The young crucnon girl gasped. Except for the flat tires it's no different, she gasped.
She walked around and examined the bullet holes across the fuselage and stared up at Holly. I was certain we'd be shot down, she whispered. We were crowded together inside with bullets screaming around us. We'd never seen guns before. It was the computer that really saved us.
How? Holly asked.
It switched on a force field. We found out later that safety procedures override preset commands. The humans never knew there was a force field. They were as ignorant as we were.
She walked around the FanWarrior once more but refused to go inside. I've seen enough. Can we go back now and I'll tell you what happened.
Holly was almost asleep on her feet but was very curious about the events all those years before. If she put Pinin off now, she might never learn the truth.
Some of the story was handed onto me so mightn't be exactly correct, Pinin began. If it wasn't for my egg mother I mightn't be here now. She grimaced. The others, too, of course...
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Chapter Twenty-Three
The covered wagon loaded with enough food and supplies to last a week and pulled by two sturdy farm horses, headed towards the main highway with two humans, Lieutenant Gordon Dixon and Bowman Nathan McLean, sharing the driver's seat with Tifru Lettug. She was dressed in the warm woolen clothes the crucnon needed to remain awake in colder climates. The road stretched ahead like a silver line against the blackness of fields beyond, while a million stars twinkled above. Night noises filled the air around them; the clicking of insects, far off hoot of an owl, the constant swish of branches swaying in the breeze, frogs croaking and occasionally a grunt from a krinton, the three meter domestic insect farmed in the area. Periodically they would pass an oasis of light as local farmers lamps shone out from cracks between curtained windows.
It was close to twenty five hundred hours and in the four hours since crossing the New Columbia River into Vybber they had seen no other vehicle. Pine trees now blocked out much of the sky and an eerie blackness surrounded the wagon. Gordon shivered and reached back for a blanket to pull around them all. He rejected a suggestion from Tifru that they have a snooze in the back and watched as the horses strolled leisurely on. The docile animals seemed to be able to follow the road with ease.
They probably enjoy a night walk in preference to pulling a plow all day, suggested Gordon to Tifru who still held the reins loosely in his hands but there was no reply. The crucnon was asleep, as was Nathan, snoring peacefully with his head slumped forward. Gordon realized the horses and he were the only ones awake in this strange country on the other side of the river.
But he was wrong!
Do you want a little company, Gordon? murmured a young female crucnon who poked her head out from the under the canvas flap behind. You seemed deep in thought and completely alone.
Oh, hello, Syleb. Are you awake? Of course you are or you wouldn't be talking to me.
Well, we don't need to sleep every day, the youngster chided.
The lieutenant grimaced. I'd forgotten, he replied, but yes, I would love some company. The others have nodded off.
The refugees spent the next hour discussing their lives, feelings and concerns while the sedate horses plodded on. Above them, the dark sky disappeared as a faint red and yellow light appeared to their left and the pair lapsed into silence. Gordon jerked awake and realized he had dozed off, Syleb was asleep beside him and the horses had stopped moving. He shivered and glanced around. The trees were still near the road but spaced further apart. A wide grass verge could be seen in the early dawn light.
You marvelous beasts, he praised. You walked all night. I think you deserve a rest. He took up the reins and turned them off the road into a little dip by a stream. After moving forward around a bend so they were away from the road, he jumped down and unhitched them.
Relax and have some grass, he said. I'll get our breakfast.
For two days the group traveled on through secondary roads. Traffic became heavier as they moved south but they didn't arouse suspicion although at one checkpoint, a guard eyed the humans with suspicion.
We don't see many of your kind this far south, he grunted. I hear they're going to close the border so I advise you to get back across the river before the month is out.
I know, Gordon grunted. We thought we'd get more for our produce away from the border zone. He nodded at the sacks at the back. Potatoes poked out the top but beneath were clothes and their life's possessions.
It's probably true, the guard muttered. You heard about our crop failure, no doubt. With this damn drought along the coast, nothing has grown.
