Betrayal

by E. Wayne Stucki

  Krissen snorted air through her spiccules interrupting Zelof. “This we know Swarm Master and it in no way justifies my leaving this facility,” she said. “After destroying the orbitals and a few bases the Kthpok have been content to leave our people alone.” She gave a slight shrug. “Other than a few attacks on our rural areas of course.”

  “A few attacks! The only part of our civilization remaining is in those cities,” reminded the Swarm Second. “The Tails have destroyed everything else.”

  The junior Queen glared at Sesum. “But the Kthpok have left the cities alone,” she retorted then turned back to Zelof. “Just as you said they would Swarm Master. And as you said we can wait them out.”

  Zelof waved agreement using his antennae. “It appeared at the time that the remaining cities and bases had something the Kthpok needed or wanted. Because of that we assumed they wouldn’t take any aggressive action which would threaten those factories and inventories.” He shrugged, “of course we don’t know what happened on New Hive.”

  “And?” prompted Dahoni. “Why were we summoned?”

  “Well, your Highness,” said Zelof, “the enemy has changed their tactics. They’ve destroyed our base that was nearest their surface complex.”

  “They used a nuclear weapon,” added Sesum in grim tones. “It took out the entire base and a sizeable chunk of the surrounding area. All that’s left is radioactive slag!”

  The Swarm Master nodded for emphasis then resumed his narration. “We’ve received other reports that more cities and bases across the continent have been incinerated. The Kthpok are using a variety of conventional and nuclear weapons. As I said this is a departure from their usual methods,” he repeated. “It’s possible the Kthpok are moving to the next stage in their attempt to conquer Main Hive and aren’t worrying about ecological damage to the planet.”

  He gestured at the two Queens. “While we’ve worked to disguise Refuge and make it as hardened as possible we know it isn’t impregnable. If the Kthpok were to locate us here and hit us with a sufficient number of nuclear missiles they can destroy Refuge. If that happens now the Iidx people perish. In order for our people to survive we must hide our remaining Queens in separate locations.” He paused to look at each Queen then turned back to Dahoni. “This is for the good of our people, your Highness.”

  “Your logic is sound…” began Queen Dahoni.

  “Your logic is sound,” interrupted Krissen. “In fact it applies to the Swarm leadership as well. But I haven’t heard your plans for sending the Swarm Second away.”

  Zelof didn’t reply. He just looked at Sesum and twitched his antennae.

  “The escort is ready, Swarm Master,” the Second said, answering the unspoken question. “We can’t guarantee resupply is possible along the way so I’ve made sure we have enough fuel, parts to make necessary repairs and food for the journey. We can leave as soon as the Queen is ready.”

  The junior Queen looked at the Swarm Second in surprise. “’We’?” she wondered. “Who is ‘we’?”

  Sesum gave an amused wave of his antennae and bowed his head slightly to the junior Queen. “Your escort, of course, your Highness,” he replied. “As you pointed out, it’s important to safeguard the chain of command. Therefore, a portion of the command staff is going along as part of the security detachment. I will be in command.”

  “So you see, your Highness,” said Zelof to Krissen, “I am taking safeguards to give our people every possible chance of survival.” He paused long enough to reach over and push a button on the conference table. The Swarm Master glanced up at the clock on the wall then resumed speaking. “Now! Queen Krissen, the escort leaves in one hour to begin the journey for your new hive and you’ll be with it. Your choice now is what to take with you. You must understand that the amount of room available for incidentals is limited so you must be circumspect. But you will leave in one hour!”

  Both Queens shuffled with unease at the Swarm Masters announcement. The door to the room opened and two well-armed Iidx entered. “I understand your logic,” Dahoni repeated ignoring the new arrivals. She glanced over at Krissen as she continued. “But I am not ready to believe the situation is as perilous as you’ve stated. You may disperse your command staff if you wish but the Queens will remain here.” The antennae of the younger Queen quivered with relief at the senior Queen’s edict.

