by K R Sanford
“Yes,” replied Jimmy. “I’m all in, with the caveat of knowing who is behind this threat.”
“Good thinking, Jimmy. We will find out soon enough.” Vito looked to Marco. “You will stay here, Marco. We will need you here in case we fail to defend our territory.”
“In case you fail? I will make you a trade,” said Marco. “Convince Kiterage to take my place and I'll stay here.
Vito scratched his chin. He raised his eyebrow. He tilted his head. He puckered his lips then spoke. “Okay, but I’m a little disappointed. I was hoping you would go all in like Jimmy he Whip.”
“No can do,” said Marco. “You already have Balrug and Jimmy. You’ll no doubt want Pawdell and the tough guy Hector.”
“No,” said Vito, “I want Ryan, your Commander.
“No,” said Marco, “You are going to have to pick from a different deck, my friend.”
“Vito smiled, “Okay, You are being very inflexible. Yet, I’ll fish from a different pond,” he said, looking out the window at Cybil laying the fish on the barbeque.
“Oh, give it a rest,” said Marco. “You need a Vallian and a Marillian. Both groups have vast knowledge in mineral extraction. This is what you need to point out during negotiations. This is the best strategy to bring you all home. Bring the workers who know the ins and outs of mining.”
Vito scratched his chin. He nodded. He smiled. He spoke out loud, “I like it!” He held up a finger. “How much do you bet, Grantham and Devin know the best workers on Ameda? And, they are all at Festival as we speak?”
“I would say. Time is of the essence,” said Marco. “Do you want me to call someone to pick you up?”
“Oh no,” said Vito. “I will signal Pawdell. I will ask him to come ASAP. He likes flying my new fighter.”
“Fighter?” queried Marco. “I looked at Raptor. Not only is it an impressive starship. That’s a very big fighter.”
“Yes. It's classified a battle cruiser, but it’s a deep space fighter.”
Marco nodded. “Then you will have time for lunch.”
Chapter 10
________________________________________________________
THE CAT WHO WALKED ALONE
I am the Cat who walked by himself
And everything I see is the same to me.
The Dog was wild, and the Horse was wild,
And the Cow was wild, and the Pig was wild
As wild as wild could be And they walked in the Wet Wild Woods by their wild lones. But the wildest of all the wild animals was the Cat. He walked by himself, and all places were alike to him.
“The Cat Who Walked by Himself”
Rudyard Kipling – 1902
Raptor dropped out of the midday sun. She drifted over the lawn and set down next to tiny wooden rowboat. Pawdell scampered down the gangway and marched across the lawn to the barbeque pit. Vito was stuffing a piece of trout in his mouth.
“I came as soon as I could,” announced Pawdell. “It sounded urgent.”
Vito struggled on the last bite of his fish. He waved his hand, “How did my beep sound urgent, Paw?”
“I don’t know,” Pawdell replied. “I can’t explain it. It just did.”
Marco chimed in. “Our subconscious can sense information from those in our psychic circle.”
“Yes, I know,” said Vito rolling his eyes.
“Make yourself a plate, Paw. Our trip will take a few hours.” Vito turned. He pointed his finger at Marco. His other finger was pointing at Pawdell. “Are you two related?” he said drawing their attention.
Marco returned a blank stare.
Pawdell eyed Cybil. He recognized Shanna’s black skin-tight jumper. “I hope it won’t take any longer than that. I promised Shanna I would be back at the castle in time to dress for the Ball.”
“Paw, you already look dressed for the Ball,” said Marco. “What’s different about tonight?”
“It’s formal, Admiral.”
“What exceptional times we live in,” said Vito.
“A Toast,” said Marco filling the glasses, “To Exceptional Times, and good voyages.”
“Here, here,” rejoined Balrug touching glasses.
Pawdell walked to the barbeque with an extra glass of Amedan Ale. “Do you drink alcoholic beverages?” he asked.
Cybil shook her head. “Symbiotes have a delicate job,” she said. “Diluting my ability to do my job is a liability: In short, no. Did you want to Toast to your success with the players?”
