Quest For Earth

by S. E. GILCHRIST

  By Cercis’s clock, does he deliberately tease me? She scowled, positive she was right in her assumption.

  ‘Do you not have any clothes?’ She side stepped him, intending to hunt down Kondo for some belated questioning. Irritation rose when the Lycanean leader kept pace.

  ‘Why? Does the sight of my naked chest disturb you?’ he murmured. His voice, deep and husky, held a challenge she did not dare accept.

  She ground her back molars and increased her pace. Up the steps and into the building. Still he strode by her side. Silent. Vibrating with controlled tension. Sherise whirled to face him.

  ‘Is there something I can do for you?’ As soon as the words left her mouth, she rolled her eyes, certain he would bounce back a comment that would sear unwanted images into her brain.

  He reached out and lifted a strand of her hair, soothing it behind her ear. His touch sizzled a trail of fire down the line of her neck. To her intense mortification her breasts swelled, heavy and aching beneath her tunic, her nipples hardening into eager, quivering peaks.

  Those unwanted images seared into her brain.

  Exasperated at her body’s response, she flattened her lips into a thin line and huffed out a sigh, folding her arms across her chest. Biting down hard on her dry cracked lips when his gaze lowered. A faint smile curled the edges of his wide mouth. His gaze swept up and met hers. Her stomach muscles tightened at the molten purple of his eyes.

  ‘Your healing skills impress me.’

  Ruthlessly, she squashed the warm glow his words had caused. She tried for lady-cool. ‘In case you did not hear me, please rid your mind that I am trying to impress you.’

  ‘I know this.’ Maaka tapped her chin with a calloused finger.

  Her spirits sank as the heat banked in his eyes.

  His tender expression hardened. ‘There are others that require medical attention. And quickly.’

  By the stars, she’d hoped to continue her investigations, not spend her time treating the injured. But how could she ignore a plea for help with others’ pain? For a plea it was.

  The Lycanean warrior stood with his head held high, one hand clenched into a fist at his side, pride and arrogance emanating from his stance. And yet those amazing eyes held an entreaty she could not turn her back on.

  She dusted her hands together. ‘Where?’

  ‘We have more wounded at a nearby Freeber settlement, some hours journey from here. There was an attack on one of the Freebers’ growing fields two days ago.’

  Sherise caught her breath. Here was the chance she’d been hoping for; a chance to study the other tribe and see a settlement for herself. A little snooping and she could soon discover whether either race really were the primitive and desperate people they portrayed. ‘Very well.’

  He smiled. Approval glowed in his eyes.

  Sherise broke her stare. Her gaze fluttered around the room like an agitated flymoth, while she inwardly bemoaned the telltale heat creeping over her cheeks and down her neck. He thinks I’ve agreed because I want to help. What will he think of me if he knows I have another agenda? Will he still look at me with that same hungry stare?

  He tilted her chin until she met his forceful gaze.

  He lowered his head.

  He is going to kiss me! The heady realisation sent her heart pounding and her body softening with anticipation. Should I push him away? She stared at his mouth, her gaze tracing the tender curve of his lower lip and she remembered how his body had felt when she’d lain on top of him.

  His face was closer, his eyes half-closed. He shifted his weight as if about to reach out and wrap his arms around her. Her knees trembled. She placed her hands on that hot bronzed skin, half to steady herself and half because she couldn’t stop the need to touch him. The very air between them seemed to crackle as that strange pull tightened. Her fingers curved greedily over his hard muscles, glorying in the tickle of hairs beneath her palms.

  Then, with a careless gesture, he ruffled the top of her head and strolled off, tossing an airy admonishment for her to ready herself, over his shoulder.

  It took an enormous amount of will power, but Sherise stayed where she was. She did not rush after him to throw herself into his arms and grind her lips against his. Nor did she rush after him to pound his head with the butt of her stunner until he went down on his knees and begged.

  No, she remained, smiling pleasantly, her head held high. Regal, imperious, alone …

  Suddenly, all she wanted to do was cry.

  A lady always has control of her emotions.

