by S. H. Jucha
After a set of volleys, the flurry of slugs smacking the far wall ceased. Jess stood up, clenched his launcher, and dove headfirst through the doorway. He slid directly into a wounded red. The insectoid’s head turned his way, and the massive pincers opened.
Abruptly, Jess was drenched in the red’s blood. He heard the pop, pop, pop of Lucia and Sam’s launchers, while he scrubbed his eyes clear of insectoid fluids.
By the time Jess could see to stand, he discovered the remains of four reds. “Who do I have to thank for this?” he asked, wiping off the blood, brains, and various other chunks of insectoid that coated his upper body.
“This is one time I’m happy not to claim responsibility for killing a red,” Sam quickly replied.
“I’ve decided that if any individual has the right to harm you, Captain, it’s me,” Lucia replied flippantly. She frowned when Jess grinned. His white teeth were a contrast to his blood-smeared face.
“How did you know, Captain?” asked Sam, pointing at the insectoid at Jess’s feet.
“The grays were too docile and too quiet,” Jess replied. He held his launcher away from him and tried to shake off the material that clung to it. “Juliette said the hissing we hear is in the lower register of their ultrasonic communications frequencies. The fact that they weren’t hissing seemed unnatural, and I wondered why they weren’t talking to one another. The lack of actions felt too passive to me, as if they were rehearsed, preplanned, and they knew what was expected of them. It occurred to me that we were supposed to think they had peacefully surrendered. I could think of only one reason why. They were ordered by reds, who had to have been left behind.”
“And the best place to hide would be the last room on this level, the one least likely to be searched,” Sam finished.
“Sam, get some Sylians down here to clean up this mess and collect their weapons,” Lucia directed.
When Sam exited, his heavy steps echoed down the corridor.
“And you, Ser, should step into another room with me. We need to get you cleaned up,” Lucia said, trying not to laugh at Jess’s appearance.
Jess entered the facilities of the nearby room. He stripped and stepped into the mister. He heard Lucia collecting his clothing, suit, and weapon. He meant to use the mister quickly, but it didn’t work out that way. The soft pulsing spray eased the tension in his body. When he shifted the setting to dry, warm air wicked away the moisture.
Jess found a clean pair of coveralls and undergarments on the floor. They weren’t his size, but at least someone had erred on the large side.
There was no one in the room, and a pallet had been extended from the wall, with his launcher on it. He chose to accept the invitation and lay down. His weapon had been cleaned, which he appreciated, and he pulled it close. Another thought occurred to him, but it slipped away, as he sank into a deep slumber.
-15-
Where’s Pyre?
“Do you have Pyre’s location?” Patrice asked. Olawale and she were getting a report from Lucia via Juliette.
“When do you expect Kasie can access the console?” Patrice inquired.
“Where did he go?” Olawale asked.
“Is there progress toward stopping the Colony’s incursions?” Olawale asked.
“What have you learned?” Patrice asked.
“So, everything is on hold,” Olawale surmised.
While Lucia was on her call, Jess woke with a start, and his hand slapped his launcher. It took a moment for him to register that he was safe. Then his hand eased off the weapon. When he sat upright, he saw his clothes and environment suit laid out on the nearby pallet.
Three rounds of paste later, Jess dressed and went in search of his companions. He met Juliette first.
“Have you had an opportunity to collect images of the glyphs?” Jess asked.
“The corridors are well-documented,” Juliette replied. “We’ve discovered a fascinating phenomenon. The reds’ slugs dented the walls and marred the symbols. Esteban and I captured them in their damaged condition. However, the walls and the glyphs are now pristine, and we’ve collected new imagery.”
“They reformed?” Jess asked, incredulous at the concept.
“We posit there’s a master engineering plan, and the dome’s material ensures it conforms to it. We’ve tested this theory in various ways, and it continues to be proven true.”
“The Messinants continue to surprise us,” Jess remarked. “When was the Colony’s last intrusion?” he asked.
“Nearly three hours ago and eight before then,” Juliette replied.
“Would you request the commodore, Sam, and Esteban join you and me on the deck, please?” Jess asked.
“Certainly, Captain. I know where Kasie and the defenders are resting. Shall I invite them to the deck too?” Juliette asked, calculating Jess’s intentions from his requests.
“Thank you,” Jess replied and made his way to the dome’s top level.
Bortoth was on duty with three Sylians stationed behind platforms. Every one of them looked extremely bored.
Bortoth rumbled with pleasure when he saw Jess, “Our assault commander lives,” he roared.
Jess grinned at Bortoth. However, there wasn’t an opportunity for the two of them to talk. The pounding of boots on the ramp announced the hurried arrival of the assault team members.
