Deep Space Intelligence : Complete Series

by Gary Weston

  Joy couldn’t help herself. She touched the top of his head. The feathery skin was surprisingly soft to touch. She had felt real silk, once. A teacher had brought a small piece into her class one day. An old fashioned teacher who didn’t just teach on-line, but actually met up with as many of her pupils as she could. And Joy loved her. Mrs Winterbottom. A big, jolly woman. Always exciting her students with new things.

  “I stole this,’ Mrs Winterbottom had said, a mischievous grin on her lips and a mirthful chuckle that made several of her chins wobble. “It is called silk. Who would like to touch it? Of course. Joy Dainty. Here. Just let your fingertips experience this. There. Isn’t that the most exquisite thing you ever touched in your life? Imagine rich women having dresses in a dozen different colours made of this. How totally and deliciously extravagant. What would one give? Now. Miss Dainty. Would you believe this was made by a worm? It’s true. The silkworm. So. What is the lesson here? The real lesson. Things of beauty often come from unlikely places. Do not be dismissive of things from unlikely places. Class dismissed.”

  ‘Do not be dismissive of things from unlikely places.’ Joy looked into the black eyes. ‘I think you’re a kid. Sure. A damn big kid who could kill me if you were unchained. Would you kill me?’

  Regnad had a strange uncomfortable feeling of bananas. Never again. What was that all about? He looked at this strange creature, so ugly, nothing like his mother, and yet, so much like her. He wanted to kill her and all of her kind. If his hands were free would he take her puny body, rip it to pieces with his claws? He did not know.

  ‘I’m going to do something radical, here,’ said Joy. ‘Possibly get myself killed for this. I’m going to remove these chains. Yes. These things. Please don’t kill me.’

  Joy unlocked the chains and they fell to the ground with a great clanging sound. Regnad saw that his hands were free. He roared, and Joy fell back, fearful now. Regnad threw the chains aside and stood up, roaring with the freedom.

  ‘Play nice,’ said Joy. ‘Come on. This way.’

  Outside they went, and those on the central path, ran for cover when the monster came out.

  ‘They’re a bit nervous of you. You. Big. Blue. Claws. Come with me.’

  Together they walked along central path. People ran out of the way when Regnad roared at them. They had almost reached the path that led the way into the jungle and to the hole. Commanders Carver and Vickers and John Nightly in a clean shirt, sporting a dressing on his arm, ran out and Regnad reared up and roared his loudest.

  ‘Joy?’ said Carver, stepping back nervously.

  ‘This boy is going home. Care to argue with us?’

  ‘Who said for you to do this?’ said Vickers.

  ‘Feminine intuition. Got the gonads to argue with that?’

  Carver said, ‘I tried that once. It hurt.’

  ‘So back off. You. Blue boy. Don’t eat them. Give you the shits.’

  Regnad gave a pretentious roar and followed Joy into the jungle. Men were there, but vanished at the sight of Regnad.

  ‘Ok. That hole takes you home. You know that. Go. Go home. If you see the man I love on your travels, please don’t eat him, ok?’

  Regnad stared at the ugly creature. She had given him his freedom. Why was she so like his mother? He came here to kill her kind. So small. He could kill her with a single blow of his hand, rip her to pieces with his claws. Just one blow. She stood there, unafraid, looking up at him. His mighty chest filled with the frustration of so wanting to kill, and he bellowed out his anger. Yet this repulsive creature before him did not flinch.

  ‘Go home, now. Off to Mom. Go. Shooo.’

  Regnad dropped down. He sniffed her. She had given him water. She had set him free. His huge clawed hand reached out but she did not back away in fear of him. He stroked her hair. She took his hand in her hand, gently rubbed the two claws with her fingertips, kissed the palm of his hand, then let him go.

  ‘I should hate you, but I don’t. Go. Find Mum.’

  Regnad found the rope and grasped that. He climbed into the hole, paused, looked at the ugly creature and then he was gone.

  Chapter 43

  Korvalians had never needed weapons. When they had lived on the surface, they were the biggest creatures and none of the small predators dared to take them on. Korvalians were also the cleverest and had capable scientists and engineers. For warlike beings, advancement often came about due to the desire to create more efficient ways of killing each other. Korvalians never had that incentive, therefore development was limited in comparison with beings on other worlds, who had made killing machines and devices.