“Players?” questioned Pawdell.
“Welcome to the big game hunter’s favorite sport, Paw,” said Cybil.
“Are we being set up by the Elite?”
“Come now, Paw, nothing that vulgar,” said Cybil. “You should feel complimented. You are being invited to a hunt on your own territory. Think it through, Paw. A super race evolved by the wildest predator in the universe. Now it’s inviting you to play a game. What do you think of that?”
“What wild predator, the Sea Beast?” said Pawdell.
We just ate the Sea Beast,” she said picking up fragments off the barbeque. “A stupid fish is not a mammal like a cat.”
Pawdell balked. “I heard you should never turn your back on a cat.”
“Some cats will kill you for that,” said Cybil. “They think you are not worthy to hunt. Cats know they are superior. The Liometo want to play but they also want to win.”
“So, it sounds like their pride is their weakness,” said Pawdell. His wariness was something he had not shown her before. “This can be useful when the time comes.”
Cybil smiled. “You look good in this uniform, Paw. I can't wait to see how you look in your formal wear this evening.”
Vito marched across the lawn. He waved his hand at Raptor. “Time to go,” he said touching Cybil on the shoulder.
She raised her chin and smiled. She stood in silence as Balrug and Jimmy the whip followed Vito. They turned to wave goodbye then disappeared behind the blast wall. The door sealed shut. Raptor drifted off the lawn turning to the Festival.
Marco stood next to Cybil, “He likes you.”
“He likes this jumpsuit,” replied Cybil. “And he likes this smelly perfume.”
“Not your fragrance?”
“Cats like a fresher scent. This is too musty.” She stripped off the suit and sashayed to the pond for another dip in the warm water.
Marco followed. He slid the rowboat into the pond and pushed off shore. After placing the oars in the oarlocks he rowed out to the center in search of Cybil. He placed a straw hat left in the boat on his head and waited. He was unsure if he would see the raven hair or the head of the Panther.
She was under water for several minutes. Several more minutes passed and still no Cybil. No motion on the surface to show a sign of her whereabouts. Ten feet away he heard the sound of breath. The subtle stir of water was the sign. He strained to sense her location.
He pushed the boat forward. The boat rocked then turned one hundred eighty degrees facing the way he came. Marco let slip the oars in the water. He stood up in the center of the boat. He took off his hat then his clothes. He placed them neatly on the seat with the hat on top. He looked over the side and dove in.
When he opened his eyes, the graceful shape of Cybil was in front of him. She was a living work of art captured in the silhouette of the Corsi Star. She took a stroke toward him. He could see her strength pull her through the water. She was heading straight for him. She stopped dead. She was watching him. He needed air.
He surfaced and took a breath. Cybil surfaced ten feet from him.
“Are you okay,” she asked.
Marco caught his breath. “I’m fine,” he said treading water. “How long,” he spat water from his mouth. “How long can you hold your breath?”
Cybil rolled onto her back and took one long stroke. She glided closer to him. “About seven to ten minutes,” she said. “It depends on if I’m going fast or slow. How about you,” she asked.
&nb
sp; “On a good day, about two minutes,” he replied.
“Ooh,” she said surprised. “That’s why the boat and the fishing pole.”
“That’s why,” he said. “Can you swim faster as cat?”
“Do you want to see?”
“Sure, race me to the shore. The shore over there,” he said pointing toward the village.
Cybil rolled onto her belly. She took one stroke and disappeared under the water. She surfaced a moment later as cat and started toward shore.
Marco stretched his arms over his head one after the other. He kicked frantic but smooth. He was moving through the water and swimming strong.
Cybil’s head glided across the surface of the water. She was graceful but her shoulders lumbered with each stroke. Marco was gaining the lead. Cybil made a last frantic effort but Marco eased past her placing his feet in the shallows and jumping up on shore.
Cybil morphed back into human form and stood knee deep in water. “Did you think I was going to attack you?” she asked.
