“They did so because helping free us served their own purposes,” Night Hunter said. “Don’t forget they also came here to escape the Earth—for whatever reason. I still think we have plenty to fear and I will fight to remain free.”
“Free from what,” Calf Stealer asked. “Health and prosperity? A better future than that of a dirt farmer?”
“Is it better to be a mercenary? Is it better to become cannon fodder once more for wars the humans are too cowardly to fight themselves? Perhaps you should trade your feline army uniform for that of a Terran marine?”
“I cannot fault those of us who chose to become citizens of Earth,” Calf Stealer said. “I would have preferred for them to remain in the feline army, but they did what they felt they had to do.”
“My followers and I will now do what we need to do,” Night Hunter said. “We’re going back into the hills. We will resist the Terrans however we can. Any of you is free to join us.”
“Before you leave, Night Hunter, you should hear what else I have to say. It might change your mind about some things. Those who controlled Yuen have reentered the equation and are now coming here.”
Delegates on the floor of the canyon mumbled among themselves at hearing the news.
“Now you threaten us with myths,” Night Hunter said. “Calf Stealer, you’re truly pathetic.”
“Calf Stealer is correct,” November said. “Those of us in New Phoenix were told last night.”
“The Ekkidans are a figment of Chamberlain’s imagination,” Night Hunter said. “I believe Yuen was talking with people from Earth.”
“Black Bear confirmed to us the Ekkidans were real,” Calf Stealer said. “You heard the recordings just as I did.”
“The recordings could have been faked. Psychological warfare and propaganda. You should have caught on to that by now.”
“You take everything else Black Bear told you to heart,” Calf Stealer replied. “Why don’t you believe he was telling the truth about the Ekkidans?”
“I have no good reason to.”
“Then, what reason do you have to doubt their existence?”
“I have yet to see an Ekkidan,” Night Hunter said. “However, I have seen Terrans and I remember the creators.”
“You’ll see Ekkidans soon enough,” Calf Stealer replied. “They are sending a delegation here to join in the treaty negotiations.”
“Then I’ll defy them also.”
“If you choose to make things more difficult for us in the settlements, Sierra,” Calf Stealer replied, once more insulting Night Hunter by using his serial, “we will have no choice but to join with the Terrans if and when they decide to hunt you down.”
“It would seem some of our people have already made that choice,” Night Hunter replied. “Now, allow me to make my stance perfectly clear. Any human or, for that matter, any feline wearing the uniform of a human who wanders into separatist territory is taking his life into his own hands.”
Chapter 28
20-April-2210
It was nearly midnight by the Zunnuki clock when Gupta arrived at the bistro where he and Buzami usually shared dinner. Buzami was nowhere in sight, so he reserved their regular table and ordered an ale while he waited for Buzami to show up.
Gupta was on his second ale by the time Buzami showed and the concern he had over the call he received turned into annoyance at being kept waiting. “I’ll have to order you another ale,” He said as he held up the tankard he was drinking from. “I’ve almost finished the one I ordered for you.”
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get here,” Buzami said. “My son stopped by after I called you. I couldn’t get away.”
“What’s so damned important that it could wait for damned near two hours, but not until morning?”
“I spoke with Alphie earlier this evening. The separatists walked out of the war council meeting without a peaceful resolution. He asked me to contact you and message him when we were together.”
“We should link to him immediately, then.”
Buzami pulled out his CEF-provided locator. “Locate, Calf Stealer, Adjunct colonel.”
In seconds, Calf Stealer was on the line. “I was starting to worry something had happened to you,” he said the moment the hyper-link was established.
“I had some family business to attend to,” Buzami said.
“You spoke with your son, then,” Calf Stealer asked. “What did he have to say?”
“The military is ready to support you, but only in an advisory capacity.”
“I don’t like the sound of that, Gentlemen,” Gupta said.
“A contingency, Vijay,” Calf Stealer replied. “I’m hoping it won’t be necessary.”
“What are you afraid will happen,” Gupta asked.
“I told you the felines were on the brink of civil war. After tonight, I don’t think we can avoid it.”
“Nothing is hopeless, Alphie,” Gupta said. “Fill me in on the details.”
“Night Hunter has drawn a line in the sand. He’ll no longer tolerate Terran incursion into the separatist zones. He’s threatened to fire upon any CEF soldier, human or feline, who enters.”
“The marine base is just inside one of the separatist zones,” Gupta said. “I need to put them on alert.”
“My people have already contacted your Forward Command on behalf of Alphie’s people,” Buzami told Gupta. “We wanted to be sure the news didn’t come across as a threat. All three governments will be linking up at 0600 my time to discuss our options.”
“This is not good, Calf Stealer,” Gupta said. “Wilkes isn’t going to be happy if this turns into another shooting war.”
“Night Hunter has pulled his delegates from New Phoenix, Calf Stealer said. “The moderates are now in complete control of the remaining war council. As of tonight, the felines are effectively two nations, not one. The good news is more than half of us will not join Sierra in such lunacy.”
“That isn’t the point,” Gupta said. “Wilkes will just pull all of our people out of the settlements, leave it to the two factions to shoot it out then quarantine what’s left. You have to seek a peaceful solution. You have to bring Night Hunter back to the table; bad blood between the two of you, notwithstanding.”
