disciplined manoeuvre.

  “More visitors,” commented Charles. “I usually go for weeks without anyone at all visiting. Go and see who it is.”

  “It’s not His Highness, he would have more guards; and besides, his guards have a green uniform,” said Freddie as he walked down the drive. As he reached the front gate, another convoy pulled into the side of the road. This time the drivers and passengers were wearing green.

  “Freddie,” exclaimed Cedric 33rd, clambering out of his vehicle. “Welcome home. Please accept my congratulations on your excellent first year. Can I visit?”

  “Yes, sir, certainly. Thank you. You’re always welcome to visit, you know you are. Come and see my Mum and Uncle Charles.” He turned to lead the way back down the drive and did not notice Cedric was arranging for some large packages to be carried into the house.

  “Uncle Charles, Mum—it’s His Highness. Also, he has about fifty guards.”

  Freddie held the door open for Cedric to enter. The next five minutes or more were spent in the exchange of greetings, welcomes, and more congratulations. Then Cedric pointed to one of the packages.

  “A present for Freddie,” he explained. “To celebrate his first year of university.”

  Freddie unwrapped his present, and was delighted when the packaging revealed a new epad. He explored the accompanying envelope and discovered a voucher for unlimited flying hours at the local school. “Excellent,” he almost shouted. “A new computer for next year and also, I can go flying while I’m home on holidays. Sir, thank you very much. I appreciate these and I’ll put them to good use.”

  “You’re welcome, Freddie, and you’ve worked hard. Now, for Alice, because she has also worked hard to keep you at university.” He handed across another package. “Finally, a small token for you, Charles. Just to help with your models.” Cedric handed the last package to Charles.

  At first, Alice protested that Freddie could not accept the gift of unlimited flying hours. Cedric explained. “We’ve invested in the flying school, and at least one sports aircraft is always on standby for use by our RAF. If it’s sitting there, the actual costs for Freddie’s flying is very small.” Alice reluctantly agreed to allow Freddie to accept the gift and Freddie looked very pleased and relieved.

  “Now,” Cedric 33rd continued. “I have a favour to ask of all of you.”

  Freddie, his Mum and Charles looked at each other and then looked at Cedric. Freddie spoke first. “Yes, sir. What is it?”

  Cedric looked a little abashed. “Well, you all welcomed my young Sam and did a tremendous job of encouraging him. I wonder if you—I know this will be an imposition—but would you please welcome my great grandson, and can he stay with you? At least through Freddie’s holidays?”

  “Why, of course.” Freddie’s Mum was first to speak. She had enjoyed the presence and positive influence of Sam.
>
  “Sam, where are you?” muttered Cedric 33rd. “Now don’t be shy. Come forward and meet everyone.” A small Rat stepped forward shyly, his face almost hidden by a leather cap. “Everyone, this is Sam. Sam 21 to be accurate. This is Alice, Freddie’s Mum. Charles, his uncle. Of course, and Freddie.”

  Sam 21 hid his face further with his cap and mumbled softly.

  “My, he’s young Sam all over again,” enthused Alice.

  “Even to the cap,” said Freddie with a welcoming smile, while hiding his sadness at the absence of his friend.

  “Are you interested in model aircraft?” asked Charles.

  “Why yes, sir,” piped up the young Rat. “I want to learn to fly, as well.”

  “It’s settled then,” affirmed Alice. She turned to Cedric. “Of course he can stay with us. It’ll do Freddie good to have some responsibilities while he’s on holidays. I daresay they’ll spend more time at the airfield or helping Charles than at home.”

  Alice was correct. Every morning young Sam 21 attended the flying school for his theory lessons while Freddie flew an hour or two in the sports aircraft. He now was a very capable pilot and had accumulated substantial flying hours. In the afternoons, they helped either Uncle Charles or the production team next door, and as a result both Freddie and Sam 21 were building a new friendship while establishing a solid foundation of knowledge about aircraft and manufacturing.

