Freddie stepped from the cabin onto the landing pad, his team close behind, the two guards worrying about possible risks. Freddie thought he should point out to his guards that the Shen were also on guard; however, he decided to let the two Rats work through their own risk assessment process. He looked around. It was already dark here, down in the deep valley even though the sky above was still blue. Shen glow-lights were brightening, lining a path towards a building just hundreds of yards away.
“Dr. Freddie, please follow me,” directed Ser Glide. “We’ll take the path here, with lights, it’s the shortest way to your accommodation. Your team too—there’s accommodation for all.”
Signalling for his team to follow, Freddie set out with the Shen. He could feel the bite of cold air and was thankful for his decision to wear warmer clothes. The path wandered slightly, curving around cultivated gardens. It was too dark to see what the Shen had planted and he decided to explore further when there was light. Assuming he had time.
Their destination was a modest building, just two stories high, and he estimated each floor covered probably three or four thousand square feet. The exterior was stone, and as far as he could determine in the light from the glow-lights, it was a form of limestone. It seemed an expert mason had carved out large blocks and then fitted them together so the joins were scarcely visible.
Ser Glide noted his interest. “We used Shen tools to carve out blocks of limestone, then reinforced them for additional strength. Very strong and unlikely to degrade. The buildings should last for hundreds of earth years.”
“I’ll enjoy exploring, if I have spare time.”
All the Shen laughed. “Your visit will be very hectic, Dr. Freddie,” advised Ser Jan. It was the first time Ser Jan had spoken to Freddie. “I’ve crafted a very challenging schedule for the next five weeks. Except for Ser Glide, we will leave you now. He’ll show you your accommodation, where supplies are stored, how to arrange meals; indeed, everything you need to settle in for your stay. It’s been an honour meeting you after all we’ve heard.”
Without further warning, Ser Jan and the other Shen had disappeared. Freddie realized they had taken a separate path, hidden in the shadows. Ser Glide opened the door of their intended residence and bid Freddie and his team enter the building. “We’ve tried to equip your accommodation to make it suitable for both Rat and human visitors. Please accept our apologies in advance if we have failed.”
“Ser Glide, I’m sure it will all be suitable.”
“Dr. Freddie, you are very gen—”
Whatever the Shen was going to say was lost in the sudden sharp sounds of an explosion and automatic weapons fire. Ser Glide froze in shock. Freddie’s two guards quickly produced weapons from one of their packs and handed one to Freddie. His Rat guard had spent some time and effort training him in its use, and he had demonstrated that he was a fair marksman. He noted his two communications Rats also were holding high-powered automatic weapons.
“Ser Glide, which way is safest? Should we go forward, up the stairs, or is there a reinforced safe room—or what?”
“Dr. Freddie, we’ve never been attacked here.” More explosions and weapon fire sounded as the Shen spoke. “They—whoever it is—must have used the few seconds when the barrier was off for our helicopter to land, for their infiltration.”
“It sounds like a determined attack. Which floor’s best for defence?” As he spoke, Freddie led the way inside. He pushed the doors closed after everyone had entered the building. They were heavy and probably proof against small explosive devices. Ser Glide locked and bolted them both at the top and bottom. Then he extended a heavy bar across both doors.
Freddie continued his questions. “Do these buildings have windows? Access from the roof? Rear doors?”
Ser Glide shook his head. “This is shocking. Defence? This ground floor is best, in Shen planning. No, there’s no access from the roof. Again, no, the building doesn’t have windows. We use glow-lights, sun stores, and other devices for light and heating. The building has a back door, which can be closed and barred, just like this one. All Shen buildings are built to provide protection as well as to be long-lasting.”
Freddie dropped the bag he was carrying and signalled for the Rats to do the same. “Able 3 and Zen 33, all of you. Make sure the back door is locked and barred, then check out the rooms, look for possible entrances which need to be secured. Report back to me. Quickly!”
