by Karl Morgan
“I am in desperate trouble,” Fa-a-Di pointed at himself and laughed. The Marines began to laugh as well. “I have dozens of heavily armed Marines here and you have nothing. If any of you accidently fell off this platform, no one would ever know. You, your friends and your shuttle would drop into the gas until you are crushed by the pressure below. Perhaps bits of you would rise again in the Dar-Fa to fertilize a Ka-la-a. And I am in trouble. Please open the shuttle, Igol.”
“I can’t do that general,” Igol replied. “You have no jurisdiction in this galaxy.”
“I’m glad you said that, Igol,” Fa-a-Di said. “By the way, you are going to love this.” He turned to the Marine on his left and said, “Um-de-Bo, may I borrow your Baloo?” The Marine pulled a large sickle shaped dagger from his belt. “You see, Igol, only our Marines carry this blade. Very few can learn to use it properly. Um-de-Bo, if I break it, I will buy you two more. Please give it to me.”
The Marine threw the blade away from Fa-a-Di. It flew fifty yards and then started to curve. It zipped around the exterior of the platform and continued to curve. Fa-a-Di held his right hand in the air and grabbed the Baloo from the air as it approached. “Pretty impressive, right?” the general smirked. He walked over to the shuttle and plunged the Baloo through the side of the ship. Then he sawed a giant tear in the vessel and ripped a large section of fuselage off and dropped it on the platform. He used the Baloo to cut through the chains securing the two Vol and helped them out of the ship and led them back to the Marines. “Um-de-Bo, thank you,” Fa-a-Di said as he handed the weapon back. “You sharpened it well, and I am proud of you. Please chain these agents together and take them and the rest to Lagamar Vol.”
“Yes, general,” Um-de-Bo replied as the Marines began unchaining the Nan and cuffing the agents.
Fa-a-Di stood next to Igol Vart as he was handcuffed. Before he was chained, Fa-a-Di grabbed him around the waist with one hand and held him high in the air. He walked over to the edge of the platform and suspended him over the gas giant. “You know, son, if I accidently dropped you here, you would fall for five or ten minutes through the gas until the external pressure overwhelmed your pressure suit. After another minute or so of falling, you would be crushed to death by the pressure. It would be an agonizing death, little man, as your body compressed and the air and water was squeezed out of your system until it collapsed into a lump of dead meat jerky and bones.” He carried him back to the rest of the agents where he was quickly chained to the rest. “If I find that you or any of your agents return to this planet or take any revenge on the people of these planets, you will pray that your death could have been that easy.” He thumped the human’s chest hard so that he stumbled backward. “I hope you understand that, Igol.”
Dave and De-o-Nu still sat near the open bay doors on the Kong-Fa, watching the smooth water below the ship. Three Zula popped their eye-stalks above the water. It felt like they were smiling at them. Jake flew out of the water, shook the water off his body and landed next to Dave. “I’m sorry it took so long, but these guys aren’t easy to find,” Jake said.
“Could you understand them?” De-o-Nu asked.
“Pretty much,” Jake replied. “They are quite skeptical, but I told them a friend was here with me and these three came to see. Jake flew down and landed on one Zula that was looking at him. “This one says her name is Ulook and she remembers Dave from the fish market and when he helped release her. She wants to know what you want with them. Can you come down here, Dave? If I can touch you both, you might be able to communicate with her.”
At De-o-Nu’s order, the ship dropped to five feet over the water. De-o-Nu dropped a small rubber raft into the water and lowered Dave onto it. Ulook swam over to Dave and touched him. “I can hear her thinking, Jake,” Dave said. “Come over here so I can get a better connection.” Jake connected to both of them. “Hello Ulook, my name is Dave,” he said.
He could hear her in his mind saying, “Hello Dave. Thank you again for helping us last night. I was so terrified in that market. When I saw you, I felt your pain at seeing me in that box. Bless you for releasing my brother and me.”
“Ulook, you and the rest of the Zula are in danger on this planet,” Dave said. “I want to take all of you back to Nan where you will be safe.”
“What is Nan, Dave?” Ulook thought.
