by C H Gideon
The crew set their backs to the equipment. Within the circle, Ka’nak slowly rose from the maintenance bot, growling and glaring down at the tiny aliens. The beings closing in stopped.
Excellent timing, Ka’nak, Reynolds said.
I was only mostly dead, Ka’nak replied.
I already used that one, Reynolds said. “I do not want violence. No good can come from it.”
The alien didn’t bother answering. A noise like a tornado crashing through a forest rose and the D’rken attacked. The crew kicked the creatures away, firing into the approaching waves. Geroux armed her screamers with a remote detonator and tossed them into the crowds. Two of the devices flew back at them, but Jiya and Maddox scooped them up and threw them back out.
Ka’nak started forward, but Maddox held out an arm. Stay back. We don’t want you to get poisoned again.
Why isn’t it getting the rest of you? Ka’nak grumbled.
You’re still upright, so it must be transmitted by touch, Geroux said. Reynolds, screamers deployed!
Detonate! Reynolds called.
The crew reflexively hunched their shoulders as the screamers went off. The Dark Ones nearest the screamers collapsed, the effect spreading like the shockwaves from tiny nuclear explosions until the cavern was still.
“Finnal, Edernt set up the extractors,” Reynolds ordered. “Maddox, deploy the crew to keep watch on the entrances. These D’rken are out for the count, but some of the others may try to come back and help.”
Extraction was fast and easy. They stacked canisters of the glowing crystals on the maintenance bots as fast as they were filled. Reynolds prowled around the space. “How did they know we came from off-planet?” he mused. “There are no energy sources in this cavern. No tech at all.”
“Maybe their tech works on a different level than ours?” Geroux suggested as she watched the viewpoint high above the cavern. “Maybe it’s so foreign we just don’t recognize it?”
“Whatever.” Taneral shivered. “I don’t care as long as we can get out of this place soon.”
“Take a look around, Geroux,” Reynolds said.
Geroux wandered around the cavern, poking, prodding, and picking things up. “You’re right. I’m not finding anything. Maybe their tech is in another part of the cavern. Or outside. The rock inhibits our scans, and it would do the same for theirs, most likely. If they have tech that identified our ships, it would have to be on the surface.”
“We can check with Pornath when we get back up there,” Jiya said from her position near the entrance. “Speaking of getting back up there, how are you feeling, Ka’nak? Will you be able to walk?”
“I am better,” he replied. “Not one hundred percent, but getting there.” The big warrior paced around the edge of the cavern, swinging his arms. He stopped every few minutes to shadow box.
“We’ve got all the phorentum we can carry,” Finnal called as he strapped the last cannister onto the bot. “What do you want us to do with the extractors? The bots can’t carry ‘em.”
“Destroy them,” Reynolds said. “We don’t want to leave any tech behind for Grrnherg.”
Ka’nak and Jiya took turns firing into the extractors, melting them to slag. “That felt good,” Ka’nak said. “Nothing like a little wanton destruction to clear the head.”
“We’ve got bogies,” Maddox called out. “Far tunnel; I make three of ‘em.” He laid down some fire just inside the entrance. The Dark Ones ducked away.
“Time to get moving,” Reynolds nodded to Maddox. He raised his voice. “Grrnherg! We’re leaving! Come tend your wounded.” He watched the cavern as his people filed out. “Hopefully, that act of mercy will keep him off our tails.”
Wishful thinking, Maddox said through the comm. He doesn’t strike me as the appreciative type. I’ve already spotted a disturbance lurking just around that first corner.
Even so, I hate to kill any more natives if we don’t have to, Reynolds said. Anyone got a screamer?
I’ve got one left, Geroux said. And I gave a couple to Taneral before we headed down here. I don’t know if she used them.
“Taneral? Do you have any screamers?” Jiya called out.
“No,” the female said. “We’ll have to kill them.” She didn’t sound sorry.
Geroux ran forward and tossed her last screamer around the corner. It went off before it could hit the ground. I didn’t want them throwing it back.
Good call, Reynolds said, but it’s not stopping them. On our six!
