by Rick Lakin
“I’ve not heard her speak.”
“I speak now,” Kalinda entered the picture. “I choose to live on Earth with my family.”
“You choose to leave behind your commitment to your future mate, and your culture,” Brandil said.
“Tal’Predex, I claim the honor of Tal’qid,” Kalinda said. “I choose to live on Earth with my family.”
“You are just a child, Kalinda,” Brandil said. “Your mother will choose.”
Jack took a step forward. “Natira stands without freedom of choice. You hold her against her will.”
“Starship, our weapons are far superior to yours. You cannot escape. I demand we meet on the surface and settle this. If we’re satisfied, we’ll allow you and your shuttle to depart peacefully.”
Jack stepped out of view of the Tal’Predex and signaled Jennifer to join them. “Anthen?”
“Captain, I’m scanning Tandex. They have only a skeleton crew with no fighter drones embarked. We can outmaneuver them and defeat them if necessary.”
“Jennifer?”
“The STALTs are nearby and cloaked. It would not be a fair fight.”
“He knows he's in the weaker position,” Anthen said. “He's trying to come away with something to salvage his pride.”
“Very well. Let’s play along.”
A tone sounded, and Sandi reported. “The Camdex is decelerating. The ship will arrive in three minutes.”
“Tal’Predex,” Jack said. “We’ll meet you on the surface. “
Brandil looked relieved. “I’ll be riding down aboard Predex Kone’s shuttle.”
The screen switched back a tactical display.
“Ops, prepare to enter the atmosphere,” Jack said. “Plot an approach to land near the shuttle.”
“Aye, Captain,” Jennifer said. “Sami will give us a vector to a clearing. Four minutes to the landing.”
The forward screen went red as Brilliant hit the outer atmosphere.
Two minutes later. “Mach ten,” Jennifer said. “Straight in approach.”
To their left was a frozen landscape and to the right was a hot desert. Directly before them was a ten-mile-wide green strip on the terminal line of the planet.
“I’ve got the beacon from Hope,” David said.
Brilliant began a final descent, and Kalinda shouted, “There's our cabin.”
The cabin stood next to a deserted clearing.
Jack pressed a button on the arm of his seat. “Sami?”
“Yes, Captain?”
“Please uncloak the shuttle.”
Brilliant landed in the clearing next to the shuttle and fifty yards from the cabin.
“Anthen, scan the area.”
“There are four humans in the cabin,” he said,
“Camdex has just arrived in orbit and is sending a shuttle to Tandex,” Sandi said.
“Please bring a supply of vaccine to Brilliant,” Jack said.
“Captain, I lost my body when I rescued Natira.”
“Jennifer?”
“We fabricated a spare,” Jennifer said. “Join me on the hangar deck.”
Jennifer went below.
“May we join her,” Kalinda said.
“No way,” Jack said. “You two stay on the bridge until it's safe.”
The virtual Sami was waiting on the hangar deck when Jennifer got there. They hugged.
“I missed you the last three days,” Jennifer said.
“I missed you the last two hundred years,” Sami said.
“You win. It’s in Storage Three.”
Sami walked into the storage room wearing a perfect uniform. A moment later, she came out wearing a slightly wrinkled one.
“I love my cyberian self.”
“Captain, please lower the ramp.”
“Coming down.”
Sami exited Brilliant and walked over to StarShuttle Hope. She returned to Brilliant a few minutes later carrying a box of one hundred individual injectors.
“I’ll be Lab Rat One again,” Jennifer said.
Sami corrected her. “You’re number two. Natira has received her vaccine with no ill effects.”
Sami walked through Brilliant, took hugs and congratulations, and injected each crew member with the vaccine. She got the biggest hug from Kalinda.
Kalinda stood by anxiously as Sami finished the last injection. “May I see her?”
“Sure.” Sami projected a 3D slideshow of the last year with Natira. Kalinda’s eyes were damp as she held Jeff’s hand.
Anthen looked at the images with the same longing in his eyes.
Jack placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Soon, my friend.”
