by S A Pavli
“Put us on line,” Santol said to Hamolatonen.
“Are you sure?” asked the Captain. “They will say you are Dansai.”
“We have no choice. If we don‘t show ourselves, they will suspect the same.”
Hamolatonen scowled but instructed Colrania to make the necessary communications changes. A view of the Settang bridge appeared on the 3D. The Cypraeans positioned themselves in the foreground. Hamolatonen nodded to Colrania and she whispered into her comm. It was a couple of minutes before the response came, and it was peremptory.
“You are Dansai murderers. We do not fear you. This is our planet now.”
“There is something you must learn,” said Santol quickly. “We have a huge civilization and can crush you with ease. Do not make us use force.”
“Where is your huge civilization? As far as we can see, it is in ruins around us,” replied the Saraya.
Santol turned to Hamolatonen.
“Captain, I want you to catch the Sarayan ship before it gets to the hyperspace limit and destroy it. Use whatever…”
Admiral Deshi had been on line all the while monitoring proceedings. He interrupted Santol.
“Mister Santol, I have already explained that we cannot open hostilities.”
I have to confess that whilst I am not a coward, I did not share the Admirals willingness to die and sacrifice his men in the line of duty. I contacted Hamolatonen on the Settangs private officers channel.
“Captain, it’s me Paul. The Admiral seems hell bent on death or glory. What shall we do?”
“Perhaps they will back down Paul.”
“No, they will destroy the Atlantis just to prove they are in command.”
“Surely not?”
“You are in command of the Settang and not bound by the Admirals orders. Make your own choice.”
“Right Paul. Your comments are noted.”
Meanwhile the altercation between the Admiral and the Cypraeans was becoming heated. The Admiral was either convinced they would not sacrifice one of his ships, or stubbornly prepared to die in the line of duty rather than break the law.
“Gentlemen. I am prepared to use the Settang to intercept the Saraya ship and use just enough force to disable them. Is that acceptable mister Santol.”
“It is Captain.”
“Admiral?”
“It is your decision Captain. You will be answerable to your superiors for your actions.”
“Then let us proceed.”
I saw Jana looking at me speculatively. She had noticed the conversation between me and the Captain. She caught my eye and gave me an intimate smile. Oh dear! Does she now suspect that I am on her side? That may be a useful fiction as Alfred suggested. I gave her a small conspiratorial smile.
It was decided that the Earth ships would maintain their current position while the Settang set of in hot pursuit of the lone Saraya ship. We were outside the planets hyperspace limit so we could use our hyperspace drive. We jumped to a point ahead of the fleeing Saraya ship. It was still a million miles from the H limit which gave us time to intercept them before they reached it.
We did not want to get into an exchange of missiles. A lone cloaked fighter was released which accelerated towards the Saraya ship then released a fast missile. The closing velocity was so high the Saraya ship did not have the means to intercept it. It exploded on the rear of the ship, destroying its propulsion and power generation systems. There must have been some casualties, but we hoped they would be minimal. They should still have battery emergency power which would allow them to radio their position and be rescued.
We closed in on the crippled ship and transmitted pictures back to the Saraya as proof.
“This is evidence to you that we are not Dansai.” Santol transmitted the message to the Saraya on planet with the photographic evidence. “Could the Dansai have disabled your ship so easily?”
The response took some time to come back. The 3D lit up to display a group of Saraya stood in a large room full of consoles and electronic equipment. One individual stepped forward. There was a slender elegance about its body and movement and the face lacked the fierceness of the others we had seen. The jaw was smaller and the cheekbones higher. I guessed it must be female. When it spoke, the voice was higher pitched and melodic.
“Are you truly Engineers?” she asked. “We thought you were a myth from the past until we discovered this planet.”
“We are no myth,” said Santol. “This planet is our ancestral home. It was abandoned hundreds of thousands of years ago because of extreme climate change. In fact it is now in a more benign phase and the climate is less extreme, but that will change.”
