A red beam zipped through the air.
Under his clamping legs and hands, the Cheelan’s body went into sharp jerks and spasms as it lost all voluntary control of its nerves and muscles. “Noooo!” it barked low and loud. “This ship must become Cheelan! This ship—” The words ended in a gurgle that became a gasp.
Letting go the spasming body, Bill kicked away and downward, aiming for the meadow.
“Star Traveler!” called Jane. “Restore gravity to one-tenth Earth gee!”
Bill landed on his hands and boots, rolled to one side, then was up and moving toward the form of Purposeful Guide. Who had landed on the meadow on one side. He stopped and watched the twitching form of the now unconscious Alien. Its null gravity jump had been an attempt to get past him to the chamber’s exit door.
Jane moved into his peripheral sight, holding a white tube in one hand and her Browning Hi-Power in the other hand. “Bill. What the fuck was that fight all about? I caught part of it in a holo that followed me as I ran here. Something about oil and the meadow?”
He licked his lips, felt slight pain from claw-cuts on his left shoulder and both forearms, then met her gaze. “Captain, look at his meadow. See the yellow patches? See the golden yellow leaves on the aspen trees? There are black streaks on the ground around each sick tree. Bluntly, Purposeful Guide has been coming into this place, in the middle of the night, and spreading waste oil across the meadow and below the trees.”
“Damn.” Wearing only a black leotard that he realized was all she wore while sleeping, the woman gave a sigh, followed by a grimace as she looked around. “I see it now. Star Traveler, resume Sol normal lighting.” The room’s light lost its reddish tinge. “This room is the source of all the oxygen we and everyone else breath. These plants take in what we exhale and give us back breathable air. Killing these plants and trees, over the weeks of our travel to Kepler 22, would have killed this ship’s Life Support ability.” She frowned. “Star Traveler, what is the current efficiency of carbon dioxide conversion to oxygen by way of the plant bioforms in this chamber? Compared to before this discoloring happened.”
“Efficiency is 73 percent of prior air recycling,” the AI hummed.
Jane looked his way, bit her lip, then looked resolute. “Is that conversion level sufficient to keep all oxygen-breathing bioforms alive until arrival at Kepler 22?”
“Yes, it is sufficient,” the ship mind said. “However, efficiency may improve if damaged grass and soil areas are removed, grass seed is planted, and water with mineral nutrients is provided.”
Bill pulled off his leather belt, bent down, pulled the Cheelan’s scaly arms behind its back, passed a loop over the joined wrists, and pulled tight. He wrapped the belt twice around the Alien’s wrists, then made a knot with the remaining length. Looking up, he caught Jane’s brown eyes. “Captain, I say we put this bastard back into a containment cell until we get to Kepler 22. Then we offship him to some local authority. We still have four crew volunteers. And two passengers. We can get by without his help.”
She nodded, then holstered her semi-auto, stuck her taser tube down the back of her black leotard and bent down to grab the Alien’s scaly feet. Looking to where he stood at the Cheelan’s shoulders, she gave him a grin. “Shall we keep hallway gravity at one-tenth gee until we have him stuffed away?”
“For sure.” Bill gripped the Alien’s shoulders and stood up. The Cheelan’s weight felt like ten pounds thanks to the low grav level. For which he had Jane’s quick thinking to thank. “Captain, from what I can see, I think we stopped him before he did irreversible damage. Which would have caused us to seek an entirely new set of trees, shrubs and grass. In Kepler 22. Which, from what he said, I think was his aim. Force us to stop for an overhaul at his orbital complex, then have his people take control of the ship while they were inside working on stuff.” He followed Jane as she led their convoy to the oval door that gave access to the side hallway. It opened to her red cube, which she pocketed somewhere so she could hold up her end of the kangaroo reptile.
“Sounds like a plausible reason for why he poisoned the stuff we all rely on in order to breath.” She led the way through the doorway, then left down the hallway toward the Engine Chamber cross hallway. No one else was to be seen. “I knew we were taking a chance on Alien motivations by inviting these folks to be crew. But it seemed the logical thing to do. At the time.”
Bill sympathized. “Well, now we know a Cheelan can be just as sneaky, sly and duplicitous as humans can be.”
