“Once you obliterate those bombardment ships, what else is there to do?” Norris asked quickly.
“With a combined force of Khorran, Anashi and Terran elements,” Qural continued, “an invasion fleet will attack and eliminate the Namadi on their home worlds at the very moment those clouds come out from the Plexus to be destroyed; we will catch them unaware and comfortable in the belief the bombardment ships have done their work. You must speak to the Terran leadership and make them understand their role, Darrien.”
Norris could only blink in astonishment, but Qural saw it and continued without pause.
“If we do not, the Namadi will recover and build their next fleets to even greater proportions. A conflict was inevitable, but we intend to fight it on our terms. Simply put, we must destroy them or be destroyed. To accomplish this, we will send a force far greater than any we could assemble today; an invasion fleet that must include humanity and its destructive military power.”
Norris shook his head.
“I’m finally going home, but only to bring back my soldiers and help you invade an alien race no human but me even knows about? What could ever make them see and understand any of this?”
Qural looked only at Rantara.
“Onallin can.”
In an instant, Norris knew what Qural meant. Rantara understood, too.
“Of course. The last time you sent him back, his own people believed he had been incapacitated—that he simply blacked out. They couldn’t know where he’d been and Darrien couldn’t tell them because you took those memories. But now that he remembers it all, he’ll have a different story to tell, won’t he? The humans have no idea we’re here, but they’ll be forced to listen this time because of me; I will be the proof his people can’t ignore.”
Qural nodded and said, “Your role is as important as Darrien’s.”
Norris looked away.
“I don’t know how they’re going to take this, Qural; just showing up with Onallin is going to change everything—she will be the first alien to ever stand on Terran soil. How the hell am I supposed to tell my government about this and make them accept what you take for granted?”
“Because,” Qural replied, “you will bring them here to take part in the summit. They must see what our leaders will see in the memories of the billions of Saroqui who died long ago.”
Norris looked away in silence, but Qural moved closer.
“I know what we are asking of you, Darrien, but our circumstances do not allow for traditional, first-contact protocols. It is regrettable, but the initial meeting between our people and yours will be conducted as a prelude to war against the Namadi. Your leaders must see and realize humanity will become an inevitable target of the bombardment clouds. If they do not join in this fight—if we do not succeed—your people will come to a sudden and violent end, just as those whose memories you are about to retrieve; it is simply a matter of time.”
“That’s still a pretty tall order, Qural. They can’t ignore Onallin’s existence, but my word alone isn’t going to be enough; I know them and they won’t accept it on face value.”
“They will not have to. We will gift you with evidence beyond Onallin’s presence, Darrien; we would not send you back unprepared.”
“Evidence?” said Rantara.
“An information orb and reader that will provide all they need to be convinced; they will quickly see you are truthful and the task is real.”
Norris frowned.
“What kind of information are we talking about, exactly?”
“The orb will contain a briefing document translated into Earth English, and within it, cultural and historical descriptions of the Anash, Porseth, Revallans and Khorra Nu. This will allow your leaders to become acquainted with us and enough time for the shock of this discovery to fade.”
“That might not be enough; some could easily suspect I’m fabricating all this for personal gain.”
“’There is more,” she said. “The briefing will also include detailed specifications and diagrams of certain technologies that do not yet exist in Terran society—machinery and chemical processes your scientists will recognize as beyond their current capability, yet easily within their grasp. Much of it is military in nature, and highly classified; it should be clear to them we are revealing some of our most guarded secrets. Finally, they will see and learn of the Namadi; they must understand the nature of these events and their essential part in it. You will show them humanity’s future, Darrien.”
Norris shook his head slowly.
“You make it sound like a simple package delivery, as though it happens every day and no one will be surprised.”
Qural grasped Norris shoulder gently.
“Look at me, Darrien. You are no longer captive to a life with missing pieces; we gave back your memories from long ago. You know how much you mean to me! Do you believe I would ask you, of all people, if it was not crucial to our survival? Think and remember; I am the same one you once loved.”
Norris felt the sting in Qural’s words. Sudden regret and shame washed over him. He had endured much, but nothing that could’ve shaken his faith and trust in the one who had always stood firm and protected him when he was most vulnerable. Qural, above all others, deserved better. Rantara turned him gently. In seconds, she had heard and recognized a truth that was inescapable.
“Listen to her, Darrien. Qural’s right and you know it; she wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t necessary. It may not be easy to accomplish, but they can’t put a stop to the Namadi threat without help. Think about the misery she felt when they were forced to send you home, and again when you were a prisoner on Kalarive. Imagine the worry she’ll have to endure every day while we’re on this mission; have you forgotten all she’s done for you?”
The room was silent as they listened to an unlikely voice of reason, spoken by the one who had held only suspicion. If Rantara was convinced, Norris thought quietly, how could he do otherwise? After a moment, he smiled and took Qural’s hands in his.
