Rai caught an image from him of corridor upon corridor lined with containment cells: his private laboratory of specimens.
Rai recoiled in horror. "Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass."
At that moment an explosion went off in the distance, downhill from their location. Debris flew through the air, plinking audibly off of trees, the Juggernaut's exoskeleton and into the stream. Smoke poured into the air all around them. Rai heard an alarm sound and then saw a small orange light begin flashing on the Juggernaut's left forearm.
"Aw, that's a shame. Looks like you have more important things to take care of right now," Rai continued.
The Juggernaut depressed a series of keys on a touchpad that was integrated into his right forearm. Rai wondered if the embedding of such hardware was painful or time-consuming.
Both, but well worth the time and energy, I assure you / I will investigate the explosion / Then return to collect you / Await my return / Curiosity will be satisfied.
"Yeah, okay. I'll wait right here like the good little inferior species I am."
Go ahead, run / Wherever you go, I will find you / This world is small / Won't even be a challenge.
With that final thought, the Juggernaut pivoted and crashed off in the direction of the explosion.
Great, Rai thought to herself. Not only does the Core want me dead, now a Juggernaut wants me in his personal petting and gutting zoo. Could today get any better?
Standing up from behind the rock he'd fallen behind earlier, Ponar walked over to her. "Do you think it's gone for good?" he asked.
"I doubt that," Rai picked up her water containers.
"Then we should leave before he returns," Ponar replied.
"I couldn't agree more," Rai replied.
They ran as fast as they could, considering that they were both carrying full water jugs uphill. They arrived back at the wagons covered in sweat and gasping for air. Instead of finding the others eating lunch, Meik, Laan and Guardian Graeber were all standing there awaiting their return. Meik and Laan took the water bottles from them and loaded them into the wagons.
"You two all right?" Guardian Graeber asked.
They both nodded. "There was ... Juggernaut," Rai gasped between breaths.
"Yes, we know," Guardian Graeber replied. "I came upon them during my patrol and sabotaged one of their transport craft so they'd hopefully be too busy fixing it to notice us moving through the area."
"Why didn't you pick them up on your ... whatever that thing is," Meik asked.
"They must be using a dampening field of some sort," Guardian Graeber explained. "I assume they didn't want to be observed doing ... whatever it is they're doing."
"Too late," Rai replied, coughing.
"We ran into one. It spoke to us, to Rai actually," Ponar explained.
"Spoke?" Guardian Graeber asked. She nodded. "It had a translator?"
"I spoke just like this. And I don't know what it was doing, but I heard it," Rai said. Guardian Graeber looked at her in disbelief. "Look, I can't explain it, but that thing said it was coming back for me, so I'd like to go now!"
"Yes. If we push hard we might be able to reach Resounding Cliffs late tonight," Guardian Graeber replied.
"Won't the city gates be closed for curfew by then?" Meik asked.
"I'll see that they make a special exception for us when we arrive," Guardian Graeber replied. "Let's get rolling. Push your teams as hard as you dare."
The Durmah climbed aboard their wagons and were off. Meik was at the lead, and Ponar's wagon brought up the rear.
Guardian Graeber brought his stallion up alongside at a fast trot, matching their pace. "Tell me the truth. I guess you pissed off the Juggernaut?" he asked Rai.
She shrugged. "I don't think so. The creature was curious about me. It thought I was unique. But he didn't seem angry, per se."
"Wonderful," he replied sarcastically. "But were you rude to him?"
Rai shook her head, frowning.
"You did yell at him, Rai," Ponar reminded her. "A couple of times."
"Well sure, but I really don't think that offended him," Rai replied. "My volume was a total non-issue."
Guardian Graeber scrubbed his face with his hand. "You remember that Juggernauts hate humans, right? And they're just looking for excuses to wipe out our colonies?"
"But he wouldn't destroy the entire colony because I yelled at him, would he?" Rai asked, horrified. "Would he?!?"
Guardian Graeber shrugged as if to say, how was he to know the whims of the Juggernauts? "Nah, after all, he's curious about you now. And I've got to congratulate you on that. You're keeping out of trouble, just as I directed."
