Shroud of Doom

by William Manchee

  Chapter 18

  Rescue

   

  Captain Lozich struggled to breath in the hot hold of the fishing boat. Blindfolded and his hands and feet bound he was in excruciating pain. His men were crammed in the hold with him and he could feel their pain as well as his own. He wondered how long it would be before his captors would open the door to the hold and give them water. If it didn’t happen soon he feared someone might die. Their treatment of he and his men didn’t make sense. If they wanted to kill them why hadn’t they just shot them and be done with it. Unless they wanted them to suffer. That was possible, he supposed, but it didn’t make any sense. He finally decided the problem was the limited space of the fishing boat. Their captors obviously feared the Seafolken and wanted them in a place they couldn’t escape. On a fishing boat the hold was the only secure location.

  Finally, as the day began to wane the crew began allowing one Seafolken at a time to leave the hold to eat, drink and relieve themselves. When Captain Lozich was brought on deck he demanded to speak to Captain Shameus. Before he was put back in the hold the ship’s captain came over to talk to him.

  “I hear you’ve got a complaint, cap?” Captain Shameus said haughtily.

  “Yes, I do. It’s too hot and crowded down there in the hold for me and my men. If you leave us down there much longer we won’t be in any condition to sell when you get to the slave markets.”

   “If you think I’m going to fall for your tricks, forget it. I know about your kind. You’ve got powers and you can talk with your minds, so we won’t be letting our guard down, I promise you.”

  “If you tie us up on deck, I give you my word we’ll give you no trouble. I’m just afraid my men may get dehydrated or suffocate down there.”

  “I thought you didn’t need air. Can’t you breath underwater?”

  “Underwater, sure. Water has oxygen in it, but there’s not much of it in the hold, particularly with the atmosphere so polluted.”

  “There may not be much, but it’s enough keep you alive and if you’re not feeling so good, then you’ll be less likely to be causing us trouble.”

  Captain Lozich clinched his fists angrily and started to protest some more but the captain cut him off.

  “That’s all,” he said. “Take him back to the hold and be sure his ropes are tight and his eyes covered.”

  “Yes, captain,” a crewman said.

  The crewman bound Captain Lozich’s feet again, covered his eyes with a blindfold and then pushed him into the hold. Since his men were also blindfolded and couldn’t see to get out of the way, he fell on one of them hard and then dropped to the floor landing on his shoulder. He cursed under his breath.

  “You alright, captain,” Lt. Yels asked helping the captain up.

  “Not really,” Captain Lozich replied. “I think it’s about time we got the hell out of here and cut a few throats.”

  His crew members growled their agreement as the door to the hold was fastened shut and it became pitch black.

  “How can we get out of here tied up the way we are?” Lt. Yels asked.

  “No more talking,” Captain Lozich ordered. “They are listening to us.”

  Captain Lozich then reached out to his crew telepathically. “All right. The longer we’re down here the weaker we will become. If we are going to escape we must do it now,” he thought.

  “Yes, Captain. What’s your plan?” Lt. Yels asked.

  “We are in the middle of the Dark Sea. If the ship sinks we are at home and in no danger, but the slavers will die. I say we sink the ship.”

  “That’s a good idea, but how will we do it?”

  “I need this blindfold off so I can use my invisible hand to bore a hole in the hull. Whoever is closest to me needs to rip off my blindfold with his teeth.”

  “I think I can do it,” Lt. Yels said maneuvering himself in front of the captain. Pushing his head against the captain’s shoulder he inched his mouth up to his face and found the edge of the blindfold. Once he felt the edge he gripped it with his teeth and worked it up until the captain’s eyes were exposed.

  “Excellent,” Captain Lozich said silently. “Now let me see your hands, Lieutenant.”

  Lt. Yels turned so the Captain could see the ropes binding his hands. Captain Lozich concentrated on the rope and the knots began to unravel. In a couple of loons Lt. Yels’ hands were free and he ripped off his blindfold and untied his legs. Then he freed the Captain and the rest of the crew.

  “Now, all of you with a third hand on my mark concentrate on cutting a hole in the bottom of the ship large enough for us to escape.” Captain Lozich and several members positioned themselves over the targeted area and began clearing their minds. “Ready, mark!” the Captain thought.