  ***

  Chapter 14

  It was Freddie’s birthday. He was twenty-one, and he was now Doctor Frederick Jones, PhD. His doctoral thesis had been accepted, he had undergone the usual grilling by University’s assessment board, and his doctorate had been confirmed by the New Oxford University. The letter from the Dean of his faculty had arrived that very morning. Now, he thought, he could do any number of things. That was his problem—he was still trying to decide which of those any number of things he should do. A knock on the back door disturbed his thoughts.

  “I’ll see who it is,” he called to his mother.

  It was His Highness, Sam 32nd with an entourage; he was accompanied by three Sams and two Cedrics, all part of the ruling dynasty, and they had both Green and Black Guards in attendance. Sam 32nd was the great grandson of Cedric 33rd, and he also shared a common ancestry with the original Sam and with Sam 21. New Rat nomenclature had a logic of its own, thought Freddie, a logic driven by the nature of Rats multiple litters and multiple births.

  “Sir, welcome. All of you, welcome.” Freddie wondered how they would all fit into his mother’s small cottage. He opened the door wider.

  His Highness shook his head. “No, Freddie, we don’t want to disturb Alice with this crowd. We want you for a meeting, and we need to convince you to come with us for the afternoon.”

  “Sir, you forgot,” piped a small voice. It was one of the younger Sams. Sam 35, Freddie thought.

  “Indeed, you are correct. Freddie, we all wish you a happy birthday. These juveniles have been practicing all week so they could sing Happy Birthday. They sound absolutely revolting.”

  His entourage ignored the criticism as being totally unwarranted, and broke into a loud and sometimes squeaky rendition of the birthday song. Even the Guards joined in. By the time the song was finished and the cheers completed, Alice had joined in and Charles had opened his shed door to see what the commotion was about.

  Alice clapped her hands. “Very well done.”

  “Thank you, everyone.” Freddie was almost as bashful as the youngest Sam. “I agree, it was very well done.”

  “Alice, we want to borrow your son for the afternoon. We’ll return him in one piece, I promise.”

  “Why certainly, Sam.” Alice had been instructed by each and every King Rat to be totally informal, and at last, she was able to do so without feeling uncomfortable. “As you know, we’ve arranged a combined birthday and graduation party for tomorrow, so you can keep Freddie out for the remainder of the day. As long as he’s here for his party.”

  “Come on, Freddie,” said the more outspoken younger Rats. “We need you at our meeting.” Freddie needed no further urging and joined the Rats as they climbed into the waiting vehicles.

