* * *
Brian headed into the cave holding the rakna blade, looking tired, but better. He walked in and sat down next to Seles.
“It’s good you came back, I was getting worried,” said Seles as she sat up with sleepy eyes.
“I needed to think things over. I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s only been five days since this started. I needed to take it all in Seles,” he said.
“I‘m glad you‘re feeling better,” she said, gazing into his tired eyes. She blushed and turned away. “By the way, I noticed that you were reading about Kalaidian psychology and physiology. Is there a reason you’re so interested in that?”
“I didn’t realize our races were so close genetically, save size and how warm blooded we are. What’s concerning to me is I can’t find any pictures of male Kalaidians,” he said as he searched for the information on the scanner.
“All records of male Kalaidians were destroyed a hundred and forty years ago by the order of the Queen and eleven noble houses. All we have are their military records, technology, and of course, rakna blades,” she explained.
“So, you’ve never seen a picture of a Kalaidian male?” he asked.
Seles shook her head. “No. No one has for over a hundred and forty years. You’re the closest thing to a Kalaidian male my kind has ever seen.”
She crept closer and looked at his face. “Is there something wrong with your face?”
“Not that I know of,” he rubbed his face and laughed, “I haven’t shaved in a while, so this was bound to happen.”
“What’s that dark stuff on your face?” she asked.
“It’s called facial hair. It’s normal for a male human to grow it. I was clean shaven when I was taken and haven’t had the time or blade to fix the problem,” he said.
“Can I touch it?”
“Sure, I don’t mind.”
She put her hand on his face and felt its coarse texture. “It’s rougher than your other hair.” She lean back and rested against a rock. “I was wondering if you’re considered attractive for one of your race.”
He laughed. “Not especially. I’m about average. But I can’t be too sure. I was never a ladies man back on Earth. I’m shy, a little bit of a loner and never had much of a way with women.”
“Is that because you are Callun dayma?” she asked.
“I have no idea of Callun dayma is,” he said. “Could you translate that into a simpler form?”
“Callun dayma is what we call Kalaidians who fall in love. It’s a term roughly translating to lovers of the same.”
“Oh, I get it. No, I’m attracted to females, not other males,” Brian said.
Seles looked inquisitive. “Is Callun dayma practiced among your species?”
He thought before speaking. “Yes, homosexuality is normal amongst my people. It’s been ridiculed and persecuted for ages, but it’s a well-established lifestyle for humans. Is it normal amongst your people?”
She nodded. “Callun dayma is the ideal life for Kalaidians. Not all of us are attracted to females, but it’s said once you find your soul mate it’s the most beautiful thing you’ll ever experience.”
“Well, that answers a few questions. I know this may seem forward, but what about sexuality and procreation?” he asked.
She blushed, lost in thought for a moment. “Um…fetuses are born in birthing facilities. Sexuality is…something each Kalaidian must learn on her own.”
He laughed. “Really, they don’t teach you anything at all about sex, do they?”
“What’s so funny Brian? Are my people’s practices so strange you would mock them with laughter?”
He stopped laughing. “You probably don’t know this, but sex is all a man can think about. I’m dirty minded like most and trying to make light of the situation. Why do you think I’m so interested in your people’s physiology?”
Seles looked a little concerned. “What do you mean?”
He smiled. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to try to do anything to you. Anyways, you look too much like an innocent little girl to me.”
“I am not a little girl. I’m eighteen,” Seles said, appearing put off.
“I know, but size does make a difference. I’m a giant compared you. Your height is your age to my human eyes.” he shrugged. “I’m sure that will change with time.”
“Am I attractive to you?” she asked as she leaned forward, blushing.
“Yes, you’re very beautiful. But you still look small when I’m next to you. Saying that, you don‘t look much different than a short human woman,” he answered, feeling embarrassed.
She hugged him. “It feels so natural to do this when I’m near you. I don’t know why.”
Brian turned red again. “I know why Seles. A hundred and fifty years can’t erase what millions of years of evolution makes.”
Chapter 9 – Good News, Bad News
“What’s the situation?” Valis asked as she entered the bridge.
“We’re picking up a Malcovin warship headed for the moon Seles and Brian are stranded on. They must have picked up the emergency beacon,” Zae said as Valis took her seat.
“Send an encoded message to Seles and warn her of the incoming vessel,” Valis ordered.
Zae input the message and sent it. Kivi turned to Valis. “Do you think they know who she is?”
“We have to assume as much by their speed.” Valis turned to Zae. “How close are we to being able to do anything?”
Zae turned to her console. “The repairs are at about 75%. The gravity drive is still out of commission. We have 90% of weapon use and full pulse cannon capability. Our magnetic shields are only at 60%.”
“Zae, what are our chances if we enter combat against the Malcovin ship?” Valis asked.
“42%. That’s assuming the Malcovin ship is a fully loaded and undamaged Geld class ship,” Zae answered.
Valis looked at the monitor next to her intently. “Daes, can you put the image of the Malcovin vessel on the main monitor?”