Although his sarcasm stung, she supposed she'd earned it. "So what should I do now?"
"Run away, like we're doing. Except you might have to go a lot farther than the rest of us," Guardian Graeber replied. He then kneed his horse into a gallop and rode forward to the front of the line.
"And you wonder why I thought something was going on between you two?" Ponar asked, shaking his head in frustration. "You ready to fill me in yet?"
"I'll make you a deal," Rai replied. "We all make it safe to Resounding Cliffs without the Juggernauts blasting us off the road or dragging me off to some lab zoo, and I'll tell you everything I know that makes any sense at all."
"It's always later with you, isn't it?" Ponar rolled his eyes. "But sure, I'll take you up on that."
Rai turned around, watching the sky and road for any sign of the Juggernaut returning, wondering to herself just how far could be far enough to outrun her past and the Juggernaut combined.
Chapter 8
#BEGIN TRANSMISSION#
#ROUTING CODE: ALL CORE IDS, VARIOUS COM LOCATIONS#
#ENCRYPTION: HIGH#
#PRIORITY: HIGH#
General Alert to the Core,
I'm afraid I am the bearer of dark tidings. The Juggernaut are on Az'Unda.
While escorting a group of merchants along the Northern Road, we encountered a group of Juggernaut near mile marker 117, which is about a day's travel from Resounding Cliffs. They were undetected by my scanner due to the probable use of a dampening field. I am currently en route to Resounding Cliffs with said merchants and expect to arrive late tonight, barring further encounters with the Juggernaut.
Although it's possible that the Juggernaut or other Hegemony forces have visited us in this manner before, I'm sure you all agree with my concerns that this sighting does not bode well.
From what I observed, they were taking flora and fauna samples and running diagnostic tests on our soil and water. I hope whatever they're looking for, they don't find it, and soon lose interest in our world.
However, not knowing what they are looking for, it's impossible to predict their behavior. I can assume that any formal communications from their envoys would have been forwarded to all members of the Core, correct? That no such messages have arrived, and that the Hegemony doesn't even consider us important enough to open a dialogue with before violating the terms of our colony charter, well ...
I think we should meet, as a group and in person, to decide how we should best deal with this new threat.
Suggestions?
Graeber
#END TRANSMISSION#
#BEGIN TRANSMISSION#
#ROUTING CODE: ALL COM LOCATIONS#
#PRIORITY: HIGH#
Fellow Az'Un,
Hegemony Juggernauts have been sighted on our planet. We do not yet know the intent of their visit, but please take heart that your Matriarchs are working to establish a dialogue even as I write this.
As a protective measure to our people, I am declaring martial law, effective immediately. All persons are to stay within city limits at all times and within their Sept halls from dusk to dawn. Travel between cities and towns will be limited to emergency situations. Those Septs who work outside city walls are to remain indoors, restricting all exposure outside except to care for livestock.
In the unlikely event
that you encounter Juggernaut representatives in your area, do not draw attention to yourselves. Avoid eye contact and do not speak to them unless spoken to. It is imperative that we show them all due respect as leaders of the Hegemony. Historically, even slight irritations have been met with overwhelming brute force.
Please post these warnings in your Sept halls and community meeting areas. Be sure that all citizens, both young and old, understand the risks involved.
Stay vigilant,
Chieftess Raza of the Guardian Sept
#END TRANSMISSION#
The Durmah traveled until late that night. They finally reached the massive, closed city gates of Resounding Cliffs in the wee hours of the morning. Guardian Graeber had a brief discussion with the city guards and somehow was able to convince them to allow the Durmah entry despite the late---or should that be early? ---hour. The gates swung open, and they were met by a small contingent of armed Guardians who escorted them into the city. Ever watchful of potential dangers lurking outside the city walls, the Guardian's eyes and scanners fixated on penetrating the surrounding darkness. It wasn't until she heard the gates shut behind them that Rai allowed herself to believe that they'd actually, at least for the moment, avoided being scooped up by the Juggernaut.
