But the old, experienced hunter knew while she stayed, although her pack did not. Several days before she had detected a faint odor that she was sure was Torgai, even though it had disappeared nearly before she had fully sensed it. It had been only a wisp, and since then she had smelled nothing, even though they had criss crossed the area near where she detected the scent. But the memory of that faint smell in the passing air preyed on her mind. She would lead her pack in an ever expanding pattern until she was either convinced she had been mistaken or she found the Torgai.
She would allow two more weeks for the search, and if in that time she found nothing, then they would leave. She knew full well that if she found Torgai she would be well rewarded by Kraa-Ki. Perhaps even allowed to add to her pack. As far as she knew no Torgai had been discovered for over a year and most thought they were all gone now.
Near New Athens . . . .
Kraa-Ki lay concealed in the tall grass, the sun uncomfortably hot. The rest of her pack lay spread along the path, also invisible to any but the most practiced eye, as did the many other packs that followed. Kraa-Ki had her full pack of fifteen females with her, which was unusually large for a pack; she didn't allow other packs to become that large, requiring them to split and form new packs if they didn't do it naturally. All males had been left behind as they always were when hunting or scouting. Other, smaller packs had taken position where they could block escape of any of the 'flat-faces' that eluded the attack. Nothing moved in the still air except the occasional twitch of an ear to chase off the annoying flies.
In the distance Kraa-Ki could hear the sounds of many voices and other different sounds as well as the large gathering of 'flat-faces' continued with whatever they were doing. She knew one of the things they were doing was eating, since she could sometimes detect the smell of cooking meat breaking through the heavy, rancid smell of the 'flat-faces' themselves. Kraa-Ki had shown patience, but now she would test the 'flat-faces'. Other packs were also laying in wait for the 'flat-face' patrols she had seen, and once they were eliminated her other packs were in position to attack the group in the meadow. But the large number of flat-faces present was making her reconsider. She knew they had weapons and outnumbered those she had in position. But then, why not at least test them?
The wait had been long, but finally Kraa-Ki could hear the muffled sounds of the small, separate group of 'flat-faces' that she and her pack had been stalking. She had watched the group for some time and discovered they traveled round and round the larger group, continually following a fixed route. This would be almost too easy. She had led her pack to where the group of 'flat-faces' would pass and now they lay hidden waiting.
Kraa-Ki didn't fear discovery. In her scouting she had been surprised at how poor the sense of smell of these 'flat-faces' was, and didn't even find it necessary to make sure all the waiting Kraa were positioned downwind. These 'flat-faces' were a poor excuse for a Torgai. How could anything as weak and poorly equipped to survive as they were have the things they did? Kraa-Ki didn't understand, but it was now time.
Corporal Cordova was in advance of the small 5-person patrol, each trooper alertly surveying the cover by the path, holding their laser rifles at the ready. As they left the border of the wooded area the patrol entered the open, grass covered area, relaxing slightly. But a slight relaxation is all that Kraa-Ki and her packs expected. Within seconds the members of the patrol were borne to the ground by leaping Kraa without even the chance to raise their weapons.
CHAPTER 5: Reunited
(July 20, Year 20): Kevin walked slowly among the crumpled bodies of the Kraa pack. Ahead a soldier walked, pistol out, firing a shot into the head of each of the bodies; insurance against a repeat of a previous experience with a wounded Kraa which had seemed to be dead, but succeeded in killing one trooper and wounding two others.
The 4th of July Kraa attack could easily have ended in catastrophe for the colony if the scoutplane hadn't seen the attacks on the patrols and the large gathering of packs a distance away. Luckily the Eretz Israel was passing over at the time and had been able to disperse the larger concentrations with fire from its laser cannons. Had it not been for that the poorly armed colonists could have been overrun. As it was they had suffered considerable damage before the group at the picnic managed to gain the safety of the colony perimeter. But one thing it had done; galvanized the colony into action against the Kraa, and ever since that day Kevin had kept his men in constant action.