“Yes captain.” The image of the Malcovin ship appeared.
Valis began running battle simulations at her chair. “Daes, I want you to scan them thoroughly. I’d like to improve our chance of victory if possible. Baed, chart the fastest route through normal space and get us to the moon as quickly as possible.”
“Yes captain,” Baed said.
* * *
Brian awoke and saw Seles preparing breakfast. She’d removed more of the equipment from the emergency supplies and sat next to the water with what looked like a covered frying pan
“What are you making?” he asked as he sat up.
“It’s a vegetable stir fry from the emergency kit. I thought this would taste a lot better than standard rations.” Seles opened the lid for a moment to look inside. Some steam came out and the smell of vegetables filled the air. “It looks like it will be done in a few more minutes. I’m just going to leave it here next to the water.” She placed the pan on a stone beside the water.
Brian sniffed the air. “It smells pretty good, but I wish your people had something like a burger, or even a pizza.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“A burger is basically a piece of ground meat, usually from cow. You mash it together and fry it on a pan like the one you’re using. After it’s cooked, you eat it by itself, or on a couple of pieces of bread.”
“Your people eat meat?” she asked with disgust.
“You’re looking at me is like I just said something awful. What’s your definition of meat?”
“The only creatures large enough for meat on Kalaidia are rodents or large insects. To us it’s disgusting to eat such food,” she said.
He shook his head. “Meat on Earth comes from large land mammals and fish, not rodents or insects. A cow is a large furry creature that eats grass.”
She made a face and shook her head. “I still think it’s disgusting to eat meat. Kalaidians are vegetarians. We’ve never had such land creatures to feed on. W
e used to eat fish and birds, but it isn’t done anymore. My people nearly fished the oceans clean and barely stopping before it was too late. Unfortunately, I can‘t say the same for most birds on Kalaidia, they‘re almost extinct these days.” A beeping noise came from the pan. “Breakfast is served,” she said as she opened the lid and placed an equal amount on two metal plates.
* * *
An hour passed as Brian and Seles readied for another day of repair work. As they left the cave they noticed storm clouds rolling in.
Brian pointed to the sky. “I suggest we get as much work done as we can and leave early so we don’t get stuck in a blizzard.”
“You can tell how bad it’s going to get, right?” Seles asked.
“A little bit. Any sign we could get stuck and I’m getting us out of there,” he said.
After a long walk the two came upon the shuttle, still stuck in the ice. Both went inside.
“Looks like the Avoni sent us another message Brian,” Seles said as she went to the console. “Strange, looks like the message is encoded.”
Daes’s voice relayed the message: “A Malcovin Geld class ship is headed to your location. We assume they intend to capture you. You’re advised to escape as soon as possible. The Avoni is headed to your position.”
Seles looked really worried. He walked over. “What are Malcovin and why would they be so interested in us?”
She sighed before calling up the information encoded with the audio file. It displayed the position of the Avoni, the Malcovin ship, and the moon they were stuck on. “The Malcovin evolved from large land based birds. They’re a race of mercenaries and pirates who hire themselves out to the highest bidder. They must have intercepted our transmission to the Avoni.”
“That answers my first question Seles. Do you know why they would be so interested in us?” he asked.
She looked him in the eye. “You used my name when you activated the emergency beacon, right?”
“Yeah, was I wrong to do so?”
“It’s not your fault Brian,” she said, pausing. “I was trying to keep this from you, but I guess it’s time I tell you all about my past.”
“I’m listening.”
“My full name is Seles Daevon, of the Daevon royal family. I escaped from the life of nobility almost two years ago with my cousin Baed, who serves as the navigator for the Avoni. I’m the crown princess of Kalaidia Prime and stand to inherit the throne.”
He stood silent for a moment before laughing in disbelief. “Are you serious?”
She sighed again. “Unfortunately, yes, I’m serious.”
He saw fear in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I can guess the reason why you wouldn’t broadcast such a thing.”
“I don’t like telling others because they treat me differently. Baed was the only friend I had until I went to the Avoni. The life of a noble doesn’t allow for such things. Even now, the crew still treats me differently.”
Brian put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Seles; I won’t treat you any different. From the world I come from we’re taught everyone is equal. Earth’s not perfect, but I like to think everyone born there has a chance. Your title means nothing to me Seles,” he said, smiling.
She touched his hand, smiling in return. “Thank you.”
“So what’s the plan?” he asked.
“The Malcovin are looking to cash in by capturing and returning me to Kalaidia Prime.”
“I won’t let them Seles. Even if all I have are my fists and resolve, I’ll take care of you,” he boasted.
“Are you sure? The Malcovin are trained mercenaries. Have you ever been in combat?”
He thought for moment before answering. “No. But I’m a fast learner. Also, I’m good at moving around in this terrain.”
“You’re going to need a lot more than that to survive.” Seles started searching the shuttle. “There should be three pulse grenades in here. We don’t have a lot of fire power, but at least we can use a few more weapons.” She found the three pulse grenades.