Rai let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, pulling her cloak tightly around her shoulders. Between being afraid of being captured by the Juggernaut and the long trip, Rai was bone tired.
"Yeah, I didn't think we'd make it either," Ponar said. "I kept looking up, expecting to see one of their ships bearing down on us."
"I doubt they've forgotten about us if that's what you're getting at," Rai replied.
A Guardian motioned to Ponar to stop the wagon. He did as requested, pulling over to the side of the road. Rai looked back and saw Laan and Meik following behind.
Ponar tied off the reins and clambered down to the ground. "Well, it's not like we even know what they're doing here. They'll be too busy doing whatever it is Juggernaut do to bother seeking you out."
Rai climbed the three steps down from the wagon, relieved to feel the firm cobblestones of the city street under her feet. If only her fate could feel so secure. She watched one of the Guardians inspect the outside of Ponar's wagon, shining a bright lantern over every crevice. Rai wondered what exactly the Guardian was looking for.
"Well, that's something you don't see every day!" Meik exclaimed as he and Laan joined Rai and Ponar. "I thought Guardians were forbidden to open city gates at night. Not that I'm not grateful, mind you. Better off behind city walls any night, if you ask me."
Not like anyone asked you, Rai thought to herself. "But now that we are in, what're our odds of finding nice warm beds at this hour?" Rai asked, her yawn sneaking up on her and distorting her words.
"Superb," Laan replied. Rai noted the dark circles under his eyes. "Cheote Waystation is one of the larger ones and not far from here. We're regulars, so they shouldn't mind us showing up at this late hour."
"Yup, we just have to wait until the Guardians finish their inspections and we'll be on our way," Meik said.
Rai looked around and saw Guardian Graeber in a heated discussion with one of the other Guardians. Finally, the city Guardian shrugged and shook his head, and then walked back into the Guardian's Sept house looking none too happy. Guardian Graeber walked back over to the Durmah.
"I have to get clearance for our trip back to Raven's Call, but plan to leave tomorrow," he informed them.
Rai wished she could talk to him and find out what was going on. Did the city Guardians have news on the Juggernauts' movements? She imagined them swooping down from the sky in one of their big ships, and shivered.
"Clearance?" Meik asked. "What do you mean?"
"Because of the Juggernaut presence, the Guardian Chieftess declared martial law. All travel is being strictly regulated," Guardian Graeber explained.
Laan shrugged. "We can always stay here a few days. There's really no rush for us to get back to the Sept house in Raven's Call."
Guardian Graeber crossed his arms, his face in strict school teacher mode. "That's where you're wrong. We don't know why the Juggernaut are here, or for how long. It could be days, or it could be years--we have no way of knowing. I believe it's in the best interest of you and your Sept to reunite you with them. Besides, I have other business to attend to near Raven's Call, so it's on my way."
"But won't it be dangerous to travel with the Juggernaut out there?" Rai asked. She also wondered if his 'other' business could have anything to do with her, but certainly wasn't going to ask that in front of the other Durmah.
"To a degree, yes, which is why I feel you should return home as quickly as possible. Staying here won't guarantee your safety from the Juggernaut either," Graeber replied, looking right at Rai. She tried to sense something, anything, from Graeber, but he was quiet as a rock.
Rai wanted to ask him outright where exactly would be safe but knew this wasn't the time.
"Where will you be staying tonight?" Guardian Graeber asked.
"Cheote Waystation," Meik replied.
"Good. Try to get some sleep, and we'll leave tomorrow once you and the horses are rested," Guardian Graeber responded.
His eyes met hers for a mere moment. "Say nothing, to anyone," Rai felt the unvoiced words imprint into her mind and linger as if somehow the thought alone could bind her tongue. He then turned and stomped off towards the Guardian Sept Hall.
As Rai watched him disappear through the front doors, she felt oddly alone, stripped of his irascible yet secure presence.
The other Guardians followed him to the Hall, having finished their inspection of the Durmah wagons. A male Guardian approached them. He wore a long, hooded cloak, and Rai couldn't make out his face in the darkness.
