Shroud of Doom

by William Manchee

  Chapter 26

  Summons

   

  After several phases in hiding, Rupra Bruda and Essyria were getting cabin fever. Although living in luxury they were both bored and starting to get on each other’s nerves. The unchanging dull grey landscape didn’t help their demeanor much either, so when the communicator buzzed unexpectedly one day they both perked up wondering who was calling them.

  They didn’t answer the call at first. No one was supposed to know where they were. So, they waited until the caller had hung up and then checked for messages. The mysterious caller turned out to be Essyria’s mother who said it was imperative that Essyria call her back.

  “How does your mother know we are here?” Bruda asked irritably.

  Essyria shrugged. “I guess it was obvious. We borrowed their ATV and took off. Where else would we go?”

  “Do you think she told anyone we were here? Maybe that’s why she is calling. She wants to warn us that the PE is coming to arrest us.”

  “I doubt that is it, but I suppose we better call her and find out.”

  Bruda nodded so Essyria picked up the communicator and punched in her mother’s number.

  “So, you are at the cabin,” Tulia said. “I told your father that’s where you must be.”

  “You didn’t tell anyone else did you?” Essyria asked nervously.

  “No. Of course not, but the PE has been by several times looking for you. They say you were involved in the attempted murder of that mutant, Threebeard.”

  “Well, we were there when it happened but we had nothing to do with it,” she lied.

  “So, why don’t you come back and tell that to the PE? You can’t hide forever.”

  “We can’t take that risk. We have enemies in Shisk who will do anything to destroy us.”

  “Well, there are other people in Shisk looking for Rupra. They say they are friends who want to help him.”

  “Who are they?”

  “They are military men from the TGA. They say they sympathize with his efforts to rid Shisk of the mutants and the rhutz and would like to discuss working together in the future.”

  “Okay. Let me discuss it with Rupra and I’ll get back with you. If he is interested where do they want to meet?”

  “I don’t know. They just said if I heard from him to have him contact Lt. Elmst at Shuttle City. I have his number.”

  Essyria wrote down the number and then hung up. She relayed the conversation to Bruda.

  “Do you think it’s a trap to get me to show myself?” Bruda asked. “I can’t imagine a lieutenant in the TGA would be sympathetic with our cause..”

  “I don’t know. On the news they say no mutants, seafolken or rhutz have been allowed in Shuttle City. Perhaps we do have some supporters there.”

  “I suppose,” Bruda mused. “I guess it won’t hurt to call the Lieutenant and see what he has to say. We can use a secure communicator to make the call so it won’t be traceable.”

  Essyria nodded. “Do you have one?”

  “Yes. I always keep one handy. You never know when you’ll need it.”

  Bruda went into their bedroom and returned with a small communicator. He punched in the number and put the device to his ear.

  “Shuttle City Command,” a voice said.

  “Ah. Lt. Elmst, please,” Bruda said.

  “Just a minute.”

  A few tiks later, Lt. Elmst came on the line. “Lt. Elmst.”

  “Yes. Lt. Elmst. Rupra Bruda here. I was told you wanted to talk to me.”

  “Oh, yes. Captain Lugart asked me to try to locate you. He’s organizing a conference of political leaders and thought you should attend.”

  “What kind of political leaders?” Bruda asked warily.

  “Politicians, councilors, businessmen and military officers who share your views when it comes to the Rhutz and the Mutant problem on Tarizon. Do you think you could make it?”

  “Ah. I don’t know. When will it be held?”

  “Soon. Perhaps tomorrow or the next day. We will come pick you up and take you to the conference.”

  “Where is it going to be held?” Bruda asked.

  “The Isle of Muhl. We’ll fly you down there by shuttle and bring you back when it is over.”

  Bruda was shocked by the transportation arrangements but the idea of traveling in an Earth shuttle intrigued him. He’d never ridden in a shuttle before and he’d always wanted to.

  “Who else will be at the conference?” Bruda asked.

  “The base commandant, Videl Lai. Lt. General Bratford, Colonel Lugwin, myself and a few others.”

  Rupra was shocked and amazed to be included with such a distinguished group. He was equally intrigued as to the purpose of the meeting.

  “Okay. I’d be honored to attend. Can I bring my mate. She’s a cofounder of the CPC.”

  “Yes. I’m sure that would be fine. If you give us your coordinates the shuttle will pick you up tomorrow at 9:00 kyloons.”