  The others had also found the desire to travel amongst the stars irresistible, whereas for the Korvalians, the stars were merely heavenly decorations, to be marvelled and studied. The concept of actually flying to explore them, hardly got beyond the philosophical. So, when the perceived need to build a weapon to defend their planet from the plundering visitors arose, it had been hotly debated.

  Killing anything, other than in self-defence, was not in their nature. It also had made little sense to risk their lives in mass combat. It was therefore decided that in typical Korvalian fashion, a deadly and efficient single weapon would be made to rid their planet of the raiders from another world.

  The engineering building was one of the larger ones and lay on the edge of the city, close to one of the waterfalls and a hydro-generator run by a waterfall for electricity. Principal Reskun LaH’vot led the way inside. The smell of hot metal filled the air.

  ‘I knew it,’ said Norton. ‘They’re gonna torture us.’

  ‘Shut it, Norton,’ said Raven.

  Several projects were happening at once in different parts of the huge room. The hot metal smell was coming from one corner where farming tools were being fashioned. The one doing the welding looked briefly in their direction, then continued working. This was not what LaH’vot had brought the visitors to see. Behind a screen were two who were working on something far more sophisticated than hoes and shovels.

  ‘Now that looks interesting,’ said Hanson.

  On the work platform was a silvery ball, about two feet in diameter. Parts of the surface were metallic, other parts were of some transparent material. Through that could be seen a mass of circuitry, and some components were flashing with green and red lights.

  LaH’vat spoke to one of the scientists. ‘How close is this to completion?’

  ‘Just a few more parts to assemble and fit, Principal LaH’vot,’ replied one. ‘Perhaps two more days.’

  ‘Good. I wish for these beings to understand what this is and what it will do.’

  The scientists looked at the Humans and wondered how limited their intelligence was. Then, one scientist pointed at a metal ring which seemed to be suspended unsupported in mid-air. He touched a sensor and a three-dimensional holographic image appeared. It showed a diagram of the parts that were used in the device. The individual items joined together to form the whole of the ball which was on the platform.

  Another wave at the sensor and the image changed.

  ‘That’s Nyzon Five,’ said Hanson. ‘And there. The Base.’

  The scientist pointed at the silver ball, then the image of the planet. There was a flash and then they could see the Base, or what was left of it.

  ‘Oh, crap,’ said Norton. ‘That thing is some kind of a bomb. They’re going to wipe us out.’

  ‘So why are they telling us?’ said Miller.

  Raven said, ‘So we can warn the others. They want us gone, otherwise they use the bomb.’

  ‘Not if I have anything to do with it,’ said Norton.

  Norton lunged for the bomb and grabbed it, turned, raised it above his head and hurled it. Miller dived high and caught it before it hit the ground, and Raven smashed his fist hard into Norton’s face. Norton sagged to his knees, blood running through his fingers.

  ‘You fool,’ said Hanson. ‘You could have killed all of us.’

  Norton looked
up through bloody fingers. ‘I’d have given my life to kill these creatures. You’ve sentenced our people to death.’

  Miller handed the bomb to one of the scientists who carefully placed it on the work platform.

  Looking at LaH’vot, the scientist said, ‘A good thing it isn’t ready to go off.’ Of course, the Humans couldn’t understand his words.

  ‘Get this thing finished,’ said LaH’vot. He gestured for the Humans to follow him outside, which they did. ‘Go,’ he said, pointing to the entrance to the tunnels.

  ‘We don’t need telling twice,’ said Raven.

  As they made their way through the city to the tunnels, it seemed every Korvalian was staring at them. They reached the path that led to the tunnels.

  Chapter 44

  Regnad was still feeling queasy and had vomited twice during the first half hour of walking in the tunnel. Obviously, the visitors were immune to the poisonous fruit they grew. He longed to get back to his family. He knew his mother would scold him but would also take care of him. He thought about the ugly creature who had set him free. Why had she, for he was sure it was a female, had let him go? He had heard Council Member Ginkolo ChuN’res talk of how evil the visitors were. They were scavengers who stripped planets clean, leaving them useless rocks.