  Immediately the bottom of the wooden craft began to creak and groan like it was under intense pressure. Suddenly a board split and water began spraying into the hold. The hole widened and water began flooding in. As soon as the hole was wide enough crew members began diving through it into the sea.

  The noise could be heard on deck so it wasn’t long before the Captain ordered his crew to open the hold to see what was going on. Much to his shock and dismay their Seafolken cargo had disappeared. Suddenly the boat listed heavily to port.

  “To the lifeboat! The ship is sinking,” Captain Shameus screamed but to everyone’s dismay the lifeboat had been reduced to splinters. As the ship began to slowly sink into the Dark Sea, Captain Shameus looked out over the rail and saw the Seafolken in the distance treading water and watching them.

  “There they are! Shoot them!” he ordered.

  The crew members who were armed began firing at the Seafolken so they dove under water to avoid being easy targets. Soon, the crew had spent their ammunition and stood helpless on the deck of their sinking ship.

   

   

  Threebeard was awakened by persistent beeps from his GC. He rolled his feet off the side of his bed, sat up and pushed the accept button. “Hello.”

  “Threebeard!” an excited voice exclaimed.

  “Yes.”

  “We’ve spotted the fishing boat 20 kylods northwest of Hisa Usa. I’m sending you the coordinates right now.”

  “Excellent,” Threebeard said sleepily. “I’ll pass on the information to the TGA. Hopefully they’ll have a ship in the area that can intercept it.”

  “Tell them to hurry!” the frantic voice added. “The ship seems to be sinking!”

  Threebeard straightened up. “What?”

  “It’s listing badly and the crew seems to be firing their weapons at something.”

  “Alright. I’ll report it as being urgent. Thanks,” Threebeard said clicking off.

  He immediately punched in the number for Colonel Zitor.

  “Hello.”

  “Colonel. Sorry to bother you so early, but the ships been cited.”

  “Great. Do you have coordinates?”

  “Yes, but I’ve been told the ship is in distress and may be sinking.”

  “Sinking?”

  “Yes, apparently there is some conflict on the vessel. It could be the Seafolken are trying to escape. The crew has been seen firing their weapons.”

  “Alright. I’ll send out a search and rescue team and some assault copters for support. Send me the coordinates.”

  “Will do,” Threebeard said forwarding the numbers he’d just received.

  “I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something,” Colonel Zitor said and then hung up.

  Threebeard got up, put on some clothes and went into the tavern’s kitchen to see if he could get some breakfast. He was delighted to see Poldra back in the kitchen.

  “You made it back,” Threebeard said exuberantly.

  “Yes, we got in a few kyloons ago.”

  “Excellent! How is Artis?”

  “She’s fine. She was exhausted so she went straight to bed.”

  “I can imagine. Why aren’t you doing the same thing.”

&n
bsp; “I didn’t have to drive, so I got some sleep while we were traveling. . . .Would you like some breakfast?”

  “Yes, six eggs and seven or eight bacon strips would be perfect.”

  The standard egg on Tarizon came from a small bird called the squit and bacon came from the river hogs that foraged in the swamps created when the Liehn River overflowed during the heavy rains each spring and fall. After Threebeard had poured himself a large cup of sankee, he sat down to await his breakfast. While he was waiting Faruk and Giant came in carrying the replica of the nanomite city. Threebeard got up and helped them set it on a table.

  “God almighty! Look at that!” Threebeard said in awe.

  “Yes, isn’t it magnificent?” Faruk said. “We were lucky to get it back here in one peace.”

  Threebeard sighed. “Yes. This is a truly a miracle. Finally, we have proof the Nanomites are sentient beings.”

  “I hope they weren’t all killed when the lava struck,” Faruk said worriedly.

  Threebeard shook his head. “My concern as well. The lava flow must have gone right over their city. It may well have killed them all.”

  “Was that the only nanomite city on Tarizon?” Giant asked.

  “No. Most desert regions on Tarizon have a few cities. They live in the desert because too much water disrupts their ability to move freely and they can easily be swept away if there is too much of it. Also, they need a chemical called bacuum that is plentiful in the desert.”