  Bruda hesitated a moment. He gave Essyria a questioning look. She nodded, so he gave the lieutenant their coordinates. After he’d hung up he swallowed hard.

  “Well, I hope that wasn’t a mistake,” Bruda said.

  “It seemed like a legitimate invitation. I can’t imagine any PE being that creative in luring in a fugitive. Plus, how would they get their hands on an Earth shuttle.”

  Bruda shrugged. “Well, we’ll find out soon enough if it’s a trap.”

  The next day at 0845 Bruda and Essyria were outside in the pasture next to their cabin looking up into the gray sky. They had bags packed and were excited about the adventure upon which they were about to embark. Suddenly they heard a rumbling sound like distant thunder. They looked up and saw the huge shuttle slowly descending. The ground shook when the shuttle made contact. A few tiks later a hatch opened, a ramp was lowered and Lt. Elmst stepped out.

  “Good morning. Come on aboard,” Lt. Elmst said waving his arm enthusiastically.

  Rupra picked up their bags and followed Essyria up the ramp and into the ship. Once inside someone took their bags and Lt. Elmst showed them to their quarters.

  “The flight won’t take but five or six kyloons but we may not be returning for a day or two, so these will be your quarters until we get back.”

  “Excellent,” Bruda said admiring the fine accommodations. Any chance we can see the rest of the ship?”

  “Of course. Why don’t you settle in I’ll come and get you in a little while and take you to the bridge. I think you’ll find it quite interesting.”

  Bruda smiled broadly. “Yes, that would be most satisfactory.”

  Lt. Elmst nodded and left. After the door closed Essyria took Bruda’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “This is so exciting. I can’t believe this is happening.”

  Bruda nodded. “I know. Who would have thought one day we’re fugitives from the law and the next day on our way to meet with a TGA general.”

  Essyria put her arms around Rupra’s neck and kissed him passionately. Rupra pulled her up close and was about to unzip her dress when there was a knock at the door. They broke apart quickly and straightened their clothing.

  “Yes,” Bruda said.

  “The captain has requested you and your mate’s presence on the bridge,” a voice said.

  Bruda opened the door and smiled at the crewman. “Okay, we’re ready.”

  “Follow me, then,” the crewman said.

  They followed him through a maze of corridors until they came to a double hatch. The crewman opened the right hatch and nodded for them to enter. Inside they found themselves in a large circular room. A huge blank screen was the focus of the room, facing it was a central console where the captain sat and work stations were set all along the perimeter for the crew. The instrumentation around the central console and around the workstations were breathtaking. The captain stood up as they entered and smiled.

  “Welcome to Tormenter,” Captain Lugart said enthusiastically.

  Br
uda smiled appreciatively. “Thank you, captain. Essyria and I were delighted when we learned we’d be transported to the Isle of Muhl on your shuttle. It is quite an honor.”

  “Well, it’s imperative that we have this meeting soon and the participants are scattered all over the globe, so this seemed the best way to get everybody together.”

  Bruda nodded.

  “This is a spectacular ship,” Essyria noted. “I’ve always wanted to travel on one.”

  “Well, it’s a bit of a relic but it still does its job.”

  “So, I’ve heard about the remarkable job you’ve done in Shuttle City,” Bruda said. “Who would have thought the Earth shuttle fleet would be used as housing.”

  Captain Lugart shook his head. “Indeed, but at least when the crisis is over we’ll have an up to date fleet of Earth shuttles.”

  “Right. Too bad you won’t need them,” Essyria said.

  Captain Lugart looked at Essyria. “Don’t be so sure about that.”

  Essyria raised her eyebrows. She wondered what the captain meant. Are there plans to go to Earth? She looked at Rupra but he just shrugged. After the ship got underway again Rupra and Essyria were escorted back to their quarters where they found food and refreshments. They ate and drank and discussed their first impressions of the ship, Captain Lugart, and the mysterious conference they were to attend. The ship landed several times apparently to pick up more guests but Bruda and Essyria were not summoned from their quarters until they finally landed on the Isle of Muhl.

  It was late afternoon and what little light made it through the thick cloud of ash that hovered overhead was rapidly waning. As they walked down the ramp to the ground Bruda noticed they were on a military base. He assumed it was Pegaport, the only TGA facility on Muhl. Several crew members directed the passengers along a path leading to a large building Bruda assumed was the base’s headquarters. Once inside they were escorted into a large conference room.