  Her mother had told her that rule.

  But her mother had never met anyone like Maaka.

  Chapter 11

  When every passing minute could mean the end of a life that may have been saved, they set off quickly, heading north-west. Following the path of the setting sun.

  Sherise trudged down the wide broken road which her friend had informed her had once been a highway. Bone weary and with the pain med she’d finally succumbed to taking earlier now wearing off, the desolate landscape did little to lift her spirits. She’d wished they could have travelled in the undamaged shuttle but the medical supplies had run low and needed replenishing. Plus, it was imperative Sherise’s intentions and their unharmed status were conveyed to Commander Dyrke. After a hurried discussion with Kondo and the Captain, the shuttle had lifted off and set a course for the Quinnie. Sherise had ordered the Captain to arrange for the damaged shuttle to be retrieved and for him to meet them at the Freebers’ settlement with fresh supplies.

  A pity she had not considered asking how far away the other settlement lay before she’d agreed to assist.

  When she turned to smile at her companion, Bree pinned her with a narrowed stare. ‘Why are we going to this place?’

  ‘We cannot turn our backs when others are in need.’

  ‘Yeah, I already know that bit, but you could’ve sent a shuttle and lifted them onto the Quinnie. At least then we would’ve gotten a decent breakfast.’

  ‘Until we know more about these people I do not consider it wise to allow them access to our technology.’ Sherise considered her friend. In any other circumstances, Bree would be the first to offer assistance.

  When Bree stumbled over loose gravel, Sherise reached out to grab her arm but she shrugged her off.

  ‘What is wrong?’ Sherise frowned.

  Bree whirled to face her, hands going to her hips. ‘Shit, surely you don’t need to ask. Doesn’t any of this remind you of somewhere?’

  Sherise pressed a hand to her trembling mouth and took a deep breath to push back her memories. She whispered, ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Sherise.’ Bree turned and looked to the road ahead, jerking her chin to indicate the ravaged landscape. ‘I’m not sure I could relive those days again.’

  ‘I understand. I also feel the same way. But Bree, you know our circumstances.’

  ‘Repair the Quinnie and hot-foot it back to Darkos.’

  ‘It’s more than that,’ Sherise said sharply. ‘If, if we can repair the ship, I cannot leave until I’m absolutely certain those who wish to remain here will be safe.’

  ‘You don’t trust the Corporation?’

  Sherise shrugged. ‘Honestly? I don’t know who to trust. The people in the dome are protected, and appear happy and kind. And yet, they have no concern for those living outside.’

  ‘That doesn’t seem right.’ Bree chewed a fingernail.

  ‘They have technology they do not share. These people in the Outworld appear to have none.’ Sherise raised her eyebrows. ‘They harbour a great deal of resentment towards those living in the dome.’

  ‘Great. Just great. Anger and greed, shit yeah, we both know where that way of thinking leads.’

  ‘We must not be forced to choose sides in a fight. It is imperative we discover how dire the situation truly is, for all these races. And keep our options open.’

  Bree sucked in a sharp breath. ‘You’re going to check it out.’

/>   Sherise nodded.

  ‘I guess that makes sense.’

  ‘And there is more.’ Quickly, Sherise told her friend what Maaka had told her about the races.

  ‘That’s terrible. If it’s true.’

  ‘Now you see why I need to go to this settlement. Two or three Earth days should be sufficient. I have sent a personal message to Dyrke telling him not to expect us back until then.’ That’s if the signal is not jammed.

  ‘That’s not a lot of time.’

  ‘We require a minimum of one of your weeks for the journey to the Vortex entrance, that gives us a little less than six to conduct our investigations, find what we need and repair the ship, with one week to spare.’

  ‘And hope like hell your technology doesn’t fall into one of these guys’ hands. I dunno, Sherise. Maybe our turning up here at this point in time could be the only thing these people need to start a war; if what Maaka says is true. I don’t know … I don’t know if I could live through another one.’ Bree stuffed her hands in her pockets and, head lowered, resumed her trudge down the road.