He inspected their papers and cast a suspicious eye at Syleb. Your papers say nothing except you're a student, Young Madam. Why are you riding this farm wagon? You haven't run away from home, I hope.
Syleb smiled sweetly. No Sir, I'm on my way back to school in Jarta. Uncle Tifru offered me a free ride.
Yes money is tight, the guard grunted and rubbed his nose, But since you don't have the proper papers...
Gordon nodded and reached in his jacket pocket. Would a gold sovereign be sufficient to account for your inconvenience, Sir. After all, having a teenager on your hands... he shrugged.
Make it two, Human, the crucnon snapped, and you can be on your way.
Gradually, the pine forests turned back into farmland and the road zigzagged down a sloping hillside towards a wide plain that stretched away to the south. Far out in the same direction was a line of silvery blue.
That's where we're heading, said Tifru. The ocean.
They traveled on in increasingly hot weather with numerous stops to relax the horses who were getting tired and really needed to be replaced. When they reached the base of the hillside their road joined a much larger, well-maintained and used highway. Carts, wagons and stagecoaches were everywhere as well as a number of pedestrians. Traffic kept to the left of the road, not right as in New Washington and Gordon, who shared most of the driving with the crucnon, had to be careful.
Stupid country, he muttered. They don't even know what side of the road to use.
Syleb stretched out her hands and gently dug the human on the leg. There's nothing wrong in being different, she commented. The trouble with this country is that the government here want to control everything. They try to make everything the same.
Gordon nodded, I know Syleb. Sorry. It's just that we seem to have so far to go and I'm tired and fidgety.
Nathan and Tifru, who were sitting on the buckboard with their legs dangling over the edge of the wagon, were also becoming weary and concerned about the length of the trip. They gazed at the traffic around them. A brightly colored stagecoach pulled by six black horses was approaching from behind. As it moved out to pass, the pair caught a glimpse of a splendidly dressed female sitting inside on puffy cream pillows. Two red uniformed coachmen sat on the front seat urging as much speed out of their mounts as possible while a third clung on to the back.
Move over, one shouted. Make way for My Lady!
Gordon heard the orders and in his haste to get out of the way, pulled the reins to the right instead of the left. Their wagon moved ever so slowly towards the center of the road rather than the side, straight into the path of the coach.
The black horses reared up and dashed further left to avoid crashing into them. Unfortunately, in doing this maneuver, they collided with a krinton pulled wagon carrying logs coming in the opposite direction. The horses avoided the krinton but the coach itself side swiped the logs, plunged forward in front of Gordon's wagon and toppled sideways. With a screech of wood and metal it slid along the road in a cloud of dust before coming to rest on the grass verge. The horses stamped and snorted foam out of their nostrils but now stood still.
As with many road accidents, events moved so quickly that it took Gordon and the others several seconds to comprehend what had happened. Their wagon had now stopped in the middle of th
e road and, luckily, none of them were hurt. Across the road, the krinton were standing still as if nothing happened while the driver stood at the roadside with a terrified look on his face.
Nathan and Tifru immediately jumped off the buckboard and ran along to the coach lying sideways in a pile of dirt and grass sods with its two topmost wheels spinning in the air. They noticed that Gordon and Syleb were already calming the horses so they concentrated on the coach. Nathan flung open the vehicle's half-door and peered inside. The female had been bounced around like a tennis ball and lay moaning with a sea of yellow blood covering her frock and petticoats.
Tifru bent forward, took the female's pulse and glanced up. She's alive but is pretty cut up.
Let's lift her out, Nathan directed.
The pair lifted the unconscious woman onto the grass verge .She was still bleeding slightly from a cut across her cheek, there was a swelling bruise on the forehead and several less serious wounds on her limbs. Nathan shook her shoulder gently and the female's eyes flickered.