  The room had a long table that seated twenty-four, large video monitors on one wall, maps of Tarizon’s five continents and eight large islands on another and various communications equipment hanging from the ceiling. Bruda and Essyria were directed to a seat at one end of the table. Captain Lugart took a seat at the other end next the officer who appeared to be in charge. When the last seat at the table was filled the man at the end of the table rose.

  “Good evening and welcome to Pegaport,” the officer said. “My name is Videl Lai. I am the commandant here and I have been asked to preside over this meeting.

  “Some of you know why you are here, but others I’m sure have no idea why you have been summoned. Hopefully as I begin to explain the purpose of this gathering it will become clear to you why you were chosen to participate. If, however, you at any time feel uncomfortable or are less than enthusiastic about our purpose, please feel free to get up and leave. Your participation is strictly voluntary.

  “Now. we have a lot to cover so let’s get down to business. As you are all painfully aware Tarizon is in danger of becoming uninhabitable. Even if the worst of the volcanic eruptions are over, it will be fifty cycles before the planet’s eco system repairs itself to the level before the eruptions. The reason we are here today is to discuss a long term strategy for survival. A strategy that is realistic and one that is best for the people of Tarizon.

  “In developing such a strategy one harsh reality must be accepted. We cannot save every citizen on the planet. That is simply impossible and a waste of our precious resources to even try. It will be a great challenge just to save the people under the domes. As you know food is already in short supply. Most of our farms outside the domes have ceased production due to a lack of sunlight. This means we will have to grow our crops indoors with artificial light. We all know this will be exceedingly difficult and it will be many cycles before production levels reach the minimum requirements of our citizens under the domes.

  “So, what do we do with all the millions outside the dome? What are our options? Do we divert precious resources to try to save them or do we just let them fend for themselves? These are the tough questions. Realistically, however, there is just one course of action that makes any sense and that is to let them die. After all, the tremors and volcanic eruptions were not caused by man, so if millions outside the dome die it is not the fault of the human race but the will of God.

  Bruda was enjoying Videl’s presentation. He liked his realistic thinking and understood now why he’d been invited to the conference. Videl Lai obviously didn’t like mutants or non-human life-forms. He could see where Videl Lai was going and it made a lot of sense to him.

  “Unfortunately, the World Assembly is controlled by the worshipers of the Supreme Mandate. They believe that everyone including mutants, Seafolken, rhutz and nanomites all have equal rights. We all know this is not true. None of these life-forms are mentioned in the Supreme Mandate and even if they were it’s just not possible to save them all. Realistically all those who live outside the dome are doomed and the sooner that we accept that fact and deal with it, the better.

  “So, each of you have been summoned here today because you all possess unique talents that we believe would be useful in our efforts to persuade the World Assembly to adopt our policies for dealing with the mutants and inferior life-forms during this global crisis. Later on this evening we will break off into groups and each of you will be told exactly what we would like you to do. At that time you can ask questions and decide if you want to make this commitment.

  “Finally, even if we are successful in gaining control over the World Assembly, it may be that Tarizon can’t be saved. We won’t know if that is the case for many cycles but we must be ready to face that reality. That is why we are immediately beginning the creation of a plan to relocate as much of our population to Earth as we can. This would be a tremendous undertaking but it may be necessary to save the people of Tarizon from extinction. The reactivation of the Earth Shuttles to act as shelters during this ecological crisis was a brilliant stroke of good fortune. Fortunately Captain Lugart was in control of the Earth Shuttle fleet so he is insuring that only those who support our cause will be allowed on the shuttles. When the time is right we will start sending them to Earth and begin the process of taking control over our sister planet.

  “Now, I know this argument doesn’t apply to the nanomites and the rhutz. They have always been able to adapt to the environmental changes and somehow have survived. So, why do we consider these life-forms to be the enemy? As to the Rhutz you have all heard of the Flat Meadow Massacre. That most shocking event illustrates the power and cunning of the rhutz and the threat they pose to the human race. It’s true they have not generally been belligerent to man so far, but as the resources of the planet are strained that could change. You may have heard of an assassination attempt on the three-headed mutant named Threebeard. Unfortunately, Threebeard survived the attack. I say unfortunately, because Threebeard has enlisted the Rhutz as allies in the Loyalists’ efforts to resist our cause. Further, Threebeard has managed to communicate with the Nanomites and, I fear, they too will support the Loyalist cause.