  Freddie was very curious and slightly frustrated when no one had told him why he was needed. “No,” said Sam 32nd. “It can wait. It will be best if we start at the beginning, with everyone in attendance.”

  ~~~

  “This is our latest property acquisition,” explained Sam 32nd as the convoy pulled into a driveway at their destination, one of the older embassy buildings at the top of Kensington Palace Gardens. “We purchased it from Brunei Recovery Trust, and it’s next door to the Shen Embassy. The English Government has given us similar status, so this is now the New Rat Embassy.”

  “Congratulations,” said Freddie. “I’ve been so busy at University I haven’t kept up with all the news.”

  “The announcement only went out last week. Now come with me.” Sam 32nd led the way into the New Rat Embassy.

  Freddie did not have an opportunity to linger. The building was genuine pre-Flood and had been restored to its earlier design, and he would have enjoyed an opportunity to study its architecture. He had a quick glimpse of high ceilings, Corinthian columns, and Rat Guards everywhere. His Highness led him and the small entourage up a wide flight of marble stairs and along a corridor, where workmen and Rats were completing renovations. At last they reached a set of double doors, with Black Guards standing at attention.

  “Here we are,” exclaimed Sam 32nd, pushing though the doorway. Freddie followed him into a large conference room, where a number of people—he quickly counted fifteen—were already assembled. Humans and New Rats. To Freddie’s astonishment, a Shen refugee was also in the room. That made sixteen. Seventeen, he corrected, including himself.

  The Shen attendee was short, not much taller than Freddie. Shen were generally similar to humans in build and were described, perhaps erroneously, as lizard-tailed hominoids. Their bodies, warm-blooded, were covered in layered scales, and their eyes were protected by nictitating membranes. Shen were refugees from a threatened and now presumably destroyed home world in the collapsing Shen star system, located in the tightly-spiralled JJ-540 nebula, hundreds of light years from Earth.

  Shen had fled the impending collapse, eventually reaching and settling a small planet circling a star located between the Rosette II Cluster and Earth’s solar system. That system, called Shen II, was estimated by the Shen to be just over 150 light years from Earth. A small group of Shen had decided not to settle on the planet, instead continuing to search for a more suitable home. They had eventually arrived at the Solar System some sixty years before Freddie was born. Exhausted from their journey, they had established a small settlement in the Himalayan Mountains between Tibet and Nepal, below a peak north of the now ice-free Mt Everest. After they had completed building their high mountain habitat, they announced their presence and claimed refugee status.

  Eventually, after almost four years of debate, it was decided by the United Nations that the survivors, numbering less than ten thousand, would not be a threat to any country; begrudgingly, the UN agreed to accept their claim for refugee status. Shen demonstrated their starship weapons to show that they could not be threatened, and the Shen-United Nations treaty contained rules forbidding transfer of their alien technology to any human government body or organisation. To date, Shen had kept very separate from humans, protected by their remote refuge.

  Freddie gathered his wandering thoughts as Sam 32nd made introductions. “Ladies, gentlemen, New Rats and Shen, I would like you to meet Dr. Freddie Jones. Dr. Jones has been a friend of ours for nearly fifteen years, and in that period has influenced development of selected Rat younglings in a very positive way.”

  Freddie nodded his head in a general greeting, unsure who was attending the meeting, although he recognised Professor Merkin from New Oxford University.

  Sam 32nd continued. “This meeting is a surprise to Dr. Jones, and I’m going to add to his
surprises. Freddie, we—New Rats—are commencing a new project: the Star Project, which will be managed by our Star Team. The Star Team has commenced negotiating for the purchase of the Shen starship and all its technology. The English government is involved, to ensure a fair and balanced agreement is reached between New Rats and Shen, and we have English Government representatives with us today. The Shen representative—Ser Glide—has been authorized to manage Shen negotiations. We have one gap in our Star Team. We needed someone who has an understanding of both New Rats and aerospace technology. I thought of you, and the Capins unanimously agreed. We, New Rats, would like you to join our Star Team.”

  Freddie’s mind blanked. After a long moment he managed to stutter a response. “S—sir, I do not—I don’t know what to say.”

  “Are you interested?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “Good. Then it’s settled. You’re now part of my Star Team.” His Highness smiled. He knew he had steamrollered Freddie, and he also knew Freddie would give anything to be involved in a starship project.

  Ser Glide stepped forward and held out his hand in a human-like gesture. Freddie shook his hand. “Dr. Freddie. When His Highness mentioned your likely inclusion in the Star Team, our English contacts kindly provided me with a copy of your doctoral thesis. I read it and was very impressed, as were our engineers. While we may be on opposite sides of these negotiations, I bid you dearly welcome.”

  “Hear, hear,” came a very English voice. Freddie was unsure who the speaker was.

  His Highness took charge. “Very well, please take your places now, there are name cards around the table. Freddie, sit here with me, please.” As everyone took their seats, Sam 32nd handed Freddie a list of names and a diagram of place settings. “This will assist you. It identifies who’s who. Now don’t worry, everyone’s very pleased to have you as a member of the Star Team.”

  Freddie read the brief details of the attendees. The humans included two senior members of the English cabinet, a representative of the Bank of England, a barrister, a representative of the Institute, and of course, Professor Merkin. The other attendees, apart from the Shen, were all Rats, most of whom he did not know. He decided he should listen while Sam 32nd spoke to the now seated assembly, and placed the list of attendees on the table.