***
Chapter 17
Freddie waited for his Rat team to return and report as sounds of a vigorous firefight filtered through the heavy walls. He turned to Ser Glide.
“Ser Glide—Ser Glide?” The Shen was intent on some unheard distraction.
“Dr. Freddie, my apologies. I am in communication with other Shen. We have devices—implants—that allow us to communicate quickly. The intruders are fighting very aggressively and have been cornered by our Ghurkha guards and Shen fighters. So far, the only casualties are Shen. Twelve. Twelve Shen have been killed. We number less than ten thousand. Everyone is a friend—”
Freddie’s com unit buzzed. “Able 3 to Engineer.” All the Rats were now using his impromptu call sign.
“Engineer.”
“No threats or access that we can see. Some of the explosions apparently are very powerful. The attackers may be able to blow in the doors.”
“I’ll see what Ser Glide says. Regroup here.”
“On the way. Able 3 out.”
“Ser Glide—you heard Able 3? We should move away from the entrance, just in case. Perhaps around this corner?”
“Yes.” The Shen was distracted still, although he moved as Freddie suggested. “The entrances, front and rear, are very strong. Let me check with our Builders, they should know.”
Freddie waited patiently. The Rat squad returned from their exploration and moved their equipment away from the front entrance. They then formed a small although protective guard around Freddie, weapons ready. The firefight outside continued.
“The Builders say the doors will withstand major impacts or explosions. They confirm the building’s very safe.”
“Good news. How is your defence team doing?”
“I’m checking now.” Ser Glide listened to his communication implant. “Just a small core of attackers remain. We’re trying to capture them alive, so we can discover who is behind this attack. It could be terrorists, mercenaries, or indeed, a government force. We suspect they’re from the Eastern Bloc.”
They listened in silence. The rate of fire definitely had decreased in the last few minutes. Then, after the firing had stopped for a minute or so, there was a final almost ear-shattering explosion. Silence followed.
“The attackers detonated their bombs in the building where they had taken shelter, killing themselves. Dr. Freddie, this is devastating. We’ve lost Shen lives, and you and your team, our visitors, were under threat.” He shook his head. “Now, let me show you to your rooms. There’s a Shen emergency meeting planned which I must attend. I’ll provide a report to you in the morning, once we have full details. Ghurkha guards with some Shen will patrol all night.”
At last Freddie and his team were settled in adjacent rooms on the second floor of the building. The accommodation was styled as a comfortable apartment with a central room available for meetings with a kitchen and dining room, together with a number of bedrooms. Freddie had lost touch of time and had not realized he was hungry until his team reminded him they were ready to eat. They quickly prepared a light meal and sat informally while they ate.
“Can you communicate with your controller in London?” Freddie asked.
“We tried. We are deep in this valley, and with mountains surrounding all sides, it’s very difficult. Shen Ark is overhead and we’ll try to bounce signals off it. Or even utilize one of its antennae as a passive relay. We may need someone on the roof or we could patch into Shen cabling. We all are working on it.”
“I have no doubt. Please let me know when you succeed.
I should send a progress report to His Highness, he’ll be very interested to hear what has happened.”
Later that evening, Violet 50 eventually established links to the Rat communications room in the London Embassy building, using Shen Ark antennae as passive relays. The solution required Aspic 5, the other communications Rat, to utilize his computer hacking skills via a cable patch and then an uplink to Shen Ark. It was midnight before Freddie completed his report to Sam 32nd.
The next morning, weary-eyed, he was woken by the sound of activities outside his door. He showered and dressed and then went looking for breakfast. Two Shen were working in the dining room, and there was a Shen chef in the kitchen. His Rat team was already in mid-meal.
Able 3 looked sheepish. “Sir, we were going to eat while you slept, then we wanted to explore outside, to check security. Ser Glide sent a message advising he’ll be here with his report at 0900 and there didn’t seem to be a need to waken you.”