  “I wonder how long it will be before we can go back and check on them,” Faruk asked.

  “It may be quite a while,” Threebeard replied. “Mt. Alabash is still active and now two other volcanoes on Lamaine Shane are erupting.”

  “Really?” Faruk said. “Which ones?”

  “Mt. Cebat in the northeast and Mt. Kudath in the south.”

  “It’s almost impossible to breathe now,” Giant noted. “We had to use breathers whenever we went outside in Rizi.”

  Threebeard nodded dejectedly. “Yes, breathers may become a way of life outside the domes, I’m afraid. With so much toxic ash in the atmosphere and on the ground it could be many cycles before we see the sun again.”

  “Many cycles?” Faruk asked alarmed by the thought.

  “I’m afraid so. Our atmosphere was just starting to recover from the great wars, but now we may face an even greater threat.”

  “What’s that?” Giant asked.

  “This ever thickening shroud of ash encircling the globe is blocking the sun’s rays. If it continues for any period of time it will kill our agricultural production and still our solar energy plants.”

  “You mean we won’t have electricity?”

  “That’s right. Since nuclear and fossil fuel energy production was banned cycles ago, eighty percent of our electrical production comes from solar energy and the rest from wind and thermal generation. But with the sun’s rays blocked the world’s energy production will be cut by eighty percent. In fact, solar energy production is already down by thirty percent with only four volcanoes active. What will happen if nine or ten more erupt which is quite likely?”

  Faruk sighed. “I’m really scared. What will we do?”

  Threebeard stroked his middle beard. “That’s a good question, my friend. A very good question indeed.”

  Poldra brought Threebeard’s breakfast over to the table and set it down. Seeing it, Threebeard perked up and returned to his table.

  “Well, I’m going to get some sleep,” Giant advised. “I’m exhausted.”

  “Me too,” Faruk said.

  Threebeard looked up from his plate and waved his approval for them to leave. After they were gone he noticed a disturbed look on Poldra’s face. “What’s wrong, Poldra,” he asked.

  Poldra looked over at Threebeard. “My mother lives in Behn Lat. That’s not too far from Mt. Kudath.”

  “Hmm,” Threebeard moaned. “Yes, she could be in trouble. The winds in that area come in from the south this time of cycle.”

  “Maybe she could go to Mapi and find a place to live under the dome,” Poldra said.

  Threebeard shook his head. “That’s a good idea, but Central Authority isn’t letting mutants into the domes.”

  “What!” Poldra said incredulous.

  “I know. It’s ridiculous and violates the Supreme Mandate but the Purist control the General Assembly in Quori and they are putting a lot of pressure on Central Authority to protect the domed cities from overcrowding as they call it.”

  “That’s outrageous!” Poldra exclaimed.

  “My sentiments exactly, but for now that’s the way it is.”

  Poldra nodded and went back to his work. Anger began welling in Threebeard as it often did when he contemplated the injustices that existed on Tarizon. It wasn’t supposed to be this way after the world was unified and the Supreme Mandate became the law of the land, but the harsh reality was the promise of freedom and equality for all was but a sham. Although this depressed him, he knew he couldn’t let it debilitate him, as he believed its promise could yet be fulfilled. He was interrupted by beeping from his GC.

  “Yes?”

  “Colonel Zitor here. We’ve picked up Captain Lozich and his crew. There was only one crew member lost.”

  “Oh, thank God and Sandee! What about the crew of the fishing boat?”

  “They were all lost when the ship sank.”

  Colonel Zitor explained what had happened.

  “So, where are you taking them?”

  “To Gallion.”

  “Good. Tell Captain Lozich he and his crew are welcome to stay at the Mighty Jolly in Gallion until he gets a new ship.”

  “I’ll tell him, but I’d like you to come here tomorrow if you can. It’s time we had that meeting we discussed.”

  “Well, I would but all air traffic has been grounded.”

  “I know. I’ll send a low altitude jet copter to pick you up. We’ve rigged a special filtration system to allow it to fly through the ash.