“Yes, it is what we thought,” said the same speaker eagerly. “My name is Arane and I am the head of the scientific expedition here. My colleague here…” She indicated a taller figure next to her, one which I took to be more obviously male. “Captain Tratsa is the leader of our military contingent.”
Tratsa stepped forward to speak in a loud more guttural tone.
“There was an incident recently when an alien ship was intercepted. They also claimed not to be Dansai. Are you the same ship?”
Santol was thrown and looked at Hamolatonen, shaking his head.
“Yes, this is the same ship,” said Hamolatonen.
“But we have been joined by others,” said Santol, before the Captain could say more.
I was impressed by Santol’s quick thinking.
“Why have you returned after all this time?” asked Arane.
“We shall reveal our intentions in time,” said Santol. “For now we ask you to evacuate this planet and not to return.”
“We are saddened to leave,” said Arane. “There is much that is interesting here. Archaeologically that is.” She looked at Captain Tratsa when she said that. He gave her what I took to be a warning look.
“You will leave all your findings behind,” said Santol firmly.
“They have only scientific value,” protested Arane.
“We do not have the means to examine everything. Therefore, you cannot take anything.”
“I have some beautiful art work…” she began.
“Nothing,” Santol interrupted her curtly. Her head dropped. She looked dejected and I felt sorry for her. Then it occurred to me that if the Saraya could appreciate art and be devastated by its loss, then all was not bad with them. They were not devoid of the finer feelings.
“We have to rescue our colleagues in the Fena-Stren,” said Captain Tratsa. “The ship you attacked. They have limited air and power.”
“You may send a ship to evacuate them,” said Santol. But the ship must stay within the ’H’ limit. Use shuttle craft to evacuate them.”
Captain Tratsa inclined his head .
“I will dispatch one of our ships now,” he said.
“Good. Now tell me, how many individuals do you have here , on planet?” asked Santol.
“In all twelve sites, we have two hundred and sixty researchers and support staff,” replied Arane.
“Are you able to evacuate all of them in your remaining ships?” asked Santol.
“In three ships, yes. But in two, no. The air recycling systems cannot cope with that many individuals packed together.”
“Then take as many as you can. Gather those remaining at your largest site where we can keep an eye on them and send ships back to evacuate them.” Santol paused and looked fixedly at the 3D. “Do not return with military ships. Unarmed transports only, otherwise your people will die.”
The Saraya Captain grunted in disgust but inclined his head in reluctant agreement.
“Make sure your leaders understand the consequences of disobeying our instructions,” continued Santol “you, Arane, will remain behind. Choose who else will remain behind. Researchers only. No military.”
Chapter 25
The rescue of the crew of the stricken Fena-Stren proceeded without incident. We, that is the non-Cypraean contingent, were pleased that casualties
on the Saraya ship were minimal; a number of injuries and only two deaths.
We brought the Settang Despass into orbit but left the three Earth ships at a distance where they could be observed by the Saraya. The Cypraeans cunningly made sure that the Saraya could detect the ships, but could not be sure of their size. They hoped that the Saraya would assume that the other ships were the same as the impressive Settang.
We now had a close up view of the amazing orbital ring. It was an incredible structure, stretching thirty thousand miles around the planet, its silver iridescent surface reflecting the sun or the planetary surface, or the deep blackness of Space depending on the view angle. It was not, as we had speculated, another kind of habitat. It was too slender. It also had no windows or access into the interior. We speculated on its function but the Cypraeans did not enlighten us.
There were thirty six Sarayans which were to be left behind, all scientists under the leadership of Arane. The Cypraeans selected a team to go on planet to search the shuttles prior to departure. Lanatra/Jana was the leader of that team. In addition there was three of the ‘converted’ Cypraeans, twelve human crew, plus myself, Manera, and Cora, making eighteen altogether. In addition we had the protection of six of the soldier robots. And of course, the Cypraean robot which allowed Jana to be in contact with Santol and their booby trapped shuttle resting in the Settang’s bay.
