by Barry Alder
* * *
It was mid-afternoon when they finished all the burials. As Hong patted the dirt on the last grave, they all looked toward Jason. He knew what they wanted, and waited for Hong to finish and for them to gather around.
“They were all good soldiers,” he started. “They all knew the risk of this mission. And they all accepted it. That they didn’t survive stasis does not lessen their courage or valor.
“If the Alliance was still in existence, they would be hailed as heroes. But that isn’t the case, and we are the only ones who will remember their courage. And we will remember.
“Now, we lay them to rest. Their memories will remain with us, as will their honor and pride.”
A chorus of "amens" answered his last statement. He waited a few moments before heading back to the complex. He knew some of the team were very close to ones who didn’t make it, and he knew they required more time to say their farewells. He also understood that it was more than just grieving for fallen comrades. All had loved ones, family, or friends who were now long dead that were also being grieved for.
He gathered his equipment and waited near the entrance of the cave, knowing it might be some time before everyone was ready. This was something that could not be rushed, and he had no desire to do that to anyone.
Lara joined him shortly afterwards, but said nothing. He appreciated her silence and her apparent respect for what was happening. This made him feel more comfortable with her, and more willing to join forces with her, if that was what they were wakened for.
As the team gathered around, Jason knew he needed to be as strong and decisive as he had been in the past, even if the feeling wasn’t there. He now realized just how much of his confidence lay in relying on his superiors to back up his decisions; decisions that he alone would make now. Taking a deep breath, he stood tall before the group, hoping that he conveyed the leadership that they needed.
“Okay. We’re moving to the village and to the people who woke us. As far as I know, they’re the only ones in this world who know what we are and why we are here. Treat them with respect and courtesy.”
He nodded to Lara, who was waiting by the path. She slowly moved down the path, leading the silent soldiers to their new home.
* * *
As they trekked down the beach, Louise wondered what this new life would be like. They had all come from a time of war, and it appeared this was a peaceful world. She had no close family to mourn, having given them up many years ago when she joined the military. Any family that had been close had died in the conflicts that spurred her to join the fight, partly for revenge, and partly to ensure that the oppressors were defeated. The war had gone on for years, but not so long that it had become a way of life for her. At least, she hoped not.
* * *
When they arrived at the village, Lara led the soldiers to a large, open seating area, and motioned for them to sit. Jason sat near the front, and was puzzled when Lara motioned for him to follow her. He was even more perplexed when she led him to the seats at the front of the gathering. He paused and looked at her questioningly, but she just smiled and pointed to the seats. Shaking his head, he sat down and wondered what was going to happen next.
Ka’tel watched from the edge of the meeting area. Even though he had only met Jason the one time, he liked him. In fact, he liked all the soldiers. They were all good people, he felt, and he hoped that with their awakening, they would soon have an answer to their problem.
He took a deep breath, and started into the meeting circle. It was time to welcome their guests.
As he approached the speaker’s seats, he saw Jason rise. Smiling, he motioned for him to sit back down, and then turned to the gathering.
“We welcome these people to our village,” he said, his right hand indicating the soldiers. “These are the people who may be able to help us against the expansion of the Empire. They do not know our language, so please make them welcome and comfortable.
“I know that we do not have enough guest huts for all of them, so I ask that some of you welcome them into your homes.”
Turning to Jason, he continued.
“You are welcome here, my friend. We will assist you in any way that we can. You and your people are our guests, and we hope we can help you as much as you might help us.”
Although Jason didn’t understand what Ka’tel was saying, the intent came through clearly. Ka’tel stopped speaking, and motioned for him to follow, heading back into the village. Looking around, Jason saw the villagers approaching each of his team and leading them in slightly different directions within the village. Immediately, his tension rose dramatically. He didn’t like the idea of the team being split up without notice, but didn’t want to convey mistrust to their new benefactors. Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath in an effort to relax before heading off after Ka’tel.
A few moments later, he was inside a small hut. Ka’tel made a sweeping gesture and pointed to him.
After a moment’s hesitation, it dawned on Jason that Ka’tel had just given the hut to him. He looked carefully around and smiled.
“I know you don’t understand me,” Jason said, “but thank you. This hut will do very nicely.”
* * *
Jason unpacked his gear, and then wandered around the village. The more he saw of how well the villagers were treating the soldiers, the more his tension level dropped. He was almost ready to head back to his hut when he spotted Pete heading toward him.
“I can’t get over how friendly these people are,” Pete said excitedly. “They’re giving us the best of their huts and some are actually moving out to allow us to stay.”
“What do you mean, they’re moving out?”
“Moving out! As in, taking all their personal stuff and leaving.”
“That’s not right,” replied Jason. “We have no right to put them out, even for a short time.”
“But Boss, it seems to be what they want.”
“That might be what they want,” Jason retorted, “but I don’t. I need to find Ka’tel.”