“It’s the planet you come from, isn’t it?” Dave asked, suddenly confused.
“Oh, now I understand,” she thought. “Those humans on our home world call themselves Nan, so you call the planet that. Dave, interestingly enough, we call that planet Zula. Won’t the other humans follow us to Zula and try to eat us there?”
“I hope not, Ulook,” Dave said. “No other races visit Nan because they are seen as second or third class people. Also, we don’t intend to tell anyone where you went, not even the Nan on this planet.”
“They will become suspicious when we are gone, won’t they?” Ulook asked.
“Perhaps, but the people here will believe the Zula just died off and they will fish for something else, I believe,” he replied.
“But how will we get there, Dave?” Ulook asked. “How do we travel through space without the Nan to take us there?”
“My friends on this star cruiser have filled their holds with sea water,” Dave began. “Once you are aboard, they will fly at top speed to Nan, where they will release you.”
Ulook looked up at the massive ship and the odd creature looking down at them. “I don’t know, Dave,” she thought. “That creature looks very dangerous. What if they eat us themselves?”
Dave looked up and said, “De-o-Nu, you need to come down here too. You have to explain that you won’t eat them when you take them home.” De-o-Nu laughed and removed his boots and weapons belt. He lowered himself from the deck, slipped into the water and swam over to the raft. Ulook seemed very afraid, but she and Jake managed to touch the Gallicean too.
“Ulook, I know we Galliceans are fierce looking, but that is only because we are warriors from an exotic planet,” De-o-Nu said. “Dave is like my brother, and if he asks me to transport you all back to Nan and deliver you there safely, that is what I will do. I would not hurt you any more than I would hurt my own children.”
“Thank you, De-o-Nu,” Ulook said. “I have touched your mind and know your words are true. Can your ship carry us all?”
“How many Zula are here, Ulook?” Dave asked.
“Five hundred and eleven at last count, Dave,” she thought. “We are a very close community and do not wander far from this spot. The water is calm here and the food is abundant.”
“Let’s try to fit everyone,” De-o-Nu said. “This is a big ship and I think we’ll be okay. It will take a several hours to reach Nan from here at top speed due to the added water weight. Make sure you bring enough food for a day. We have oxygen stored to refresh the water during the trip. Just bring everyone here and we’ll be on our way.”
“Thank you both for this,” she thought. They could feel the warm and gratitude in her heart. “Our people have lived in constant fear of the fishermen. I know the Vol have done what they could do to save us, but we have lost many of our people over the years on this planet. Bless you both.”
Chapter 39
Avery Adamsen flew the shuttle out of Porto and toward Mount Alila, two hundred miles away. As they traveled away from the city, the clouds became less gray and almost white. A driving rain washed most of the grime off as the altitude increased. At five thousand feet above sea level, the clouds gave way to brilliant sunshine. The peaks of a mountain range were twenty miles ahead. The green peaks ended in white snow caps that glistened in the light. As the shuttle approached, small villages could be seen dotting the sides of the mountains, carved into the dense forests.
“The tallest peak here is Mount Alila,” Vee said. “All the mountains on Lagamar Ulu that rise above the clouds are used for our monthly time off. Villagers provide meals and lodging for tired factory and government
workers like me. You may have noticed that we had no Nan workers in the factories or cities below. Their lives are difficult enough without having to deal with the pollution. There are many here where it is safer for them. Also, we are machinists and engineers and cannot manage the many things they do for us.”
A large landing area sat outside a dense village near the tree line on Mount Alila. Avery settled the shuttle down on the landing marks and shut down the engines. Dave Brewster was standing out on the landing pad with two Ulu men. The shuttle bay opened and the guests filed out to meet Fao Konki, President of Lagamar Ulu and Roe Bala, Minister of the Economy. Dave hugged and kissed Darlene, then shook hands with Vee and led him away from the group.
“Vee, it’s good to see you,” Dave said, “but you need to know there was an incident on Lagamar 7 this morning.”
“What happened, Dave?” Vee asked.
“The Brotherhood captured Bola and Mulwi Deka and forced them to tell where the platform was. Their shuttle went there and they tried to shut down the hospital,” Dave replied.
