“Yes. That is exactly what I just said.”
“How?”
“His memories have become mine. He swore a blood oath of secrecy. His blood has, how shall I say, unique properties. His blood will literally boil if he tells. I am faced with the same fate as he. Those memories were not intended to be conveyed. However, if you order me to tell you what knowledge he holds closest to his heart, please do not misunderstand, I shall provide you the requested knowledge.”
“You would do this, knowing your fate?”
“Captain Fitz. You should understand by now that we are here to serve you. If you wish the information, I will be only happy to provide you what it is you wish to know. Just know, it does come at a price.”
“How could you telling his secrets kill him?”
“His blood will know it.”
“What?”
“I apologize for not telling you sooner about their blood. I can tell you their blood knows when they break a blood oath. It is how the Antarians maintain order in their society. Where death is the punishment for breaking an oath, there are no law breakers.”
“Death as a punishment for crimes is pretty harsh for breaking an oath...even for Earth’s standards.”
“Do not lecture us regarding death sentences. You happen to be one of the most savagery races. Humans have committed death crimes on fellow humans for as long as Eridonians have been watching Earth’s progress, Captain Fitz.”
“Nice...”
“Again, I fail to understand the positive response in this case, to a negative one? Very puzzling...puzzling indeed.”
Jed put his hands out in front of him, “Now, wait just a cotton-pickin’ minute, here.”
“Yes, Captain Fitz?”
“You’re not really saying what I think you’re saying, are you?”
“I do not know what you are saying. You tell me.”
“Can’t ya just read my mind or something?”
“No, Captain Fitz, I cannot. Our telepathic abilities take some concentration and we tire. After extracting the knowledge from Thelix, I am not in a state that I could succeed in such a task.”
Jed rolled his eyes, “It’s because their blood is aware, as in sentient,” then Jed whispered quietly, “Please tell me no, please tell me no...”
“Well, yes...”
“DAMN!”
“Captain Fitz, may I ask why the expletive?”
“Because I was right!”
“And you cursed because you were, in fact, correct?”
“Gawed yes! I wanted to be sooo wrong!”
“I fail to see the need for a negative response to a positive outcome,” Artemis shook her head, “It will take some time to get used to Humans.”
“Get used to Humans? Okay...right...so what can you tell me, Artemis?”
“I have discovered the reason for the dampening field.”
“Excellent! Now we’re getting somewhere. So, what about it?”
“It is here that I must tread with caution. There are certain details that I cannot relay. It will...”
“I know, it’s a killer...go on?”
“There are memories that I now understand that can be shared by my fellow Eridonians. Telepathically, of course.”
“...of course.”
“It simply amazes me that they actually discovered a way to inhibit our telepathy.”
“Yah, I get that there’s a dampening field. Do you know how we can overcome it?”
“No, I’m afraid I know of no way to penetrate this field. Perhaps there is a weakness in the field? I am simply baffled that they can do this to us.”
“How does it work? Can you tell me that?”
“Hmm, let me ponder one moment...”
Jed paced the sickbay, quickly losing patience for several painful moments, “Well?”
“Just a moment, Captain Fitz...I’m working on the logistical problem of what I could reveal. I must be certain it will not conflict with the host’s blood oath.”
“So, have you figured out what you can or cannot tell us from the Antarian?”
“Yes.”
“Well, alrighty then, please?” Jed motioned.
“Very well. We know how they do it, and we know who was responsible. We cannot reveal the who or why.”
“So, that leaves the...how...” Jed said, rolling his arm in front of him.
“It’s from the supernova. The telepathic inhibitor, they built the device based on a particular radiation frequency that the Star Betelgeuse exuded during, and after the supernova. There was a certain frequency of radiation emanating from that star that prevents us from using our telepathic ability. They must have figured out what that frequency was, and built a device that radiates that same frequency.”
“If that technology is aboard Antarian ships, that denies great advantage to you.”
“Yes, indeed it does, Captain Fitz. I can tell you that it is how the Great Warlord, Gorax captured our people. However, we miscalculated that the Antarians would fully understand this limitation. It was a stroke of luck on their part, really.”
“Gee, how convenient for them.”
“Yes, for them, indeed.”
“Can we counter the device?”
“Not unless we can acquire one of the emitters to determine how it works. If we had one, we might be able to create a counter measure.”
“Well, we blew apart the only ship that might have had one.”
“Yes, however, if you’re patrol carefully scans the debris field, they might come across enough of the device. There would be a definitive signature. It’s radiation, it won’t dissipate very quickly, Captain.”
Captain Fitz tapped his headset, “Lieutenant Collins, get me the Chief!”
“Right away, Sir,” was the answer Jed heard in his ear.
“I’m calling my Chief on the deck. See if we can get a team out there.”
Static quit ringing in Jed’s ear at the sound of the Chief’s voice, “Kelly here, Sir. What are you orders, Sir?”
“Chief, I want you to take a transport over to the Aga. Work with their Chief. There is a piece of wreckage we need to find.”
“Yes, Sir, but aren’t I needed for our jump operation, Sir?”