Meanwhile, another team was put together to search the Saraya starships for contraband. All of our remaining fighters and soldier robots were pressed into service to support this. The Saraya starships were smaller than the Earth frigates, but still substantial in size and the job was significant. But the Cypraeans seemed determined that nothing valuable would be stolen from their planet. To me it seemed a case of closing the stable door long after the proverbial horse had bolted down the proverbial hill!
We de-orbited from the Settang in six fighters and arrived over the main Saraya Spaceport on the planet. There was a settlement in the distance where we could see vehicles ferrying passengers to the Saraya shuttles being prepared for take-off. Our job was to search the shuttles and ensure that no contraband would be taken by the departing Saraya. Our six fighters arrived over the settlement, doing a flyby to impress the natives, then flew to the Spaceport. The first three fighters landed to disgorge the robot soldiers. We could see the Saraya keeping well away. Our fighter was the next down. Jana went out first followed by the three Cypraeans and then myself, Manera and Cora. It seemed that Jana was determined to keep an eye on myself and Cora, come what may!
We stepped down from the fighter with the robot soldiers already in station around the square. A number of figures came out of the largest of the blocky buildings and came towards us. I recognised Arane at their head. They moved with an odd but fluid grace, their bodies slightly bent forward. The proportions of their bodies were different from us, legs longer with disproportionately large feet. Probably a hangover from their aquatic origins I thought. But close up, their faces had a surprising, if somewhat terrifying beauty, with jewelled eyes, iridescent green skin, high cheekbones and curved snouts. They wore close fitting shorts and jerkins with half length boots.
These are real aliens I thought. The temperature was high as was the humidity and I began to sweat immediately. Their clothing was definitely much more appropriate.
“You are different,” said Arane. “I see now that you are not Dansai. But you are related?”
She was right of course; the Dansai were taller than Humans or Hianja, with a slightly stooped physique and more pronounced facial features. Smart of her to notice though. But she was a scientist. Perhaps she had studied the Dansai?
“Yes. The Dansai are our relatives.” said Jana. “But so are the Saraya. We engineered your species two million years ago.”
Arane gasped, her muddy green eyes huge with disbelief.
“How can that be? We are quite different.”
“Not totally different,” said Jana. “If I give you a sample of my DNA you will find that a part of it is identical to yours.”
“It will not be believed without evidence,” she said.
Jana shrugged.
“It is a matter of indifference,” she said. “But we can provide the evidence. Firstly however, we will search each shuttle before it takes off.”
Arane nodded and pointed to a number of open vehicles.
“These will take you to the shuttles.”
And so began a long day under the hot sun. The Saraya shuttles were about the size of a small passenger aircraft, very similar to Earth shuttles. They had stubby wings and big powerful fusion ram jets. The engines worked as jets while in the atmosphere then switched to rocket operation outside the atmosphere. Their cargo compartments were substantial and we meticulously checked all items to ensure they contained only food and equipment.
Passengers arrived throughout the day, flying in from all over the planet. Each passenger was searched by our robot soldiers before boarding the shuttles. Some of the scientists had attempted to hide little items, small statues, artefacts and valuable gems, but these were discovered by the electronic detectors of the robots. They looked crestfallen when they were found out, and one female actually burst into tears when a tiny statue was found in her satchel.
At the same time, our colleagues in orbit were searching the Saraya starships. They found huge quantities of archaeological treasure, but also many bits of machinery, some large and complex. These were all moved to the gargantuan holds of the Settang. It was hard to tell but, by their demeanour and the tone of their voices, I guessed that the Saraya were seriously pissed at losing these items.
Late in the day, the Saraya starships were ready to depart and we gave them the go ahead. We re-boarded our cars and followed Arane to the buildings where the thirty six remaining Saraya would be housed until a ship returned to take them home. I was under the impression that we would all return to the Settang, but Jana had other ideas.
