Monster

by Patrick F. Johnson

  “Korick is gearing up for something.”

  The Gote known as Doris appeared. “Korick wants to see you guys.”

  “Just a moment,” Moldew stated coldly.

  Doris found himself suddenly at an impasse. Above everything, Korick was the boss. His will could make or break any Gote. But Moldew was a member of the Royal Guard who also bore the mark. On top of that, he had a reputation. While Korick obviously had the king in his pocket, Moldew wouldn't hesitate to kill if he felt slighted. Luckily the crisis was averted when the Gurdik host returned with their drinks.

  “We are ready now,” Moldew said in a tone that made Doris feel lower than any human.

  They reentered Korick's chamber to find him smiling as if he had just been married. “I have wonderful news. You two get to embark on a special mission to apprehend a criminal.”

  “We only hunt down those who are accused of crimes against the crown,” Moldew replied with the same tone as before.

  Korick paused and blinked once before regaining his posture. “Then we are in agreement. This particular criminal is accused of trespassing. And theft.”

  “So you want us to go get the Monster for you?” Moldew asked. He was in no mood to play stupid.

  “That is correct. I'm sure the king would agree.”

  “We watched the video with you. This human might very well kill us.”

  Korick smiled. “Your reputation is very well known, as well as that of your human here. There have been many criminals that very well may have killed you, yet you always prevailed. The Monster passed through Gote Space to sack Korbaal, where he stole an Ezilak that was in my possession, and loaned out to an ally for study. Yes, I admit the theft is a personal stake, but the trespassing makes it an offense against the crown.”

  Moldew paused to consider the situation. Finally he asked, “In what condition would you prefer him to be delivered?”

  “Alive, preferably. Offer him the option to pay a retroactive toll. We aren't trying to start a war. He can pay himself out of this.”

  “What amount?” Moldew asked.

  “Ten-thousand human females, including his own.”

  Moldew thought of how his wife would protest. “And when he refuses?”

  “We'll remove Earth from the galaxy. Take a few days to plan accordingly. I am sending Doris and a few soldiers to back you up.”

  * * *

  “We're here,” Constanthos announced as Lian dominated the television screen.

  “You never cease to amaze me, Connie. Shall we hail them or drop a remote?”

  “I believe it would be appropriate to hail them,” she answered. “No need to startle them.”

  “Okay.” He paused before asking, “Should I hail them myself?”

  “I believe that would be beneath your perceived rank.”

  “You know how to make a guy feel special.”

  “I'll ask Phildan to do it. He is so good at such things.”

  “Thanks, Connie.” He then turned to regard Nera, who was sitting on the couch, staring at the screen. “Nera?” he asked as he sat down beside her.

  “Yes?” she answered as she turned to face him.

  “We have a little while to wait while these guys load up. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

  “Is something wrong, Frank?”

  “Well, I notice that you almost always choose to accompany me most of the time, even on the most trivial errands. I just want to say that I don't really expect you to feel obligated to do so. It must be terribly boring.”

  “Despite of all of your wonderful gifts, I'm afraid your perception of me is skewed.” She gave a wry smile as she spoke the words.

  “Really? I know we were getting along well. I just don't want you to be bored.”

  “I know you aren't comfortable with the custom.”

  “The life-debt? I gotta admit it's a weird thing to me.”

  “That's because it is a weird thing.”

  “Huh?”

  She shook her head. “How is anyone ever going to accept help from anyone, knowing it will force them into a life of servitude?”

  “I, uh, I don't really know.”

  “Your way is much better, Frank. You do what you do with no thought of any type of payment.”

  “I actually got paid though.”

  She ignored his remark. “I thought that maybe I really didn't mean it when I pledged the life-debts to you. At the time, I just wanted to get away. But now, I feel compelled to honor my commitments.”

  “Oh.” Frank lowered his gaze to his own feet. “Well thanks, I guess.”

  “This has nothing to do with the others, Frank.”

  Frank gave a little shrug as he said, “I would totally understand if it was. You really don't owe me anything.”

  “I have learned more from you in the short time that I have known you than anyone else that I have ever known.”