She shifted her grip and led them on a fast walk down the hallway. “Right. Which reminds me. Where’s your .45 semi-auto? You could have used it to stop Purposeful Guide. And avoid those arm and shoulder cuts.”
Bill licked his lips. “Left it in my habitat room. Didn’t think it was needed for my midnight run, dip and layabout. Won’t make that mistake again!”
“Understood,” she said softly. “It’s easy to feel we are safe on this ship. When the only creature we can count on is the ship AI. Just hope our four crew people remember it was us who freed them from captivity!”
“Well, their reaction tomorrow morning will be interesting when we show them the holo of mine and Purposeful Guide’s battle. And what the Cheelan said before and during the battle,” Bill muttered.
“Yup,” Jane said sharply. “Wonder how they will react to the fact that a fellow captive tried to kill the air we all breath!”
“We’ll find out,” Bill said. “But just because one Alien was sneaky, sly and a liar does not mean all of them are. Or will be. I hope.”
She chuckled. “Nicely said. And true. For people who were taken captive while out in the boonies of their home world, only to wake up and discover they were headed for slavery, our three passengers sounded pleasantly normal during our chat in the Doman system.”
Bill counted the pressure hatches they passed through, which were already open since the ship was not in a space battle or in a Ship Emergency mode. “The other crew folks have also been diligent, smart and a pleasure to work with.”
“Especially Bright Sparkle?” she said, her tone sharp.
Bill blinked. His live-in partner Helen had often complained he was too candid in what he said to and about other people. Maybe now was a good time to get on his captain’s good side. “Captain Jane, you are the other human on this ship. You and me. We fought to control it. We won that control. And we kicked off its original crew and its slavemaster. Yes, I like the company of Bright Sparkle. But you are . . . smarter, more attractive and the woman I most enjoy being around. And you kiss great!”
“Hmmm,” his captain mused as they turned into the cross hallway that led to the other side of the ship. “Thanks. You’re decent company too. And fun to be with, even if your chess moves are kinda obvious.” She looked back as they walked down the cross hallway. Jane gave him a friendly smile. “Maybe sometime you can tell me about that leg tattoo I saw when you stripped down for the clamshell healer.”
Carrying his share of the load of Purposeful Guide, Bill followed her into the other main hallway and turned right, aiming for the airlock room that gave access to the Containment cell chamber. “Sure. Then you can tell me about that sea critter tattoo I saw on the back of your left hip when you went swimming the other day in the Water Pool. Bikinis don’t hide much.”
She guffawed. “No, they don’t. And maybe I felt challenged by the feminine looks of Bright Sparkle.”
“Jane.”
She looked back to him, her expression hopeful. “Yes?”
“I’m not sleeping with Bright Sparkle anymore. Only woman in my dreams is you.”
A happy look came over her. “Good to hear that. Truth be told, your swim-trunk clad bod has also shown up in my dreams. Maybe we can share more than our liking of Prairie Home Companion?”
Bill understood the woman who had chosen to follow him after their escape, then lead them all on a trek to return home the Alien captives, wanted more from him than just his combat a
llegiance. Something more than a casual liaison. He gave her a nod. “Yeah, let’s share more than that. And more than a fun time in the Water Pool. You’re the kind of woman I want to hang with. Long-term.”
Honest happiness showed on her face. Then she turned away as they came to the airlock room’s door. “Let’s load this bastard into your old cell, lock him in, then head for some sleep in our rooms. Tomorrow is coming soon enough.”
“Agreed.” Jane used her red cube to open the airlock door. He followed her inside, across the room and to the door on the far side. She made it open. If grinding sideways slowly can count as opening. Before them loomed two rows of white globular cells.
“Onward,” she said, sounding tired. “I need my beauty rest after this escapade!”
“I’m coming.” He followed her into the giant chamber where they’d both been held captive. And for the first time since he’d left the SEALs, he felt safe in the company of someone else.
♦ ♦ ♦
The next morning Jane gathered everyone in the Greenery Chamber. Pointing to the gray metal bucket that lay at the edge of the yellow-spotted meadow, she grimaced.