* * *
It took some searching for Jason to find the old man, and when he did, he was with Louise helping her rearrange her bed so that it took up less space in one of the huts.
“Lou. I need your help here.”
“Sure. What?”
“I don’t want the team putting these people out of their homes. It’s not right and we can easily survive in the open while we build our own. I need to convey that to Ka’tel.”
Louise thought for a few moments.
“Okay. I’ll try.”
She turned to face Ka’tel, and proceeded to speak, gesture, and mime her request. Ka’tel watched her, frowning and shaking his head often. Jason could see that Ka’tel didn’t understand what Louise was trying to communicate, and could see the frustration building in Louise as she continually tried new methods.
Finally, Ka’tel’s face sparkled with recognition and he turned to Jason and shook his head.
“No, my friend. Your people are more than welcome here. It is no burden on us. You may stay as long as is necessary to build your own huts.”
When Jason frowned back, Ka’tel mimicked Louise’s performance until he got his message across.
Jason sighed. It was not what he wanted, but he didn’t want to offend his hosts either. At least he knew this was just a temporary arrangement until they had their own living quarters.
He thanked Ka’tel and Louise, and left the hut. A short time later, he spotted Raphael and went to him.
“Raph. In the morning, gather the team. We have a lot of work to do.”
“What’s up, Boss?”
“Our hosts are very generous, but we need our own huts, and we need to build them as soon as possible. I’m sure the villagers will help, but I want every one of the team working."
“Gotcha. The team will be ready right after breakfast. That is, if anybody needs breakfast.”
“What do you mean?”
; “Didn’t you hear about the celebration?”
“No. What celebration?”
“The villagers are putting together something at the meeting area. I think it’s for us.”
“Interesting,” Jason replied. “I’ll be there shortly.”
Raphael nodded and left.
Why are they treating us like royalty? Jason thought as he made his way back to his hut. We haven’t done anything yet. Is it who we are, or what we do that’s so important? Or do they treat everyone this way?
A new sense of urgency in learning their language rose in him. He needed answers, and he needed them now.
* * *
When Jason arrived at the celebration, Lara led him to the head table. He saw Louise was already there, along with Ka’tel and two others he didn’t immediately recognize. The first was a man who was easily as old as Ka’tel.
“Mi’kol,” Lara said, pointing to the man.
“Mi’kol,” Jason replied as he nodded to the man, who smiled back at him.
Jason looked to the left of Mi’kol and recognized the old woman he had met before – Mona.
“Mona,” he said nodding to her.
She looked at him, but did not acknowledge his greeting.
He repeated her name and waited for a response. The woman, however, did not respond. Feeling a bit foolish, he looked at Lara.
Lara just smiled and directed him to sit in the spot beside Louise.
“Lou?” he said. “I think they think we’re together. Not as a couple, hopefully, but as equals leading the others. We need to correct that.”
“Can that wait for a bit?” she answered hesitantly.
“Why?”
“If they believe I’m one of the leaders, they may be more accommodating in helping me learn their language.”
“I see. But once you know it, make sure you do correct them.”
“Understood. Thanks!”
* * *
The sun was long set when the celebration was over. Jason, Ka’tel, and Lara were the only ones left at the head table, and most of the villagers had already retired when the last song finished.
“Thank you for the fine evening,” Jason said as the three rose from the table. “I’m sure all my team appreciated the performances and the food. I only wish I knew what we could do to repay your kindness.”
Ka’tel and Lara only smiled back in sympathy at his comment. Jason knew they didn’t understand, but he had to say it anyway. He sighed, returned their smiles with a meek one of his own, and cocked his head to one side, hoping they perceived he was going back to his hut to sleep. Ka’tel nodded that he understood, and motioned for Jason to lead them back to the village.
* * *
As Jason lay on his bed, he thought back on the past couple of days. Two days ago, he had entered the stasis chamber convinced that the team was preparing to lead a significant blow against the Mason Faction. Now, it was three hundred years later. All trace of their civilization was gone. Most of the team was dead. All the resources that he had relied on were gone. All the technology that he had come to trust and expect – gone. But more importantly, all the people he could call on for help were gone. And he had no clue as to why they had been awakened. He was scared, and it was almost morning before sleep finally overtook him.
Chapter 3
For the next few days, Jason had little time for worrying as he delved into the construction of the huts. The villagers were happy to help, assisting in getting trees and branches, and showing them where to set up. The team welcomed the guidance, and a relaxed friendship developed between the two groups.
The only team member excluded from the building was Louise, who was kept busy with Lara and other villagers learning their language.
It took them almost a week to build eight new huts. Jason was proud of the results. His team had worked hard, and their effort showed. Evidently, Ka’tel felt the same way, as he organized another celebration for the soldiers the night after they had finished and had moved into their new homes.