  “Really? Like what?”

  “I was often rude to the people that served under me. I felt that I was better than them and that no one had ever truly earned my respect. But you treat everyone with kindness and respect. And everyone is under you.”

  “Oh. Well, thank you. I don't know where I got it from, but I have always placed value on good manners.”

  “Until I learn what my place here is, I will try to learn good manners.”

  “You are Nera Bunto, Nuun's finest warrior. You could just go with that. Good manners are a plus, though.”

  “Yes,” she replied as her eyes lit up. “I would like to study your ways of combat.”

  “Well, I learned swordplay from Hiro. I'm sure he would be more than happy to teach you as well. I doubt I could be much help. Everything I do is just, I don't know, reflexive? And I understand Miyako is a badass too.”

  “Oh, Miyako,” Nera said with a devious smile.

  “Hey! She's married!” They shared a laugh as an orb entered the room.

  “The Mingrein wish to speak with you, Frank.” It was the familiar contralto of Constanthos. “I have already deployed a remote.”

  “I thought that might happen,” Frank said as he stood and walked over to the box that contained the sash. The stench punched him in the nose when he opened the lid.

  “Frank, that's terrible!” Nera exclaimed, holding her nose.

  “This wonderful stench is what keeps me from being a mingala's dinner though.” He put on the sash and walked into his bedroom where he stood with the blank wall behind him. “I'm ready when you are.”

  “They are showing me in now. Just a moment.” The image of three Mingrein materialized in front of him. It was Evrok, the Master, and he was flanked by Gildract, the Honorable, on his right and Trove, the Wise, on his left. All three were proudly wearing their sashes.

  “Noble Mingrein, it is good to see you well,” Frank said, trying not to laugh at his own ridiculous phrasing.

  “Sire,” Evrok answered as the three of them saluted him in unison by extending their left arms and then clutching their fists over their chests.

  “Is that a new salute?” Frank asked.

  “Yes, Sire,” Trove answered. “Thank you for noticing.”

  “It is to show respect for Evrok,” Gildract continued, “and the joining of the three generations.”

  “Splendid,” Frank commented. “Evrok, is that a new pistol I see?”

  “Yes, it is,” Evrok answered as he drew his gun. “Trove fashioned it for me so that I may shoot with my left hand. It is my most prized possession.” Frank could make out the fine craftsmanship, even through the projection.

  “That is most impressive,” Frank complimented as he nodded directly at Trove.

  “Sire,” Gildract began, “we wish to extend our gratitude. When we told the others of our plans, they became ecstatic over the news.”

  “Good. But there is something that we must discuss. Have you ever heard of a race of beings known as the Gotes?”

  “We know of them,” Evrok replied.

 
“Apparently, Tirogof was supplying them with Mingrein for their coliseum. They make them fight for their entertainment.” Frank could see the fury rising in his allies.

  “That ends now!” Evrok growled.

  “I shall kill the first Gote I meet,” Gildract vowed.

  “I'll have you know, while I didn't witness it myself, a Gote ship was landing as we were departing Korbaal, and the crew was eaten immediately.”

  “Outstanding! Even untrained, we Mingrein are mighty.”

  “Evrok,” Frank said, “it wasn't the Mingrein. It was the mingala.” They froze at the word. “What I did witness personally, however, was the Mingrein moving about freely among the mingala. It would seem that the mingala recognize you as the same as them, and they do not cannibalize.”

  “It was always regarded as speculation that the mingala was used as our template,” Trove interjected. “And I always wondered if they would try to eat us, if given the opportunity.”

  “I think you will be fine. So has my associate gone over the details?”

  “Yes. We are simply to enter the rift when it opens,” Gildract replied.

  “Correct. You will emerge at Korbaal. When we get there, allow me to land first so that I can have them lower any defenses. Then I will make the introductions. If it is alright with you, my associate would like to inspect some of the various Li laboratories on site.”

  “I must admit that sounds enticing,” Trove responded.

  “Feel free to join us. I'm afraid I will have a very limited understanding myself. So how much time to you need to prepare?”

