by C H Gideon
Vernish took a step back. “No need to do anything drastic. My people are bringing your team here. They will arrive momentarily.”
“Then we’ll wait, shall we?” Reynolds said. He turned to his landing party. “Why don’t you get some grub while Titus and I chat over here?”
Ka’nak reached the table before Reynolds had finished speaking. He grabbed a platter, dumped half the contents on another platter, and reloaded it with items from the rest of the table. Noticing the silence, he stopped. “What?” he asked.
Taneral and Geroux blinked at him. “We ate just before we dropped,” Geroux said.
“I have a fast metabolism,” Ka’nak said with a grin, patting his belly. “Gotta keep the furnace stoked.”
The two females gave him another look before sampling a few items.
“Tell me more about these Terubine Raiders,” Reynolds said to Titus. “I would think your military might would protect you. The People of Serifity don’t seem overly concerned.”
“The Terubines are dangerous in space,” Taneral put in. “But they are not strong enough to attack a planet. As long as your ships are well-armed, you should be fine.” She considered for a moment. “Although I recommend traveling in packs. Trefol took significant damage when she flew alone. Without Reynolds, she might not have returned to the planet.”
“That’s not what I’ve heard,” Titus said, his voice brash. “They’re pretty badass, and I’m not going to trust my planet’s safety to the luck of the draw. We need protection. Better yet, I want to hunt those scum down and blast them from the skies.” He turned back to Reynolds. “If you won’t trade equipment, maybe you can do that for us. We’d be grateful if you took out the Terubines.”
Vernish held up a hand. “I’m not sure that would be in our best interests,” she said. “I mean, yes, we’d like to have that scourge eliminated, but having defensive systems here would protect us in the future, too. I request permission to assemble the Congress to discuss Reynolds’ offer and provide advice on your decision.”
“I haven’t offered anything,” Reynolds said. “There will be no discussion and no offers until my team is returned.” And we are not doing anyone’s dirty-work this time around. We learned our lesson on Krokus.
“They will be here momentarily,” Vernish said.
“I don’t think that word means what you think it means,” Ka’nak said. Geroux swatted his arm.
Everyone had eaten, and even Ka’nak had stopped nibbling by the time the doors opened again. Jiya, Maddox, and Takal entered, escorted by Quardle and Stervin.
“Finally!” Geroux cried, running across the room to throw her arms around first her uncle, then Jiya. “We were so worried.”
“We were fine,” Jiya said. “Although I wouldn’t want to repeat lunch.”
“Can we get on with the negotiations now?” Titus whined. “I’m supposed to have a pilo match in a few minutes.”
“Perhaps we should save the negotiations for another time, then,” Reynolds said. “I’d like—"
Titus cut him off. “No, I wanna get this done. Besides, they’ll have to hold the match for me. They have to wait for the supreme commander.”
“Frankly, I’m not feeling particularly generous at this moment,” Reynolds said. “I’d like to return to my ship and debrief my crew.”
“Oh, all right,” Titus moaned. “How about this? You and your crew can go hang out in one of the guest suites while I annihilate my so-called friends at pilo. Then we’ll talk about trade. I’m tired.” Without waiting for a response, he addressed Vernish. “Take them to the Solar Suite.”
Vernish did the four-handed salute. “I will convene the Congress. They’ll want to observe their supreme commander in action.”
“This is a private pilo match,” Titus said. “No spectators.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
“I meant the negotiations, not the match,” Vernish said to the air. “I have no doubt he will prevail with ease,” she said, eyeing Reynolds.
The android smiled, showing his teeth. This time he didn’t care if it was considered predatory. “We’ll see you after the victory.”
Vernish made a snapping noise. Quardle and Stervin marched smartly across the room. “Escort our visitors to the Solar Suite and set a guard outside to protect them.”
“What will they be protecting us from?” Reynolds asked, stirring the pot a little. “Surely, the palace is safe?”
Vernish glared. “They will protect you from unexpected intrusions. We wouldn’t want the staff to interfere with your rest. Go now. I have work to do.”
