“Can we tour the grounds?” Varen asked.
“Soon. With all the construction, it’s not safe for nonessential personnel to go inside.”
“Unless there’s additional questions,” Eyani said, “that will conclude our tour for today. We’ll head back to our original station.”
Mencari noticed Minea float over to him. “Our recon on one of the Nukari moonbases just completed,” she said in a low voice. “Everyone’s gathering in the war room in an hour.”
CHAPTER 5
The Nasidrac
Walking through the halls of New Eden, a sense of déjà vu came over Mencari. Everything from the decor to the lighting reminded him of the original Trading Post. Upon entering the war room, he noticed the same maps, reconnaissance images, and profiles of allies and enemy agents sprawled across the glass walls. Only this time they were projections, not physical materials. In the middle of the room sat a copy of their gigantic meeting table.
On the far end sat Ghn’en and Varen. Beside them, Toriko, Maro, and Eyani huddled around a set of tactical displays and holographic projections.
Osuto muddled past him, and sat. He didn’t look well. And once more, Mencari was struck by how his mentor moved a bit slower each day. The trend was unsettling. He’d never considered what would happen if Osuto died. It didn’t seem like something he needed to be concerned with before, but now, with the dramatic acceleration of his decline—
“We’ll start in a moment,” Maro said.
Bob and Minea appeared with their typical colorful visual flourishes, and floated over to Eyani. He couldn’t hear the conversation, but both bobbed heads in agreement with Toriko.
The glass walls frosted over, and the lights dimmed. A projection came into focus centrally above the table. It showed a moon riddled with craters that orbited the shattered remains of a planet.
Eyani began. “This is Pomie, and its moon Shengcun. We found this place in a reference from the stolen Nukari archives.”
“I sent drones to investigate the area,” Toriko said, with a snap-like gesture. An overlay of four scanning cones projected over Pomie and Shengcun. “Originally I found no activity. We weren’t surprised because all the places we’ve checked out from the stolen archives had been abandoned long before we got to them. We assumed this was yet another example.” With her wave, the projection zoomed in on a set of ragged buildings on the moon’s surface. Many looked aglow from internal lights. “Four days ago, the drones detected new activity.”
“The Nukari returned?” Varen asked, curious.
“We weren’t sure. They never had before,” Toriko said. “We observed it for a while, feeding the data through the Wise Men, Minea, and Bob. None of what we found had the telltale signs, like their engine-ion trails.”
“What if they changed propulsion tech?” Ghn’en said.
“Exactly,” Maro said, “so we continued to observe.”
“Then Bob made some interesting discoveries,” Toriko said, motioning to the bug-bot. His eyes glowed green and new projections appeared. Ships with long tapered noses and six wing-like structures darted in and out of view.
With a click and whir, Bob said, “I intercepted a number of transmissions.”
Profiles of honey-colored aliens projected above them. Smooth heads looked like polished helmets. On either side, large, expressive eyes, skirted by numerous, smaller compound ones, sat in swollen bulges. Bony ridges traced up thick neck muscles, along the sides of the head to the top, where they merged into a single pronged mass. A tail-like section jutted backward, and indeed, flexed like a skeletal tail. A strong, bony jaw outlined the face and connected under short, hooked mandibles.
Each of the aliens wore fitted metal armor, which revealed formidable builds. Massive pads of muscle wrapped around bulky shoulders into powerful arms. Barb-covered forearms ended in nine lanky, probe-like fingers clustered in groups of three. Strong backs and bulging pecs tapered to unnaturally slim abs and solid hips, then continued into legs swelled with muscle.
“I’ve never seen anything like them before,” Osuto said.
“Because they’re not common to this region of space,” Varen said. “They’re called the Nasidrac, and I’m surprised to see them out this far. They typically don’t stray from their home space.”
“And where’s that?” Ghn’en asked.
Varen shook his head. “We don’t know—precisely. But our past encounters have revealed a region in which their kind can be found. From what I recall, most of their ventures end poorly—for them.”