  “Sounds good. I’m anxious to meet you.”

  “Alright, I’ll have the copter pick you up tomorrow morning.”

  Threebeard hung up feeling good that his friend had been rescued. His delight however faded as he contemplated what would be discussed in the meeting with Colonel Zitor and his unidentified friends. What exactly was the colonel cooking up? Did it have to do with the super-volcanic eruptions all over Tarizon? He didn’t think that was likely. Perhaps the colonel wanted his help communicating with the rhutz or wanted help in recruiting mutants for the TGA? Those were all plausible topics of discussion, but somehow he figured it would be something more complicated.

  That evening Threebeard build a display case for the nanomite city and set it up in a special event rooms in the Mighty Jolly. He wanted it somewhere where people could see it, but also a place it would be secure. The security at every Mighty Jolly was tight as they had to deal daily with customers who’d drank too much, taken drugs, or were feeling the effects of their encounters with the Seafolken women. Even so, the presence of a one-of-a-kind artifact of incalculable value, brought new concerns. Many humans opposed the recognition of any competing life-forms and would see the existence of the nanomite city replica as a threat. This would mean around the clock security would be necessary and careful scrutiny of anyone viewing the exhibit.

  The next morning word had already gotten out about the nanomite city and hundreds of people were lined up to view the exhibit. Threebeard, who was trying to get off to the heliport, instructed Giant on the extra security needed. He was glad everyone was interested in the exhibit but feared something might happen to it before he even had a change to study it carefully. Twenty loons later he was climbing aboard the jet copter that Colonel Zitor had sent for him. As the copter took off into the thick grey sky he became sad and depressed at what had become of his beloved Tarizon. He loved to fly and observe the beautiful landscape from above, but today he saw no rivers, lakes or grassy plains. All there was today was dismal
grey and a burnt odor in the air that forewarned of disaster and devastation. He rubbed his eyes as they had started to burn. A crewman seeing his discomfort offered him a breather which he took appreciatively and put it over his mouth and nose. Even with the breather he was relieved when they landed at Gallion and he was transferred to an air conditioned ATV for transport to base headquarters. He was feeling better when they pulled up in front of the building and went inside. Colonel Zitor greeted him as he came in and escorted him to a conference room.

  The large conference room seated twenty-six, had a display of charts and maps on one wall and a myriad of video monitors on the other. Threebeard saw Captain Lozich and his executive officer, Ullum Yels, and nodded toward them. Colonel Zitor then introduced the other three persons present, Tobin Sandinista, Rammel Garciah, and Basset Als.

  “Basset is the new chairman of the Tributon General Assembly,” Colonel Zitor explained. “He was elected after Cornelius Bruda resigned over the Flat Meadow Massacre. Being the chairman of the General Assembly also makes him a member of the Tarizon World Assembly.”

  “Right. Excellent,” Threebeard said nodding.

  “Rammel Garciah is the new appointee to the Council of Interpreters in Shisk. You may have heard of him as the headmaster of Vaceen.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard good things about Councilor Garciah and Chairman Als,” Threebeard acknowledged.

  “Yes, and finally you may have heard of Tobin Sandinista, a councilor in Urunes, who was approached by the rhutz about the Flat Meadow Massacre.”

  “Yes, we’ve met and my son Nic, with the councilor’s help, has been working with Starlight and Shadow to set up a communication network with the rhutz throughout Lemaine Shane.”

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Sandinista acknowledged.

  “Alright. I know you are all busy men so, I’ll get right to the point. I gathered all of you together because you have one important thing in common—belief in and allegiance to the Supreme Mandate, not only as a governing document, but in what it stands for. Many people adhere to the Supreme Mandate because it is the law, but if it were not the law they would do what was in their own self-interest. None of you are like that. You believe in freedom, justice and equality for all sentient life-forms as an ideal that should always be the norm. Am I right?”

  Everyone nodded.

  “Well, sadly, I have observed a growing movement that, if not checked, will soon seek and have the capacity to destroy the Supreme Mandate and all the principals for which it stands. I’m sure you’ve seen it too in the acts of those who would keep the mutants out of the domed cities, kill the rhutz as if they were rodents, and, due to the current emergency, suspend the freedoms we all have become accustomed and cherish so much.