  “We require no time, Sire,” Evrok replied. “We began preparations the moment you left. By your order, we shall board our landing craft.”

  “Okay, let's do it.”

  11.

  “I see you,” Bett said out loud with a chuckle as he was making his way back to dry land. An eyestalk was peering at him from some distance away. He had learned long ago to enter and exit the water far away from the rocky areas, or else a kyle might steal his catch. It had only taken one time for the lesson to sink in. Just then an odd sound caught his attention. He looked over to see a vessel of an unknown configuration coming in low from the north. The engine had a strange whining sound to it. He ducked down into the water and watched as it flew slowly over his camp before turning east toward the groves. After it was out of sight, he stood up, chucked his catch in the direction of the kyle, and quickly made his way to his camp. He put on his gun belt and quickly checked his ammo. Satisfied, he ran to where his transport was parked under a tree, jumped on it, and sped off in the direction of the groves.

  * * *

  Frank made his last minute mental preparations as he pulled his black varitherm up like a turtle neck. He closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths before stepping into the red circle. Dropping onto Korbaal was like dropping into an oven. The heat made it feel like his face was cooking and his hands began to sweat instantly. Landing softly in the middle of the courtyard, he stood and waited. After a few moments, a Mingrein rushed out to greet him.

  “Sire, we have been anxiously awaiting your return!”

  “Stand up. No kneeling. Are you the same Mingrein that I spoke with before?”

  “Yes, Sire.”

  “What is your name?”

  “I am called Frad.”

  Frank noticed that Frad was wearing one of the disposable katanas on his back. “I see you kept my gift.”

  “I cherish it, Sire.”

  “I'm glad you like it. So do you guys still wish to be united with your brothers?”

  “We have discussed it at length and we are in agreement. We wish nothing more than to be united.”

  “Good. Lower your defenses so that they may land.”

  “They're here?”

  “Yes. Does that suit you?”

  “I guess I had assumed that you would take us to them, but yes, that suits me just fine.” Frad turned toward a window on the second level and made a series of hand signals. Frank could make out another Mingrein inside waving furiously back. So Frad repeated his hand signals.

  Finally, the window slid open and the other Mingrein called out, “What?”

  “Lower the defenses. Turn off the torpedo array!”

  “Oh, okay.” The window closed.

  “My apologies, Sire. We are new at this.”

  “There is no need for apologies. Shall we?” Frank and Frad made their way around the building to where the air field was located. The Gote ship sat front and center with its ramp still lowered.

  “I'm afraid we don't know how to operate this vessel. Most of everything else has been cleaned up though. The mingala took care of the corpses straight away.”

  Frank looked at the nearest mingala who was lowering its head in a cowering manner. He then looked at where the Li ship had crashed into the perimeter. “Are you going to fix that?” he asked.

  “Eventually. We are slowly getting this place under control. Hopefully our brothers will know how all of this stuff works.” Frad looked up as the first of the landing craft came into view. “This is very exciting. I hope they find us acceptable.”

  “I'm sure they will,” Frank replied as he watched the old Li landing craft settle in just beside the Gote ship. The ramp lowered and Evrok walked down first, followed by Gildract and Trove. All of their eyes were locked onto the mingala, who raised its head to regard them for a moment before returning to its nap. “Is it okay if I use your salute?” Frank asked.

  “We would be honored,” Evrok answered with a start, as if he just now noticed Frank standing there. The four beings saluted in unison.

  “So, they won't eat us?” Trove asked, shifting his attention back to the mingala.

  Frank barely resisted the urge to smile as he said in a loud voice, “Mingrein, I present Frad. He has been the steward of this group since my departure.” Frad bowed deeply.

  “Stand up straight, Frad,” Evrok ordered. “We are Mingrein. We do not bow. We do not kneel. I am called Evrok, the Master. This is Gildract, the Honorable, and this is Trove, the Wise. Together we lead the new Mingrein Empire.”

  “What are your numbers?” Gildract asked.

  “There are twelve of us left, Sire.”

  “Twelve untrained Mingrein have managed to operate this facility?” Trove mused. “I am impressed. What are your generations?”