“Then why are they at a Nukari moonbase?” Ghn’en said.
“That’s what we need to find out,” Eyani said. “Rhysus, you’re going to escort one of our lead Be’Inaxi experts in first contacts: Lexor Batris. Get him there and keep him safe. He’ll do the rest. We want inside that facility. If we can look around, maybe we can find something the Nukari left. The Nasidrac could even become new allies.”
“Assuming they aren’t working with the Nukari,” Mencari said.
“We have never seen the Nukari allow another race to take over their holdings,” Eyani countered. “But there’s always a risk, and that’s why I need you there.”
“My team is limited right now. Kiyanna, Nikko, and Dane are on a mission. Speru and Naijen are with D’abar. I think it’s too risky for Allia.” Who else was left?
“What about Katen’s pet … Decreta?” Ghn’en said. “He seems capable for a fight.”
Decreta. In his snouted face were unexpectedly Human eyes. Tortured, even gentle ones. Though the horns and barbed black wings left a contrary impression. Without a doubt, Decreta had proven powerful, and deadly. Perhaps he would be an option if Katen also went on the mission?
“I need Toriko here to help finalize New Eden’s build-out,” Eyani said. “I’d recommend Katen for his telepathy abilities, Maro for her technology, and Cogeni for support.”
“I will also go,” Osuto said, choking on phlegm.
Mencari shook his head. “You need to stay and recover further.”
“Why not take Ujaku?” Eyani said.
“Ujaku?”
“He’s more than just a weapons-smith. He’s also a skilled soldier.”
Mencari instinctively looked to Toriko, who nodded in approval. “Okay. I’ll see if he’s interested.”
“Good. Una will pilot Lexor’s ship for you. When you’re ready, meet in the bay.”
* * * * * *
“It’s an honor to meet you, Rhysus Mencari.” Despite the warm greeting, the towering Be’Inaxi was intimidating. Lexor’s two diminutive arms were larger than Mencari’s. The light-blue exoskeleton looked like thick armor. Even its enormous red jellied eyes looked as if they had armor around them. He once thought Ghn’en was the most impressive Be’Inaxi he’d ever seen. Lexor bested Ghn’en in every way. Perhaps there was a strategy for sending the most imposing specimen of one’s species to leave an impression during first contacts? “When will Ujaku arrive?”
“He’s en route from the asteroid base, but he’ll be here shortly.”
“Good, then we have time to go over some strategy.”
Lexor’s ship drew his attention. It was sleek, thicker in the back, tapering to the front, with the same overlapping plates of armor as New Eden, which gave it an impregnable appearance. He couldn’t tell if the pylons along the sides and top were engines or weapons. Radiant strips ran across them, which shifted constantly between white and blue light.
“How long have you had this ship?”
“Not long. I understand it uses our latest technologies.”
You mean Nukari technology.
“I call her the Accord. Please, come this way.”
Mencari motioned to Katen and Maro, then followed Lexor into the ship. Una welcomed them as they entered. “Let me know when you’re ready to depart.”
The interior looked like an executive suite, with comfortable sofas and chairs, a large ornate table, and paneled workstations along the far w
all with a massive bay window. He expected metal floors. Instead, fibrous carpet-like material gave the room a relaxed and homey feel. Had he not just walked into the ship, he wouldn’t have known it was one. Minea and Bob appeared with their dramatic flairs as Lexor motioned for everyone to join him at the table.
Mencari noted Una disappearing into a corridor toward the front of the ship. “What’s the plan?” he said.
Lexor’s two-toned voice was deep and confident. “We’ll follow first-contact protocol. From our observations and reconnaissance, we’ve verified their language and communication channels. We’ll approach their space broadcasting messages of friendship, and hold position—wait for them to come to us. When they establish contact we’ll request a presence.”
“What if they don’t establish contact?”
“We’ll move closer to the base. If we get close enough, they will make contact.”