I told Priw he always drove too fast and knew this would happen one day, she said in an educated voice and rose to a sitting position. May I thank you, Human and you as well, Master, for your help... Her blue eyes studied Nathan and Tifru.
Our wagon is undamaged, Madam, Tifru replied. Can we offer you a ride in our humble transport to the nearest village. I'm sure a doctor can be found to help with your wounds.
Why yes, the female replied. She stood up and brushed herself down. Her coachmen appeared on the bank and stood looking miserable. Priw and you others. I have been offered a ride to the nearest medical facilities. You are to see to our horses and arrange for the coach to be taken home?
Yes, Ma'am. the taller male replied. There's a wagon driver here who caused the accident. Do you want him arrested?
And your crazy speed didn't contribute? the female snapped. She glowered as Priw had the grace to flush a pale white. No, let the poor man attend to his own problems. She turned to Tifru and accepted his arms as he helped her along the road verge and into the wagon. Her eyes caught his. You have strange company, My Friend, she whispered. Humans this far south.
I'm a transporter, My Lady, he replied. Hired to take them to Jarta to sell their wares.
With a teenager who just happens to wear the badge of a full moon, symbol of the Blue Watch terrorist group, I believe. Tifru stiffened and glanced sideways at Nathan who had heard the conversation. The female though kept talking. I am Dilta Hyrof and this unfortunate accident interrupted an important appointment I had.
She squeezed into the covered wagon between the potatoes and touched Syllabi's arm. Don't worry, My Child, she smiled. Perhaps it might be prudent to hide your badge, though. Your organization is not too popular this far south of the border.
Syleb nodded, unpinned the offending badge, slipped it in a pocket and gazed nervously at Dilta Hyrof as the wagon, with Tifru in the driver's seat, started moving up the road.
Gordon and Nathan glanced at each other and back at this Crucnon female. Her cut had stopped bleeding but her clothes were ruffled. There was, though, a dignity about the female that was evident even in her present state.
I believe, Madam, Gordon spoke cautiously, you have some sympathy for our organization or your guards would have arrested us by now.
Call me Dilta, Mr....
Gordon introduced himself and everyone else aboard before he sat back and waited. Outside, the horses plodded on and the road became empty again. They were travelling adjacent to the ocean now and lines of breakers curled up, broke and raced up to the golden sand while, on the inland side, parched farmlands stretched away into the distance where the hills and mountains were low in the distant sky.
Dilta glared at him. I thought you were a bunch of rogues who wanted to foister human values on our society. Two months ago I would have had you arrested. She glanced around the swaying wagon with those large yellow eyes. The lot of you!
So what changed your mind? Gordon added.
My niece, the female replied in a hushed voice. She's a flying female called up to do her duty. I was on my way to the local concubine to try to have her released. She shrugged. However, I doubt if even my standing in society will be sufficient to help.
Syleb interjected in a frightened voice. Thank the Deity I never entered metamorphosis.
You are young, My Child, Dilta Terudi replied. It can happen to any female between fourteen and twenty two. Within a few weeks your wings grow and your body undergoes the changes necessary for motherhood. She sighed. I know. It happened to me when I was seventeen. I guess it was my genes that were handed on to Pinin. You see she is really my egg daughter, not my niece.
And how did your egg daughter change your mind about the Blue Watch? Gordon interrupted as he tried to steer the conversation back to the present situation.
She was a university student, very bright and had a brilliant future but, after her change, she was forced into this breeding center. I want her out! Her eyes turned cold. I would do anything to help her.
And the Blue Watch? Gordon pressed.
I believe you must be on your way to one of the ancient bases set up by your ancestors in several secret valleys around, probably Base Delta a hundred kilometers along the coast from here.
Gordon stared at Nathan who gave a very slight nod. And if that was true?
You Won't get there, Dilta replied in a blunt voice. The base is surrounded by the military waiting for an attempt by humans to reach it. With the enforced separation of our species soon to come into force, our military would love to access the base and the secrets it contains. They leaked the information of its position and are waiting for you to arrive.