  At a gesture from the Swarm Master the new Iidx moved up beside the junior Queen. Then he glanced at Dahoni. “You misunderstand, your Highness,” he said. “This isn’t a discussion and that wasn’t a request.” He nodded at the two who’d just come in. “These Iidx will escort Queen Krissen to her compartment. She will pack those items she desires to take.” Zelof gestured at Sesum. ”Subject to the Second’s approval, of course. The escort and Queen will leave on time whether or not the Queen feels she is ready.” He glared at the junior Queen. “She will go even if she has to be carried from this facility bound and gagged.”

  At another gesture the junior Queen was prompted to her feet by the guards and escorted from the room. Sesum made a slight bow to the senior Queen who was stunned into inaction, gave a precise salute to the Swarm Master then followed.

  Before the senior Queen could gather her wits to protest Zelof stood and picked up the pads he’d been reading. “If you’ll recall, Queen Dahoni, during the initial attacks I made it very clear that I am in command, not the Queens,” he said. “I and my people will make the decisions necessary to insure the survival of our people. Now, if you’ll allow me I would be honored to escort you to the command room.”

  Chapter 25

  “This is a joke, right?” Forst asked after Lieutenant Regul had turned off the radio and turned away from the equipment to face his companion. It was no surprise to Regul that the Captain was in the room listening to the transmission as their latest orders were coming in. He’d invited him. The rest of their Swarm was supposed to be in the shop maintaining equipment.

  Both Iidx were in the chamber of the cavern that had become their Operations Center. Lights had been added for proper illumination causing sparkles on the walls and ceiling. Plastic tarps were spread above the workstations to catch moisture dripping off the ceiling. The water seeping into the room accumulated on the floor and trickled along one wall where it found a hole and disappeared deeper into the mountain. Laminated maps of the island had been attached to one wall.

  Forst glanced towards the room’s entrance to make sure no one had come up from the cavern depths. Then he paused, his antennae waving in disgust. This wasn’t a secret, need-to-know only, mission. Even if it was, everyone needed to know.

  He turned back to the Lieutenant. “Command thinks we’ve got so much time on our hands that we’re bored, is that it?” he asked. “In their great wisdom they’ve decided it’s their job to solve that little problem for us. And this is how they’re doing it.”

  “I don’t think this’s a joke,” replied Regul with his own disgusted wave of antennae. “And I don’t consider all the extra work this is going to create for us as a way to improve my morale.”

  Forst took a deep breath and let it out. “Well, I guess it was just too much to hope that Command had finally developed a sense of humor,” he replied then gave a little shrug. “So where do we start?”

  Before answering, Regul glanced down at the pad he’d been using to take notes during Swarm Master Zelof’s transmission. “Well, the first thing we have to do is find a suitable site for the Hive,” he replied then looked at his companion. “It’s fortunate that we only have two locations to evaluate since the Swarm Master anticipates the new Hive will be in one of the two caverns we’ve reported.”

  The Lieutenant thought for a moment before he continued. “Since we’ve been in both places I think Stranstreen is our most likely choice. It’s the most secure although it’s the lease accessible.” He paused and chuckled. “It being so difficult to access is the main reason it’s the most secure.” Regul shrugged. “But who knows? With the priorit
ies outlined by the Swarm Master maybe where we are right now will be the ideal site.”

  Forst waved his antennae in agreement and Regul continued. “You heard that we don’t have much time didn’t you?” he asked. The Captain waved agreement again. “We have to have the site identified by the time the construction swarm arrives. They’ll be here in a month. Sooner if that’s possible so that’s our deadline.”

  “Construction swarm!” snorted Forst. “You’re telling me that Command wants to smuggle another ten to twenty people across a strait that’s being watched all hours of the day. Then those people have to land on and cross an island controlled by our enemy. And if that isn’t hard enough, they have to move heavy equipment!”

  The Lieutenant gave Forst an odd look then added a slow shake of his head. “Captain, I’m afraid you must have missed that part. Moving equipment through the jungle isn’t going to be a problem,” he announced.