“And if they attack?”
“My ship has ample capabilities to absorb attacks and allow us to disengage safely.”
“We’d like to avoid a military situation,” Eyani said with earnestness. “We don’t know they’re working with the Nukari, and shouldn’t assume that.”
“We’ll explain the origins of their new base, and our interest in finding out where the former owners went.”
Mencari shook his head. What makes him think they’d allow that? “And if they won’t let us look around?”
Lexor met his glance. “We stay agile and explore options as they’re available and as needed. It’s impossible to predict the exchange at this point.”
“Notification: Ujaku has just arrived,” Bob said with a whir and a click.
With a nod, Mencari said, “Good. Lead him here—please.”
“Acknowledged!” Bob chirped.
“As soon as he arrives, we’ll depart,” Lexor said.
* * * * * *
Una’s voice echoed from hidden speakers, “Entering Nasidrac space in one minute.”
“Bob, begin broadcasting friendship messages.”
“Affirmative!”
The ship rocked gently as it punched through a vortex of light, exiting tunnel travel. Mencari looked out the window into empty space. The ship slowed to a stop as planned.
“Holding position,” Una announced.
“I wonder how long we’ll have to wait?” Maro asked.
“Not long!” Minea said, displaying a scan of near space. Three blips rapidly crossed the grid toward them. “Three inbound ships matching Nasidrac designs on intercept course.”
“Bob, are we transmitting?” Mencari said.
“Correcta-mundo!”
“Evasive maneuvers?” Una asked, her voice unnerved.
“No. Do nothing. Any actions would be taken as hostile. This ship can take a beating if needed and still get us home. Right now we need to see what they’ll do.”
Minea’s arms flailed before she pointed to the display. “Ships are slowing!”
The three blips drifted for a moment before stopping altogether.
“Good,” Lexor said.
An eerie silence filled the cabin while they awaited the Nasidracs’ next move. Mencari wondered what they’d find inside the station, assuming they’d be let inside.
“What do you think they’re doing?” Maro asked.
“Planning our doom,” Ujaku joked.
Maro mocked with fake laughter. “Not.”
Lexor shook his head. “Likely communicating with their superiors.”
A sense of having experienced this before struck Mencari. He recalled all the times they barreled into strange new worlds and situations with reckless abandon. It appalled him now. The catastrophes that could have happened mortified him. Somehow, luck perhaps, allowed them to survive this long. New Eden had more foresight with these things, a model he wouldn’t forget.
Minea floated over to Lexor. “Incoming communication—video capable.”
“Right on time,” Lexor said with as much of a grin as a Be’Inaxi could with two slits for a mouth. “Open the channel.”
A ring appeared floating in the air. As it tipped over, a honey-colored alien appeared. Her eyes were larger than the ones seen in intercepted communications, and her mandibles more delicate. The ridges along the sides were more pronounced, flared in the front and tapered toward the back. The crest along the top looked taller, and was split in a “V” shape all the way to the more protruded tail in the back. Her coloring also looked blotchy, with sections of brighter yellow mixed in to the traditional honey color.
Her voice was soft, but her tone sharp. “New Eden vessel, why have you have invaded Nasidrac space?”
“My name is Lexor Batris, representative of the Be’Inaxi people. We come in peace. With whom do I speak?”
“I have no intent to get to know you. Why are you here?”
With a respectful nod, Lexor continued. “We were preparing a team to investigate the abandoned moonbase of our former enemy, the Nukari, when we detected your sudden presence there.”
“The Nasidrac have claimed rights to it. We found it empty with no filial claim to the base. By galactic accord, it is ours.”
“We are not challenging your right to the base. The war with the Nukari was long and bloody. In a desire to bring them to justice, we wanted to look for clues inside the base as to where they went, or what they might have left behind.”
She hissed before saying, “You will not come farther into Nasidrac space. The base was in shambles when we found it. Most of the areas were empty, remaining equipment smashed or charred beyond use.”