“Yes, Chief. I wouldn’t think of leaving you behind. Just get over to the Aga and get them started. I think our Eridonian friend here will be sending you a care package shortly,” Jed said, looking at Artemis, who nodded and closed her eyes a moment.
“Kelly, you’ll be fine. Just be back here within the hour.”
“Yes, Captain. I’m getting the feed from our Eridonian friend...weird. Okay, Chief Kelly out. I’ll be right back, Sir!”
Jed again tapped his earpiece, “Collins, get me the Aga. I have some important developments I need to share with the Admiral.”
“Yes, Sir...stand by, Sir.”
“Artemis, is there anything else you are able to share...without causing the sudden death of anyone in this galaxy?”
“No, this is all I can share of this. I can tell you of this warrior’s raids on Sigma Draconis, Theta Centauri, Epsilon Indi, Alpha Aquilae, and Tau Ceti.”
“Boy, does he get around or what?”
“Yes, he is one of the Emperor’s top Captains.”
“Hmmm, perhaps he’d make a good bargaining chip?”
“Humans...you still do not understand.”
“I am trying...”
“The Antarian Warlords do not negotiate. Any attempt at making an offer will result in the deaths of any prisoners.”
“Just for asking?”
“Yes, they do not like it when an inferior race makes any type of demands.”
“What about their valuable man, here?”
“He is of no value to the Emperor. Captured warriors usually kill themselves so they will not be used as pawns.”
“Now, that’s extreme.”
“Yes, it is extreme. They are Warlords. It is why they usually win their battles.”
“They�
��d just off them? Race, his crew...Malcom, if he’s still alive?”
“Yes. It is the Antarian way. They think that by killing any prisoners, it will weaken their opponent.”
“Wow...”
Admiral Gilmore’s voice broke the silence of his headset, “Agamemnon actual, what is it Fitz?”
“Admiral, we have discovered how the Antarians are blocking the Eridonians from using telepathy. I’m sending my Chief over with some information from our Eridonian. We have to find some of the Antarian wreckage. The Chief’s been briefed and will instruct your crew on how we can recover the parts we need when he arrives.”
“Very well, Captain. We will receive Chief Kelly. Our CAP is already deployed, so this sector is secure for the moment. How are your repairs coming? Do you have your jump coordinates for your rescue operation prepared?”
“Our repairs are nearly complete. We’ll be ready to jump within the hour, Sir.”
“Excellent, we see your transport has just departed. Carry on, Aga out.”
“Artemis, tell me more about the Antarians. What is it about their blood? I can’t wait to find out how their blood is sentient.”
“It is very complex, Captain Fitz, but I will do my best.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Their blood is inhabited by a microorganism. It flows within their blood. It rules them.”
“Rules?”
“Well, yes. You could say rules. They are compelled by this life force within their blood. They have a ritual on their home world. It’s called the arena games.”
“Games? Doesn’t sound fun,” Lambert said, returning from his medical station.
“Quite right, Doctor. They have what is called a blood lust ritual.”
“I’m right. Blood lust does not sound like any fun.”
“They pit various alien species together to fight it out in an arena style fight to the death.”
“Fight to the death?” Jed asked.
“Yes, using primitive weapons.”
“How primitive?”
“They fashion large swords or other mid-evil style fighting weapons.”
“Wow, and you think we’re brutal?”
“You did the same barbaric thing several hundred years ago, Captain Fitz.”
“Yes, I suppose we did.”
“The victor is brought before the Emperor. They take a ritualistic dagger and slice their left hand.”
“Ouch!”
“Then the Emperor will drink of the victor’s blood to satisfy their blood lust.”
“Now, I think I’ve heard just about everything.”
“No, there’s more.”
“Oh good,” Jed smiled, “I can hardly wait. What happens to the Victor,” he raised a finger in the air, “Let me guess, they don’t get to go home if you win.”
“No. If you win, you get the chance to defeat their beast.”
“Beast?” Jed’s face sunk.
“Oh, I don’t like the sound of that,” Doctor Lambert nodded.
“Their beast. Lives in the trenches on Serintin. It guards the grounds by the energy collector and refining operation.”
“What kind of beast is it?”
“They call it the Boreshog.”
“What the hell is a Boreshog?” Doctor Lambert asked, holding a hypo-spray.
“It is a rather large flying lizard.”
“Sounds like a dragon to me,” Jed said, eyebrows raised.
“Yes, you could say it is comparable to the mythical dragon of Earth.”
“Swell.”
“...again, Captain Fitz, I fail to understand the positive word used for something that carries a negative connotation.”
“Oh, sorry. It’s called sarcasm and I’m usually full of it.”
“Sarcasm, ah,” Artemis nodded, and then turned to Captain Fitz, “What is sarcasm?”
“Sarcasm is like, mockery, but not really...oh, It’s like an irony. No wait...”
“I think I am beginning to understand, Captain Fitz... A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule.”
“Yes, exactly. I say Swell, but I really mean Shi...”
“That’s okay, Captain,” Lambert interjected. “I’ve got the necessary injection ready for my patient.”
“Sarcasm, hmmm, I will need more investigation on the usefulness of this concept.”
“We can continue this discussion later, Artemis.”