“I warned Night Hunter the rest of us would track his people down if they caused further disruptions in the moderate zones,” Calf Stealer said. “There’s no room left for talk. Both sides are committed to this course of action.”
“Is there anything I can do to help this,” Gupta asked.
“Officially, no,” Buzami said. “When the treaty talks were suspended, your mission as a diplomat was suspended along with them. It’s up to Alphie and me to work the diplomatic angle.”
“He’s right, Vijay,” Calf Stealer added. “You have to carry on our informal efforts. You have to find something to keep Wilkes from abandoning our cause.”
“Keep him from abandoning it,” Gupta asked. “Haven’t you been listening to me? I’ve been trying to find a way to make him firmly commit in the first place.”
“You know him,” Buzami said. “We don’t. If you can’t coerce him into being up front with the felines or my people, this can only end poorly.”
“Drew’s orders are to secure a treaty with the Zunnuki,” Gupta said. “If he can’t, this will turn into an occupation.”
“Azir and I have suspected that from the beginning, Vijay,” Calf Stealer said, “but, the question is why Wilkes and the Ekkidans want to avoid an occupation. Find that out and you can determine what lengths they will go to in order to prevent it.”
“I’ll do what I can,” Gupta said. “Is there any ‘informal’ news I can take to Drew while you two play diplomat?”
“If there is a civil war, the moderates will be at a disadvantage,” Calf Stealer said. “The separatists are getting supplies and pulse weaponry over and above what they captured during the resistance. You must find the conduit and close it off. You must also find a way to arm m
y people. Our aging phase rifles are no match for Sierra’s guns, even though we have greater numbers.”
“If shooting starts and Alphie’s faction needs guns,” Buzami said, “my people will arm him if yours don’t. However, if we do, it will be with the realization that we may have to fight a common enemy one day.”
Chapter 29
5-May-2210
On board the Ekkidan battle cruiser Dzu-kal (Eagle), under way between Ekkida and Terra Nova.
Captain Mike Russo knocked on Meqqar’s cabin door. The aro opened it quickly and invited him in.
“We just broke the heliopause and have accelerated to full speed, Aro,” Mike said.
“You’ve been practicing your Zuo-Mer, I see, Mike,” Meqqar replied.
“And I see you’ve been practicing your Sino, Aro.”
“Of course. You must also help me with my English, Mike. I want to be familiar with both languages by the time we get to Zunnuki.”
“I’ll be happy to, Aro.”
“You must call me Meqqar when we’re away from the crew, Mike. I abhor formality in casual situations.”
“I’ll try to remember.”
“Did you contact Wilkes like I asked?”
“Yes, I did. He reports the felines are breeding indiscriminately and the average size and strength of the newer offspring is beginning to vary from the norms by more than one and a half standard deviations. He also reports the outreach clinics are finding a sharp increase in things like myopia and glandular disorders among the most recent generation.”
“It’s only a matter of time before some of the more useful mutations built into their physiology begin to regress in favor of the more dominant mammalian structures,” Meqqar said. “The research captured from the rebels was easy enough to understand. The first thing we will have to do when we get to Zunnuki is explain to the natives just how cruel it would be to allow the felines to continue to reproduce.”
“Wilkes tells me that won’t be an easy sell. The natives have been dealing with the felines as a political entity since they overthrew the colonists. They consider them to be Zunnuki citizens and demand they be included part and parcel in any further negotiations.”
“Even with all the unrest within the feline community? Surely the Zunnuki can see how uncivilized they’ve become. Their condition will only worsen as time and genetics take their toll.”
“Wilkes tells me the older felines have kept control of their governing body. They are whom the Zunnuki have been dealing with. That means the Zunnuki may not know the true scope or depth of the problem.”
“You should tell Wilkes to share what your doctors find as they treat the felines in the hospital you’re building,” Meqqar said. “It might be a good idea to have the natives inspect the facility themselves. A good look at how the felines live might be enlightening.”
“We haven’t been able to convince the felines to allow us to build the hospital as yet,” Mike replied. “They are still suspicious of human medicine.”
“Perhaps I should talk to Wilkes about that, myself,” Meqqar said. “He should point out to the felines the Zunnuki have been delighted with the exchange of medical knowledge.”
“I’m afraid that isn’t possible at the moment. The Zunnuki have temporarily abstained from the treaty negotiations. Wilkes tells me they wish to wait for your arrival to start them back up.”
“Do they give a reason why,” Meqqar asked.
“No, but Wilkes is certain it’s a trust issue. Your rebels were fools to put Yuen in charge and, if I may be so bold, your government’s refusal to take charge of that situation once the rebellion was discovered left quite a mess to straighten up.”
“Something I’ve said quite often, myself,” Meqqar replied. “I’m afraid, though, after looking at it from all angles, it was the proper decision. For us to have contacted the Zunnuki after Zhereveldonne Cozeremi’s fall from grace would have muddied the waters. It was for the best that we agreed your government should approach them first.”