Sami turned to Jack. “Captain, I’ve fabricated some boxes for the Hoclarth here on Prondas, and I’ve sent you the app for the fabricator. I need to go to Xaphnore to deliver several fabricators that will generate the injectors needed for the planet.”
“We may have to negotiate your exit.”
“The Camdex shuttle is on final,” Sandi said.
“Very well,” Jack said. “Jennifer, Anthen, Sami, and I will go down and begin the negotiations.”
“Captain, I need to be down there,” Kalinda said.
“You’ll remain at the top of the ramp with David and Riley…in chains if necessary.
Dandy jumped into Kalinda’s arms and looked at her. Keep me close, Dandy thought.
After landing, the Hoclarth shuttle, Brilliant, Hope, and the cabin formed a circle around a grassy clearing. The landing party stood at the top of the ramp with the rest of the crew behind including Kalinda and Dandy with Riley and David at her side.
“Sandi, are you monitoring the cabin?”
“They’re holding Natira inside until the Tal’Predex gives a signal.”
He looked at Sami. “Have you got a box of vaccines?”
“Got it,” Sami said.
The ramp on the Hoclarth shuttle opened. “That’s our cue,” Jack said.
Jack led Jennifer, Anthen, and Sami down the ramp. Across the clearing, Tal’Predex Glate, Predex Kone, a robotic-looking soldier, and a tall, handsome teenager descended the ramp. The soldier was very much a robot looking around with a blank stare and no sign of emotion.
The remainder of the crew watched from the top of the ramp.
“Bralen and Tal’pa,” Kalinda said.
Tayla edged close to Kalinda, “I admire your taste in men.” She got an elbow in the ribs from Jennifer.
Jeff let go of Kalinda’s hand.
David pointed to the robotic pilot. “Do they have androids like ours?” David asked.
Sami spoke over the ship’s audio. “An ugly Neanderthal, David, a very primitive replica of me. It can barely walk. I doubt that it can talk. It’s just for show.”
“We still love you,” Tayla said.
Before the meeting, Anthen had briefed Jack about Hoclarth customs.
Jack opened his hands and dipped his head. “Tal'Predex, it is my honor. I’m Captain Jack Masing. May I present Anthen Kelrithian, whom you know, my first officer Jennifer Gallagher, and Cyberian Sami Teesmith, who traveled back in time to obtain the Malfnid specimens to synthesize a vaccine.”
“My respects, Captain. I am Tal'Predex Brandil Glate, and you know Predex Kalea Kone. This is our pilot, Xalphex, and my grandson Bralen Glate.”
“I’d like to see my te'cha,” Anthen said.
“I do not speak to traitors,” Brandil said.
“A daughter would like to see her mother,” Jack said. “Her healthy and safe mother.”
“In due time, Captain,” Brandil said. “What do you have to offer in trade.”
Sami stepped forward. “We offer these injectors for your crews. The vaccine will cure those afflicted and protect those not yet exposed.”
Brandil curled his lip and squinted. “This is but a token. We do not wish to gain our health and then stand by and watch our planet die.”
“It’s a gesture of good faith, Tal'Predex,” Jack said. “Our
star shuttle carries the vaccine for all of Xaphnore.”
“Ahhh,” Brandil said. He looked at the cabin. “Allow Predex Valenda to join us.”
Anthen watched as the three Hoclarth left the cabin escorting Natira. Their eyes met, and they smiled. Then Natira looked curious, and Anthen pointed to Brilliant where David and Riley were holding back the ten-year-old.
“Not yet,” David said.
Now, Dandy, she thought.
The tabby cat erupted like a banshee, jumped from Kalinda’s arms and dug his claws into Riley’s chest. A surprised David let go as well.
Kalinda took off running, grabbed the surprised Natira, and began crying. “Te’ma, I’ve missed you so much.”
Anthen walked over and joined the hug.
“Who is this basket of emotions you have created?” Natira said.
“K’da is also a daughter of Earth, te’cha,” Anthen said.