We can try, muttered Nathan.
And end up in a Vybber jail, Dilta continued. But all is not lost. She smiled. There are rumors of another base, Base Gamma, I believe it is called, in the foothills only few hour's journey from where we are now.
Gordon sat up and stared at the female. He wanted to believe her but wondered why she was so loose with the information. After all, humans were not liked or trusted in this country.
Yes, I do have a selfish interest, Gordon, Dilta Terudi's voice grew hard, If I help you find this base, I'd like you to use the air machine I have heard is inside to attack the concubine and rescue my egg daughter. We will make a pact. My information for your help.
A beautiful rocky beach tucked in the city of Jarta but that was the only positive thing about the place. Hundreds of identical stone houses had been built with no regard to maintaining the original natural beauty. Taverns and inns in various stages of disrepute occupied most corner sites while small-dilapidated flea markets covered the few open areas fighting for attention amongst the litter, garbage and rats.
It was early evening two days later when Tifru and Gordon, dressed as farm workers, ambled into a run down tavern near the wharf. Gordon towered above the local patrons as he slid onto a bar side stool.
Bar man, bring us a double ale each, he demanded in the local language and slapped two coppers on the grease stained counter.
The wizen bar man glanced at his new customers and was about to ignore the request when Gordon stood up to his over meter ninety height and leaned a muscular frame over the bar.
Are you deaf or something? I said a double ale for my friend and myself and don't fill the glasses with froth and short change me. Understand? He took a tiny but vicious looking knife out of his belt and started cleaning his fingernails.
I wouldn't annoy him if I was you. Humans get mean if crossed, murmured Tifru softly.
The bar man gulped and hurriedly filled two mugs with frothy brown ale. Yes, Sir, he whimpered, Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen? Some food perhaps. We have some excellent meat pies.
Tifru stared straight at him. Forget the food but we do need information. We're looking for a man called Spinskin, whom, I believe, frequents this inn on occasions. Dilta had given them the name of a local gang leader who, she said,
knew information about Base Gamma.
The bar man paled slightly as he handed over the drinks and wiped his hands on a dirty dishcloth. You don't want to talk to him, Kind Sirs. He's... what shall we say, not too friendly with strangers.
Gordon reached out and grabbed the publican by the collar and proceeded to lift him off the floor with one arm. The crucnon's face turned a sickly blue color as his air supply was cut off. Tifru turned to see a rough looking individual at the table behind reaching for a knife. He touched his friend on the back. Nobody saw how but the human was suddenly holding a long, shiny and very sharp sword in his hand. He glared at the man.
My advice to you, Sir, he stated so he could just be heard, is to get on with your drink and look after your own affairs.
The male nodded, wide eyed, and withdrew his hand. Meanwhile, the bar man was spluttering and kicking his feet in the air as Gordon put his nose right up to his face and snarled, I want information, not advice! You seem to be a little slow at understanding a simple request. He let the male down to the floor before releasing him.
The bar man rubbed his neck to help restore circulation and pointed to a door near the counter. He's playing cards out the back, he muttered in a sullen voice.
Fine! snapped Tifru.
Gordon grinned, We did well, Tifru, he praised.
Keep an eye on the entrance while I get our man, Tifru replied. He walked to the back room door; pushed it open and continued through to find four rough looking characters arguing over a half finished game of cards. Ignoring the hostile glares, he ambled across until he came to the one nearest the wall, a well-built crucnon with eagle tattoos on his four arms.
If you want supplies, I have a human who can access the ancient base, he muttered in the male's antennae. He wants the flying machine but everything else can be yours. Interested?
The male glanced up and saw Gordon leaning against the wall, so tall he had to bend to avoid the room's rafters. For someone who had never seen a human before, the lieutenant was quite an imposing sight. The gangster stared back at his cards, picked one out, slapped it on the table with one hand and gathered the pile of coins in the middle of the table with one other.
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