I don’t think she likes you, Jiya said to Reynolds.
The feeling is entirely mutual, he replied.
They followed the two soldiers into the antechamber, where they were met by a much larger escort. Twenty of the huge aliens closed around them, making the vast halls feel cramped. Without a word, the escort turned as one and marched, carrying the smaller Reynolds crew members with them.
After passing through countless rooms, they stopped before a set of double doors. The reinforced gray metal looked thick and heavy. One of the guards unlocked them, dragging one side open. Quardle led them inside.
With low ceilings and dull gray walls, no windows, wide benches with thin padding standing against the walls, and rough gray stone covering the floor, it looked more like a cell than a guest suite. “You may wait here,” one of the guards said. “I doubt you’ll rest. I know I wouldn’t!” He laughed.
“Ah, don’t make them nervous for no reason,” Quardle said.
“Why should we be nervous?” Jiya asked. “Is there a plot we should be concerned about?”
Quardle shook his head. “It’s just, visitors who spend time in here don’t usually—” He broke off when Stervin punched him.
“Don’t what?” Jiya asked. “Come out alive?”
“Oh, no, they come out alive,” Quardle said. “They just don’t always come out the same. We gotta go.” He bolted out the door, Stervin hard on his heels. The thick metal slammed shut with a resounding boom.
Helmets on, Reynolds commanded, locking his own in place. Geroux, Takal, scan the room. Radio waves, energy signatures—anything and everything.
The two scientists walked the perimeter of the room, checking their wrist computers as they went. No listening devices so far, Geroux said.
I am seeing an unusual projection coming from there, Takal said, pointing to the wall across from the door. Low-frequency waves, changing at seemingly random intervals. He rubbed his helmet just below the ear. If we had our helmets off, we’d feel it right here.
How would these projections affect us? Reynolds asked.
Based on the limited simulations I can run here, Geroux said, tapping at her computer, I’d say they would impact impulse control. Emotions. Decision-making.
So, they’d make us angry? Jiya asked. Seems like a stupid move. Wouldn’t they be better off to make us calm and complacent?
Maybe? I said it was a limited simulation, Geroux replied. What do you think, Taneral? Taneral?
She’s over there, Takal said, pointing.
They all turned to look. Their lion-bodied guide had fallen asleep on one of the wide benches. As they stared, she snored and rolled over.
I’d guess Taneral’s physiology is different from ours, Geroux said.
Or maybe her armor doesn’t filter the projections as well as ours, Reynolds added. Can you check her vital signs?
She’s fine, Geroux said, fiddling with her readings. Just asleep. A very deep sleep.
“We can speak freely,” Takal said. “There are no listening devices. They must be confident their system will put us to sleep.”
“I wonder what else it might do, though,” Jiya said. “Quardle said people come out ‘different.’ Does their transmission create a deeper emotional disturbance? Could the effects be permanent?”
“I’ll see if I can ratchet up the safeguards in Taneral’s helmet,” Geroux
said. “I might not be able to completely protect her, but it should stave off any permanent effects.”
“Keep an eye on those transmissions, Takal,” Reynolds said. “If anything changes, let me know at once. Inducing sleep might only be the first phase.”
Takal gave a thumbs-up, a gesture he’d learned from one of Ka’nak’s many videos.
“Obviously, these people aren’t above manipulating us in any way they can imagine.” Reynolds paced around the room. As an android, he didn’t have nervous habits—he firmly deleted the memory of drumming his fingers—but he liked the sensation of striding around as he thought aloud. He also felt it helped to focus the team on his words. “I believe they split us up to test my resolve and to see how desperate I am to trade. I think we called that bluff pretty well.”
“Agreed,” Maddox said. “Although, they treated us quite civilly at their base. Better than this, in fact.”
“They made it clear they’d kill us if ordered,” Takal argued.
“They’re soldiers,” Reynolds said. “Their job is to follow orders. In a society like this one, I doubt arguing is tolerated. They want weapons. We aren’t going to give them any, but we need something to trade for the tualinton.” He turned to Takal. “Can we modify the planetary defense ring to make it impossible to use for offensive purposes?”