A wave of D’rken stormed up from the cavern. The crew raced through the tunnel and around the corner. Watch your feet, Maddox called. It’s knee-deep in passed out Dark Ones back here, and they’re impossible to see!
Finnal and Edernt stopped at the corner to lay down fire.
Don’t get separated from the group! Reynolds called.
Edernt raced to catch up.
I’ve got this, Finnal said. I’ll hold them back a little lo— His voice cut off as a massive wave of distortion flowed around the corner and sucked him under.
Finnal! Reynolds called. There was no answer.
He’s gone, Reynolds, Geroux said. Biometrics show no life signs. What did they hit him with?
I don’t know, but we need to get out of here now, Reynolds said. Move!
They raced through the tunnels, pushing Ka’nak and the maintenance bots as fast as they could go. When they reached the lava tubes, Reynolds called a halt. We’ll take a quick breather, then press on to the surface.
Ka’nak laid down on the rough rock of the tunnel, his face pale and sweaty. I don’t know if I can go much farther, he wheezed.
We aren’t leaving you behind,” Geroux said fiercely, although she didn’t look much better.
Are you sure Finnal was dead? Jiya asked. Could the rock stop his biometric reporting?
No, Geroux said. I saw his blood pressure spike and then plummet. They killed him.
“We should take fire down there and kill them all,” Taneral said. “Those vermin don’t deserve to live.”
Reynolds narrowed his eyes. “Finnal was part of my crew and therefore, my responsibility. We will mourn and honor our comrade, but we won’t wipe out an entire community. They were defending their home. I won’t stoop to that level.”
“They attacked us!” Taneral yelled. “And they tried to buy me!”
“Yes, they attacked us,” Reynolds said. “And we killed a large number of their warriors. But I won’t commit genocide.”
“You are pathetic! Our premier would never behave in such a cowardly manner! He would order his warriors to eliminate the vermin.” Taneral stomped away.
I think she’s more upset about Grrnherg wanting to keep her than she is about Finnal, Geroux said.
I’m not, Reynolds said. But slaughter isn’t the answer. We got what we need, and Finnal died to save us and give us time to get back to the ship. We will honor him for that.
Reynolds aimed his blaster at the cave roof beyond the lava tube and fired until it caved in. He waited until the dust settled to make sure the tunnel was sealed before continuing the climb out.
Chapter Seven
Reynolds! San Roche cried through the commlink. We were afraid you were dead! Why didn’t you answer?
The rock blocks our signals, Reynolds reminded him. We have obtained the phorentum, but lost Finnal.
He’s dead? L’Eliana asked as the crew emerged from the caves. She landed the Pod close and opened the door to receive the phorentum.
The setting sun tinged the entire plain red. The crew trudged across the dusty ground, Ka’nak leaning heavily on Maddox. Once they crossed into the circle protected by the sensors, Reynolds relaxed and holstered his blaster.
“We were attacked,” Jiya said, guiding one of the maintenance bots into the first Pod. “They swarmed like bugs.”
“You escaped the Dark Ones!” Pornath cried, riding up on his cat.
Taneral growled deep in her throat, but the others ignored her.
> “We escaped,” Reynolds confirmed. “You were watching for our return?”
“We were,” Pornath said. “The gods told me if anyone could be victorious against the Dark Ones in their lair, it was the visitors from the sky.”
They must have been watching from close by to get here so fast, Maddox said.
“Your victory over the Dark Ones must be celebrated!!” Pornath said. “My people will prepare a great feast. Did you kill them all?”
“We did not,” Reynolds said, grimly. “We sealed the cavern. And we lost a member of our crew inside.”
Pornath bowed. “Your crew’s valor must be toasted. Come, we will mourn and honor them.”
“Let me get my crew settled, then I will join you at your camp,” Reynolds told the chief. Pornath and his escort leapt back onto their cats. Taneral winced, glaring after the natives as they rode away.
“L’Eliana, take the phorentum back up to the ship,” Reynolds instructed. “Ka’nak and Edernt will return with you.”