  “Now, you all know of the great power of the Rhutz, but few of you probably appreciate the even greater threat of the Nanomites. Can you imagine an enemy so small you cannot see it. An enemy that can pass through solid objects like you and I walk through air. An enemy that can build strong and durable buildings in a fraction of the time it takes humans. An enemy that is everywhere and can spy on you without you even knowing it.

  “This is why we must destroy both of these life-forms if we are to achieve our goal of bringing Tarizon back to its Golden Age. The age before the first world war when the air was clean, the skies were blue, and the human race was unblemished!

  “So, now we are going to split up into groups and give out individual assignments. When that task is complete there will be a banquet in the nutrition center followed by a party to celebrate a new beginning for Tarizon. Thank you.”

  The at
tendees gave Videl Lai a round of applause and then began filing out to attend their individual meetings. When Bruda and Essyria got up to leave Videl Lai came over to them.

  “Rupra Bruda! Thank you for coming,” Videl said.

  “Oh. It’s our pleasure.”

   They shook hands and then Videl turned to Essyria. “And you were most kind to bring such a beautiful young lady.”

  “Thank you. This is my mate, Essyria.”

  “I know. What a lucky man you are,” Videl said giving Essyria a big smile.

  “So, where are we to go now?” Bruda asked.

  “Oh, you’re staying here. Captain Lugart and I will be meeting with you and your lovely mate.”

  Bruda nodded, shocked that he’d become an overnight hero for his campaign against the Mutants and the Rhutz.. He was flattered and felt vindicated that so many supported his actions. In his mind he was just getting started in his political career and was a nobody, yet here he was amongst some of the most powerful men on Tarizon. He was glad when he finally saw Captain Lugart coming to join them. They took seats around one end of the conference table.

  “So, I guess you are curious as to your assignment,” Videl said.

  Bruda nodded. “Yes, I am.”

  “Well, I have been watching you very closely since the Flat Meadow Massacre. It took a lot of courage to take on a pack of rhutz.”

  “Well, my grandfather was a rancher and the rhutz caused him a lot of trouble breaking down his fences and killing his stock. I guess I inherited his hatred for them.”

  “Your grandfather is a good man. I was sorry to see him resign. I hope you didn’t blame yourself for that happening.”

  “Well, it was kind of my fault.”

  “Nonsense. Your grandfather should have never resigned. He should have backed you and made sure the amendment to the Animal Control Act passed.”

  “How could he have done that?” Bruda asked.

  “Oh, I think you know. Like I said I have been watching you closely. You know how to punish people who get in your way. I know at least one inquisitor who underestimated you in that regard.”

  Bruda turned a little red. He wondered how much Videl Lai knew about him. He looked at Essyria and she raised her eyebrows.

  “Ah. Well, I don’t take failure very well, so I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

  “That is exactly why you are here,” Videl said. “We need someone to take charge of the new Purist Party. Someone who will, as you say, do what it takes to get the job done.”

  Bruda was shocked but elated with the opportunity that had suddenly been thrust his way. He couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. “You mean in Shisk?” he asked.

  “No, I mean for all of Tarizon. Shisk will be your headquarters but I want you to organize the party on every continent, in every state and in all the domed cities.”

  “But what about you? I thought you were in charge of the party,” Bruda questioned.

  “No. No. I’m not an organizer. I’m a politician. With your help I’ll be elected chancellor one day.”

  Bruda nodded. “Oh, right. I understand.”

  “So, will you do it? We’ll provide you with whatever resources you’ll need. I want the job done as quickly as possible, hopefully within one cycle, so we will be in full operation when the campaigning begins for seats on the World Assembly.”

  Bruda swallowed hard. He desperately wanted the job but it was an incredible undertaking and he didn’t have all that much experience in politics. He looked at Essyria. She smiled broadly.

  “You can do it. I have faith in you,” she assured him.

  Bruda nodded. “Okay, I’ll do it, but I’m going to need some help. I’ve never organized anything at this level.”

  “Don’t worry,” Captain Lugart said. “We’ve recruited many seasoned politicians to assist you.”

  “Really? Then why didn’t you pick one of them as chairman and let me help them.”

  Videl shook his head. “No. They are old men set in their ways. They wouldn’t have the guts to do the things that need to be done to assure the party’s success. You can draw on their experience to initially set up the party organization but once that is done it will be up to you to mold the party into an efficient and powerful force.”