“I believe I can make the system less powerful,” the old man said. “From what I’ve seen of their technology, reverse-engineering it should be beyond their scope. For now. I can’t promise how long that will last.”
“Fair enough,” Reynolds said. “Let’s work on that. Make it look robust in the simulations, so they’re satisfied with what they will get.”
The door opened, and they all turned to look. A soldier poked his head inside. “Psst, Jiya,” he said, ignoring the other ten eyes turned his direction.
“Quardle?” she asked.
“Stervin and I are going off duty,” he said. “You wanna see the town?”
“Are we allowed to leave?” Jiya asked.
Don’t give him a reason to change his mind, Reynolds said. Go! See what you can learn.
“Vernish said the guard is here to protect you so you can rest,” Quardle said. “She didn’t say you were being detained. Besides, I can watch you just as well out there as in here. And you don’t seem tired.”
Jiya grinned. “You’re right, I’m not. I’d love to see the town.”
“Maybe your attractive friend would like to come, too,” Stervin said, peeking around Quardle.
“You mean Geroux?” Jiya pointed to the little scientist.
“No, the big guy,” Stervin said, pointing at Ka’nak. “He’s cute.”
Better you than me, Maddox said. Those four arms freak me out.
“I will see the town with you,” Ka’nak said. “But I am not easy. And never cheap.”
“You have to at least buy him a burger,” Jiya said.
“A what?” Quardle asked as they left the room.
“Never mind.”
The two guards outside barely glanced at Jiya and Ka’nak as they followed the soldiers. “Better be back before the pilo match ends,” one said.
Stervin flipped a hand at him. “I owe you one, Betrain.”
They hurried down the hall and through a narrow door hidden behind one of the ubiquitous red banners. Once inside, the two soldiers relaxed, slowing their pace. Stone walls pressed closer here, and the ceiling brushed the plumes on Stervin’s helmet.
“That goes to the ready room,” Quardle said, pointing down a side hall. “This way is the exit.”
They continued, taking several stairways to lower levels. Finally, the hall ended in another door. This one had a small black box embedded in the wall beside it. Quardle pressed two of his thumbs against the box, and the door swung open.
They stepped into a dim alley. “Don’t come down here alone,” Quardle warned them. “Without our authorization, this alley is a death trap.”
“How so?” Jiya asked.
“I’ll show you,” the alien replied, walking to the wider street at the end of the alley. “Come out here.”
When they joined him, Quardle picked up a rock and turned back to the narrow walkway. “Watch.” He tossed the rock into the alley at head-height. Bright green lasers beamed out of the walls, whining as they tracked across the space and homed in on the rock. Before it had reached the top of the toss, the lasers blasted it to dust.
“We have authenticators built into our armor,” Quardle said, slapping his chest. “Keeps the riff-raff out.”
We must obtain one of those, Ka’nak said. Our armor might protect us, but I don’t want to be the one who tests the theory.
Is the authenticator something you can fake, Geroux? Jiya asked. In case you need to make a hasty departure?
I’m on it, the young female responded. Always happy to tinker with new tech.
Stervin led the group through the streets. Lined with tall, featureless buildings, the streets were brightly lit, making Jiya feel like a lab rodent in a maze. The group twisted through the artificial canyons and came out in an open square. Pale pink plants in pots edged the massive stone plaza. The space teemed with other Reichofens, clustered in small groups or pairs. Many of them stood around small tables, consuming beverages and snacks.
“Bars look the same on every planet in the universe,” Ka’nak marveled. “What are we drinking?”
“Fanta,” Stervin said, challenge clear in his voice. “Be careful, it has a punch.” He waved an arm, and soon another Reichofen arrived bearing four huge mugs filled with a pink beverage.
Quardle pressed his thumb on the tray, and the waiter deposited the mugs on the table. “Bottoms up!” the soldier cried, hefting one of the mugs with two hands.
Do you think it’s safe to drink? Jiya asked Ka’nak. She dipped her finger into the liquid, running it through a rudimentary identifier Takal had added to their armor. Nothing is coming up.