Edernt nodded fervently and climbed into the Pod.
“But I want to feast,” Ka’nak whined.
“You can feast on the ship,” Reynolds said. “You need to get checked out by Doc. I want to know what paralyzed you, and if there’s an antidote. I don’t have any intention of going back down there, but we need a defense against anything that potent. Maybe Doc can use the data to come up with a wide-spectrum prophylactic.”
“Take this to Doc, too,” Geroux said, handing a pouch to Ka’nak. “It’s the hair sample I took from the D’rken. It might have some clues as to what they did to you. My uncle will probably want to analyze it as well. The camouflaging properties are fascinating.”
“Geroux, why don’t you go with Ka’nak? Takal is going to need your help with the Gate drive repairs. Maddox and Jiya will stay with me,” Reynolds said. “Taneral, you may return to the ship if you prefer.”
“I will attend the feast,” Taneral said. “My premier will want as much information as I can learn about this planet.”
Reynolds leaned close as they stared across the valley at the cloud raised by Pornath’s riders. “We aren’t here to free the cats,” he reminded her.
Taneral looked at Reynolds. After a moment, she nodded. “I will not free the cats. Today.”
“Or tomorrow,” Reynolds said, eyes narrowing.
“Or tomorrow,” she agreed, grudgingly. “I will only gather information.”
Jiya, Maddox, San Roche, keep an eye on Taneral while we’re in Pornath’s camp. I don’t need her releasing our hosts’ mounts while we’re eating, Reynolds told the crew as they climbed into the Pod.
The Pods lifted off, with L’Eliana returning to the Reynolds and San Roche sweeping around to the far end of the valley. They overflew the neat circle of tents before landing beyond them. A trickle of water meandered through the camp, providing an oasis of blue-green foliage in the arid stretch. The crew left the Pod and walked around the camp to meet Pornath and his riders as they returned.
“Your vehicle is fast,” the leader said, dismounting from his cat, “Having such a conveyance would be useful.” The other riders led their mounts behind the tents.
Reynolds hid a smile. “It is useful,” he agreed. “But it couldn’t transport an entire tribe. Your cats do that well.”
Pornath nodded. “They do. They also provide warmth and companionship. Your vehicle cannot do that.” He scratched behind his mount’s ears, and the animal began to purr loudly.
“If they are companions, you must treat them with respect and dignity,” Taneral said.
“Of course,” Pornath agreed. “We provide food, they provide transportation. It is a mutually beneficial relationship.”
“And they are free to leave if they wish?” Taneral asked.
Pornath laughed. “Our cats would never leave us! Would you, Stalker of Vermin?” He rubbed the cat’s chest, speaking in the silly tone sentient beings used when talking to pets. The huge cat dropped to the ground and rolled onto its back. Pornath scratched its belly.
Taneral growled again.
“Stalker of Vermin certainly looks happy to be here,” Jiya said, watching Taneral rather than the cat.
“Enough about the cats,” Pornath said. He stepped away, and the cat sprang to its feet and slunk away. The chief didn’t appear to be worried that it might stray. “Come, let us feast!”
He led them between the tents into the clearing at the center. Thick, spongy plants covered the ground near a small pond. Many of the short, hairy natives sat around a fire. A strange smell wafted over the crew, and Maddox coughed.
“That smells…intriguing,” Reynolds said. I’m glad I can switch off my taste buds.
Jiya sniffed. I wish I could.
Pornath laughed again. “You have good taste, Reynolds. Stewed verhent is a delicacy.”
They sat around the fire to eat with the tribe. The leader personally served Reynolds, while other natives served the rest of Reynolds’ crew. Jiya’s eye twitched as she struggled to keep from making a face. She knew what she had to do. As they said in the old videos, for king and country. She dug in as if starved. Reynolds appreciated the effort of his people as he also ate like he had never eaten before, even though he would expel the food later because his body did not get its energy in that way. The crew came to the same conclusion.
The stew was pungent and gamy, but edible once you got past the smell.
Barely, Jiya told Maddox as she choked down a bite. Ka’nak got the better deal.