  “No,” groaned Forst, shaking his head in denial. “No, they can’t do this to us.” He began pacing about the room, gesturing with all four of his arms as he spoke. “I can understand the need to separate our remaining Queens. That’s the reasonable thing to do. But to place one here? That’s insane!” Forst stopped walking, looked at his companion and pointed at the cavern wall in the direction of the Kthpok base. “That base out there is crawling with Tails looking for us! Adding more people into the mix will just make it easier for them to find us.”

  The Lieutenant left the radio station. “I don’t know why Zelof picked our island for a new hive and gave us our orders but he did,” he said and gave a shrug of his antennae. “So we’ll follow those instructions.” His antennae gave an amused dip. “Besides, you have to admit there is some poetic justice in this idea.”

  Regul ignored Forst’s snort as the two Iidx moved through the room and into the passage heading for the deeper ways of the cavern they’d made their base. “We might as well let everyone know about our orders,” the Lieutenant announced. “They can help us start the evaluation here.” He gave a shrug of his antennae. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll get lucky and find a place that won’t need much work.”

  That was met with another snort from Forst. “I’m sure everyone’s going to be as thrilled with the news as I am,” was the Captain’s reply.

  Lieutenant Rian and Captain Forst stood at the edge of a rare clearing in the jungle and peered out. This open space which had been spotted in recent satellite photos seemed perfect for their need. It’d taken them less time than expected to identify the site for the new Hive - something like two weeks. To Forst’s surprise it wasn’t Stranstreen but the cavern they’d been living in. The next thing they had to do was get the construction swarm onto the island and into the cavern safely where the remodeling could begin in earnest. Their current assignment was to get to this particular clearing and use it if it was suitable for an observation post watching the western strait.

  When the assignment had been given Regul had stressed that once the two observers had reached the clearing they were to find a place that was concealed from Kthpok eyes. The Tails couldn’t know the Iidx were on the island for the Swarm Master’s plan to succeed.

  Captain Forst didn’t really need the Lieutenant’s warning. He was all for remaining concealed from someone who wanted to crack his shell. On the way here there’d been no sign of Kthpok patrols in the jungle. But they’d seen and heard patrolling aircraft so they had to be careful to avoid being observed from the air. In addition, their observation post had to be in line-of-sight with a secondary post established some distance away to the north-east.

  Looking out from among the ferns that concealed him Forst saw the clearing had the usual grasses and bushes which could provide cover as they moved. But that wouldn’t be enough. They needed real concealment. From the saplings beginning to appear he estimated it wouldn’t be much longer, six months or so, before this clearing would disappear. But that was well outside the timeline given by Swarm Master Zelof. They needed something now; even if they had to climb a tree.

  “Look!” the Captain hissed after a few minutes of studying the clearing and pointed upslope. Rian leaned out and looked where the Captain was indicating. “Up there! See that rock?”

  The Lieutenant nodded to show he knew where Forst meant. Further uphill, on the crest of the ridge, almost covered by bushes, was a rock outcropping that could give a good view of the ocean to the west of the island. “Let’s check that out,” Forst said.

  Taking advantage of the bushes and tall grass growing in the clearing the two Iidx made their way up the slope, their green shells blending in with their surroundings. Since landing on the island the two pilots had become as adept at moving through the jungle as others from their Swarm. Only a very alert Kthpok would’ve been able to spot the two. It took only a few minutes for the two Iidx to reach their objective.

  “That’s convenient,” commented Rian as he peered through the bushes that were shielding the outcropping. “There’s a dip in there. The bushes and rock overshadowing the depression make this a perfect vantage point.” Then he glanced off to the north-east. “And we have the right secondary line-of-sight.”

  “It’s almost like someone or something knew we were coming and prepared this for us,” agreed Captain Forst.

  The faint roar of a jet engine caught their attention. Both Iidx turned to look; Forst saw the glint of sunlight on metal at high altitude miles away. Motioning for Rian to follow he pushed through the bushes and down into the depression. Once there he looked around to find he was in a leaf covered dome. Forst bobbed his head in approval. This should do nicely. Rian had followed close behind, making sure there were no broken or bent branches to reveal their presence to any Kthpok who might be wandering by.