  It was she who had badgered the council into making the tunnel under their home and so they had. It had been one of her spies who had risked going into their home and having been seen, reacted instinctively. He had slashed their garments and smeared the food of the beetles on their flesh. This was done as a distraction to allow him to escape, not realising how weak the visitors were. That the bugs could pierce their skin and devour them, had shocked the spy.

  When hearing of this, Ginkolo ChuN’res had been delighted. “See?” She had told the council. “We can defeat them. One by one we can let the beetles do our killing for us.”

  Principal Reskun LaH’vot had argued against this. “They have not attacked us.”

  “Only because they are unaware of us,” said ChuN’res. “When they do become aware, they will attack us.”

  The council was divided. A compromise was required. LaH’vot said, “Should these visitors keep plundering our resources, we shall decide what to do. We shall send them a clear warning. Let them be sure we know how to kill them. They will surely leave.”

  ChuN’res said, “How typical. That will only make the situation worse. We should kill them before they destroy our world.”

  It was put to the vote. LaH’vot had the numbers. A few were killed as a warning. Still the visitors did not leave. More debate. Then, the visitors found their tunnels, saw their city. Regnad remembered his sister, who had seen the danger of their city being discovered by the visitors. Unarmed, brave Migoka had fought fearlessly against five visitors with weapons and had paid the price with her life.

  As his stomachs growled painfully, his anger once more filled his mind. He had been soft. He could have killed. Should have killed. He vomited again. As his head cleared, he could see lights ahead, the lights of the visitors and his blood once more raced with the need for revenge!

  Chapter 45

  Larlso HoL’tor approached Principal Reskun LaH’vot. ‘My son Regnad. He is still missing. We fear for him.’

  LaH’vot had almost forgotten. ‘Of course. You say you have searched the whole city?’

  ‘Yes. Three times. Regnad was so angry. He spoke of revenge.’

  ‘I am aware of your son’s anger. The loss of his sister, your daughter. You think he went above?’

  ‘Yes. That is our concern.’

  ‘We shall search the tunnels for him.’

  LaH’vot led the HoL’tor family and extended family and several volunteers to search the tunnels. Even Ginkolo ChuN’res showed a willingness to help, walking with the mother. They came to the T junction where the tunnel to the Base branched away from the river. LaH’vot considered this.

  ‘If Regnad indeed was intent on revenge, he would surely take the new tunnel to the visitors.’

  Larlso HoL’tor agreed, so they took the new tunnel.

  * * *

  Charlie Norton had walked behind the others, knowing their feelings about him. His nose hurt like hell and he had trouble breathing. But surely he was a hero. He had seen the opportunity to destroy the city and the hideous monsters who lived in it. Damn Miller for catching that bomb. Damn Raven for hitting him. Whose side were they on, anyway?

  Norton was thinking all these dark thoughts, when ahead of them, lit up in the beams of their lamps, one of the monsters appeared. The men stopped walking and stared at the creature. It was still coming towards them, slowly, with a lumbering gate.

  ‘And we have no guns, thanks to you lot,’ snarled Norton.

  ‘Quiet, Norton,’ said Raven.

  ‘Hey. You don’t get to tell me what to do, Raven.’

  They stood and watched the Korvalian approach them.

  ‘This isn’t like before,’ said Miller. ‘The others were fast. This thing looks ill.’

  Raven whispered, ‘Just keep still and quiet.’

  Regnad got within twenty feet of the men, swaying as he walked. He growled softly, vomit dripping from his mouth. He reared up high, his fists clenched, the claws ready to defend himself. Then he rocked back and forth and collapsed. The men cautiously approached it.

  Peering from behind the others, Norton said, ‘That thing is disgusting. Is it dead?’

  Raven said, ‘Not much we can do about it either way. Come on. Let’s get out of here.’

  As they stepped around the fallen creature, Norton kicked it hard and Regnad groaned in pain and Norton kicked him again. Raven grabbed Norton.

  ‘What is it with you? Get going and don’t do anything else stupid.’

  Hanson said, ‘Listen. Behind us.’