  “Third mostly. There are three fourth gens,” Frad replied.

  “Well, that is good news for me,” Trove responded. “I need more fourth gens.”

  “And I will see to it that you are all trained properly,” Gildract added.

  “This is all working out nicely,” Frank interjected. “At the risk of sounding rude, I am on a tight schedule. May we inspect the laboratories, please?”

  Frad's eyes grew large as the inspection had come as a surprise to him. Trove nodded to him and said, “Please lead the way.”

  “Wait just a second,” Frank said. “There is something I want to show you guys. Step over here in the shadow of this ship.” He led the group over to the shade. Shifting into Sessiki, he said “Gladys? Connie? Could one of you please project the footage of the Gotes landing here.” The Mingrein were startled when a remote uncloaked from just over Frank's left shoulder. Shifting back into the Mingrein language, Frank said, “This is my first time watching this.” Everyone watched as the recording was projected. Frank recognized the Gotes straight away as he had seen the race before, in Cindy's thoughts. After they watched the mauling and the recording stopped, they stood in silence for a moment.

  “I found that very satisfying,” Evrok finally said with a laugh. Frank couldn't help but to join in with their laughter.

  “You know,” Frank said, “if I were you, I would just leave the wall the way it is. I might even open up the front gates. If any more Gotes show up, you can just watch and laugh.”

  “I want to thank you for showing us,” Gildract said. “If we had the numbers, we would surely take our revenge.
”

  “And I wouldn't blame you one bit. But you guys need to focus on stabilizing your nation. Take stock of this planet. If there is something here that you can export, or if there is something that you need to bring in, I can open a channel of communication with the bugs.”

  “Frank Ford, The Gray Man, The Custodian of Earth, The Monster of Earth, we are in your debt.” Evrok looked as serious as any Mingrein that Frank had ever seen. “This is a position that we are unaccustomed to, and to be honest, it makes us feel a little uncomfortable. What can we do to repay you?”

  “This is how alliances are built. Despite my reputation, I am a builder, not a destroyer.”

  * * *

  Bett set his transport down just off of the west end of the groves, killed the engine, and listened. He didn't hear or smell anything so he fired up the transport and lifted off. He took a course that spiraled upward until finally, he had the proper vantage point to locate the strange ship, which was now parked in a clearing near the eastern side. Altering the course and attitude of his craft, he was able to settle in and under a group of trees. Almost instantly, he caught the scent of humans. He looked around but didn't see anyone. He thought he could hear some faraway screams, so he set out on foot in the direction of the strange vessel. The smell of humans grew stronger as he skirted the tree line until the ship came into view. The ship was parked at the edge of a clearing with its ramp lowered toward the trees. Bett drew his side arm and crouched down beside a large, fruit-bearing tree and waited. There was a new scent that he didn't recognize. And then he saw them. Two hulking beings trampled clumsily through the brush toward their ship. Each of them were carrying a human female. Fighting the urge to panic, he quickly decided that one way or another, he was going to save these people. He stood up as tall as he could manage and let out the Mingrein battle cry, just as he had heard his brothers do on several past occasions. The sound of his own ferocity surprised him, but not as much as the two aliens that he now faced. One of them muttered something in some strange tongue that sounded fearful and then he dropped the girl he was carrying and went for his sidearm. Bett took aim with his own gun but before he could fire, an arrow appeared in the alien's neck. Soon, three more flew in from different directions and the large being fell flat on its face, dead. Bett marched forward, his gun trained on the second alien. As his course led him past the ship, some movement from his peripheral caught his attention. He turned and fired a half-dozen rounds into a third alien that was standing at the top of the ramp. Before its body hit the deck, Bett turned to see the remaining alien standing frozen in its tracks. They locked eyes and Bett released a fearful snarl. He could tell that the alien was weighing its options and the snarling was just the distraction he needed for the humans to sneak up behind his foe and spear him in the back. Crying out in pain, the being dropped the female and reached for its gun. Bett shot him in the face. Bett quickly turned back to cover the ramp, in case there were more aliens aboard.