Part IV—Acclimating
Chapter 30
11-May-2210
Combined Earth Forces Marine Officer Training Facility, Feline Sector, Terra Nova.
Teacher stepped off the transport and stretched. He was about to yawn heavily when a pair of human soldiers approached him from the closest building to the landing pad. He was unable to make out any insignia, but to play it safe, assumed the two were officers.
One was a powerfully built middle-aged male and by his stride and air, Teacher assumed he was the higher ranking of the two. The other was a female who walked slightly behind the male. Her height and the way her battle dress uniform fit made Teacher think at first she was a feline female. He had to look twice to be sure she was human.
Teacher quickly stooped down to pick up his duffel, turning his head so the humans couldn’t see him with his mouth gaping in mid-yawn. When he stood back up straight they were upon him.
“Sergeant Teacher,” the male human asked. Teacher snapped to attention.
“Yessir,” Teacher blurted out as he saluted.
“At ease Sergeant,” the male soldier replied, “We only do that shit inside around here. We’re in a war zone.”
“A war zone, Sir,” Teacher asked. He inspected the breast of the human’s uniform for a rank or a name tag.
The human noticed Teacher was looking and spoke up.
“Sorry about that, Sergeant. I should have introduced myself. The name is Rufus Hayes. I’m a colonel and the commander here.” He pointed a thumb at his assistant. “This is Captain Leland, my company clerk and, yes, we consider this area a war zone. The feline separatists have a big-assed encampment just northwest of here.”
Hayes pointed to the only high ground in view from this section of the salt flat desert. “They’re right in the middle of the foothills. They captured some of our gun buggies during the initial skirmish and every once in a while, they venture toward the outer perimeter. We keep a Shrike or two hot and fully loaded in case they get too close. There haven’t been any shooting incidents yet. Knock on wood.”
“Knock on wood, Colonel?”
Leland spoke up. “A figure of speech, Sergeant. A wish for our current good luck to continue.”
The interruption pulled Teacher’s eyes from Hayes to the very tall and athletically built Leland. “Thank you, Captain. I understand,” he replied with an awkward smile.
“The last thing we want,” Hayes said, “is for another shooting war to break out with the separatists. The rest of the felines would most likely join in with them out of principle like last time and we’d be in for another shit storm from the civilian authorities here and back on Earth.”
Teacher glanced at Leland again. He noticed she was ogling him and smiling. He began to feel uncomfortable. “Apparently, not all felines have claws. At least, not visible ones.”
“Were you fully briefed on board the boat,” Hayes asked.
The question brought the slightly distracted Teacher back to the moment. “Yes, Sir. I was told about the training I would be receiving and given the broad scope of the mission I’ll be assigned to.”
“Excellent, Sergeant.” Hayes unceremoniously turned to walk away from the landing area.
Teacher was taken aback by the colonel’s abrupt departure. He quickly threw his duffel over his shoulder and followed. Leland leered at Teacher as he walked past and turned to fall in behind him a couple of paces. Teacher felt her eyes on his back. It made his hair stand up.
“Did they also tell you about the special situation we’ve found ourselves in when they oriented you, Sergeant,” Hayes asked.
“No, Sir.”
“I should have known,” Hayes yelled over his shoulder as he walked. “I guess they didn’t want to get your hopes up before I got a look at you. Let’s get our asses inside out of this heat and sit down. We have a lot to discuss, Sergeant.”
Teacher looked behind himself at Leland, shrugged his shoulders and asked very quietly, �
��Do you know what he’s talking about, Captain?”
Leland nodded in the affirmative and kept smiling, but didn’t offer an explanation.
Hayes reached the building and threw a forearm at the automatic metal door when it didn’t open quickly enough for him. He walked through a reception area and down a long hallway. Teacher kept following, but Leland turned and walked into an office before the trio reached the end of the hallway where Hayes impatiently, and noisily, opened another door.
“Sit down, Sergeant,” Hayes said as he walked around a desk and sat himself.
Teacher took a chair and dropped his duffel beside him on the floor.
“I’m going to be straight with you, Teacher, the CEF needs more feline officers.” Hayes paused to allow his comment to sink in.
When Teacher’s expression indicated he had no idea what meaning the statement held for him, Hayes spoke up.
“We have a lot of new recruits coming over from the feline army, but all of the really good officers are only accepting adjunct assignments. Quite frankly, we can’t use many of the officers who are coming over because they’re either not up to Marine standards, or we have reason to believe they hold allegiance to the separatists and may be spies.” Hayes looked Teacher directly in the eye.
Teacher felt uncomfortable again. For the second time in less than half an hour he was being aggressively scrutinized by a human who he assumed was eager for him to demonstrate his abilities. There was little doubt about what Leland wanted. He was uncertain about what Hayes had in mind, though.
“No disrespect intended, Colonel, Sir,” Teacher said, “but, would you mind telling me how your situation affects me, personally?”
Hayes grinned from ear to ear. “Son of a bitch, Sergeant. I’m impressed already. You like to cut through the bullshit, don’t you?”
“If you mean by that, I’m not one who likes to be kept guessing, Colonel, Sir, you’re correct.”
War Orphans (The Terra Nova Chronicles) Page 14