  Sherise looped an arm around her friend’s shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. ‘I have already considered this possibility and, like you, fear we could well be the catalyst. But we will never give up the ship or any of our technology; not if we suspect it will be used for war. And you and I, we still have each other.’

  Bree mumbled, her voice loaded with darkness, ‘Yeah, and we both know that will mean jack-shit if some nutto is determined to take us down.’

  Sherise bit her lip, feeling weariness that had little to do with physical fatigue. She feared Bree could well be correct. They had learned that bleak fact the hard way. But until their fate had been sealed, Sherise would cling to the glimmer of hope she guarded deep in her heart.

  It was the only thing she had left.

  With the ruined towers dwindling into the distance behind her, she cast a jaundiced eye over the equally damaged smaller dwellings interspersed with sprawling squat buildings that looked like floor after floor of flat concrete slabs.

  Strange. She could question her friend who had fallen quiet, but she was too tired to speak. Many paces ahead, Maaka strode with Kondo by his side. They talked as if they were old friends. A lot of back slapping, throwing back of their heads and laughing.

  All of which made her want to run up and demand to be told of their conversation. She frowned, aware that in a tiny corner of her essence there lingered an element of distrust concerning the Relic warlord. Old prejudices died hard and the Relics had been the Darkons’ enemy for too many cycles. His actions had better stem from their mission of gaining intel, although she could not think of any other reason. He and his men were just as trapped on this planet as the Darkons.

  ‘Looks like Kondo has found a buddy,’ Bree said.

  Again, that bite of suspicion. Sherise said with slow emphasis, ‘Yes. I trust he remembers where his loyalties lie.’

  Ahead, Maaka raised a hand and halted. He said something to the Relic warlord who walloped the other man on the back again. The ragged column stopped. Several men jogged over to the side of the road to relieve themselves.

  Sherise hastily turned her back.

  ‘Oh, thank god, a rest stop. About time, too. I’m beat.’ Bree plonked her butt down on the hot surface and buried her head in her lap.

  Sherise fanned her flushed face and shifted her weight off her sore ankle. Wistfully she searched for a shady spot to sit awhile but the road stretched wide on both sides. The small buildings were little more than mounds of rubble, casting but meagre shadows over the hot road.

  A shrill whistle issued from Maaka’s lips. From a dusty side road, carts pulled by odd-looking animals and driven by fellow Lycaneans emerged.

  ‘Look, Bree. We no longer have to walk.’ Sherise smiled. ‘We will make better time now. Come, we must hurry. The sun will set soon.’

  Her fatigue melted and, invigorated, she hauled her grumbling friend to her feet. They hurried forward.

  Her gaze met Maaka’s. He strode to meet her and lifted her into his strong arms to carry her the remaining paces to the lead cart. She closed her eyes briefly and savoured the unusual feeling of being petite and protected.

  A fantasy of which she had often daydreamed.

  When she had been young and naive.

  He heaved her higher and settled her down onto a wooden seat before striding off with a slight swagger. A hairy body pressed against her legs and, looking down, she saw the grinning face of the were-dog. The cart jolted and trundled down the road.

  Sherise gripped the timber sides for balance. Across from her, her friend sat staring ahead, her thin face pale and grim.

  The warrior holding the reins, made clicking noises. The animals broke into a ground-eating, back-jarring trot.

  She clenched her jaw as she bounced on the hard seat. ‘What are these animals called?’

  The driver said over his shoulder, ‘Warthogs.’

  Maaka, Kondo and several other warriors jogged, leading the way. Were-dogs ran along both sides of the wagon. The other men took turns riding in the carts, then running behind. They made good time. The warthogs, with their stubby legs, ran fast. Their thick hides appeared to be immune to the heat scorching from the blazing sun, now racing to the horizon.

  Every now and then, Maaka ran ahead, scanning the terrain for danger before returning to the lead. The city lay far behind them and they had long left the rutted roadways to traverse over rocky ground. Before them stretched what appeared to Sherise to be wasteland, for she could see no sign of anything living in this desolate land.