“Last night Bill found Purposeful Guide poisoning the grass and trees with waste oil from the air circulation fans. When confronted, Purposeful attacked Bill. Who fought him until I arrived and zapped him with a red beam.” She looked around at the seven Aliens who shared the large chamber with them. “Watch this holo of what happened last night. You’ll understand why I asked you all to come here. Star Traveler? Project the holo record of last night.”
“Projecting,” the AI said.
Bill stood to one side of Jane and watched the Aliens who were either crew or passengers with no job assignment. The crew stood or lolled to his right. They were Time Marker, Long Walker, Bright Sparkle and Lofty Flyer. Beyond them stood Builder of Joy, Learned Escape and the other Cheelan kangaroo, Wind Swift. As they watched the holo, he observed their body language. However Alien they looked, every one of them had internal emotions that were often betrayed by unspoken behavior and body language. It pleased him to see that each of them looked uneasy and worried. When the holo winked out just after his explanation of Purposeful’s intention to take over the ship at his orbital complex, Wind Swift looked his way, then fixed her red gaze on Jane.
“Captain Jane of the Humans, my fellow Cheelan violated all clan rules!” she barked emphatically. “Yes, we are individuals who pursue personal interests. But our heritage has always been to advance the interests of all clans! To this end we avoid lying and focus on cooperation with each other. In our distant past, some clans sought to control other clans. Violence happened then.” The reptilian kangaroo exhaled sharply. “But for the last ninety cycles all clans have cooperated. All Cheelan have enough to eat, good shelter and education for meaningful work. The effort of Purposeful Guide to harm our air in order to force this ship to seek help at his orbital station is unworthy of our clan history!”
Jane had shown up dressed in her green jumpsuit with one holster holding her Browning pistol and the other holster supporting the white tube of the taser rifle. She looked intently at the female Cheelan. “Wind Swift, your words are appreciated. I hope the Cheelan of your world act the way you describe when we arrive at Kepler 22 and make contact. If anyone attacks us, they will regret it.” She looked around the gathered crowd, then back to the Cheelan. “If we are unwelcome at Kepler 22, we can make do with our damaged Greenery and head for another star to refuel and refurbish our trees and grass.”
Wind Swift’s dark red eyes blinked rapidly. “Captain! Such will not happen! I pledge it on the honor of my clan!”
Jane lifted an eyebrow. “Tell me about this honor of your clan.”
The Cheelan leaned back on her thick tail and folded her silver-scaled arms over her chest. “We Cheelan are bound by our clan honor. Anything we do that darkens the clan honor, darkens that person.” She looked over at the oil bucket, at the fallen leaves of some trees, then down at the ground nearby. “The damage to this biolife can be repaired. During the rest of this trip I will remove the dead grass and reseed those areas. For the trees, I will remove the blackened soil, add minerals and then lay down fresh soil for the damaged trees. In time, this place will heal.”
Jane nodded slowly. “Good plan. But what about later? After we arrive at your home system and offload Purposeful Guide, what then? What do you wish to do? Is there a city or factory where we can deposit you?”
The female kangaroo barked low, her tone musical. “No, no and no. My clan honor does not end with repairing the damage to the Greenery Chamber.” She looked up and met Jane’s gaze. “My clan honor requires that I replace the Cheelan who shamed us all. I will take his place at the Life Support function station on the Command Bridge. For as long as this ship travels among the stars. With your permission.”
Bill felt surprise. Then he recalled how the Bedouin and Arab tribes of Arabia and North Africa often greeted a stranger with water, food and shelter, as if the stranger were a member of their family. It sounded as if the Cheelan clans had the same approach in their clan honor. In another way, their clan honor system paralleled the Duty, Honor and Country motto of West Point. Which motto also matched the words of General Douglas MacArthur back in the 1950s.
Jane glanced his way quickly. It was clear she sensed the same degree of personal honor pledge that he did. Looking back, she reached out and laid her hand on the scaly shoulder of the Cheelan. “Wind Swift, I accept you as replacement crew. You may assume the Life Support function post. Star Traveler, add Wind Swift to our roster of crew. And remove Purposeful Guide from that roster. Categorize him as . . . guest.”