  Each Iidx had their assignments and went right to work. Forst slipped off his pack then reached in to pull out his magnifiers. Before putting his pack next to Forst’s Rian went to the west side of the depression where he created a hole in the concealing bushes to look out over the western strait. The view was impressive. Stepping past his companion the Captain moved up to the vantage point and peered out with the magnifiers.

  “Captain, I know the construction swarm is supposed to be on its way to the island,” Rian said. He’d paused to look out over the jungle to the strait with his companion. “That’s why we’re here so how long do you think we’re going to be watching for the ships?”

  “It shouldn’t be very long, Lieutenant,” replied Forst after glancing at his watch then returned to watching the strait. “Remember, as soon as we sight the ships we’re to let Lieutenant Regul know. After they acknowledge we can head for the rendezvous point to help unload and transport the goods the construction swarm brings.”

  The Lieutenant looked over at Forst who was still peering through his magnifiers. “Captain, I’m not trying to get out of work but do you think Regul would mind if we stayed here a little longer?” he asked and shrugged his antennae. “Wouldn’t it be useful to see if and how the Kthpok respond to what’s coming?”

  Forst lowered his magnifiers without disturbing the bushes and glanced over at his companion. “That’s a very good idea, Lieutenant,” he said with a slight bob from his head. The Captain noticed Rian’s antennae perk up at the praise. “Since we’re preparing a new hive we can expect the arrival of some very important people,” Forst commented. “It wouldn’t do to have our new arrivals greeted by the Kthpok if the decoys don’t work, now would it?”

  Both Iidx chittered in laughter then the Captain waved his antennae at his companion. “We’d better get back to work,” he said. “We wouldn’t want Lieutenant Regul to think we’re slackers.” There was more laughter. “I’ll keep watch while you confirm our communications link. They’re expecting out call.”

  “Yes sir,” replied Rian. As Forst turned back to watch the strait the Lieutenant walked over to clear another opening through the screening bushes. This hole would face the mountains to the north-east. When he was satisfied the
opening was large enough the Lieutenant dug into his pack to get the signaling device. It was a simple high powered light that could be set on a tripod with a moveable assembly which fit over the lens.

  Regul had assured them it would be almost impossible for the Kthpok to intercept any message they sent with this equipment. And, if by some small chance, the Tails did see the series of flashes they wouldn’t have any idea what it meant.

  That hadn’t been very reassuring for Rian. While the Kthpok wouldn’t know what the message meant they’d have to know some Iidx were in the area and come looking. He wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of meeting ten or twenty armed Kthpok looking for antennae.

  After placing the tripod’s legs firmly in the ground Rian set the light and shutter in place. Using a global positioning device from his pack the Lieutenant carefully checked the angle and direction of the light in conjunction with the hole in the bushes and the target for the message. After making a slight adjustment to the light he checked the GPS again. Satisfied it was pointed in the right direction he turned on the light then worked the shutter. It gave a flicker of light which was answered by a far off flicker about two-thirds the way up a mountain. The connection was confirmed.

  Nodding at his work Rian closed the shutter but kept the light on. Then he turned back to Forst and reported, “Communications are set, Captain.”

  “Good,” replied Forst as he kept watch on the strait.

  “Why are the decoys following this particular course, Captain?” Rian wondered as he walked up next to Forst to look through the gap in the branches again. “It’s highly visible. In fact, it’s predictable. Won’t the Kthpok be suspicious it’s so obvious that they’ll think it’s a decoy and look elsewhere?”

  “That’s possible,” Forst replied without lowering the magnifiers. "Don’t forget this is where the strait is the narrowest and has good beaches.” The sun was starting to touch the horizon giving the water’s surface a golden hue. He reached up with a false-hand and flipped down filters on his magnifiers then continued. “A successful landing on the island requires a quick transit of the strait with the least exposure. That would be this route! Having good beaches makes this route even more attractive for an infiltration attempt. With what’s been happening lately the Kthpok may think we’re concentrating elsewhere and won’t try a landing. This little charade is in case they’re being vigilant.”