The Tal’Predex coughed and collapsed to a knee. “Is your vaccine safe?”
Sami came to his side. “Natira received the vaccine almost a year ago, and it works quickly.”
“Then I offer myself as a test case.”
Sami quickly applied an injector to his arm. “It’ll begin working soon.”
“David, bring the Tal’Predex a chair,” Jack said, “if you can hold onto it.”
David came down the ramp followed by the remainder of the Brilliant crew.
“Dad, Dandy attacked us.”
“You were taken out by a simple house cat?” Jack said.
Dandy Lion jumped into Jennifer’s arms and glared at Jack.
“Captain, that is not a simple house cat,” Brandil said.
Dandy turned to the Tal’Predex and nodded respectfully.
“My respects as well, Toxem’al. And, yes, I am feeling better.”
Jack laughed. “A wise actor once said, 'Never work with children and animals.'“
“He must have been in a Hoclarth flixtal,” Brandil said. “Captain, I accept your gesture, I surrender Natira to your care, and I humbly ask your plan.”
“Sami?”
“I’ve got five fabricators that can be distributed to the population centers on Xaphnore and provide enough injectors to help the sickest. We’ll work with your main laboratory to create enough vaccine for the entire planet. I’ve got a gift for your zoos as well.”
“Our zoos?”
“I have a colony of malfnids.”
“Nasty smelly animals,” Kalea said. “How can we help?”
“I request that Camdex escort us through Hoclarth Space to Xaphnore.”
“Granted with our deepest gratitude,” Brandil said.
“This box of injectors will supply your crews and those you come in contact with on your journeys.” Sami presented the box and then stepped back to join the crew.
Dandy Lion jumped from Jennifer’s arm and wrapped himself around Kalinda’s legs.
“Captain, it appears we have completed what we came here for,” Brandil said. “I know you must avoid our current conflict to keep your planet safe. In the future, it might be time for our two cultures to become friends.”
“I look forward to that,” Jack said. “First Officer, make your pitch.”
Jennifer stepped forward, opened her hands and nodded her head. “Tal’Predex, it is possible that the enemy you face comes from Earth in another time. My tal’pa offers the promise of our governments to expend resources and technology to deal with this issue. We believe we face a common enemy.”
“Our people come from Earth in another time. I hope that you can help us. Until then, I wish you safe travels.”
The officers offered bows of respect once more.
Bralen stepped forward. “Tal’pa, I wish to speak.”
Kalinda and her parents turned to listen.
“No, te’mil,” Brandil said. “Our task is complete. We must go.”
Bralen continued. “Kalinda, daughter of Natira and Kalim, I demand chio’vech. I call for you to honor ki'ingju.”
Natira directed Kalinda behind her. “That custom was outlawed before any of us were born.”
The Tal’Predex became angry. “Te’mil, we have given our honor and received a similar honor. We must depart.”
“Tal’pa, I must do this. I, too, must have my honor.”
51
Tayla whispered to Sami. “What’s chio...whatever?”
“Bralen is making a call to honor. He has demanded that Kalinda follow through on their mating contract.”
“She’s in trouble,” Tayla said.
“Kalinda, you entered into ki'ingju willingly,” Bralen said. “Your parents and my tal’pa agreed.”
Anthen stepped forward. “Bralen, Things have changed. Kalinda is a daughter of Earth now. You’ve no right…”
Kalinda stepped forward. “I, too, demand chio’vech. I demand my freedom.”
“What’s happening?” Jeff said.
“I think there’s going to be a fight,” Sami said.
“K’da, no,” Kalea said. “Bralen, on your Tal’pa’s honor, release Kalinda of this obligation.”
“Predex, I stand for my honor,” Bralen said. “Will you fight, Kalinda?”
Jeff stepped forward. “I will fight for her freedom.”
Kalinda walked over and put a hand on Jeff’s shoulder. “Te’cha, I must do this myself.” She hugged her friend.
Jeff walked back to Sami. “What’s te’cha?”
“It means ‘my love.’”
Jeff’s face turned a dark shade of crimson.