The Melowi shrugged. I have never turned down a drink. He lifted the mug. “You only live once!” he cried and chugged half of it.
Stervin’s and Quardle’s eyes bulged from their heads.
Ka’nak swiped a hand across his lips and belched. “Fanta,” he said. “I like it.” He poured the rest of the brew down his throat.
The two soldiers exchanged looks and sipped from their own glasses. Jiya picked hers up and sniffed. It had a sweet, berry-like aroma. She took a sip and was pleasantly surprised. Unless there’s a kick later, this isn’t very potent stuff, she said.
It’s a nice thirst-quencher, Ka’nak agreed. I wonder why they’re so cautious? He rolled his eyes at their escort.
Within twenty minutes, the two aliens were sloppy drunk.
“…and then Stervin and Vinox left the frumble in the stove!” Quardle said, his words slurred. He and Stervin laughed so hard they almost fell over. Even with three stumpy legs, they swayed unsteadily at the table.
Jiya giggled as she was clearly expected to do and swallowed more of her drink. She felt clear-headed. Ka’nak looked put out. What’s the problem? she asked.
When I go drinking, I at least like to get a little buzz, Ka’nak said.
We are on duty, she reminded him.
Yeah, but I haven’t had a good fight in ages. If I was drunk, I’d have an excuse.
Her eyes narrowed as shouts rang out from across the plaza. You might get a chance if we aren’t careful. We should probably head back.
The two aliens protested when Jiya suggested they get back to the palace. “Don’t you have to work tomorrow?” she asked as she pulled Quardle’s arm.
He wrapped his lower arm around her waist and draped the upper one across her shoulders. “Yeah, but not at the palace. Stervin and I have to return to Boromite Mountain.”
“How will you get there?” she asked.
Ahead of them, Stervin stopped suddenly, nearly tripping Ka’nak. The soldier turned. “How are we getting back?”
“Maybe little J
iya can take us,” Quardle said, pulling Jiya closer. “You have a shuttle, right? I saw it. Pretty little Pod thing. Can you fly it?”
“I can,” Jiya said. “But I don’t think my boss would be happy if I abandoned him.”
“You can just fly us over and zip right back,” Quardle said, making jerky movements with the two arms that weren’t gripping Jiya. “Zip, zip, zip.” He giggled.
“Let’s get back to the palace,” Ka’nak said, avoiding Stervin’s roving hands. “I’m sure you can find transport there.”
“Or a place to sleep this off,” Jiya muttered.
They returned to the alley leading to the back entrance to the palace. Jiya held Quardle back. “How do you know your authenticator is working?” she asked. “What if you have a dead battery? You wouldn’t want to get fried.”
“Easy,” Stervin said. He tapped his chest, and one of his medals lighted up. “See that? That’s the authenticator. It’s good. Bright light, all is right. No red, you’re dead.” He patted the crimson glow and hiccupped. “Let’s get you back inside.”
About halfway down the alley, a noise from the street startled Jiya. She spun around, hands out and ready for a fight. At the edge of the street, Quardle stood, eyes closed, head tipped back, sound asleep. As she watched, he snorted.
“Seriously? I’ll go get him,” she said, jogging back toward the street.
“No! No red, you’re dead!” Stervin cried.
Jiya stumbled, and one of the lasers lanced out at her. She yelped and raced for Quardle. Hurtling down the alley, she slammed into the snoring soldier, knocking him onto his back.
“Fuck, that stings!” she cried, twisting her head to look at the smoking remains of her shoulder armor. The laser had burned right through, leaving an angry red welt on her skin. Fortunately, she had reached the circumference of Quardle’s authenticator before the laser did more than minor damage.
Quardle slowly lifted his eyelids and gazed up at her. “This is the best date I’ve had in years.”
The four of them stumbled to the door of the Solar Suite. “Get them back to Boromite Mountain, will you?” Jiya said to Betrain, who was still on duty. The dour male nodded, not making eye contact. With a shrug, she turned to the two drunks. “Thanks for a great evening, boys.”