“We can?”
“Well, sure...oh, duh! You are a quick study.”
Artemis bowed, then winked at Jed, “Doctor, please proceed with your treatment.”
“Better strap him down,” Jed cautioned.
“Straps will not hold him, if he intends to get up.”
“Well, then how about we stand back. Let me inform the guards outside to be at the ready.”
“Go ahead, Captain. The injection,” Lambert said, holding the hypo-spray to the Antarian’s neck, “will take about twenty minutes to reverse the sickness,” then he squeezed the trigger, sending the newly updated Nanites into Thelix’s blood.
“There! Start the clock, we should know in a few minutes.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
________________________
Antares Star System
Third Moon Serintin
________________________
The clunk of the heavy iron bolt pulling back signaled the guard’s arrival. As the huge Antarian pulled the massive door open, the scream of the rusting metal scraping along the stone floor echoed through the damp, dark cellblock.
“Prisoners!” Jamilkon shouted, “The Lord Emperor Dumakas of the House of Serintin will have audience with you.”
The three reluctantly followed their guard. Race and Danielle scanned their surroundings as they went, watchful for anything they could use to escape.
“Will you look at this architecture,” Danielle gasped, “These structures are similar to what you’d find in a Scottish castle in mid-evil times on Earth.”
“Funny thing is, they have technology to build space vessels, but continue to use old stone block structures.”
“Antiquated, yet technologically savvy, fascinating,” Danielle nodded.
“Stop talking!” Jamilkon ordered.
“What? Can’t we have a little idle chat to pass the time?”
“NO!”
“Jamilkon,” Danielle began, “We were just admiring your architecture.
“The Emperor’s palace has not changed in thousands of years,” Jamilkon admitted. “However, in the yonder lands, there are smaller, more sophisticated dwellings.”
Malcom blinked, and then shot his eyes wide open, Race! Remember this location, he telepathically relayed.
“Sure thing.”
The Antarian stopped Race, “What do you mean, sure thing?”
“Oh, that, ha ha ha, well, I was, err, ah, commenting on...”
His last words, Race...tell him his last words.
“...your last words, um, to stop talking. Just agreeing with ya, yeah, that’s it.”
“Why do you hesitate, Human?”
Race knocked the side of his head, “Hmm, my Nanites might need a tune up, I was having trouble understanding you for a moment.”
“Are your Nanites functioning correctly, now?”
“Um, well, yes. Yes, they are...and I’ll remember that right here where we’re currently standing.”
Race...no, don’t tell him that, he’s already suspicious as it is.
“Right! Damn,” Race muttered, “Come on. Let’s get to moving again, shall we? Heh heh, wouldn’t want the Emperor to wait any longer than he made us wait, now would we.”
No, Race...try to keep him here. I might be close to reaching my fellow Eridonians. There may not be another opportunity such as this.
“Then again,” Race continued, trying not to smirk too obviously, “Maybe we should make the Lord Emperor Dumakas of the House of Serintin wait.”
“You humans are impossible to unders
tand.” Jamilkon said, slowing shaking his head, “It is not the Nanites that malfunction, it is you Humans.”
That’s it, Race. I’m getting through. Just a few more moments...
“Well, what can I say,” Race shrugged. “You should come to some of our parties back on Earth; it’d be a blast!”
Jamilkon, fed up with his prisoners, shoved them onward.
“Okay, okay. Ya don’t have to get pushy.”
The guard turned left at the next corner, and followed the corridor another thirty meters where the ceiling sported an archway, seven meters high and was sealed by two double wooden doors.
“Stand aside,” Jamilkon grabbed the two iron rings on the door, braced himself, and groaned as he pulled them. The rusted hinges popped and the doors swung open.
“Greetings, distinguished guests,” the seven foot tall, Laboolaron said.
“Laboolaron, I was expecting to finally meet Dumakas?”
“Ah, well,” the softer spoken Antarian answered, “My Lord Emperor Dumakas of the House of Serintin is waiting for you in the Emperor’s hall.”
“Well, what are we waiting here for?” Race begged, “Let’s go see him.”
“There are a couple of, how should I say, housekeeping issues, that need to be addressed.”
“Oh, sure, Okay. Rules. I understand rules,” Race said, hands on hips.
“Number one rule,” Laboolaron began, “do not speak, unless spoken to, or unless a question is asked.”
“Simple enough. Okay, what else?”
“Number two rule, when you come before the Emperor, you will greet him on bended knee.”
“What if we don’t bend our knees?”
“Then I shall cut them off.”
“That might make it a tad hard to fight in the games,” Race chuckled.
Danielle swatted at Race, “Listen up, Race. This is important.”
“Right...wait, what? He wants to pit us against some aliens in a fight to the death, and you want me to give this Emperor reverence? We’re all gonna die anyway, so why should...”
“You will only die if you lose,” Laboolaron said, not letting Race finish.
“Well, according to your man, Darnash, whose life we saved, I might remind you, even if we are honored to satisfy the Emperor’s blood lust by winning this fight, we get to face the Antarian equivalency of an Earth Dragon.”
Warlords Saga Page 14