Arane showed us around the small complex of buildings which were just barracks to house the scientists in transit to the archaeological camps. I was asking myself why we cared and looking forward to returning to the Settang for a good bath, a meal and my favourite cocktail when Jana sprang her surprise.
“A small team will remain behind to ensure that the Saraya do not leave the Spaceport at any time,” she said. “Myself, my three colleagues…,” she indicated the three Cypraeans, “…Paul, Cora and three of the soldier robots.”
“I go where Paul goes,” said Manera firmly.
“That is not for you to say,” scowled Jana.
Manera stood and grabbed her shirt front, pulling her forcefully towards her and placing the barrel of her gun to her head.
“I think you will find that it is,” she said, her eyes blue balls of fire. Jana looked shocked and for a moment her arrogant demeanour totally deserted her.
“You can’t do this,” she gasped. “I will destroy all your ships.”
“And put yourself at the mercy of the Saraya? I think not,” said Manera.
“Jana,” I said hastily. “Manera is a scientist. She may be useful in talking to these Saraya, since they are also scientists.”
There was a standoff for a few moments while Jana considered this.
“All right,” she said, her voice strangled by Manera’s hold on her collar. “You can stay.”
Manera released her and received a poisonous look in return.
“Your devotion to each other is touching,” said Jana, her voice dripping sarcasm.
“We make a good team,” said Manera re-holstering her gun like an old fashioned gunslinger. I smiled at her admiringly and she winked back.
Arane was, meanwhile, looking on with amazement. Or at least, that was how I interpreted her expression; eyes wide and jaw gaping open. It seemed humanoid expressions throughout the Galaxy had much in common! She looked from one of us to the other, seemed about to say something, then changed her mind.
“The robots will keep watch,” sa
id Jana, getting back to business. “They have infra red vision and many surveillance aids. Be assured that they will detect anyone attempting to leave the perimeter.”
Well at least we can get a nights sleep I thought with relief.
“Cora, you can supervise the robots, since you do not sleep,” said Jana.
“I do sleep,” said Cora. We all looked at her in surprise. “It is a simulated sleep during which I amuse myself in a virtual world while my background processing takes place.”
“Ah. Is it essential for you to do this?” asked Jana.
“No. I do it occasionally as the need arises. Or when I want some entertainment.”
There was a shadow of a smile on Cora’s lush lips as she spoke. I wondered what sort of entertainment Cora amused herself with.
“But I can supervise the robots tonight,” she added.
“Good. Let’s eat,” I said. “I could eat a large animal of the equine species.” This earned me puzzled looks from everyone except Manera, who, being vegetarian, made a disgusted face. “Or … perhaps a salad,” I added, with resignation.
Our food had been unloaded by the robots and set up in one of the buildings in a rudimentary canteen, clearly used by the transient scientists. There were about a dozen Saraya eating there when we arrived and they all paused and looked up when we entered. The hum of conversation died. We had one of our robot soldiers with us as well as the large Cypraean robot, which was also armed. Dressed in military fatigues and heavily armed we must have appeared a fairly fearsome looking bunch and the Saraya scientists looked suitably cowed.
But with Arane leading the way we found our cache of supplies and began making ourselves at home. The hum of conversation resumed, with the Saraya casting cautious glances in our direction. Arane joined her colleagues, and began moving amongst them, pausing to talk. She was clearly explaining the situation and trying to set them at ease, which I heartily approved of. I wanted no heroics on anybody’s part which may lead to the shedding of blood. Particularly mine or my beloved Manera.
We all had a frugal meal. I suspected we could have all eaten more but the situation was so unusual and tense none of us had a huge appetite. Arane then led us to an adjoining smaller building and into what appeared to be a communal lounge with twenty or so comfortable sofas and armchairs and a larger screen on the wall. I also noticed a well stocked drinks cabinet and bar against one wall. Another thing that all species seem to have in common!
