Teacher was unsure why, but as soon as Leland responded, his anger abated and he felt the urge to laugh. He turned around to finish his walk toward the athletic compound when he heard the sound of an incoming shell. He scanned the sky above him as the sound approached from the direction of the separatist camp in the hills.
While Teacher looked for the source of the noise, it seemed to pass over his head. He heard a detonation only meters behind him and the ground shook violently enough to knock him off his feet. He rolled onto his belly and covered his head as the sound of another incoming shell grew louder.
From where he lay prone, Teacher could see Leland trying to regain her feet and run toward the center of the camp.
“Hit the dirt, Captain,” Teacher yelled as he watched Leland stumbling. He instinctively rose to his own feet and rapidly closed the distance between Leland and himself. He caught up with her and threw himself on top of her just as the second shell impacted within a meter of where he had been knocked to the ground by the first. “Damn it. That would have hurt.”
Teacher remained prone pinning the disoriented Leland to the ground as gun buggies raced in front of them out toward the perimeter of the base and a pair of armed shuttles flew over top of them. The shuttles flew toward the hills with their pulse cannons deployed and charging. It was only seconds before Teacher heard the whine of the charging cannons change to heavy thuds as they fired.
Before he could ask Leland if she was alright, he heard another incoming shell. It impacted farther away than the previous rounds had, but it was still too close for Teacher’s comfort.
Once the shell hit, Teacher stood up and threw the disoriented Leland over his shoulder. He saw Eagle Chaser, Bear Killer and Wolf Tamer running toward him fully armed.
“Where’s the infirmary,” Teacher asked. “That first round came down nearly on top of her.”
“Does she have any physical injuries,” Eagle Chaser asked.
“I’m not sure,” Teacher said. “I think she’s only stunned.”
“Let me look at her,” Eagle Chaser said. He motioned for Teacher to spin around so he could get a closer look at the feebly struggling Leland. “She’s bleeding from one ear.”
Eagle Chaser turned to Bear Killer. “Take Teacher to the infirmary as fast as you can and then get him armed. We have to walk the perimeter. The shells may be a distraction.”
“Follow me,” Bear Killer said. He started running toward the infirmary, motioning for Teacher to fall in behind him.
Teacher kept up with Bear Killer, even with the added weight of Leland on his shoulders. Periodically the pair stopped at the sound of a new incoming shell, but would break out into a full run once more when they were sure it wasn’t coming down on top of them.
The pair rushed into the infirmary and handed Leland to a pair of medics who carried her to an examination bed.
“She was nearly hit by the first shell,” Teacher explained to one of the medics as he took a look at the blood slowly seeping from Leland’s left ear. “Will she be alright?” He stood, staring.
“We’ve got it from here, Lieutenant,” the medic said.
Bear Killer grabbed Teacher by the uniform sleeve and tugged. “We need to get you armed.” He pointed to their left as they exited the infirmary and said, “The armory is one hundred meters that way. Just in case anything happens to me.”
By the time Teacher had been given a pulse rifle, the shelling had ceased and the CEF Shrike shuttles sent out to locate and neutralize the attacking separatists were setting down. Bear Killer and Teacher ran as hard as they could to where Hayes had just finished the task of forming patrols to inspect the damage.
“Check all the fences,” Hayes said. “On the double.”
“Is there something I can do for you, Colonel,” Teacher asked.
Hayes turned to look at Teacher when he heard the feline calling him. “You and Bear Killer can fall in with Eagle Chaser’s unit and walk the perimeter,” he said. “It looks like things have heated up again, Lieutenant. This isn’t the welcome I wanted for you.”
“I can deal with it, Sir,” Teacher said.
Chapter 36
Russo’s locator sounded an alert. She pulled it from her belt. “Russo here.”
Haley’s voice came over the locator strong and clear. “A local elder of the feline war council is here and she would like to speak with you, Major. Her name is November.”
“Understood,” Russo replied. “Send her in.”
Russo walked to the hatch and opened it.
November walked in carrying Falling Leaf, who held tightly onto her mother. The child initially flashed a confident grin at Russo and Morning Grass who both smiled back, but quickly buried her face in her mother’s shoulder in a show of playful bashfulness.
It seemed to come as a shock to November when she first laid eyes on Russo, but she quickly regained her composure.
“Is there something troubling you, Councilwoman,” Russo asked when she saw the feline’s distressed look.
“I must apologize for that,” November said. “I thought you were someone else.” She held her free hand out to Russo. “I am November,” she said as she fought to keep her hold on the wriggling child. “This is Falling Leaf.”
“My name is Russo, I am a major in the Combined Earth Forces Marine Corps.” She grabbed the hand November offered to her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Major Russo.” November turned to Morning Grass. “This one, I know. How have you been, Child?” She placed Falling Leaf on the examining table and reached out her arms. “Calf Stealer and I have been very concerned about you. When Teacher told us you were seriously injured, we thought the worst.”
Morning Grass accepted November’s offer of an embrace. “Thanks to Major Russo, I’m doing very well.”