Rather than wait they had immediately begun conversion of some of the shuttles to VLV troop carriers, with three now available; and for the last two weeks his troops had been constantly engaged in setting ambushes supplemented by air strikes.
At first the Kraa packs had been an easy target, even at night. But now the Kraa seemed to sense they were no longer protected by the dark and, while they couldn't understand that the thermal sensors were even more effective in the cool of night, they realized nighttime was no longer a protection and changed tactics. Widely dispersing at night the packs only came together during the heat of the day when the thermal sensors were of limited effectiveness, immediately going to cover at the approach of a scoutplane. While the Kraa casualties had been heavy Kevin also had losses, and this they could ill afford. The area near New Athens was now secure, and they had gradually been extending operations to the north and east.
The series of operations now underway, the largest they had attempted, had been unusually successful, killing over 300 Kraa with only two wounded troopers. The sensors were becoming increasingly effective at distinguishing Kraa from other heat sources, and, using the landrovers in concert with the VLVs and scoutplanes they had been successful in driving Kraa packs into the waiting ambushes. Finishing his inspection of the area of battle Kevin returned to the group of landrovers where the equipment was being repacked in readiness for leaving the area. The two VLVs were nearby, engines off.
"Anything on where the survivors are headed?" Kevin asked.
"Looks like they've scattered completely," Sergeant Lopez responded, "not much chance of catching them. They got about another dozen from the planes but the rest are so scattered they don't expect much more."
"This was unusual," Kevin responded, glancing over at Sergeant Lopez, "the first time since the picnic I've seen so many packs gathered together. They must have planned some major operation."
"Well," Sergeant Lopez laughed, "the best laid plans don't always work out."
At the truck Kevin sat down and leaned against the side, wiping some of the sweat caked dust from his forehead. While still early in the day the special body armor they all wore served to absorb and hold in the heat. Lieutenant Toso came over and slid down beside him. "About the best results we've had yet," he said, "I thought, until we found this bunch, they were thinning out in the area."
Kevin nodded, "yes, what we really need though is to find either their home area, or a better way to force them to concentrate. We can't afford to waste time with one or two packs, or even small pack gatherings. Our manpower is too limited and every day they get better at avoiding us. Besides, the further we get from New Athens the more vulnerable we become."
Toso responded, "if we find a big concentration can the Israel really hit them? I've heard talk that a hit by the Israel would be mostly for show and we'd still have to go in on the ground."
Kevin nodded, "yes, it can hit them if we can find them; it certainly worked on the 4th. But unless they concentrate it's of limited effectiveness. A full-power hit would clear an area of 50 meters, but accuracy is only 30 meters or so, and now that we have only one ship the 5 minute recharge time leaves little chance of a second strike. So that means, to be really effective, following the strike we'd have to be ready to follow-up with the land forces."
Toso just nodded, saying nothing.
"But," Kevin added, after a moment, "since we haven't found a large concentration, at least one bigger than the 400-500 or so in this group of packs, the whole question is academic for
now. Even this group was too spread out to justify an Israel strike."
Both were silent for several moments before Lieutenant Toso commented, "wonder why we're supposed to hold here until noon?"
Kevin shrugged, "Lieutenant Kelso called earlier about something unexpected, but I can’t talk about it until it’s confirmed. He said to hold here until I got another call."
The discussion was interrupted by a call from one of the landrovers, "Captain, Colonel Gardner is on the horn and wants to talk to you right away."
July 21, Year 20, 8:00 AM
Sophie Gardner and Takai Maesaka were hunched over the table examining a photograph. Several members of their respective staffs were standing closely around the table viewing several other scattered photographs. Takai leaned back in his chair and looked speculatively at Colonel Gardner, "well, I guess we both know what that means." The photograph on the table, transmitted down from the Eretz Israel earlier in the day, showed an enlarged section of a high altitude view of a mountain valley, and in the center of the valley the faint letters SOS.