He shook his head in defeat. “I’ll get to work on the repairs outside.”
* * *
The two worked feverishly for six hours. Brian looked up at the dark and cloudy sky as snow fell. He pulled the thermal cloak tight and went inside the shuttle.
“The weather’s getting bad. We should get going,” he said.
“From what I can tell, it’s going to take us a few more days to finish repairs,” Seles said as they left the shuttle headed back to the cave.
“Seles, I need you to teach me how to fight,” he said. “You’re a trained pilot and I know nothing. So please, help me so I can help you.”
Seles nodded. “I’ll start training you once we’re back in the cave. Given we only have one pulse rifle, a rakna blade, and three pulse grenades, we don’t have much to work with.”
“I’ll use the rakna blade; you keep the pulse rifle and grenades,” he said as they walked in the snow.
Chapter 10 – Battle Plan
Valis, Kivi, and Zae stood in the Avoni’s tactical room. At the center of the room was a large table covered in buttons with a pair of consoles at opposing ends. The ceiling was a large dome window that showed the stars outside. After Zae pressed a few buttons, a holographic copy of the Malcovin ship appeared above the center table. The ship was shaped like a massive cube with flattened corners. Valis stood silently and looked over the image.
“Zae, you’ve done a detailed scan, right?” Valis asked.
Zae turned to one of the consoles. “Yes. And I’ve found a few things that would interest you.”
“Like what?” Kivi inquired.
Zae pointed to the image. “It appears their ship has taken light damage, and it also appears their gravity drive is out of commission. If you look here,” Zae zoomed in on the aft of the holographic ship, “You’ll notice a docking bay is sealed off. In their current situation they could launch only eight Claws.”
“That’s good news for us,” Valis said. “We can launch all forty four Novas if needed.”
Zae input the data into the computer. “Our chance of victory improves to 68%.”
Valis grinned. “I much prefer our chances now. How long will it be until we reach the moon?”
“Three days,” Zae said.
* * *
Brian sat with the scanner and studied. Seles paced around the room with the pulse rifle on her back and checked the walls of the cave. He was transfixed as he read everything he could on the Malcovin species.
“The funny thing is the average Malcovin looks like a crow. The only difference is size and being bipedal,” Brian said. He rubbed his eyes and put the scanner down.
She finished pacing and turned to him. “On Kalaidia there’s a black feathered bird we call Jaedis that also looks a lot like them. Do you think you know enough now?”
He stood up and stretched. “Basically, don’t let them surround us on the ground. What I find strange is their females aren’t allowed to travel.”
“That’s because the Malcovin are fiercely patriarchal. They value their females only for procreation and teaching, and little else,” she said.
“But your own people held such views about men until only a few centuries ago, right?” he asked.
“True, until my grandmother’s time,” Seles said. “But, enough of this subject. Let’s focus on the challenge right in front of us.”
“Alright,” he took a pulse grenade and showed it to Seles. “How do I use these?”
She took the grenade from him. “This is how you activate it,” she said, miming the buttons and sequence used to activate the weapon.
“How long is the delay?” he asked.
“Five seconds,” she said as she handed the grenade back to him. She took the pulse rifle from her back and placed it on the floor. “Tell me Brian, do you have any martial arts training?”
“No,” he said, putting the grenade down.
She sighed. “If only we had more time. Well, we must do
with what we’ve got.” Seles rolled around him and jumped onto his back. He tried prying her off.
“What the hell are you doing!?”
“Training you,” she said as she locked his legs with hers and pinned his arms. He struggled to get her off. “If you don’t figure it out soon I’ll pin you for good.”
He struggled for a few minutes before laughing. “You’ve got me Seles.” He looked at how she was contorted on his back. “Are you double jointed?”
She twisted herself off of him. “Of course, all Kalaidians are.”
“Well, just so you not all humans are,” he said, shaking his head.
“That’s going to make things tricky,” she said. “I guess if grappling won’t work, then I can show you a few strikes and blocks.”
“How is this going to help against pulse rifles?” he asked.
She rolled her eyes with impatience. “Your reflexes are slow, you have no combat training, and of course, no combat experience. One needs to know the basics if they hope to learn the advanced.”
“Alright Seles, you win. We’ll do this your way.”
* * *
“What kind of weapons do they use?” Brian asked as he chewed on a ration.
Seles was eating with him. “Their technology is similar to ours. Since these Malcovin are mercenaries, they probably use pulse rifles and wear shielding armor. Their commanders use a spear with similar properties to a rakna blade. I think it’s called a Keiker pike.”
“How effective is their shielding armor?”
She finished eating. “It’s effective against my pulse rifle. That’s why our strategy focuses on the rakna blade and pulse grenades.”
“I’d prefer flying away safely without having to fight,” he said after finishing his meal.
“I agree.” Seles picked up the scanner and checked the weather. “But at the rate we’re going we’ll never finish repairs in time.”
Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero Page 5