The days that followed fell into a regular pattern. Early morning calisthenics, followed by a trek back to the stasis complex to recover more of the items Jason felt they would need, and ending with the community meal. After the meal was free time; time Jason knew was necessary to develop a common bond with their hosts.
* * *
"I've got it!" Louise exclaimed as she burst into Jason’s hut. "I got their language!"
Jason jumped at the unexpected interruption.
"What?"
“I know their language now. I can understand it and speak it!”
“How did that happen?” Jason asked skeptically.
"You remember Mona, the old woman we met when we first arrived? Well, she's some sort of seer or shaman or something. I knew after the first meeting that she would be the one to help us, but don't ask me how I knew. It was one of those gut-feeling things. Anyway, I've been working with her, her student Zorine, and Lara, but not making much progress. Today she did something different. She conducted some sort of meditation ceremony."
She paused, noting that the dubious look on Jason's face hadn’t disappeared.
"It was strange,” she continued. “I felt myself completely relax and then two other people entered the room. I didn't recognize them as villagers, but Mona, Zorine, and Lara seemed to know them. Then they started talking to me - in English!"
She almost shouted the last words as Jason motioned for her to calm down.
"I was completely taken aback by that,” she went on, “but they reassured me that it was possible."
She stopped for a moment, feeling unsure of herself and of continuing, but knowing she needed to complete the story.
"Now comes the really strange part. If I hadn't been able to verify things afterwards, even I wouldn't believe it. They explained that one of the new people was Mona's spirit guide and the other was mine, and they had been working to help with my understanding of the language. Apparently I had progressed enough for them to complete their task. They never did explain what that task was, but I suddenly realized I knew their language! And even more, I knew I would be able to convey this knowledge to the rest of us."
She looked at Jason's face and stopped. His disbelief clearly showed.
"I know that look on your face Boss, but it's true! After I left the hut, I went to test it out. I found one of the children who had been playing away from the village and questioned him. He wasn't able to tell me a lot, but we were able to converse easily."
Jason was still looking doubtful, but Louise didn’t know what else to say.
“You mean to tell me that they just ‘deposited’ their language in you?” Jason finally asked.
“I guess that’s one way of looking at it. I really don’t know how it was done, only that it worked, and that I can do it to others.”
Jason looked scared. Louise couldn’t understand his reaction and gave him a quizzical look.
“That’s preposterous!” he cried, shaking his head. “That can’t be done!”
“If you’re willing, I can do it to you,” Louise said cautiously.
“No!” he shouted.
“Why not? It will help us to understand what’s happening here!”
“I won’t have anyone poking around in my head!” he yelled. “Not even you!”
Jason glared at her and then strode out the door. Louise was shocked by his dramatic exit, not knowing why he had reacted this way. Although she knew some of the others would accept her offer, she did not want to bypass Jason. After all, he was still the boss. Unbidden, the thought, at least for now, came to her, sending a shiver down her spine. Was she contemplating mutiny? Or was this a portent of changes to come that were outside her control? Either way, she didn’t like the prospect.
* * *
Jason quickly left the village and went to a rocky outcrop by the ocean. He’d found it was the perfect place for him whenever he had something to think over and needed peace. The thought of what had happened
to Louise scared him. He could control most things, but when people started manipulating other people's minds, that was something he wanted no part of. The trust in his team had been built up over many hours of being together and working in close quarters, but now that trust was being challenged. Even though he’d said that the mind information transfer couldn’t be done, he still accepted Louise’s statement that it had occurred. But what else had happened to her? Was she now under the villagers’ control? Was that what was destined to happen to them all? He needed answers and now the only way to get them had been compromised.
* * *
It was sunset when Jason returned to the village. He suspected that everyone there, including all his people, knew of Louise’s new capabilities and was surprised when no one acted as if they knew of this. He went to Louise’s hut to confront her about it.
“I didn’t tell anyone anything,” she said flatly as he entered.
“Why not?”
“Because that wouldn’t have been right. You’re in charge here and I respect your authority. This is something that I won’t go over your head on. If you want me to keep it to myself permanently, then just say the word.”
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts.
“Jason, you’ve led us through a lot, and this has been rough on all of us. I don’t know how it’s affected you, but I can see that you’re still looking out for us; that our welfare is really important. I trust that. And your decisions.”
Jason was taken aback at being addressed by his first name. It was the first time Louise had used it and, to his mind, indicated a breakdown in the command hierarchy. But he was heartened to see she still respected his authority and would do as he said.
“Thanks Lou,” he said softly. Then he added, with a louder voice, “You’ve given me the confirmation I was looking for. I needed to know if you could still be trusted. What else can you tell me about your new gift?”
Louise smiled. She had wondered why Jason had left so abruptly and her suspicions that he might no longer trust her had been accurate. She was relieved to see that he still did, and that lifted a cloud of doubt from her.