“That’s horrible, Dave. What happened to the Dekas?” he asked.
“This is where it gets interesting,” Dave began. “General Fa-a-Di and a squad of Gallicean Marines arrived and took the agents captive. He personally ripped their shuttle apart. Then he sent the agents and the Dekas back to Lagamar Vol. Before he released them, he told them to stay out of this system or they would be killed.”
“This is terrible news, Dave,” Vee replied. “Now thousands of agents will come. What has Fa-a-Di done?”
“Let’s not overreact just yet, Vee,” Dave said calmly. “The Galliceans only went to that planet because Wendo and Antar wanted them to. I know there is a plan in there somewhere, but we have to be patient while it plays out.” A tone sounded in Dave’s ear. “I’m sorry, Vee, but I have to take a call. Please keep everyone talking about something else.” After Vee walked away, Dave said, “Okay, Jon, what’s happening?”
“Dave, we’ve moved most of the crew and their baggage from the Manila,” Jon replied. “I’ve spend most of the morning re-labeling the control systems for the Opa. On your orders, I turned command of Nightsky over to Lauren. The remaining crew and I are leaving orbit now and heading to Lagamar Opa.”
“Fantastic job, Jon,” Dave said. “I knew your experience on Far Sky and with that ship would come in handy one day. Did you hear about the situation on Lagamar 7?”
“Yes, Dave. Bola Deka contacted me from the Gallicean shuttle on its way to Lagamar Vol,” he replied. “I was thinking about relieving them of the Brotherhood agents.”
“Don’t do that, Jon,” Dave cautioned. “Right now, only the Galliceans are caught in this issue. We will figure a way out. Anything else new to report?”
“I spoke with De-o-Nu a few minutes ago, and he advises that all the Zula fit into his hold easily. He kept Ulook in a small tank on the bridge with him. He will need her to help pick out a site on Nan when they arrive. He has left Lagamar Vol and should reach top speed soon. He said he would contact you when he arrives. It sounded like Fa-a-Di was with him at the time and it seemed like they had a few drinks to celebrate the victory on Lagamar 7,” Jon said.
“Okay, Jon, thanks,” Dave replied. “Please keep an eye out for more agents on Lagamar Opa. Once word of the incident with the Galliceans gets out, all of these planets will be crawling with them. Brewster out.”
Darlene found Dave standing alone and took his arm. “Dave, you’re being rude to our guests,” she said as she pulled him along. “Jon and the Galliceans can take of themselves for now, sweetheart.”
“You always know everything that’s going on, Darlene. How is that?” Dave smiled.
“You talk in your sleep,” she laughed.
The group walked slowly through the streets of the town named after the mountain. Fao was telling them about this village where thousands of workers came every month to relax and get the stench of the city out of their lungs and minds. The buildings facing the cobblestone streets held small shops and restaurants, while the upper floors were either rented or partially owned by Ulu from the cities for their monthly rest periods. The city blocks were arranged so there was never more than three blocks without a park. All the parks were crowded with families enjoying a picnic lunch or simply basking in the warm sunlight. Fao told them families tended to use the same villages for many years. If certain members moved to another city far away, they could still be with the rest of their family once a month. Dave thought about his own children and wondered what they were doing now in the other galaxy. He stopped walking suddenly, almost causing Darlene to fall over. “What’s wrong, Dave?” she asked.
“Just wait here a second, sweetheart,” he said as the rest of the group continued up the hill toward the next park. He tapped his com-link.
“Aye-aye, Admiral,” said Lauren London.
“Lauren, please get a hold of Loni Arrak and Governor Lonk on Hive 1008,” he said. “I need them to get Bill Brewster here as soon as possible if they can. Then contact General Fa-a-Di and tell him I need No-o-Ka’s help again.”
“Yes sir,” she replied. “I’ll do that immediately. Anything else, Dave?”
“Please ask Jake to come here as soon as possible. Oh, and how do you like commanding Nightsky, Lauren?” he asked.
“She is a wonderful ship, but she’ll always belong to Jon as far as I’m concerned. Nightsky out,” she replied as the line went dead.
