Transient Echoes

by J. N. Chaney

  John nodded. The doctor had given him a sleeve of cookies and told him to eat. He was surprised, but didn’t ask questions. Food was food, and he wouldn’t complain, especially not about free cookies.

  The transfusion was supposed to take approximately two hours. Tabata repeatedly checked Mei’s vitals and asked John how he felt. He said he was fine each time, but the words were slowly becoming a lie.

  He decided it was better not to mention the fog forming in his head. He was no stranger to blood loss. He’d been stabbed and injured in the field several times, so he knew perfectly well how far his body could go before it gave out. Tabata was a doctor, though, and he’d probably stop the procedure if he suspected John felt sour. Better to shut up and deal, thought John, remembering the phrase Captain Thistle had often used. Shut up and deal, son. Ain’t no sense in complaining when the world’s all gone to Hell.

  Ain’t that the truth? You always know what to say, boss.

  Strap on your stick, and let’s go a-killin’. Hooah?

  Hooah, boss.

  John glanced at Mei. She was fast asleep, completely unaware of what he was doing. It was probably for the best. She’d call him an idiot for this and say he was being reckless.

  Maybe she’d be right. Good thing I’m too dumb to know better.

  His tongue felt numb, and he smacked his lips. He took one of the cookies and bit into it, chewing for a few seconds before the crumbs fell out of his mouth.

  Tabata noticed his sloppiness and spoke up. “Lieutenant Finn?”

  John didn’t answer. He was getting sleepy.

  The doctor snapped his fingers in front of John’s face. “Lieutenant? Can you hear me? I’m disconnecting you from the device.”

  John tried to tell him not to do it, to keep this ride going because it was important. He knew where his limits were. But when he tried to say it, the only thing he could do was moan.

  Then he passed out.

  ******

  John awoke in the back of Mei’s tent, an I.V. in his arm. When everything came into focus, he saw Bart, Zoe, and Doctor Tabata staring at him.

  “You moron,” said Zoe.

  John blinked a few times, opening and popping his jaw. “What did I do?”

  “What was your big plan?” she asked. “You give all your moron blood to Doctor Curie so she gets as stupid as you?”

  “Wouldn’t be my worst idea,” he said, trying to force a smile.

  Zoe threw her hands up, exasperated, and went to Mei’s bedside.

  “Don’t mind her,” said Bart. “She’s upset for other reasons.”

  John understood. Travis hadn’t been dead for more than a few days, so she was bound to be a little on edge. “What’s the diagnosis?” he asked.

  “You’ll be fine,” said Tabata.

  “I meant Mei,” he said.

  “We won’t know for a while, but I’ll tell you when I do.”

  “Thanks, Doc. You’re a lifesaver. Literally.”

  Tabata nodded and walked away, taking a seat next to Mei’s bed.

  “How you feeling?” asked Bart.

  “Like someone hit me in the head with a pipe,” said John.

  “Yeah, you look like it.”

  “Thanks, buddy. Don’t you have some work to do?”

  Bart shrugged. “I’m taking a break.”

  “Sounds like slacking to me.”

  “Says the guy in the bed.” Bart leaned in. “Seriously, you okay?”

  “No need to worry.”

  “Good,” said Bart, smiling. “On the plus side, I’m making some solid progress with those coils. By the time Curie gets back on her feet, I might have something to show her.”

  “What about the radiation?” asked John.

  “Oh, uh, Sophie’s in charge of the radiation problem.”

  “Right, sorry,” said John. “I forgot.”

  “No problem. Your head must still be fogged up.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Alright,” said Bart. “I gotta get back. Feel better.” He left the tent, and Zoe followed him. John turned to his side and closed his eyes. When he opened them, the daylight was gone and the tent was completely dark. Everyone had left.

  Except Mei. She was still in the bed on the other side of the room. John sat up and twisted his feet around, touching the floor. He clumsily pushed himself off the bed and stumbled toward Mei’s side. When he found her bed, he eased himself onto it, sitting beside her waist.