"Durmah, you are free to go now," was all he said. He turned and followed the others back inside without awaiting a response.
"'Bout time," Meik replied, not waiting for the Guardian to get out of earshot. "I don't know about all of you, but I can't ever manage to fall asleep once the sun rises. Let's hurry up and hope we can get settled at the Waystation before then."
They mounted the wagons and traveled down the main street of the city. The road was broad and paved with smooth river rocks interspersed with the cobblestones. This street also had separate walkways on each side that were lit with regularly spaced lampposts. The smoky flames from the lamps were almost hypnotic, especially to Rai's tired mind.
"What's that sound?" Rai asked. "It's like a quiet, dull roar."
"That's the ocean," Ponar explained. "Resounding Cliffs is named for the nearby crags that overlook the sea. This main street leads to the Temple, which sits at the edge of those same cliffs."
"It sounds beautiful," Rai replied.
"It is. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to show you before we have to leave tomorrow. This city dates back to the first days of humans on this planet. In daylight, you can see most of the city and the range of settlement structures dating back to the early colony days."
About ten minutes down the street they reached the Cheote Waystation. Laan went inside and returned a few moments later with what appeared to be the night innkeeper, who unlocked the doors to the courtyard and motioned them inside. They were greeted by a sleepy-eyed stable master who was so tired he didn't even bother with greeting them but instead went straight to work caring for the also exhausted horses.
"Our horses are going to need more than one night to recover from this last push," Laan advised.
"I agree, but we'll see if that Guardian will listen to us. He seems determined to get us home," Ponar replied.
Rai opened her mouth to say something witty and rude about Graeber and found that the words wouldn't come. Say nothing? Had he somehow influenced her behavior? Rai resolved to find out, right after she slapped him at the next convenient opportunity.
The innkeeper motioned them inside. "I'm afraid the kitchen is shut down for the night. I can offer some beer,
wine, and fresh bread or sweet rolls if you'd like." As they walked through the tavern section of the building, Rai was surprised to see that this Waystation was designed much the same way as the Durmah one in Kiya's Grace.
"No thanks, ma'am, although that's very kind of you," Meik answered. "I think all we'd like to do is sleep."
"Let me grab your room keys then," she replied, pausing at the main bar. "As we weren't expecting you I'm not sure we have enough rooms free. Do you mind sharing?"
"No, no, of course not," Meik replied. "We've been sleeping in wagons for weeks now. I'm sure whatever you've got available will feel luxurious in comparison." Rai rolled her eyes. Had he'd intended that as a compliment?
"Then wait here just one moment, please," she replied, forcing a smile. They did as requested and the innkeeper disappeared into the kitchen.
"Well, isn't this a nice coincidence!" came an all too familiar voice from behind them. Fantastic! And here she'd thought her day couldn't get any worse.
"Somnu!" Meik and Laan exclaimed and turned to greet him. Rai watched these old friends exchange hugs, and wondered what it was that made her distrust the Tinker so entirely.
Ponar dropped his bag and shook their old friend's hand. "Imagine, running into you again so soon!"
"Yes, what luck!" Tinker Somnu replied. "Why don't you all have a seat here with me," he motioned to a nearby table covered with maps, "and tell me what you're doing rolling into town at this hour?"
"We'd love to," Meik began, "but only for a moment. Hey, what are you doing with all of these maps?"
"Oh, just a bit of research," Somnu replied. "If you're not up for it right now, why don't you get some rest and we can catch up over breakfast--or lunch if you'd rather. It's not like there's any rush."
"It'll be lunch for me," Ponar replied. "And let me tell you, you are not going to believe what we went through to get here!"
Rai shifted nervously, realizing that the Durmah were likely to recount everything to their good friend and confidant Tinker Somnu. Rai wondered if she could talk Ponar into keeping her interchange with the Juggernaut secret. Only he and Guardian Graeber knew about that, as there hadn't been time or opportunity to discuss it with Meik or Laan. Rai hoped Guardian Graeber would wake them all up early with orders to leave immediately just so she could avoid talking to Somnu.
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