The general grunted, washing his stew down with a mug of native ale. The beer is good.
“Tell me more about the Dark Ones,” Reynolds said to Pornath.
“What is there to tell?” The chief gulped his ale and held out his mug. One of the serving natives refilled it. “They raid our camp. They steal our females. They burn our crops.”
“Why do you stay here?” Reynolds asked. “Surely, there are more hospitable places on this planet.”
“This is our land. We have lived here for many generations. We won’t allow that pestilence to drive us away!” The chief drained his mug again and held it out for another refill.
Have you noticed all of the servers are much shorter than the rest of the tribe? Jiya asked.
I suppose they may have a bias against shorter beings. Too much like the D’rken? Maddox replied.
That doesn’t seem fair, Jiya replied.
We aren’t here to free the cats or the servants, Reynolds reminded them. Leave the locals alone. We have a mission.
When they had finished eating, Reynolds stood, gesturing to his crew. “Thank you for your hospitality, but we must return to our ship.”
“Don’t go!” Pornath cried. “I wish to show you the wonders of my planet. And perhaps I can offer you an inducement to part with one of those Pods? I have items to trade.”
“We can’t part with the Pod,” Reynolds said. “Unless you have tualinton.” He named one of the other compounds they required to fix the Gate drive.
“Tualinton?” Pornath asked. “I might at that! Stay the night. We will talk in the morning.”
There’s no tualinton on this planet. Why does he want us to stay so badly? Jiya asked. He can’t really think we’ll give him a Pod?
Maybe he’s worried the D’rken will get out? Maddox suggested. He seemed surprised and maybe disappointed that we hadn’t killed them all.
“We’ll sleep in the Pod,” Reynolds told their host when he offered them a tent. “It’s comfortable enough, and I don’t want to turn any of your people out of their beds.”
“In the morning, we will make plans,” Pornath said, practically dancing with apparent anticipation. “I will help you find your tualinton. And perhaps you will give me a ride in this Pod.” He reached out to caress the vehicle.
A sound like the howling of wind through the trees woke them several hours later. “The D’rken! How’d they get out?” Reynolds checked his blaster. “San Roche, cloak the Pod and take us
aloft. Let’s see what’s going on.”
The Pod launched and climbed steeply, then leveled out over the tents. San Roche flipped on the low-light scans. “There’s a huge mass of something by the caverns,” he said. “I can’t really tell how many.” The Pod veered toward the mountains.
“The D’rken’s camouflage works aboveground, too,” Jiya said in surprise. “That’s the most effective cloaking I’ve ever seen, not counting ours.”
“Can you drop us near the cavern without alerting them?” At the pilot’s nod, Reynolds continued. “Circle around. Ground team, cloak your armor. San Roche, be ready to provide air support. Taneral, stay in the Pod.”
Maddox, Jiya, and Reynolds leapt out of the Pod as soon as it landed. Taneral followed. “Get back in the Pod!” Reynolds roared.
“I must protect the cats!” Taneral lunged across the plain toward the natives’ camp.
“Let her go!” Reynolds said. “This way!” He took off toward the caverns, Jiya and Maddox close on his heels. The strange visual disturbance they’d identified as the D’rken eddied near the cavern mouth.
From behind, Pornath and his warriors sent up a battle cry. From a long distance away, the cats pounded across the plain.
“Do we engage or wait to see what happens?” Jiya asked.
“The D’rken don’t appear to be attacking,” Maddox said. “They’re just rummaging around over there.”
“Let’s get closer,” Reynolds whispered as if they could hear through the suit’s shield.
As they approached the cavern, the disturbance swirled and dissipated. “They can’t see us, can they?” Jiya asked in confusion. She put on a burst of speed and tripped over something. Flying across the last stretch of open ground, she face-planted into a boulder by the cavern entrance. “What the hell?” She rolled over and leapt to her feet. “I’m okay.”
“Slow down, the D’rken have retreated,” Reynolds said. Behind him, the tribe rumbled to a stop.
“Where are those vermin?” Pornath demanded. “How did they escape the cavern?”