  She was fast asleep and breathing steadily. He watched silently, expecting her to open those gorgeous brown eyes at any moment and tell him everything was fine. She’d call him an idiot for the blood thing and he’d say she was a dork, and then they’d lie together and laugh about how silly the world could be.

  He smiled and brushed her palm. She was so beautiful, but not for the usual reasons. She would never look like the girls in those old movies, covered in glamour and defined by her curves. Instead, it was her mind, her ideas, and her strength that set her apart. She was the girl who never gave up, who always had to understand the truth and get to the heart of things. She never asked for his protection, never cared for girly things. There was no shame in her, not for who she was or where she came from. She was beautiful for her brilliance, for the way she saw the world.

  She was beautiful because she loved him.

  He wondered when she would wake. Perhaps tomorrow? The day after? If things didn’t improve, would they have to move her to Komodo? Was she ever going to get out of this bed? He didn’t know if he could do this without her.

  He trembled at the very idea, and after a moment, his face grew warm, and he wept. The tears dripped onto Mei’s waist, and he tried fruitlessly to wipe them from her sheet with his hands.

  She was his best friend and the love of his life, and while he’d told her as much on multiple occasions, it never felt like enough.

  Chapter 9

  Ortego Outpost File Logs

  Play Audio File 351

  Recorded: April 24, 2350

  THISTLE: Thanks for getting back to me, Doc.

  TABATA: Certainly, Captain. What can I do for you?

  THISTLE: I need you to update me with the status of the Ortego Research Outpost and its crew. We’ve been receiving conflicting reports.

  TABATA: Wouldn’t you prefer to speak with Lieutenant Finn? He’s been here longer than I have. Besides, I understand you know him.

  THISTLE: I had a call with Finn this morning. He’s mentally fried. Kid tells me it’s nothing, but I’m no idiot. I know my man well enough to see when something’s got him by the ear.

  TABATA: And the other researchers? I imagine one of them would—

  THISTLE: You said it yourself. You’re new, and you don’t know these people. It makes you more impartial to what’s going on.

  TABATA: I see. Alright, how can I assist you?

  THISTLE: First, what’s happening with Doctor Curie? No one’s been able to reach her, but everyone’s saying she’s fine.

  TABATA: I’m afraid the young woman has taken ill. Rest assured, though, it is nothing serious.

  THISTLE: You mean she’s sick? That’s all?

  TABATA: A slight flu. She’s prone to overworking herself, so I’ve restricted her from making any calls or performing any stressful tasks. I apologize for the confusion.

  THISTLE: Why didn’t anyone report this?

  TABATA: From what I have seen, Doctor Curie elicits a great deal of respect from her subordinates. They likely didn’t want to arouse any concern.

  THISTLE: I understand, but they need to stick to protocol. It’s there for a reason.

  TABATA: Certainly.

  THISTLE: Is this why Finn’s so out of it? His girlfriend’s sick?

  TABATA: I’m afraid I wouldn’t know anything about that. I spend the bulk of my time studying animals and reading medical papers. I’ve hardly the time for gossip.

  End Audio File


  Unknown

  April 24, 2350

  Terry was relieved and exhausted all at once. On one hand, he no longer heard the sounds of his pursuers trailing behind him. On the other, he could barely keep his eyes open, and half of his body felt numb.

  He’d been running for nearly two days toward the north. Along the way he passed through three forests and five fields without any sign of his former captors. As far as he could tell, they’d long since stopped looking for him.

  He let himself rest. Hopefully, this time he wouldn’t wake to find a bunch of aliens laughing and poking him. Fingers crossed.

  After four or five hours—he wasn’t quite sure—he opened his eyes and felt a swell of relief when he saw no one there. He concentrated and listened, waiting for any indication of the strange men, but he could only hear the forest. At last, he was finally safe.