“What’s going on in that brain of yours, Admiral?” Darlene smiled. “I miss Billy too, but why bring him here?”
“Darlene, you remember how Bill and No-o-Ka helped us translate Jake’s thoughts for the Galliceans, right?” Dave asked.
“You want them to translate the Zula and Boley for the High Council,” Darlene replied.
“You’re very smart, you know that. That is one of the many reasons I love you, Darlene,” he replied as he kissed her gently.
“I’m already on it, Dave,” Jake said.
“Where did you come from?” Dave asked, startled to see the maklan on the ground next to them.
“I was on the bridge with Lauren when you asked for me,” he replied. “I’m not sure what your plan is, but I’m beginning to like it a lot. Just like old times, huh?” Jake disappeared into thin air.
Dave and Darlene rushed to catch up to the group, which had entered a large restaurant with an outdoor seating area which was reserved for them. Dave and Darlene were led to seats between Wendo Balak and Antar Arrak. Zina and Serena sat next to them. Waiters moved through the crowd pouring local beer for the group. It was cold and bitter from the herbs. Small plates of salami, cheese and pickled local vegetables were placed in the middle of each table. Fao was telling the group how all the ingredients come from the region above the smog, where the fresh air and water produce Vol quality produce. He began to tell the story of the temple at the top of the village and how it was built millions of years ago when the planet was fresh and young.
Wendo put his hand on Dave’s shoulder and leaned toward his ear. “Dave, how is your visit going so far?”
“This is a unique system, Wendo,” he laughed. “I hope it is not the death of us all.”
“Don’t worry about the Brotherhood, Dave. They are cowards who will slink back into their caves to hide from the Galliceans,” Wendo replied. “I heard what Igol told his supervisors when he was released.” The old man laughed. “He asked for a six week vacation to begin immediately on the other side of the galaxy.”
“Fa-a-Di will be happy to hear that, I’m sure,” Dave smiled. “You and Antar are planning all of this for a reason. Did you know the Galliceans would react like they did?”
“Honestly, Dave, you already know the answer to that. Put yourself in his shoes. If this was the Society of Gallia and we were hunting your ancestors, you’d do the same thing,” Wendo answered.
“I thought the Galliceans evolved on Gallia. Didn’t you tell me that?” Dave asked.
�
��Probably, but our civilization is so old that the stories often change when new facts are uncovered,” Wendo said. “I had no idea the Boley were relatives of the Galliceans until Fa-a-Di communicated with the wounded Boley last night. If the two species evolved independently, that would never be possible. Back in the time when we first traveled to and begin to settle the Ulagong Galaxy, we hunted the Boley’s ancestors, which I can tell you were not sentient. When many gas giants were found in your galaxy, I imagine some hunters moved those creatures to your galaxy, hoping they would thrive and be worth hunting someday. Over the millions of years, those here became Boley and in your galaxy, they became Gallicean. At least that’s my theory. Yes, Antar?”
Antar Arrak was leaning across Darlene. “I agree, old friend. There can be no other way it could happen. Dave, I want to tell you I just heard from Loni. She is working on getting Bill here soon. I’ll let you know whatever I hear. I think that is a brilliant idea, by the way.”
“What idea, Dave? Who is Bill?” Wendo asked.
Darlene put her arms out to hold all three of them close. “We are being rude, so let’s pay attention to our host. So you know, Bill is our son. He, Jake and No-o-Ka worked on a team that translated maklan mind patterns into human and Gallicean languages. That stopped the attack on No-Makla and led to victory in the Second Predaxian War. No more talking!” After lunch, the group started back up the hill toward the Alila Temple that sat at the edge of the village where the trees stopped and the rocks and snow cap began.
The street became increasingly steep. After five blocks, the street ended and a long stairway reached higher still. There were benches every fifty steps or so for older citizens to rest. As Dave and Darlene climbed, they passed Antar and Wendo sitting on the first benches and waved. The two men were deep in conversation and did not notice them pass by. At the second landing, Minister Vee Ondi was sitting and panting. Dave and Darlene sat with him.