“Changes made to ship’s crew roster,” the AI hummed.
Learned Escape’s bare skin changed color patterns rapidly. “My captain, I too offer my service for so long as this ship travels among the stars. While I miss my young ones, what we and this ship do is honorable as we Megun know honor. Our people compete, sometimes we know anger, but for many orbital cycles our world culture has focused on exploring beyond the limits of our world of Harken.” Escape gave Jane a slow smile. “Our curiosity never lets go of us! I am curious to see this home of the slave traders. And to travel to other stars and meet other peoples!”
“Me also!” chittered Builder of Joy. His long furry tail whipped around frantically. “As a builder of treehomes, undersea vehicles and long distance transports, I brought joy to many Aelthorp. Now, I have a chance to build smart drones and other devices useful for both exploration and defense of the ship. You have me as crew for as long as this ship travels the stars!”
Jane smiled at the giant flying squirrel. “I accept your service offer, Builder of Joy. And Learned Escape, I accept your offer. There is much to be done before we arrive at Kepler 22. And even more on the long trip to Kepler 443. Star Traveler, add these two people to our crew roster.”
“Roster amended,” the AI said, its tone this time sounding amused.
She looked beyond the three guests who had become crew. Catching the attention one by one of Time Marker the walking snake, Long Walker the giant worm, Bright Sparkle the colorful skinned and Lofty Flyer the flying squirrel, she spoke. “You who were my first volunteer crew. What is your response? Danger lay hidden among us. More serious danger faces us every time we enter a star system. Active danger will be the reality at Kepler 443. Do you four still wish to serve as crew?”
Time Marker gave a low hiss. “All life faces danger every day it lives. Aboard this ship we have the means to fight back, to defend ourselves. And the Magfield drive and Alcubierre drive engines of this starship are a wonder! I sometimes sleep next to them, just to improve my understanding.” The Slinkeroo looked at Jane with two turquoise blue eyes. “Yes, I choose to remain as crew!”
“Danger is entertaining,” moaned Long Walker. The segmented worm lowered its fleshy head to the yellow grass spot, sniffed loudly, then fixed its beady black eyes on the captain. “Human Jane Yamaguchi, the
collector pods of my function offer unique capabilities for combat, defense and exploring. Allow me to remain as crew and I will see what can be done to turn the pods into stealthy spies!”
Their squirrel person flapped her arms and skin flaps, causing her to lift off briefly despite the room’s one gee gravity. “Yes! Yes! Let me fly this ship through space and time and around worlds unknown! No Aelthorp has ever been so blessed!” Lofty Flyer chittered loudly.
The naked woman whose smooth skin spoke in color changes gave Bill a nod, then she fixed on Jane. “Captain Jane Yamaguchi, of the world Earth, you and Bill are sooo like us Megun! You welcome danger, you explore where none have gone before and you show understanding to people wildly different from yourselves.” Bright Sparkle’s shoulder vidcam and audio speaker fell silent a moment. Then her colors shifted into a maelstrom of mixed colors. “Most vital, you Humans demand freedom, liberty and a life path of your own choosing. That is exactly how we Megun approach life! Of course I choose to stay! Your ship’s fusion reactors are a delight to manage and I will ensure that you and Weapons Chief Bill have maximum energy output for any future battle!”
Jane grinned. It was a big, open and happy grin. “Wonderful! Thank you.” Swift as a bee she turned sober serious. “On my world, when an enlisted person meets an officer, the enlisted person salutes the officer. On this starship I am the senior commanding officer. Therefore, I set the rules.” She saluted them all. “I choose to salute each of you in recognition of your choice to volunteer! You have chosen to serve aboard this starship in order to bring freedom and liberty to other people, no matter their shape, planet or star. For that you deserve respect. I salute you!”
Bill snapped a one-hander to her and stood rigidly formal. “Captain! Chief Petty Officer and Weapons Chief Bill MacCarthy accepts and submits to your judgment in all matters!”
Slowly, around the gathered group of strangely shaped people, each gave Jane their best effort at a salute. When the last of them made an answering gesture, she lowered her right hand.
Escape 1: Escape From Aliens Page 25