There was a way Mencari could short-cut things and ensure she was telling the truth. He focused his thoughts, knowing they would be heard.
Katen, touch her mind and see what she knows about the base.
Katen’s voice echoed in Mencari’s mind. By your command.
With a roguish grin Katen closed his eyes. Mencari noticed the Nasidrac flinch and rub her head. Katen’s eyes reopened, and his voice echoed inside Mencari’s mind.
Ask her about the salvaged equipment.
“Was there anything left of use?” Mencari said.
“Nothing of value. A few components still functioned. Scrap, ready for recycling.”
“If it is scrap to you, may we have it? It could be of use to us,” Lexor asked, in a reverent tone.
Katen’s voice echoed again in Mencari’s mind. She wants us to depart.
“We would be glad to show our appreciation for the items by leaving,” Mencari added, aloud.
She hesitated before saying, “I will inquire to my superiors. You will hold position. If you move farther into our space you will be destroyed.”
The ring shattered into a million balls of light as the connection severed.
Lexor’s gel eyes glowed an angry red. “Why did you make such an offer?”
Katen moved between him and Lexor, and said, “Her name is Kataris Cain, and she has no greater superiors to answer to.”
Lexor looked with curiosity at Katen, as if he were an exotic animal he’d just noticed. “Eyani told me of your abilities. I assumed you needed to be in closer proximity to use … it …” His phrase dissolved, his tone suddenly unnerved.
With a toothy grin, Katen continued. “Even now she waits to tell us she’ll send us the components. Waiting only so that she doesn’t appear too eager.”
“What are they doing with the base?” Lexor said.
“They desired an outpost to explore with, and a change in approach from their past unsuccessful attempts to venture into the universe around them. This location addresses their need. It doesn’t appear to be anything further than that.”
“Incoming communication,” Minea said, as a ring appeared and tipped over.
Kataris Cain appeared again. “Do you agree to leave Nasidrac space if we give you the components?”
Lexor half-bowed and said, “We do.”
“A ship has just left the moonbase, heading this direction,” Minea said.
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“A transport with the salvaged equipment is en route to you. After it is aboard you will leave, or we will open fire on your vessel.”
“We understand. Thank you for your assistance,” Lexor said. “I wish to thank you by name, and to record which Nasidrac individual we contacted.”
With a hiss she said, “Second Superior Kataris Cain of the Nasidrac High Command. Record that future visitations to this vicinity are unwelcomed and will be met with deadly force.”
Lexor half-bowed again. “Understood, Second Superior Kataris Cane.”
“The Nasidrac ship has pulled alongside and is preparing to dock,” Una’s voice said through the speakers.
“We are done here,” Kataris Cain snarled as her image shattered into tiny globes of light.
* * * * * *
“It all looks pretty battered,” Mencari said, looking across a mound of charred metal and circuit boards that nearly filled the ship’s small rear cargo hold. He watched Bob and Minea circle in the air above it, as beams of light swept over the pile.
Lexor entered the hold along with Maro.
“Second scan complete! No explosive compounds detected,” Bob chirped.
“No components are transmitting on known frequencies or methods,” Minea added.
With a nod from Lexor, Maro approached the pile with a holographic cube in her hand. Mencari recalled her sister Toriko using a similar device in the past. It seemed the sisters were sharing more of their creations with one another. Maro tossed it in the air, and a holographic screen appeared. “Eyani wants us to start examining the components,” she said.
Bob and Minea floated over to her. Holographic projections of individual components from the pile cycled rapidly between the three. Diagrams and tables of data scrolled across Maro’s display. Mencari looked on, dazed by speed with which they appeared to be examining the components. Sometimes sections of circuit boards lit up, other times connectors on the ends. “What are you doing?”
“Looking for things that work, finding access ports, and parts that go together,” Maro said. “If we can find viable components we can access them for information.” As the moments passed, her face pruned in frustration. “Slow down, just a bit. I can’t keep up.”
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