Freddie said, “The racket you all made woke me. I agree, when you finish, check outside, let me know if you think there are issues. When I meet with Ser Glide, you can attend and share thoughts.”
Violet 50 indicated a video monitor. “Engineer, Shen have their own television channels, and also they carry EBC and some other channels. One of the Shen channels has been showing scenes of the attack from last night, although in Shen, not English. EBC also carried a report of the attack on Shen. I think His Highness released some of your report. The English government are blaming the Eastern Bloc, who of course are denying everything.”
“Interesting. Monitor as much as you can, and let me know if there’s anything critical for us,” said Freddie.
One of the Shen approached, and with a nodded greeting, handed him a small menu card written in English. Freddie made his selection and sat with the others as they completed their meal. He hoped the Shen had captured all the intruders otherwise they would need to keep their Shangri-La in lockdown. After his team finished their meal and left, Freddie selected the Shen channel, in case it showed details of interest. After a few minutes he switched to the EBC, where an English government spokesman was castigating the Eastern Bloc for their attack on a sovereign state. There were no new developments as far as he could determine. When Freddie finished his meal he decided to explore outside the building.
He stood at the top of the stairs down to the path. Most of the smaller buildings were partially hidden behind trees and seemed to be randomly scattered across the small valley floor. They reflected variations of the design of the building which they occupied. He could see larger buildings in the distance although he could not discern their purpose. When he stepped down the stairs to the meandering path, he was quickly joined by his two guard Rats.
“Engineer,” commented Zen 33, “We thought you wouldn’t stay inside the building. It’s very pleasant here, it’s a mid-Spring morning. Shen have very strange plants and trees, like nothing I have ever seen before.”
“Shen biology,” added Able 3. “I hope Shen ensure their plants won’t spread outside this valley. They have fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, trees—even insects, birds, small animals, everything.”
Freddie and his small guard were soon joined by the communication Rats, and they wandered for a while, enjoying the exotic gardens. There were no Shen, at least not on the paths near their building. Every so often they caught a glimpse of a uniformed Ghurkha patrol, apparently instructed to be unobtrusive, and Freddie assumed the patrols were to help ensure their safety.
Ser Glide met them on the path. He was accompanied by Ser Jan, Ser Nish, and a Shen whom Freddie had not previously met. They were escorted by a small squad of armed Ghurkhas. “Dr. Freddie, allow me to introduce more of my associates. Ser Jan and Ser Nish of course you already know. This morning I also have Ser Dene, who is our language expert.”
Freddie exchanged greetings with all the Shen.
Ser Glide said, “Also, we’ve a detailed report for you and your team about the attackers. They definitely were Eastern Bloc, the evidence is unassailable. We lost fifteen Shen, all friends, and we plan retribution, which we’ll carry out very soon. We’ll also formally protest, of course, as the English government is already doing on our behalf. Thank you for your support in your report to His Highness. Now, let’s go to a meeting room, where we can be comfortable. We’ll use one in your building.” He led the way.
They settled into chairs around a round table. The Ghurkhas and Rat guards remained in the hallway, sharing their post and duties, while the two communication Rats remained with Freddie.
“Engineer,” queried Ser Glide, “If I may? I heard your team using ‘Engineer’ as your call sign, and I think it’s a title which will continue to reflect your role.”
Freddie nodded his consent and the Shen continued.
“Our report is here, on this drive.” He handed the small memory stick to Freddie. “Feel free to forward it to His Highness. By the way, your team carried out a very effective hack—very ingenious, my compliments—to achieve their communications link. I apologize—I should’ve made arrangements.”
“Ser Glide, you had other matters to deal with. I instructed my team to do no harm.”