“Of course not; I’m sorry, Qural. After we return from Esharam, we’ll go to Earth—we’ll show them everything. I’m not sure how, but Onallin and I will bring them to your summit.”
The task was clear and the orders had been given. As they paused to reflect and gather themselves for the days ahead, Rantara turned to Tindas. She had listened to Qural’s words, but another name was mentioned—a Khorran she didn’t recognize.
“Who is Renn?”
Tindas showed her a data pad.
“Commander Farint Renn, Executive officer of our Fleet Assault Unit’s Squadron Five. He was an operations officer on a cruiser early in his career, but moved into this role shortly after the current conflict began. Renn will be in command of the ship you will use for the final phase of this mission to Primus Station, with Lieutenant Commander Dexel Lhorm as executive officer. Lhorm is a highly decorated combat officer from one of the Anashi Navy’s best destroyer squadrons. Sub-Lieutenant Biral is executive officer for the support teams, reporting directly to the ground assault mission commander.”
“So who’s running the show on the ground?” Norris asked.
Tindas looked first at Qural, then again to Rantara.
“That information will be provided tomorrow morning, Darrien.”
Qural stood and faced the group.
“You now understand the events that brought you here and what must be done to save all our civilizations from the Namadi ships advancing upon us. More tactical briefings will be conducted on the flight to Primus Station, but for the moment, there is little for us to do; please take these next hours to rest. Tomorrow, we have arranged for a small gathering of friends and family to join us so that we may see you off on this first phase of a most important journey.”
Norris paused a moment, trying to gather his thoughts.
“What about this ship we’re flying to Esharam?” he asked.
“Ommit has arranged for an assault vessel,” Qural answered, “similar to t
he design you commandeered from the research station on Kalarive, and as you said, Onallin is already familiar with its layout and operation.”
He looked at Rantara and said with a wry smile, “Maybe she’ll leave this one intact.”
Rantara shrugged and said, “We’ll have to see, now that I’ve developed a taste for blowing them up.”
Norris frowned at her for a moment, unable to resist another opportunity to tease.
“More adventures in a Khorran warship with you at the controls, and then I have the honor of presenting you to all of humanity for the first time. Do they sell catastrophic injury insurance on Belex?”
They smiled at another absurd notion only Norris could contrive, but Rantara leaned her head to one side and said, “I may not love you every second of the day, Darrien, but I do love you at the end of it; take what you can get.”
Norris shrugged in resignation at Banen.
“How the hell can I argue with that?”
BENEATH A CANOPY of fan trees, Norris leaned on his elbows where they rested atop an ancient, stone wall at the southern edge of Qural’s estate. Beyond, the ground fell off into a shallow ravine, overgrown with a thick tangle of berry plants, each protected by a phalanx of long, menacing thorns. On the other side, the mountain descended for half a kilometer until it leveled at water’s edge where the Crescent River sent brown silt from a wide delta to battle against the gentle, ocean surf. Rantara stood quietly with her fingers laced firmly in his, watching a tourist boat make its slow, deliberate approach to the Biology Institute’s dock in the shallows far below.
“I used to sit here in the evenings,” he said, “and watch the birds as they came back each night. Hundreds of them, like little barn swallows, swirled in flocks until they found their nests along the cliff. It reminded me of a place on Earth called Australia, where my aunt and uncle live.”
“It’s beautiful here,” Rantara replied. “I know it sounds strange, but I never thought of the Anash living in so lovely a place.”
Norris turned to her.
“You’ve never been inside their space?”
“A few times when I was new in the army, but all those planets were war zones, burned and blasted into a wasteland no one would want to see. They were atmospheric moons or mineral colony worlds, mostly, but none of them looked anything like this.”
Norris smiled at the comfort he felt, simply relaxing alone with Rantara on a crisp, sun splashed autumn afternoon. It wouldn’t last for long, he knew, and soon, they would gather their things to begin the next leg of an imposing journey—a trip with no guaranteed return. He had become accustomed to living in the present, not allowing his thoughts to stray for long across the gulf of space to the world he left behind, giving in at last to the sobering truth that had tormented him in those first terrifying moments as he struggled only to survive in the killing heat of Karroba 118. How far they had come, he thought in silence, but still the odyssey remained incomplete—the goal unrealized.
Norris looked at Rantara as a gentle breeze toyed with her shining, black hair and he wondered what thoughts lay behind the dazzling, amber eyes. Was she thinking of him, or had the anticipation of their next steps into an unknown and dangerous void taken her to another place painted in the colors of war and destruction only a soldier could know? He wanted to touch her—to feel her embrace. When Qural found them, they didn’t notice until she spoke.
“A wonderful calm before the storm.”
“I know you have a plan,” Norris said as he turned, “but I’d rather get on with it sooner than later.”
“That is hardly surprising,” she replied, “but the time to move is nearly upon us; be patient a while longer.”
Norris smiled and nodded, but Qural had come to them for a different purpose and she turned to Rantara.