Natira took her daughters shoulders. “K’da, he has grown a head taller than you.”
“Mother, I must give him this honor,” Kalinda said.
“I don’t want to lose you again,” Natira said.
Kalinda lifted her head. “I don’t like to lose.”
“Anthen?”
“Kalinda was of age when she made this commitment. She needs to follow through,” he said.
Kalinda hugged each of her parents then walked to Bralen. “I will serve Tal’qid to protect our honor and gain my freedom.”
“What weapons do you choose?” Bralen said.
“I choose no weapons,” Kalinda said.
“Then you may choose the terms.”
“May we use pre’tal?”
The Brilliant crew stood askance. Kalinda was fighting for her freedom, and they could do nothing but stand and watch.
“What’s pre'tal, Sami?” Tayla asked.
“I’ve read some Tal’qid literature,” Sami said. “It’s a cage fight in a low gravity enclosure with force field boundaries.”
“That seems simple,” Riley said.
“They fight blind, and the scoring strikes must occur in the air.”
“Not simple,” David said.
“Jen, can we talk Kalinda out of this?” Tayla asked.
“Have you tried to talk Kalinda out of anything?” Jennifer asked.
“Well…yeah.”
“How’s that worked out for ya?”
They stopped and just watched.
Anthen walked over to Predex Kalea. “Predex, I’ve got a program to create a pre’tal, but I need your shuttle to generate the enclosure.”
“Kalim, do you approve of this?” Kalea asked.
“I trust Kalinda’s vision.”
“Very well.”
As Anthen and Kalea walked up the ramp of the Hoclarth shuttle, Natira went into the cabin for a moment and came out carrying two pieces of material.
Bralen looked nervous as he asked Kalinda, “Are you going to serve in that bulky uniform.”
Kalinda released the fasteners. She appeared in her semi-transparent suit. “You may propose a referee.”
Bralen looked around. His eyes settled on Kalinda’s mother. “I propose Predex Natira Valenda.”
“I agree,” Kalinda said. “She’ll be fair.”
“Are you sure you want this, K’da?” Natira asked.
“I will act as my tea
cher taught and I’ll make her proud.”
“I’ve always been proud of my daughter,” Natira said. She turned to Bralen. “I will act as referee.”
Jack stopped Anthen coming down the shuttle ramp. “You’re sure about this, buddy?”
“Kalinda’s doing this to preserve her friend’s honor as well as her own. She must do it.”
Jack joined the crew. “I don’t like this one bit.”
Bralen went up the ramp for a moment and came back down in his fighting suit.
Anthen walked to the center of the clearing. “Everyone, please step back. The pre’tal cylinder is eight meters in diameter and rises ten meters. The gravity inside will be one-tenth planet normal decreasing to one percent at three meters above the ground. There will be a similar attractor between the competitors, and the cylinder will be impenetrable. After I activate the pre’tal, spectators may come to the barrier. The interior wall will be repellent and will not cause injury on impact. The competitors ask that you remain silent to allow them to focus their seven senses.” Anthen signaled Natira to come to the center, and Anthen went to the side. They touched hands as they passed.
“What’s all that mean?” Jeff asked.
“That they go into the air and they stay in the air,” Jennifer said. “When they get close to each other, they stay close.”
“They will float on a soft bed of zero gravity,” Sami said. “If they stop moving, they will slowly fall to the ground.”
Natira stood in the center of the ring. “Competitors, join me,” Natira said.
Bralen and Kalinda entered the ring wearing tight semi-transparent suits. Each faced Natira, bent their right knees, opened their hands and bowed their heads. Natira returned the greeting. They then faced each other and did the same.
“Bralen and Kalinda, you have committed to serving Tal’qid in a competition as a commitment to honor. Do you each agree to this?”
Natira looked at each in turn as they said “Yes.”
The winner will be the one who scores three thi’kahs. The target area is the torso from hips to neck. A thi’kah will only count when both of you are in the air. Do you understand the rules?”
They both said yes.
“Activate pre’tal.”