“Indeed. As I said,” he nodded to the two Rats, “very ingenious. The report—we included all the evidence, including images of documents carried by some of the intruders. They were Eastern Bloc Special Forces. Of course, we don’t know at what level their attack was authorized. The weapons they used are standard EBSF issue, as were the ammunition and explosives. Our Shen Ark team checked all their tapes from the last ten days and found the first sign of encroachment eight days ago. The EBSF infiltrators were very good, they hid their presence in daytime and moved only at night. They had very effective camouflage, chameleon suits, English design and manufacture. Once we pinpointed their arrival, our operators on Shen Ark were able to backtrack their transit all the way to a secondary Special Forces base in Linxia.”
“English manufacture?” asked Freddie.
“Yes, we recovered one of the suits, almost intact. We’ll give it to you to take back. It can be traced from the manufacturer’s records. The suits all carry serial numbers. It should provide very good evidence of any rogue English collaboration. We don’t expect to find official links; however, we both know there is an English splinter group intent on acquiring our technology.”
Freddie nodded his head. “I have had some experience with them, as you know.”
“Indeed. We lost fifteen friends last night. Of course, EBSF lost their team of 25, so we’ve achieved some small balance. We need more, a lot more, for retribution and warning.”
“I’m sure His Highness would do all he can to assist you.”
“We want to demonstrate to you the effectiveness of our stealth shuttle and weapons. It will help you build up an understanding of Shen technology. We plan to attack the Linxia EBSF base. We’ll destroy it, completely. We’ve given the Eastern Bloc notice. They are protesting. It won’t help them. Today is Monday. On Wednesday we will achieve balance. The shuttle has a seat available for you if you’d like to join with our Shen crew. There is room also for your team. We don’t plan to land, and the Eastern Bloc has no technology to detect or track us. Even if they could, they cannot damage a Shen shuttle. It’d be good to demonstrate this, I think.”
Freddie was momentarily lost for words as he mentally debated whether he should accompany the Shen on their audacious mission. Then he felt a surge of excitement, at the thought that he would have some minor involvement in this act of retribution. He felt there was a linkage somehow, somewhere, between this mission and the murders of his uncle and his mother. It would help assuage some of the anger he continued to experience.
“Yes, and my team will come with me.” Freddie looked at his communication Rats. “And I don’t think this should be communicated to anyone, at least not until we return—then we can report to London.”
“Yes, sir,” acknowledged Violet 50.
“Very good. Now, we can review the schedule we prepared for you,” said Ser Glide.
***
Chapter 18
The shuttle dropped quickly from a height of fifty thousand feet towards the EBSF base. Its airspeed was well over Mach 5. The 200-ton craft manoeuvred like a light aircraft. Freddie was seated in the cockpit between the pilot and the navigator, both Shen. The Shen crew were female, and were very aggressive, very warlike. His team of Rats were strapped into drop seats behind the front row and had video monitors displaying everything Freddie and the Shen could see. He was comfortable, the shuttle’s antigrav was working effectively and smoothed out bumps which would otherwise have resulted in a very rough ride.
“They don’t have anything here —aircraft or missiles—which will catch us. Mach 2 or 3, maybe—that would be their fastest,” commented Ser Glen, the pilot. “Also, we’re almost undetectable. Some observer might see us, if she’s keen-eyed, and the light is right. Broad daylight like this would help her. However, we’re almost invisible to their radar, lidar and laser detection equipment. We might show as a blur when we are moving at speed; however, their equipment operators won’t be able to hold target long enough to establish our position and trajectory with any certainty. Even now, when we are slowing or hovering, we’ll be very difficult to detect. Besides, we warned them to leave.”
The navigator, Ser Rom, snorted derision. “They’ve some missiles, just heat seekers, and fortunately, we minimize our heat signature. Their missiles can neither detect nor catch us. We would nose up and accelerate out of the planet’s gravity if a missile did manage to get on target, and then we’d return to our target with a vengeance. We can dive back from space and push a force wave in front of us which creates a sound like a multitude of air raid sirens. Deafening. Destructive. Very effective. Very demoralizing to ground forces.”
Shen Ark: Departure Page 14