“The Magistrate’s vessel has crossed over the frontier into Anashi space, Onallin; she will arrive on schedule.”
“You told her about Creel?”
“Not directly, but she knows an important task awaits and one that connects to you. Also, I wanted to tell you we received confirmation from Belex; your brother and sister transferred to Raniru Ven’s ship shortly after it departed.”
“Thank you, Qural,” Rantara said softly as the Ambassador turned to go.
“Arros is coming here?” Norris asked.
“Yes,” she answered, “and he’s bringing our eldest sister—you are about to see Khorran family tradition on full display.”
“Wonderful,” he said with a smirk, “I haven’t gotten my ass kicked lately, so this should fill my quota for the month.”
“It’s not that bad,” she grinned. “This was going to happen at some point, so we might as well do it now.”
“I suppose so,” Norris sulked, “but I still have to meet them and run this weird, Khorran gauntlet.”
She turned him toward her and brushed back his hair, like a mother fussing over a child on school photo day.
“It’s too late to cry about it now, Darrien, so save your breath. You’ll survive…probably.”
They laughed together for a moment at the prospect but Rantara nodded suddenly beyond Norris’ shoulder when Banen appeared.
“I think the doctor wants some time with you,” she said. “I’m going to speak with Tindas about this ground assault team, Darrien; come and find me later, all right?”
Norris nodded as she kissed him gently. Banen waited until Rantara was halfway across the broad lawn.
“Darrien, I need to speak with you on a very important matter.”
“What’s on your mind, Doc?” Norris replied.
“I have learned of this in recent days, but if I may ask, has the Sergeant explained the Life Choice to you?”
Norris shook his head slowly.
“I’ve never heard of it. What does that mean, exactly?”
Banen frowned.
“The Professor did not mention it?”
“Nobody mentioned it.”
“I see. This may seem an excessively private question, but have you noticed a dramatic increase in the frequency of your intimate moments with Onallin since our arrival here?”
Norris felt his face run red.
“I guess so, now that you mention it,” he fumbled; “has she said something to you?”
“Not precisely, but there is a reason she has become much more…attentive, and I want you to understand what has occurred and why. You need to understand this, Darrien.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“There is nothing to worry about, really, but it is important that you know and respond appropriately.”
“Go ahead.”
“Before I begin, it might be helpful if you could tell me what you intend for your future. Have you considered your developing relationship with Onallin? And by that, I mean your eventual return to Earth space?”
“Of course I have—plenty of times.”
“May I inquire about your plans with her?”
Norris looked at Banen for a moment, nodding at last.
“I guess this was bound to come up sooner or later, but I don’t have any plans at all. I can’t speak for her—she goes her own way. Still, I don’t see how I’d be able to leave her behind, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I do not mean to pry, Darrien, but the question is important at this particular moment.”
Norris felt suddenly compelled to explain what had once been an impossible notion.
“I’m not blind, Banen; I know how unlikely all of this must seem to others, considering how we met, what we’ve all been through and how it was before in that shit-hole of a prison. I can’t explain it without sounding a little sappy, but I know enough to know when I’ve met my match. Like I said, it’s not for me to say where she goes, but I haven’t thought of my life without her in it.”
“You need not justify your attachment to Onallin, but you must understand what is happening to her and how to respond.”
“What are we talking a
bout here; is she okay?”
“Yes; there is no need for concern, but…”
“Just tell me.”
Banen waited for a moment to collect his thoughts and then he began.
“The Khorrans are unique among our races where their mating rituals are concerned; their way is much different from your culture or mine, for example. When a romantic relationship has progressed to a point at which permanence is a serious consideration, there are certain adjustments in their physiology that occur naturally.”
“Hold on a second, Doc,” Norris said. “She hasn’t said anything about permanence; it might be a good idea to ask how she feels about it.”
“I believe her position has already been made clear, Darrien. You see, when a Khorran’s preference for another becomes absolute, as it clearly has for her, biochemical changes within the body begin to occur and they are compelling.”
“Changes?”
“The process is subtle, at first, but when a combination of physical attraction and emotional attachment reaches a certain point of progression for all Khorrans, a gland at the base of their brain stem is stimulated and it releases a compound into the bloodstream that affects the individual at a fundamental level.”
“What is this stuff?”
“It is a naturally occurring chemical the Khorrans call Tepseraline. As emotional and sexual desires between two people increase over time, the gland produces this compound. If nothing intervenes quickly to change or alter the individual’s growing perceptions of desire or affection, Tepseraline is released in a torrent.”
“For what purpose? Norris asked.
“To compel a decision—a choice. Khorrans experience this process only once or twice in a lifetime; it is not a part of casual or temporary infatuations. In any case, the sensation is immediate and unmistakable; she would have felt and recognized it at once.”
“You’re saying this could happen to Onallin?”
“It would be more precise to say it has happened.”
“How can you be sure? She hasn’t said anything about this and it sounds serious.”
Echoes of Esharam Page 9