“Commodore, you helped us take the dome,” Jess said. “The deal was that we would locate Crimsa, Pyre’s star, in exchange for your aid. Kasie, show them.”
Kasie smiled and fairly skipped to the console. Her fingers flew across the panels, and she entered glyphs into a submenu’s projection.
The SADEs recorded Kasie’s every motion. Immediately, they noticed her exclusion of the tiny hooks that were found on every glyph on the deck, as she had explained to them.
The dome’s energy field dimmed, and the console’s projected starscape appeared.
When Kasie was ready, she glanced toward Jess, and he said, “By being the individual to speak, while this particular query is open, the console queries the network of consoles to locate the presence of humans in other domes.”
“The star with the highlight is our present location,” Kasie explained, pointing toward it.
“What’s the purpose of the lines?” Lucia asked.
“It shows the console operator the route by which the speaker, who was heard, could journey to reach individuals of the same species within other domes,” Kasie replied.
“Looking at the number of destinations, it doesn’t seem to have any value,” Sam remarked.
“That’s because we believe this query was used by the Messinants for a different purpose,” Kasie replied. “It’s possible they had recordings of ascending species. Playing the recording to the console could check to see if the species had reached their system’s dome.”
Jess regarded the SADEs. “Can you can match this star field?” he inquir
ed.
“Undoubtedly,” Esteban replied.
“Good,” Jess replied. “The star you want is that one over there with the single tick.” He walked across the deck to stand under the star. With an outstretched arm, he indicated it. “The one extension from the star indicates a single gate is housed within the dome. That dome is located on a moon called Triton, and the other end of the Q-gate is located in Rissness dome in the Jatouche home system.” He clasped Tacnock on the shoulder, and the Jatouche beamed with pride.
“Do you have what you need?” Lucia asked the SADEs.
“We do,” Esteban affirmed.
Jess turned to Kasie and said, “Prepare some cubes. Let’s find out who’s holding the domes on the other end of these gates.”
Kasie had come prepared. She dug into a duffle and pulled out a set of cubes.
One by one, Jess recorded a short message, and Tacnock hurried to place the cube on a platform for Kasie to send. Jess’s fervent hope had always been that the console operator and defenders, who were present in the Sylian dome when the Colony invaded, had the presence of mind to warn the connecting alliance races, while they fought the invaders.
The defenders were greatly relieved when, in quick succession, various figures appeared on three platforms, and joyous reunions ensued.
Lucia regarded the collection of species who arrived. They came in all manner of shapes, sizes, and coverings. “Alex is really going to be upset he missed this,” she whispered.
Soon Lucia and Sam were drawn into the celebrations. Jess presented them as the heroes, who had reclaimed the dome. He often spoke of them as visitors to Sylia, who sailed the stars.
Lucia wasn’t able to correct the record, as Sam and she were inundated by a firestorm of questions. She glanced occasionally at Jess, who stood on the sidelines. He wore a wry smile, and she wondered what he hoped to accomplish by pushing them forward.
Quietly, Jess moved around the dome’s periphery until he stood beside Esteban and Juliette. “I’d enjoy introducing you ...” he said to them before he hesitated.
“But you’re concerned about your guests’ reactions,” Juliette finished.
“Yes and no,” Jess replied. “Your kind is an anomaly in the alliance. When you’re introduced, it should be to the leaders of worlds not handfuls of citizens.”
“Why is that important?” Esteban asked.
“The alliance has a poor record on the subject of artificial intelligence, as you heard in the Sylian palace,” Jess remarked. “Leaders can meet you and set the proper tone they expect from their citizens. More important, some of us must be there to attest to your value as comrades.”
“Your friendship is appreciated, Captain,” Juliette said, expressing sincerity. “One day, I’ll relate the story of Alex and Julien’s first contact. I think you would enjoy it.”
Jess smiled, nodded at the SADEs, and climbed the nearest platform. It happened to be the gate the Colony frequented, which caused Kasie to gasp.
“Your attention, please,” Jess announced in a loud voice. “We deeply appreciate your journeying to share your joy with us at the retaking of this dome. We’re happy to learn that the Colony didn’t penetrate any farther into the alliance from this direction. There’s much information we’d like to exchange, but it’ll have to wait. This particular gate,” he added, pointing downward, “is still controlled by the Colony. At any moment, they might remotely activate it and journey here.”
Jess didn’t have to say anymore. Immediately, the groups dispersed. Platforms were loaded, and individuals cued Kasie to activate their gates.
“That’s one way to get guests to leave when you want the party to end,” Sam quipped to Lucia. “Just tell them giant insectoids with rapid-fire slug throwers are on their way.”
