by T. R. Harris
“Speaker Bol,” Adam said, smiling. “We are a specialized unit skilled at just this type of operation.”
Arieel did not return his smile. “I realize that, Adam; you saved my life using such a skill-set. But this is different. Now you will be going against an entire planet and the odds will be greatly against your success.”
Adam could sense there was something she was holding back. His suspicion was verified when she turned to Convor – her father – and nodded.
“Mr. Cain,” Convor began. “The situation has changed recently. The deadline for the rescue of your friend has been shortened. But I will have another explain.”
A side door to the Temple opened and the huge, yet agile, figure of Kroekus entered the room. The huge Silean was the Administrator of the Expansion, headquartered on Juir, and was literally the Supreme Being in the galaxy. Adam was surprised to see him here on Formil. Yet it was the other pair of beings who entered behind him that really shocked Adam.
It was Kaylor and Jym.
Sherri yelled and ran to the two of them, with Adam only a step behind. They embraced the tall Belsonian and the squat bear-like Fulquin. It had been years since the Humans had last seen their old alien companions and the feeling of joy was universal, even for the skittish Jym.
Adam turned to embrace Kroekus as well. “What the hell?” he asked. “What’s the purpose of the reunion; I didn’t expect to see any of you here.”
“Once I informed ambassadors Kaylor and Jym that their friend Riyad Tarazi was in trouble, they both insisted on coming along.”
Adam frowned and then looked down at Jym. “Even you? I thought Riyad terrified you?”
“I’ve grown past that, Adam,” Jym said. “I understand more of Human nature now, so I do not fear Riyad – or the rest of you – as I did before.”
Sherri hugged the tiny bear. “Good,” she said. “We’re not as frightening as some of us want you to believe.” She looked at Adam as she completed her statement.
Adam looked at the two aliens and shook his head. “I appreciate the support you two, and you Kroekus, but we have this covered. This mission will be beyond dangerous. If you want to provide support here on Formil that would be great. Other than that—”
“We’ve been fitted with the Formilian Gifts as well, Adam.” Kaylor said interrupting. “And we’re going with you on the mission.”
Adam’s jaw dropped and he looked at Kroekus. “Not me!” the huge Silean corrected. “I am here for other purposes.”
Sherri came to stand next to Adam and they both stared at Kroekus but said nothing. They were too much in shock. Kroekus began speaking. “I have come into possession of some very disturbing news which has altered the landscape of the Expansion. It seems as though the Juireans have also acquired the location of Elision, and are at this time planning a strike against the planet.”
“But we’re….” Adam let his sentence fade off.
“It appears as though your people will not get the chance to avenge the recent attack on Earth,” Kroekus continued. “The Juireans will beat you to Elision.”
“Good, then we won’t have to attack,” Sherri said. “That will save a lot of lives.” And then she tensed. “When … when will the Juireans be there?”
“Three months at the most,” Kroekus answered. “But that’s not the worst of it. Our source also believes the Juireans plan on retaking the Expansion.”
Adam’s mind was racing, with two levels of concern.
The first was that Riyad now had to be rescued before the Juirean attack, which would require his plan to be accelerated by at least thirty days. With the implantations and training required, it wouldn’t be enough time. The training would have to be cut back, which could prove not only dangerous for the mission but also for his team. And now Kaylor and Jym say they’re going as well. ATD’s or not, they were not adequately trained for such a mission.
His second concern was for the Expansion. Even with it failing, he wondered what it would be like to have the Juireans back in charge of the Expansion? They might be able to save it from a complete breakdown … but then what of the Earth? The Juireans had never allowed other powerful forces to co-exist with them in the galaxy, so this may just be a precursor to an eventual conflict between the Humans and Juireans – again.
Mentally, Adam shrugged off the fog of thoughts clouding the current situation. At the moment he was on Formil to prepare for the rescue of Riyad Tarazi. After that was achieved, then he would worry about all the other crap going on in the galaxy.
“Kroekus, this is all disturbing news, but right now I have to figure out how I – we – are going to save Riyad before the Juireans get to Elision. My timetable has been completely screwed up.”
Convor stepped up to the group. “I may help with that. The implant procedures are rather simple and all the preparations for that part of your mission have been made. It’s the training that is at issue. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to another old friend.”
Adam turned as Trimen O’lac approached from behind, leading a phalanx of seven other Formilian males, all bronze, muscular and with determined looks on their faces. Adam greeted the Second Celebrant and his former ATD trainer as warmly as he had the others.
“Trimen and the others are to accompany you as well, Adam Cain,” said Convor. “But more than that … go ahead Trimen.”
“My friend Adam Cain,” Trimen began. “Since your implantation, many things have changed here on Formil. We now know – as you pointed out – that we are in possession of a very powerful device, as well as a weapon. And with the forces that appear to be aligning against us, the Formilian people need a defense force equal to the task.” He paused and smiled. “Adam, I have acquired the Gift!”
“No shit!”
Trimen was very familiar with Human-speak so he didn’t miss a beat. “No shit! After the experience with your implant, it was studied and found that Formilian males are very compatible with the Gift, and even though the knowledge and the practice is still a very closely guarded secret, we have begun to equip others with the Gift. These others behind me are some of the first.”
“I’m in shock, Trimen,” Adam said truthfully. He looked over at Arieel. “Is this why you insisted I begin the mission here?”
“Yes, Adam,” she said. “Trimen and his team will be going with you. They will train your Humans during the transit, and will assist themselves in any way they can. Even though I feel somewhat diminished by all that had occurred on my homeworld over the past few months, I do see the necessity if my people are to survive. But for now, the team will consist of the five Humans, your friends Kaylor and Jym, plus Trimen and his Formilians. As you arrive to rescue Riyad Tarazi, you will have a force of fifteen specially-enhanced individuals to carry out the mission.”
She smiled so warmly that it actually took Adam’s breath away. “The chance of your safe return is now greatly increased – as is the prospect of Riyad’s rescue being a success.”
Adam didn’t know what to say. He spent a moment surveying the crowd within the Temple chambers while preparing a response which all were expecting.
He was thrilled to see his old alien friends Kaylor and Jym, and the prospect of working with them again – in whatever capacity – was heartwarming. And with the addition of Trimen and his Formilians, who would know how to manipulate their ATD’s better than any of the Humans, the chances of Riyad and the rest of them getting out alive had suddenly increased exponentially. Confidence soared within him.
“I started this mission as a personal task I felt compelled to undertake,” he began, now looking at Sherri and the rest of his Human companions. “I never expected such support, from either my own kind or others who do not belong to the Human race … or who have never met Riyad Tarazi personally. Your help is welcome and appreciated.”
And then Adam Cain smiled – a wicked, sinister smile – before saying, “The Kracori have no idea what’s coming their way!”
The End<
br />
of
The Apex Predator
Coming at the end of February, 2014….
A Galaxy To Conquer
The Final Book
in
The Human Chronicles Saga
To be followed by more individual
Adam Cain Adventures
not in sequence.
The first standalone Adam Cain novel
is due out in the Fall of 2014