“I can tell,” November said as she released Morning Grass to retrieve Falling Leaf, who was beginning to whine for her. “You certainly look nice in your new uniform. It suits you.”
“I can understand why you’d be so glad to see me dressed this way, Elder and I’m happy to finally make you proud of me.”
“Calf Stealer and I have always been proud of you, Child. So has everyone else in this part of the settlements. We were just concerned that you’d allowed yourself to be influenced by an unhealthy element.”
November looked at Russo. “That unhealthy element is one of the reasons I came to see you, Major.”
“I’m not sure I understand, Councilwoman,” Russo replied.
“The proper title is Elder,” November said,” but, please refer to me by my name. I am only a few years older than Morning Grass and probably younger than you, although I’ve been an adult much longer. My rank in the feline army is Colonel, if you prefer.”
“Of course, Colonel,” Russo answered. “What is it I may do for you?”
Morning Grass offered to take Falling Leaf so November could continue to speak to Russo without distraction. “Come with me, Imp,” she said with a smile.
“As you may know, Major Russo,” November said, “the separatist movement was set back with the signing of the truce, but not completely quieted. They withdrew to their home territories for a while, but are venturing out among us again. They are attempting to recruit a following among the younger adults. They cite some of the actions of your government as proof humans cannot be trusted and it’s swaying the opinion of my people in their favor.”
“What would those actions be,” Russo asked.
“They point to the unfair treatment of your own people,” November replied. “Only a few of those left in the compound on New Australia were guilty of the crimes that you seek to punish, but you have imprisoned all of the colonists. My people continually ask if you are interested in seeing justice done or have another agenda.”
“I’ve spoken with both Morning Grass and Teacher about this, Colonel,” Russo stated. “I’m not privy to any long-range plans the Forward Command has, but I’ve told them I’m certain the For
ward Command has every intention of freeing all colonists proven to be innocent of any wrongdoing.”
“I would hope that will be happening sooner, rather than later,” November said. “Most of us are still not convinced we will be immune from prosecution for actions taken during the Zunnuki invasions, even though the Zunnuki have completely forgiven us and your government has promised us immunity.”
“I’m not qualified to discuss diplomatic matters with you, Colonel,” Russo said. “If you like, I can refer you to—”
“That’s unnecessary, Major,” November replied. “This is more of a casual warning for you to take back to your people. You should tell them there are felines and even Zunnuki watching you with suspicions aroused. There are elements in both populations who were very happy with the way things were before you arrived. It would be unfortunate if your diplomatic mission failed. If your people continue to show evidence of hypocrisy or even poor judgment where the colonists are concerned, things will get ugly here, quickly.”
“Is there somebody specific we need to talk with about this, Colonel,” Russo asked.
“Without naming anyone,” November replied, “yes, there is.”
November walked over to where Morning Grass was making balloons out of latex gloves and kissed her on the cheek. She picked up Falling Leaf and said, “Goodbye, Morning Grass. It’s wonderful to see you.”
“I’m glad to see you too, Elder,” Morning Grass said, as she handed an improvised balloon to the child.
November made her way to the hatch. “Will you be coming back, Major?”
“Yes, Colonel,” Russo replied. “I’ll be back in about a month. I’m in the permanent rotation of medical teams assigned to these outreach clinics. Morning Grass is on my team. She will be assisting me when I visit from now on.”
“Then, I’ll be looking forward to talking with the both of you again,” November said.
“If we could somehow obtain the war council’s blessing for the permanent hospital we want to build for your people, you would have our medical personnel available on a daily basis, Colonel November. As it is, we can only visit when we have a free medical shuttle.”
“You will have to forgive my people if we seem hesitant to take you up on your offer, Major. I’m sure Morning Grass has explained to you what our past experiences with your medical technology have been like.”
“I’m sure Morning Grass would be happy to relate her experiences under my care to your people,” Russo replied. “That is, if you think it might help the situation.”
“I will certainly bring that idea up with the council,” November said before turning to leave.
Chapter 37
Russo looked at her chronometer. “It’s just about time to close up shop for the day and head back to the Armstrong. We should start packing up the shuttle.”
Morning Grass looked at her and nodded, but Russo could see she had something weighing on her mind.
“What is it,” Russo asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Something’s bothering you. Out with it.”
“The Armstrong is my home now,” Morning Grass said, “and, I can’t say I was completely happy when I lived here, but…”
Russo squeezed the feline’s hand. “Are you feeling homesick? I’m sure seeing the settlements again brings back some memories.”
“Not homesick, but some sort of melancholy. It’s as if I have unfinished business at my old dwelling.” She looked at Russo with pleading. “Since we’re here.”
“Sure,” Russo said. “I might even walk with you. Li and Haley can prep the shuttle. There isn’t much to do.”
Russo looked over at Haley, who was sitting at a small table set up to collect information from patients.
“I don’t mind cleaning up here,” Haley replied. “You two go ahead.”