  He got to his feet and continued walking, not knowing what to do next. If he returned to the glade with the dome, he might get caught again. If he abandoned his new home, it would mean losing an easy source of food. Would he have to go back to sleeping in caves or the dirt while trying to survive? He’d almost starved a few times before, and he wasn’t apt to repeat the experience.

  There was also the underground city and the ring inside. If he walked away, he’d have to give up on discovering its secrets.

  Don’t do it, said Janice, deep in the back of his mind. She’d been quiet for so long he’d almost forgotten she was there. They’ll catch you, big brother. They’ll catch you, and you’ll die.

  He ignored her, though she had a point. Maybe it was better to keep going north. Find some food, rest a few days. After a while, he could always return. They’d only spotted him because of the beavermites. The next time he’d stay hidden. Maybe live in the tunnels instead of the dome. They’d never find him there.

  In the meantime, he could explore more of the countryside and hopefully get some food along the way. Maybe even a bath. Terry had never traveled more than a few days in any direction. He had no idea what to expect.

  The possibility of danger and death were suddenly so very real. For the first time in three years, he had discovered a threat beyond any animal.

  He had found intelligent life.

  ******

  Unknown

  April 25, 2350

  In the afternoon of the third day of his aimless journey, Terry came upon a path deep in the heart of the woods.

  The winding trail came from the northeast and continued southwest. His first thought was to leave it altogether. If those strangers were any indication of what the people on this planet were like, he wasn’t sure he wanted to meet any others. At the same time, following this path might reveal something important, like the location of a town. If he knew where it was, he could avoid it in the future.

  Bad idea, said Janice.

  Terry didn’t think so. He could follow the path from a distance. Stay hidden in the woods. If anyone were nearby, he’d hear them coming and hide. He’d be fine.

  Terry put about two hundred meters between himself and the road. This seemed like enough space in case something happened, and he had to run.

  He walked carefully through the woods, minding the direction of the path and keeping his distance. Over the next several hours, Terry noticed a change in the air, a different smell beneath the Variant. Almost like saltwater.

  The winding road led him out of the forest and into a valley, a wide alluvial plain stretching several kilometers. On the other side, tall cliffs surrounded the expanse. Between the ridges, far to the north, Terry saw an ocean, thousands of waves dancing to the direction of the wind. He could hear them crashing on the shore.

  He never dreamed of seeing such a thing.

  He heard a sudden laugh, and his eyes receded from the water to the vale. He looked toward the sound and saw what lay at the end of the road. A large building, surrounded by a fence and fields of agriculture—tall plants, lined like the orchard from before, maintained and organized.

  Near the fence, a child threw rocks into the air and giggled. He had the face of a boy.

  Terry stared toward the farm with anxious curiosity. He was also starving. It had been days since he last ate. If he could sneak in during the night, he might be able to steal some food.

  The child raised his head and looked in Terry’s direction. He stood there, gawking and unmoving. Then he waved.

  He wants to play, said Janice.

  Dammit. He was spotted. The parents wouldn’t take kindly to a stranger near their home. They might see him as a threat. He had already experienced the pain and frustration of dealing with the natives on this planet. He could do without a repeat encounter.

  But the boy was smiling now and calling to him. He wasn’t hostile or screaming. There was no indication of fear or rage. But he was only a kid. Adults were always different.

  Adults did terrible things to children.

  No, he wouldn’t trust them. He’d leave and not come back. There had to be food elsewhere. The cliffs in the distance were another option, but they were at least an hour’s hike from the farm. Could he make it there without being caught?

  Terry ran back inside the forest behind him, hiding under a large tree. He shot another glance at the farm, looking for the boy. He was gone, but to where? Was he getting his parents?

  The door to the house swung open, and a thick man appeared wearing a set of brick red clothes. His hair was black and fell well below his shoulders close to his waist and tied in a series of knots, laced with intricate design patterns. He left the house and stepped into the meters, scanning the fields. His eyes found Terry almost immediately.

  Shit, he thought. Hiding behind the tree had done nothing. These people must have incredible eyesight. Just like me.