  When Maaka returned to the cart, Sherise asked, ‘Has the land always been like this?’

  Maaka flung a hand toward a lone, blackened tree no taller than his head. ‘Once, this area was a great city of prosperity, populated with many people. Our Elders still tell the tale of the day when everything and everyone here were decimated by a bomb. A huge fire storm enveloped what remained, reducing all to ash and dust. Since that time, nothing has grown here. We avoid lingering long in this place, where it is foretold demons will appear on moonless nights and devour the unwary.’

  Sherise snorted and Bree, roused from her apathy by his words, rolled her eyes.

  ‘Demons. Surely you don’t believe in such mythical creatures?’ Sherise scoffed.

  Maaka’s bronzed cheeks reddened. Without another word, he swung down off the cart and stalked away.

  ‘I think you pissed him off.’ Bree grinned.

  Sherise shrugged. Although she placed no credence in demons, she could sense in the weighted air an unending sorrow. There had also been an inflection in Maaka’s voice that she couldn’t pinpoint. She turned to look into the distance to the north and grimaced. The skeletal remains of what had once been a wide forest of immense trees stretching along towards the horizon towered like fingers pointing with grim foreboding into the sky. The result of a fairly recent fire.

  She hunched her shoulders.

  Over in the south, dark clouds gathered. The several soldiers sharing her cart pointed and muttered together, then jumped to the ground.

  The pace increased and she had to hang on tight or risk being thrown to the floor of the cart.

  ‘Something is coming,’ Sherise said. She stared upwards but discerned nothing untoward, apart from the gathering clouds. She hoped there would be no repeat of the wind storm of the previous night. They would stand little chance of survival out here in the open. The day was fading too fast, the last rays of the sun blocked by the mountain range where she understood the settlement lay in the valley of the foothills.

  ‘I can’t see anything.’ Bree held one hand pressed against her belly, the other gripping the cart and stared back down the path they had travelled.

  ‘Nor can I, but I can sense it. Stay alert,’ muttered Sherise.

  ‘Bloody hell. We can’t seem to catch a break these days.’

  A low rumble of thunder shuddered over the ground.
Forks of lightning slashed dazzling yellow light amidst the ominous clouds. The outlines of trees and the massive boulders that clung to the side of the still distant hills had now taken shape, but Sherise doubted they would reach shelter before the storm was upon them. She fingered her tunic, wishing she had retrieved her cloak from the shuttle before it departed. In her haste to gather the medical supplies, it had been forgotten.

  A harsh screech rent the cooling air.

  ‘Oh, Cercis no! Not again.’ She cringed when she spotted a creature flying towards them. Her throat dried.

  It was not alone.

  ‘What the hell are they?’ Bree said, already fumbling to release her stunner from its holster.

  ‘Tikkas.’

  Maaka shouted orders and his men sprang into action.

  The warthogs plunged to a halt, the cart jerking forwards then back and Sherise had to grip hard to stop herself from falling over the side.

  ‘Bree, get down.’ She scrambled into the belly of the cart, pulling her friend towards her. One slick move and her stunner fitted snug into her hand, the reassuring hum music to her ears.

  The were-dog snarled, its canines glistening in the faint light. It crouched on its haunches in front of her, ready to attack. Sherise remembered the long curving talons on the creature’s feet and grabbed the were-dog by the scruff of its neck, hauling it closer. Beside her, Bree had her weapon out and primed, aimed into the sky.

  The whooshing of giant wings drowned out the next crack of thunder. What Sherise had thought at first was another fast-moving cloud, materialised into a swarm of tikkas, their metallic feathers catching the fading sun’s rays, blinding their prey.

  She squinted, trying to see beyond the flash, her hand wavering. A few more sectons and the creatures would be in range.

  ‘Out. Now.’ Maaka reached over and gripped her upper arm with urgent strength. ‘I want you and the other woman to shelter beneath the cart.’

  Sherise met his stern gaze - glare for glare and wrenched her arm free. ‘We are armed and will fight. I do not cower beneath anything.’