“Most effective,” Lucia remarked. “I’ll have to remember that for my next party.”
Sam gave Lucia a doubting frown.
“Okay, whenever I have a party,” Lucia groused.
The three Sylians resumed their defensive positions, and most individuals vacated the deck.
Jess hopped off the platform. He walked up to Lucia and extended his hand. “Thank you for what you’ve done for us, and I’m sorry for what it’s cost your people,” he said.
“Omnians have always paid a price in defense of others,” Lucia replied. “We’re pleased that Earthers have chosen to participate with us.”
“Will you be leaving now?” Jess asked.
“Why, Jess, that sounds like you’re trying to get rid of us,” Lucia remarked tongue-in-cheek.
“Maybe the others but not you,” Jess replied, staring thoughtfully into Lucia’s eyes.
The intensity of Jess’s gaze left Lucia unsettled. The only thing she could think to do was clear her throat. She managed to say, “Well, anyway, whether we sail or not is a decision for the expedition’s leaders.” Then she quickly excused herself.
“What did you say to the commodore?” asked Tacnock, when Jess joined the small group at the console. “She left so swiftly that I thought a gray was chasing her.”
Kasie chuckled, having sensed the mix of powerful emotions emanating from Lucia, as she passed.
“That’s not fair,” Tacnock complained. “Kasie learns what individuals feel by virtue of her capabilities, but unless one or the other of you talks, I’m left in the dark.”
Esteban sent in response.
Juliette speculated.
Esteban sent.
Juliette replied.
Esteban approached Jess. “May I assume that Juliette and I are free to work with Kasie on the console?” he asked.
“Yes,” Jess replied, “but under certain conditions. One, you’re only to be here when an assault team member and three Sylians are monitoring the Colony’s platform. Two, you stay at the console. If you leave, it’s to go down the ramp. No wandering around the dome. Are these conditions acceptable?”
The SADEs readily agreed, but Kasie hesitated.
Jess was about to take his twin to task, but Juliette spoke first.
“We’ve a marvelous opportunity to advance your understanding of the console, Kasie,” Juliette said. “Your brother’s conditions are fair. We suggest you accept them.”
“Okay, I’ll try,” Kasie said petulantly.
“Not good enough,” Jess retorted. “The three of you, down below, please.”
“Okay, okay, I agree,” Kasie said hotly. “But I can’t point out details on the starscape from the console.”
“Yes, you can, Kasie,” Esteban corrected. He activated the holo-vid and recorded the projected starscape. Then he relayed the image to the holo-vid. “You can manipulate this image to educate us on the finer points of the display.”
Kasie beamed, and Jess’s worries eased. He glanced appreciatively at Esteban.
“Bortoth, how much longer for you?” Jess asked.
“My duty is nearly over, Jess. Daktora relieves me.”
Jess and Tacnock left the deck, and Jess invited three individuals to meet with him in a dorm room.
“I can’t help checking under the pallets, if they’re extended,” Sam commented, as the foursome entered the room.
“Don’t feel bad, Sam,” Tacnock commiserated. “I can’t either.”
“Did you speak with Olawale and Patrice?” Jess asked Lucia, as they sat at a table.
“I did,” Lucia replied. “They want to give the SADEs and Kasie an opportunity to work together.”
“Why?” Tacnock asked.
Lucia and Sam exchanged glances, which neither Jess nor Tacnock cared to see.
“Do the Omnians have many warships?” Jess asked. Momentarily, he wished his sister was present to detect the emotions accompanying the forthcoming answer, but he considered that would have been disrespectful to the visitors.
“Our human colonies have a good number of Tridents and travelers,” Lucia admitted. The question had caught her off guard, and she wondered what prompted Jess to ask it.
“We didn’t build warships because we thought it would be nice to have them,” Sam commented. “The first fighters we constructed were used to defeat a formidable enemy, who invaded human worlds.”
“But you had a need for many more,” Jess pressed.
“The enemy proved to be numerous and powerful,” Lucia replied. “You’ve heard us talk about Alex Racine and his fleet. Years were spent searching for the home world of our enemy. He discovered an area of space populated by races that were subjugated by an entity called Artifice.”
“This is the area of space you call the federacy?” Tacnock asked.
“Yes,” Lucia replied.
“Tell me about the races. Despite their lengthy subjugation, do they remain peaceful?” Jess asked.
“Our contacts with our home world and, by extension, Alex and his fleet have been intermittent. I don’t have many more details,” Lucia said apologetically. “Olawale might.”
“If these races have been freed from their tyranny, could they venture here?” Tacnock inquired.