  The man walked briskly toward him, waving an arm and smiling as he did. It would take some time before he arrived. The farm was over half a kilometer away. Terry could run and get away. He still had time.

  Leave, whispered Janice. Leave. Leave. Leave.

  He looked at the ocean, considering his options. He took a step back toward the woods, wavering a moment. The stranger’s eyes arched. He began to jog, waving his arm in the air. “Boec!” shouted the stranger. “Boec o jajilc!”

  He’s going to kill us, whispered the girl in his brain.

  Terry shook his head. There’s only one of him.

  It’s too risky, she argued.

  He knew she was right. Terry barely understood anything about this planet or its native people. So far he’d seen their violence and temperament. Staying here was risking more of the same. But if he ran, it would mean living alone in the wilderness, living in a state of—

  Freedom, said Janice.

  Isolation, he corrected, and he knew it was true. If he ran now, he’d never stop. He’d die in the woods or on a mountain, alone or with a dozen voices screaming in his head. He wouldn’t last, not for long, and in the end, he’d crack and do the thing he said he’d never do.

  Or he could stay…try the other path. What if—

  A loud roar erupted behind him, filling the silent field and shaking his chest. Terry twisted around, but found nothing there. He stepped from the tree and into the glade. “What the hell was that?” he asked.

  “Boec!” yelled the man, who was now running in a full sprint. “Boec! Boec!”

  Another roar this time, high-pitched and violent. In the forest, a tree suddenly twitched. A moment later, a second one shook, and another. Something must be moving between the branches, he thought.

  Terry felt for his knife but cursed when he remembered how the four men had taken it.

  Whatever the hell was in those trees let out another cry, and Terry took another step into the field. He searched the branches for the animal, but found only a vague fluttering of leaves. He watched as the shaking grew closer, one tree at a time.

  Terry concentrated and squeezed his hands, breathing rapidly. His chest g
rew warm as his heartbeat skyrocketed. The muscles in his arms and legs tensed. The man behind him continued screaming, but Terry ignored him. Instead, he focused on the leaves, slowing them in his mind and waiting for whatever came.

  He blinked.

  The leaves burst open, scattering in the air, and a pair of white claws shot toward him with the speed of a bullet.

  He dove to one side, barely escaping the attack. The animal hit the ground on its hind legs and bounced a few times, finally digging its massive claws into the dirt to right itself.

  The creature was nearly two meters tall, a coat of white encasing most of its body, with a thick tail as long as the distance between its face and hips. It snarled at him, revealing a set of yellow, jagged teeth.

  Great, thought Terry.

  The beast leapt at him, claws outstretched like daggers. Terry ducked and fell on his back, kicking the monster in the stomach and knocking it off balance. The animal let out a sharp yelp and landed a few meters away, tumbling in the grass. It wheezed, staring at Terry, drool leaking from its mouth. Sawing its claws against one another, the animal planted its heels and sprang into the air.

  Terry slowed his perception and slid to the side. The beast’s claws came within a few centimeters of his chest. Terry kicked the beast in its ribs, knocking it to the side. He watched as the animal hit the grass and slid, squealing as the impact took the air out of its lungs.

  The beast struggled to stand, but kept its eyes on Terry. With a snap of its jaw, the animal roared, pressing its hind legs into the dirt, preparing for another go.

  As its feet left the ground, a small shard of metal pierced the monster’s neck, causing a spurt of blood into its white coat. The animal gasped for air, drowning in garbled screams before collapsing on its side, no longer moving.

  The stranger from the farm stood several meters away, another knife in hand, breathing heavily to catch his breath. He leaned on his knees, looked at the animal, and smiled. “Jaak,” he said after a few more heavy breaths.

  Terry gave a slow nod, staring at the blade in the man’s hand.

  The stranger seemed to notice his concern and tucked the knife in a scabbard on his thigh. He held both his hands in the air. “Wnaaq,” he said, pointing at Terry.