"Any idea how old it is?" Takai asked.
"Well," Sophie responded, "the same area was viewed about three weeks ago and the photo interpreter says it wasn't there then. That's how it was detected. The pattern recognition system picked up the discrepancy, otherwise with the normal scan magnification it's too faint to key in on."
Takai thought for a moment, "then whoever made it knows we've arrived and may still be around."
Sophie nodded, "which means we have to get to the valley and check it out as soon as possible."
Then Takai asked, "is it in range of our scoutplanes?"
"Not without refueling," Sophie responded, "it's close to 2,000 kilometers to the southeast and south of the river. I notified Captain Murphy when the pictures first arrived to return as soon as things were in order there; he should be here before noon. In his absence Lieutenant Kelso is working with Captain Meyer to develop a plan. It's almost his deadline; he promised to have the preliminary ready for this meeting."
As she finished speaking the door to the conference room opened and a middle aged officer entered and was motioned over to the table by Sophie. He set a file folder on the table and took a seat.
"You know Lieutenant Kelso, Captain Murphy's exec, I assume," she said, looking at Takai.
"Very well," Takai responded, nodding at Lieutenant Kelso, "how are you Lieutenant?"
"Fine, sir" Kelso responded.
"Well Lieutenant, what did you come up with?" Sophie asked, "is it possible?"
Lieutenant Kelso nodded, "marginally, with some risks."
Walking to the blackboard, he started to sketch out a rough map of the continent. Then, on another part of the blackboard he sketched out a more detailed view of the country near the location of the message. When he finished his drawings he picked up a pointer and stood in front of the blackboard, "here is New Athens, and here is the site of the message. The valley is fairly small but either a scoutplane or VLV could still land; but if there are survivors to pick up a VLV is preferable. Plus,” he added, “that provides room for an armed escort.”
“And your recommendation?" Colonel Gardner asked.
Kelso responded, "I talked to Captain Murphy this morning and he wants to lead the expedition himself. He should be here by late morning. Assuming its a go, the VLV we have here is being prepared, and Captain Murphy will use six of the troopers he has with him now; which would leave room for up to a dozen survivors. If he leaves by noon he should be able to complete the mission before dark. Alternately, if there are more survivors than that he thinks the six troopers gives him enough force to hold out until we could send support."
Sophie nodded.
Lieutenant Kelso continued, "also, Captain Murphy sent in his report on the current operation in the north. It's largely finished and is winding down in any case."
Sophie smiled, "very good, Lieutenant. Very good indeed. Takai, your thoughts? Any opinion?"
After a moment Takai responded, "no, except if we can get a mission to the valley and back before dark I think we should do it. If people are there they may be at risk from the Kraa or Torgai. But I'll leave the details in your hands; use the approach you think best."
Sophie nodded to Lieutenant Kelso as she got up, "come with me to my office," then nodding to the Governor, left the room.
Near the valley . . . .
The Kraa pack leader crouched on the top of the ridge hidden by the underbrush, moving her head from side to side, disturbed by the scent on the breeze that had changed direction a few minutes before. The members of her pack lay at rest near her. She shifted her position slightly to allow a better view across the small bowl-like valley. There was no mistaking the scent now; it was the odor of Torgai, but mixed with another more rancid smell she couldn't place. But while the valley floor was not fully visible it was clear to the sharp sense of smell of the Kraa pack leader that the source, faint in the valley itself, was fresh and not far away. From the direction of the breeze it was most likely from beyond the wooded ridge on the far side of the valley.
She thought for a moment, searching her memory for what she had seen before of the nearby terrain, then made up her mind. Rather than cross the valley and be seen, she would carefully lead her pack around the valley itself. While that would take most of the afternoon, in her long years she had learned patience.
Signaling the rest of her pack the leader slowly backed down from the ridge top and started at a slow trot through the light brush cover on the sheltered side of the ridge, followed by the others.