* * *
Russo and Morning Grass made their way to the small residence Morning Grass had once shared with Teacher. The road wasn’t paved, but it was wide enough for two lanes of motor traffic and well-trodden. Morning Grass pointed out landmarks she thought might be of interest to Russo as they walked. She made a special effort to point out the homes of felines who she knew to be in sympathy with the separatists and encouraged Russo to follow her hastily past them.
Morning Grass’ home was on the outer edge of the village near the community cattle pens. There was a remnant of a vegetable garden next to the residence. The entry door was ajar when they arrived. Morning Grass was despondent, but not surprised, to find the place had been ransacked during the feline resistance.
Russo marveled at the ingenuity of the design. “This was once a cargo container? It looks as if it were meant to be lived in.”
“It was,” Morning Grass said. She made an attempt to activate the built-in lighting and cursed when the switch didn’t work. “They must have taken the cold fusion unit.”
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Russo remarked.
“I’m surprised. With the overcrowding on Earth I would have thought there would be billions of these all over the planet. The idea makes sense. Instead of shipping building supplies alongside food and clothing to territories in need; design the shipping containers so they may be lived in after they’re emptied. Mom said John designed them. He was a humanitarian genius.”
“Your mom said what?” Russo turned to see Morning Grass looking unnerved. “Are you remembering something?”
“I don’t know. May we leave now?”
“Why? What’s the problem?”
“I just don’t want to be here, right now. Let me look around and collect a few things so we can get out of here.”
“Sure,” Russo said.
Morning Grass made her way to the bedroom and rummaged through the possessions tossed about by the feline resistance when it ransacked the settlements. She picked up a few small items and rejoined Russo near the door.
“Are you ready to go back to the shuttle,” Russo asked.
Morning Grass nodded and stepped through the door.
Russo looked at the things Morning Grass carried. One item caught her eye. It was an antique hairbrush. It was plastic like the grooming items issued to military personnel, but it was more ornate. Russo was going to ask about it when Morning Grass pushed her backwards through the door and almost knocked her down.
“What the—?”
Morning Grass shut the door and pulled Russo with her into the shadows. “Stay quiet and don’t let them see you.”
Russo heard the rumble of multiple ground vehicles outside the door. They were close and moving slowly. Morning Grass made her way along the wall to a window, peering stealthily outside. She motioned for Russo to join her.
Russo went to the window and looked. She saw three CEF gun buggies disappear in a cloud of dust down the dirt road toward the center of New Phoenix. They were manned by felines in fatigues with red armbands.
“Separatists?”
Morning Grass nodded. “I don’t think they’re looking to make any trouble, but we shouldn’t take any chances. We’ll walk around the outer edge of the village to get to the shuttle. Going through the marketplace isn’t a good idea.”
Russo agreed. “I’ll call Haley and tell her she and Li should lock themselves inside the shuttle till we get there.”
Chapter 38
November burst into the dwelling and shouted for Calf Stealer.
“What’s the matter,” Calf Stealer asked. “I was asleep.”
“Where is Bridgette,” November asked as she put Falling Leaf in a chair. “Have her watch the child.”
“Bridgette’s at the open market. Didn’t she find you?”
“I came straight home after I went to the Earth humans’ outreach clinic. I didn’t stop at the market. You need to follow me back there. There is something you must see.”
“Calm down, November. What’s happened? You’re almost in a panic.”
November grabbed Calf Stealer’s wrist and tried to pull him ou
t the door. “I saw Morning Grass. She was wearing a Combined Earth Forces uniform.”
“You can’t be serious.” Calf Stealer would have thought November was joking had she not been so excited.
“I talked with her,” November said. “She was assisting the doctor sent to do the clinic. The doctor’s name is Russo.”
Calf Stealer wrested his wrist from November’s grip and shook his head in frustration. “There have to be thousands of family lines from Earth with that surname. Your superstitious nature is getting the better of you, again.”
“But, this woman looks identical to her. I can’t express the shock I felt when I saw her. I thought it was her. What does this mean, Calf Stealer?”
“A coincidence. It would be an incredible one, but I have no other explanation.”
“What if this isn’t a coincidence? What if this is a sign or even a warning?”
“A sign from whom,” Calf Stealer asked, “and, to warn us of what?”
“There are many things that were left undone. There are many things that must be set right.”
“Who should be the one to set them right? I’ve done everything I know to do to reunite our people. I can do no more.”
“Then perhaps it’s time to go to him and ask him what to do,” November said.
“He left our destiny up to us,” Calf Stealer said. “He meant for us to find our own way.”
“We’ve stumbled. We’ve lost our way. We squabble like children and it is only getting worse.”
“We don’t know where he is, or even if he’s still alive.”
“Call Bravo, Calf Stealer,” November pleaded.
“Bravo will never tell us where he is.”
“Then you must convince him to tell you,” November said. “Black Bear must be told what is going on here. We need his guidance more than ever.”
Chapter 39
Once the shuttle was in the air, Russo unbuckled herself from the co-pilot’s seat. “Carry on, Lieutenant Li. I need to check on something in the payload section.”
War Orphans (The Terra Nova Chronicles) Page 18