  From down the tunnel, following them they could hear the Korvalians. Their helmet-lights shone on them and they saw the huge shapes getting closer.

  ‘This isn’t going to look good, him lying here like this,’ said Hanson.

  ‘Agreed,’ said Raven. ‘Move it and fast.’

  This time it was Norton in front, finding a surprising speed of foot. They expected the Korvalians to be chasing them, and were relieved when they didn’t.

  * * *

  Larlso HoL’tor wept at the sight of her son. ‘Regnad. My Regnad. How, my son? Not you, too?’

  Ginkolo ChuN’res pointed up the tunnel as the lights vanished in the distance. ‘They did this. They did this to a child. Those evil monsters.’

  ‘Wait,’ said Larlso. ‘Regnad lives. My son, he is alive.’

  ‘Only just,’ said LaH’vot. ‘We must get him to the hospital and quickly.’

  As Regnad’s limp body was lifted off the ground, ChuN’res sneered, ‘Happy now, LaH’vot? Another of us falls victim to those monsters. It is time we ended this once and for all.’

  ‘Not now, ChuN’res. This is not the time or place.’

  They hurried along the tunnel, desperate to save the boy.

  Chapter 46

  Joy Dainty threw her arms about Raven and planted kisses on his face. ‘I thought I’d lost you.’

  Norton growled, ‘Thanks to your boyfriend here, we almost all got killed.’

  ‘Get lost, Norton,’ snapped Raven.

  Norton skulked away, muttering obscenities about Raven.

  ‘What happened down there,’ Commander Carver demanded, ‘And what happened to Norton’s face?’

  ‘I hit him,’ said Raven.

  Miller said, ‘He had it coming. Commander. There’s a lot you need to know about.’

  ‘Ok. But I only need one of you for that. You all look done in, not to mention you all stink of sweat. Raven. I’ll risk the smell of you if you’re up to telling me the abridged version. Are you up to it?’

  ‘Only just. A beer would help.’

  Miller took Vorlin home, to make sure he was ok. Raven, Joy, Vickers and Carver sat together, a hurried feed and two beers
for Raven as he told them all he could.

  ‘Do you think they really plan to use that bomb?’ Vickers asked.

  Raven shook his head. ‘Not just yet. I’m pretty sure they let us go so we could tell you about it. Call it a farewell gift.’

  ‘We can’t leave until the cargo ships get here,’ said Vickers. ‘That’s just the way it is.’

  Raven said, ‘We may not be given the opportunity to live long enough for the ships to get here. While we were heading back along the tunnel, we came across one of their kind. It was ill, maybe dying.’

  ‘Oh, no,’ gasped Joy. ‘That poor kid.’

  ‘What?’ said Raven.

  ‘One of them came here,’ said Joy. ‘He was ill. I think he got crook eating our food. The fruit off the trees.’

  ‘And he got away?’ said Raven.

  Carver said, ‘This young woman decided he should go home to his mother, bless her.’

  ‘Jeez,’ said Raven. ‘Well, it stands a damn good chance they’ll think we killed him. And if that’s the case, the bomb might become more than just a threat to us. Cheers.’

  Chapter 47

  ‘Did the boy awake at all?’ Doctor TuD’nim asked.

  ‘No,’ said Larlso HoL’tor. ‘What have those monsters done to my son?’

  The doctor said, ‘You must all leave. I’ll do all I can for the boy.’

  ‘Please save my son, Doctor TuD’nim.’

  ‘I will try.’

  Outside, others waited for news.

  ‘Larlso?’ LaH’vot asked, softly.

  ‘The doctor doesn’t know,’ she replied, tearfully.

  Ginkolo ChuN’res went to her side. ‘All our thoughts are with your son and your family, Larlso.’

  ‘He was just a boy. Could they not see that? How many more? How Many more?’

  ChuN’res glared at LaH’vot. ‘Indeed, Principal LaH’vot. How many more of our children must die at the hands of these evil barbarians? When are we going to act, LaH’vot?’

  LaH’vot had no answer for them. His own hearts ached for the anguish of Larlso, who had lost a daughter, and now the life of her son hung in the balance. He walked away, heading to the engineering building. The scientists were at work on the bomb.