Late afternoon . . . .
As she lay flat in the clumps of weeds she could finally see them as, in single file, they climbed the slope into the ravine. It had taken most of the afternoon to reach this place, and she had been careful to stay down wind of where the Torgai appeared to be, and also away from the trail they were apparently in the habit of using. Among the half dozen Torgai was what could only be one of the flat-faces she had heard of; explaining the curious smell she had detected along with that of the Torgai. Apparently they were returning from a hunt, since two of the Torgai were carrying a fresh kill tied to a pole.
After making sure they were following the trail where she had distributed her pack she pulled back behind the ridge to also reposition herself. In a matter of minutes they were all in place, and waited in silence, without moving.
Nearby a short time later . . . .
Eric jumped to his feet as Jeff and one of the Torgai came running up the slope, leaping over logs and fallen brush. As they got to him Jeff dropped to his knees, panting for breath, as the Torgai stood behind him, barely winded. Eric grabbed Jeff's shoulders, "what's wrong?"
"Kraa," gasped Jeff, between gulps of air, "they got the rest of the hunters back there," he said pointing.
Eric turned to the Torgai standing behind Jeff, "how many are there? Can you guess?"
"Not many," the Torgai responded, "a small pack. But at least six."
"Only one pack?" Jeff asked questioningly, "are you sure?"
The Torgai responded, "they leaped on us from ambush, but if there were many they would have surrounded and attacked us all at once."
Ha crouched next to Eric and looked back at the wooded, rocky ravine from which Jeff and the remaining Torgai had emerged. The Kraa pack had followed until it reached the bottom of the ravine where it stopped and took a waiting stance, looking up at the Torgai on the top of the ridge.
"I see just four," Eric said, "you think there are six?"
Jeff responded, "I think we killed two."
Ha interjected, urgently, "it's too dangerous here, the Kraa can approach too close. If they get within leaping range before breaking cover our weapons will be worthless."
Eric thought for a moment, "you're right. Should we move down to the meadow?"
Ha thought a moment and signaled his agreement. Rising he led them slowly down the slope toward the valley below, moving cautiously to guard their r
ear, all with their spear throwers ready.
A distance away . . .
Specialist Kari Erickson banked the VLV slightly as she reduced altitude for a pass over the valley, Kevin in the copilot seat beside her. About 300 meters below and to the left the letters SOS stood out clearly against the valley floor, a gray-white pattern against the short grass which had turned a dirty brown. But Kevin's eyes weren't on the letters, but on the sparse brush which rimmed the open meadow.
"Make a couple of more passes before we land," Kevin said, "I want to make sure there aren't any Kraa or Torgai around."
Kari nodded and slowly circled the meadow, reducing altitude and speed as she went, before positioning the VLV in a fixed position at an altitude of about 50 meters to the side of the large SOS, slowing rotating to provide a full view of all sides. As the VLV rotated Kevin surveyed the brush line at the meadow edge with a pair of binoculars. The six troopers had put on their battle packs and readied their weapons to dismount as soon as the VLV dropped to the ground.
Kari touched Kevin's shoulder, pointing to the slope to the west just above the brush line. Moving the binoculars to that position a number of moving figures came into view, working their way down the slope in a tight group. Behind them, at a distance of about 30 meters, several more figures followed. As the group of figures broke from the brush line into the open Kevin called out, "both human, and Torgai." Then, as the following figures came into the open, Kevin called again, "pursued by Kraa. Get ready to dismount and set up a defensive perimeter."
As the VLV dropped rapidly to the ground, Kevin called to the troopers, "Steiner, you and one other stay aboard and give us air cover; four with me on the ground should be enough. As soon as you see us fire hit the Kraa with the lasers. Don't fire on the Torgai unless you see us do it. It looks like the Torgai and humans are together."
Resurrection: Book II: Settlement Chronicals Page 5