“I wasn’t sure,” said Marco. “I was enjoying the swim with you, but I was also swimming with a big cat with big sharp claws. What mindset do you have when you are cat? I haven’t asked you this before until now. There must be a different mindset for each species?”
Cybil contemplated. “Fair enough,” she said. “They are both as one. In human form I fight off sickness the same as cat, by snarling and growling. This is how I raise my immune system. Human form is not so simple. The pressure to develop is fierce. In every way there are demands. A strong species wants to fight and thrive.”
“One day,” replied Marco. “I would like to talk more about your definition of ‘thrive’. But right now, there is something more immediate.”
Cybil did a quick look around. She studied the ground at their feet. She pointed up. “Nico is hiding in the sunlight,” she said. “I don’t mind. He has a bird’s eye view.
Marco nodded.
“If he followed me in the loo or watched me in Shanna’s bedroom, I would say something,” she said. “Are you jealous?”
“No,” he said. "He is a Centurion. He is a military leader. Here, he is guarding our every move."
“There is a cure for that you know,” she said.
Marco raised an eyebrow.
“Next time I’m in the shower, I can have him wash my tail.”
“Yeah, you can do that. But, Nico’s not your type. He’s most likely at least a thousand years old.
“That’s very clever for you,” she said rubbing her finger against his chest. “I’ll have to take you skinny dipping more often.”
She leaped from the water. Her body sailing midair morphed back into cat. She landed on all fours then sprang across the lawn leaping and kicking up her hind legs. In a flash she darted into the forest and was gone.
Marco looked to see if Nico would follow. He did. He pulled the rowboat out of the water, picked up his clothes and went inside the house.
After a time, he immerged from his forest home and sat on the front porch with a cool drink. The hours whiled away and there was still no sign of Cybil or Raptor. Marco looked to the shimmer on Shrine Lake. He looked to the late afternoon sky for any movement of Nico. There was none. There was only the sun descending over the mountains to the west, a reminder of the days’ near end. It was sunset.
He pulled himself from his chair and went inside. He gathered his things and started out the door for his trek back to Central Command.
He walked across the lawn and spotted Cybil’s clothes lying in the grass where she left them. Marco chuckled to himself, leaving them lay. She could find them later, he thought.
Marco walked down the cobbled road and onto Village Main. He walked through the tall gates of the Village Inn. He saw Arnockel behind the lobby desk.
“Afternoon, Admiral,” said Arnockel, “On your way to the castle?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
Arnockel stroked his chin. “It’s Festival,” he said. “How might I help you, Sir?”
“Oh,” replied Marco. “You might be able to help.”
“Arnockel stopped what he was doing and gave Marco his full attention. “Admiral, what is it?”
Marco hesitated then spoke. “You haven’t seen a big black cat around, have you?”
Arnockel’s eyes widened. “Cybil’s gone?” he whispered. “Should I
“No,” he said. “Let’s keep this between you and me. The last thing we need is to have a visitor get wind of a black panther on the loose.”
“Oh, I see your point, Admiral,” said Arnockel. “Mum is the word then.”
“Yes, Mum. And, if you hear anything; come get me at the castle.”
“Of, course,” said Arnockel, “That, and no more, so no one gets alarmed.”
“Right, said Marco. “I knew I could count on you.”
“Good luck, Sir.”
Marco pursed his lips then left out the back door.
Horses were being led off the game field by their silent grooms. Marco could feel the excitement build as he got closer to the winner’s circle. He craned his neck to see through the crowd. The wreath was being places on a horse by Queen Elsinor, but which horse he could not see. He moved closer and saw a familiar nose.
King Devin announced the winner. “For the second year in a row Val-O-War, sired by Faragorn has won this year’s Shrine Lake Crown.
Marco squinted. Who was the rider? He said out loud.
“Gonquin jockeyed again, Admiral,” said a voice.
Marco turned. “Chertog, did you happen to hear anything from Arnockel?”
“Nothing yet, Admiral,” he replied with empty palms. “We are still checking, Sir.”