  Everyone looked around the table and nodded. Colonel Zitor continued. “So far those strongly behind the Supreme Mandate have managed to prevail and keep Tarizon on a straight and narrow course, but I fear with us facing a worldwide disaster of unprecedented magnitude the forces of evil may be too much for our young democracy.”

  “Why do you think that?” Threebeard asked.

  “Before I go into detail I must advise you that what I plan to tell you today will be considered by my superiors as a breach of my oath as an officer of the TGA and even treasonous. So, if you stay and listen you might be considered a conspirator.”

  “If it will be a breach of your oath as an officer why are you doing it? Rammel asked.

  “Because not to do it would be a breach of my oath to honor and defend the Supreme Mandate.”

  Rammel nodded. “Then I’ll stay.”

  Colonel Zitor looked around the room and, seeing the others nodding as well, continued. “I’ve overheard some of my superiors talk about orders coming in suggesting that the civil rights of our citizens should be suspended during the current crisis. Specifically, the mutants and Seafolken are to be excluded from the domed cities.”

  “What!” Threebeard exclaimed. “That’s going to be an official policy?”

  “Apparently, that’s what the Generals are saying.”

  “How do they feel about it?” Rammel asked.

  “Many of them agree it’s necessary given the limited resources available. The rationale is that it will be impossible to save everyone, so what resources are available should be targeted to normal, healthy humans.”

  “That’s outrageous,” Threebeard spat.

  “Yes, it is, my friend,” Captain Lozich agreed, “but it doesn’t surprise me.”

  “I apologize to both of you,” Chairman Als said sadly. “Although, I have no abnormalities I do not consider myself superior to any other human or life-form here on Tarizon. We were all created equal my the Master and should live together in peace and love. It shames me that any human would think him superior to other humans or other life-forms.”

  “No apology is necessary,” Rammel replied. “You have no control over the evil in men’s minds.”

  “I know, but it’s still an embarrassment. The Seafolken don’t seem to be inflicted with such evil.”

  Captain Lozich shook his head. “Seafolken are susceptible to evil too,” he said, “but living in and around the sea we have been preoccupied with survival. There is no politics in the Seafolken world nor the temptations of the city.”

  “Alright,” Chairman Als said. “So, what makes you think these Purists can prevail. So far, we’ve been able to keep them under control.”

  “Yes, but this current crisis plays right into their hands. They have wanted to exclude the Seafolken and the Mutants out of the mainstream for some time, but the scarcity of resources now gives them a good reason for it.”

  “True. It will make it more difficult to convince the people to do what is right, but I’m confident we can do it,” Chairman Als argued.

  “Can we?” Colonel Zitor said. “These people do not share our values. They don’t care about the Supreme Mandate or civil laws. They will do whatever it takes to gain power.”

  “What’s worse,” Threebeard interjected. “They believe what they are doing is the will of God. I’ve been monitoring some of their communication channels and it’s quite alarming.”

  “How do you monitor their communications channels?” Colonel Zitor asked.”

  Threebeard smiled. “I’ve become very proficient on the computer and have been able to access just about anything on the global network.”

  Colonel Zitor nodded. “That’s good to know. Your talents will come in handy for what we need to do.”

  “What is that exactly?” Threebeard asked.

  Colonel Zitor sighed. “Well, it should be fairly obvious. We need to prepare for the day the Purists take control of the General Assembly and abolish the Supreme Mandate.”

  Everyone just stared at Colonel Zitor. Threebeard tried to tell himself that couldn’t happen but the more he thought about it the more he realized Colonel Zitor was right. Finally he sighed. “So, assuming that happens. How do we prepare for something like that?”

  “Well, as the leader of the mutants, you need to start organizing a mutant army.”

  Threebeard laughed. “Leader of the mutants? I don’t remember being elected to that position, if there were such a thing.”

  “True, but you are by far the most intelligent, talented and successful mutant on Tarizon. You own a very lucrative business, you’ve made contact with the Rhutz and the Nanomites, and today I’ve just learned you’re a premier computer hacker. I think all of that qualifies you as the best candidate to lead the mutants in the coming civil war.”