  “Ah. What about the PE in Shisk? I believe he has a city wide alert for my arrest.”

  “That’s been taken care of,” Captain Lugart replied. “The PE in charge of the case has been presented evidence to show that someone else was responsible for the attack on Threebeard. You and Essyria have been cleared of all charges.”

  A surge of relief came over Bruda. He’d been worried sick about the warrants for his arrest. “Really. That’s excellent news,” Bruda said looking over at Essyria. “It will great to be able to go home.”

  “You will have to be more careful in the future,” Videl said. “Don’t ever hire an assassin who can be linked to you. You need to have people that are well insulated from the party for that type of operation. That way if they are caught, no one in the party can be blamed.”

  Bruda just looked at Videl Lai trying not to reveal his shock. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Not that murder bothered him all that much. It would be nice to have the authority to do anything he wanted to ensure the party’s success, including killing anyone who got in his way. But the implication of Videl Lai’s words of caution was that assassination would be a common tool to achieve the goals of the Purist Party. That thought was a bit sobering, but the more he thought about it the more comfortable he became with it. Yes, I’m going to like running this Purist Party!

  “Of course. That was rather amateurish of me. I’ll never let that happen again.”

  “Good. Then let’s go on over to the banquet. I’ve worked up a pretty good appetite.”

  They all stood up and made their way out of the conference room. Soon they were issued breathers so they could take the short walk to the mess hall. The pungent odor of fire and ash hit Bruda the moment he stepped outside. He immediately pulled the breather over his head and turned to make sure Essyria had hers in place as well. Inside the mess hall a banquet was in progress. Hundreds of people were seated awaiting the event to begin. Bruda and Essyria were escorted to a table in the front of the room and seated next to Lt. Commander Rugge Brunns and his companion, Ensign Arial Muri. They each introduced themselves and shook hands. When Bruda took Ensign Muri’s hand in his a pleasant feeling came over him. The feeling startled him and he stared at the beautiful TGA officer. When he’d held on to her hand a little too long Essyria elbowed him gently. He let loose and looked at her irritably.

  “So, I understand you’re to be the head of the party,” Lt. Commander Brunns said.

  Bruda smiled. “Yes. So it seems. I’m honored, of course, but a little at a loss. All this has happened so fast.”

  “Oh, yes. Well, my job will be challenging as well. I have the simple job of transporting millions of citizens across the universe to Earth.”

  Bruda laughed. “Well, I guess we both have our work cut out for us. At least traveling to Earth has been done before.”

  “Yes, but I have to convince the current occupants of the planet to accept us with open arms. Otherwise I’ll have to bring a fleet of warships to force them to cooperate.”

  Essyria shook her head. “That may be difficult. I’ve heard the humans there, particularly the Americans, are quite protective of their territory.”

  “Yes, but they are also very competitive with other nations on the planet, so I think we can use that as leverage to get their cooperation.”

  Bruda nodded. “Yes, and like humans here on Tarizon they are rather greedy as well. So, if you bribe the right people you will be able to get them to look the other way when the shuttles start landing.”

  “Ensign Muri squirmed uncomfortable in her chair. “You all make it sound so easy. The Americans are greedy, sure, but they love their freedom even more. As soon as they understand
our true intentions they will fight like a wounded rhutz.”

  Lt. Commander Brunns shrugged. “I hope you are wrong, my dear, but if they try to fight us they will regret it.”

  Bruda frowned. “Correct me if I am wrong, Commander, but I wasn’t aware that Tarizon had any military capability in space.”

  Brunns nodded. “Yes, you’re right, but that will be changing. One of my first projects is to begin construction of an intergalactic fleet. Of course, when I go to the World Assembly for the funding I’m not going to reveal its true purpose.”

  “Right. That wouldn’t be prudent,” Bruda agreed.

  Bruda sat back trying to digest everything that had been thrown at him. It was all so overwhelming, but at the same time, wonderful. For the first time in his life he felt like he was a part of something important and meaningful. He looked at Essyria who could feel his happiness. She took his hand and squeezed it as the waiters began serving them one course after another until they couldn’t eat anymore. Then everyone moved to an adjoining room that had been converted into a ballroom. Bruda and Essyria danced and mingled with the guests until the party finally ended, and they went back to their quarters to celebrate their good fortune in each other’s arms.