Marco gave a nod. “Chertog, you guys are the best.”
“She will turn up soon,” said Chertog. “Don’t worry.”
“Thanks,” waved Marco. He turned to the winners circle contemplating a strange thought. “Humm,” he said out loud.
He mounted the steps to the stage like a man on a mission.
King Devin noticed Marco’s determined gait. He held up a hand, half saying hello, and half signaling him hold his smoke.
Marco got the message. He slowed himself. When he looked again, he found Devin with a raised eyebrow and a welcome smile. Marco sauntered over.
Devin gave Marco a full-on smile. “I’m going inside to freshen up. Come with me, I’ll walk you to your room.”
“I want to say, the most important thing to do is to hear the voice of the universe,” said Marco.
Devin baulked at Marco’s random statement. “Why don’t we step into my office for a minute?” He keyed the door off the hallway and stepped inside. He showed Marco a chair in front of the royal desk. Devin took the chair next to him and they spoke. “What happened?”
Marco shifted in his chair. “Oh, I was at my house this afternoon. When I came back through the doom I saw the villagers and guests enjoying the Festival that's all. I noticed these folk took all year to prepare for their event. Some came only to watch the celebration.”
Devin waited for more but more was not forthcoming. “So, you say the villagers and guests were enjoying the Festival. But what do you mean about listening to the Universe?"
“No,” said Marco. “I mean caught up with excitement for taking on a yearlong commitment. That has to mean their love for the Universe. Don't you think?”
Devin gave Marco a cautious nod. “Oh, the participants pour their heart and soul into this. I have no doubt about that. And you want to feel part of the celebration? But you and I have been away, Marco.”
“Yeah,” said Marco. “I guess it makes me a little sad. How silly is that? And me, a grown man getting emotional over people enjoying their lives when I'm not there.”
Devin smiled at Marco's candor. “I was gone for almost a year on the same ship. The difference is I was a passenger. I didn’t have the pressure you had with so many ships to manage. Not to mention having to deal with the wormhole. I don
't know how you got through it. I have to say, you earned your promotion.”
“Now,” continued Devin. “I can relate somewhat. And let me tell you. I’m feeling the heat. If it’s not about the dome, it’s about the Liometo people changing our planet. I’m going to need your help around here, Marco.”
“Of course,” said Marco. “Whatever you need, I don’t plan on going anywhere.”
“You don’t know how glad I am to hear you say this," said Devin. "There is something I would like you to do. I ask this as your King.”
Marco leaned in giving Devin his full attention.
Devin smiled. “I would like you to take some time. Take a month to settle back into civilian life.”
“You mean, R & R,” said Marco.
“No, Marco,” said Devin. “Take the time for yourself and your home life.
Marco wavered in his chair. “Legion wants me for the Middle Corridor.”
“Never mind the Middle Corridor, Marco,” said Devin. “Remember, you came to this planet to gather your strength and to hear the voice of the universe. You knew your next move without question. I’ll talk to Legion. Don’t worry about him. You are under my authority while on this planet. I will release you when I see you are ready, and not before.”
“I see,” replied Marco. “How strange, I actually feel good about that.”
Devin smiled. “Yes, there is another matter that I should mention. Cybil is upstairs cleaning up. She got pretty muddy chasing after the horses on the back stretch.”
Marco sat back in his chair with his eyes wide open. “Was she attacking the horses?”
“No, no, no, said Devin, “Nothing like that. As a matter of fact she was so stealthy, I don’t think the horses knew they were being following. It wasn't until she came bouncing upon the winner’s platform and lay down next to me that she was noticed. I let her shake the mud off then I took her up stairs.”
“OH MY GOSH!” said Marco in amazement. “Well, did the crowd react when they saw her? They must have seen her?”
Devin’s grin got bigger. “Oh, they saw her alright. The crowd got jumpy. But, they settled down quick enough once she lay beside me and asked for a scratch. Course I knew it was her. How many black panthers do you see around here wearing a diamond necklace?”