  “What about me?” Captain Lozich asked. “Do you want me to organize a seafolken army?”

  “Yes, exactly, but both of you will have to be discreet about it. What I’d suggest is you tell everyone is that you are organizing a relief effort. You can use that as your cover until the time comes that your armies are needed.”

  “But I have no military training nor do any other mutants.”

  “Yes, that’s why I have con
vinced TGA command to start allowing mutants to volunteer for military service. Of course, seafolken already serve in the military, so you can draw from those with experience to build your seafolken army. As I understand it you’ve already begun with the Deep Sea Defense League.

  “That’s true, but it’s been limited to putting slavers out of business. We’ve never faced a real military force.”

  “I understand. But you will have an easier time of it than Threebeard. He’ll be starting from scratch.”

  “Right,” Captain Lozich said.

  “So, Threebeard. You and ninety-nine thousand other mutants will be allowed to go through TGA boot camp on the Isle of Muhl.”

  “The TGA has never taken mutants before,” Threebeard replied. “How did you convince them to allow it?”

  “I pointed out that with the current crisis they were going to need a lot more troops and the mutants were already acclimated to a polluted environment. Plus, they’d need troops to keep the mutant population outside the domes under control and who better to do it than mutant soldiers.”

  “I’ve never had any ambition to be a soldier,” Threebeard confessed. “I really have no desire to go to boot camp.”

  “You need to do it, though. The 99,000 troops that come out of training will be the backbone of the mutant army and they will need a leader.”

  “Backbone. How many mutants do you expect to finally be in this army?”

  “A million is my hope. We’ll need every last one of them.”

  “What about the TGA? Who will it back if there is a civil war?”

  “The soldiers are very loyal to their generals, so they will likely follow their lead. That will be my job along with Councilor Garciah. We will be courting the TGA generals and trying to convince them to side with the Loyalists.”

  “What about me,” Chairman Als asked. “What is my role?”

  “Your role, Mr. Chairman, is to become Chancellor and keep the Purists from gaining control of the World Assembly. Hopefully you will succeed and there never will be a civil war, but if you fail we want to be ready to fight and win back freedom and democracy for the people of Tarizon.”

  “What makes you think I can become Chancellor.”

  “Because you have natural charisma and you’re a very intelligent and cunning politician. With our help I’m sure we can get your elected. Keeping you in office will be the challenge.”

  Chairman Als swallowed hard. “You really think the Purists will do anything to gain power?”

  Colonel Zitor nodded. “Yes, they are ruthless and they will do anything including bribery, intimidating and murder.”

  “Murder?” Sandista asked. “Do you think they would really resort to murder?”

  “Yes, and to quell any doubts about their intentions, let me share one more thing.”

  “What’s that?” Threebeard asked.

  Colonel Zitor pulled out a sheet of paper from a file and began reading. “This document is called the Mutant Manifesto. It is currently circulating amongst delegates of the World Assembly.”

  “If the crisis brings about a catastrophic shortage of medical supplies, food, and other necessities, the most practical solution would be the elimination of the mutant population as well as any other burdensome elements of the population living outside the domes. Although this may seem extreme to some, in the long run it will be best solution for people of Tarizon.”

  Everyone shook their heads in disbelief. “The World Assembly is discussing genocide as a solution to the current problem?”

  “Not everyone. Only the Purist. The Loyalist obviously won’t even discuss it. But the fact that it is being considered should be enough to make it clear what we are up against.”

  “Indeed,” Rammel agreed. “We must all take on our tasks with great diligence for the sake of Tarizon.”

  Everyone nodded somberly as the meeting broke up. Threebeard wasn’t thrilled about becoming a military leader. It was the last thing he wanted to do, but he knew Colonel Zitor was right. If there was a civil war they’d need armies to fight, but the task of building a mutant army was daunting. He didn’t know how he could possibly pull it off and he wasn’t looking forward to TGA boot camp. It was bad enough for regular soldiers but for the mutants he knew the drill sergeants would have but one objective–to wash every last one of them out and prove that mutants couldn’t be good soldiers.