by K. L. Wallen
Occasionally, Gabriella could hear Clair in her head. At least she thought it to be Clair. That was how she came to know Clair and Nayen’s names. Simple repeated thoughts in her head, as if someone were whispering to her.
Clair has a fondness for aquatic life and likes to use them to gain Gabriella’s attention. When Clair is unable to obtain live fish or sea mammals, she resorts to giving billboard, road, or restaurant signs a temporary ghostly glow. When desperate, she tries to connect to Gabriella mentally, which doesn’t always work. There are times when Clair believes that Gabriella is intentionally trying to ignore her. If it wasn’t for this attachment that the two of them have developed, Clairmesine sometimes thinks she might find a new charge, but Gabriella needs her.
Nayenezgani is not as kind or indirect, when he wants Gabriella’s attention. He demands that she recognize him immediately and follow his path. Nayen’s methods of gaining her instantaneous compliance are more aggressive than Clair’s, and has taught Gabriella to be quick on her feet. He has no problem sending a hawk down after her, or a rattlesnake, to steer her in the right direction. Nayen does whatever it takes. He is a warrior. A dead, ancient, Navajo warrior.
How Gabriella knew this was because Nayen decided to give her a vision of a part of his life one day. The vision ended when the bacon she had frying on her stove caused the smoke detector to set off. Gabriella saw enough to know Nayen is powerful, deserves respect, and won’t be ignored. Where Clair’s presence oftentimes comforted her, Nayen’s presence scared her. Even though she knew, he would do what he could to keep her from harm, so long as she obeyed. That was the difference. Gabriella believed Clair would just walk away if she refused to cooperate….Nayen, she wasn’t so sure about.
Gabriella turned on the engine, scanned ahead and then behind, and pulled away from the curb. “Show me where to go,” she muttered to the finch flying in circles at the end of the block. She followed the finch for nearly a mile, until the poor thing landed in a tree, too tired to continue.
Gabriella paused, looked straight ahead, and waited for the next sign. Seeing nothing, she opened her car door and stepped out. She held tight to the side of her car as another car passed within inches of her. Several blocks up was a billboard advertising a car dealership. What made this unique was that only the number three and only the vertical part of the right turned arrow showing the way caught the early evening light. “Three blocks ahead it is,” she softly spoke.
As she approached the third block, she noticed that the left turn signal light turned green and was staying green even though there were no cars in that lane. Gabriella turned left and drove slowly, waiting for the next sign. This road led her out of town. The sun was setting, and previous non-existent wind suddenly whipped up. Off the side of the road were a gravel drive, and a little dirt-tornado spinning around.
Having gone a tad too far to make the sharp turn, Gabriella stopped, switched off her lights, put the car in reverse, and then turned down the dirt drive. About a hundred yards ahead, she came to a chained and padlocked waist-high metal gate. She pulled her car off to the side and rounded to the trunk where she keeps an extra set of clothes, flashlight, pepper-spray, taser, whistle, baseball bat, baseball, a heavy palm sized rock, and pocketknife.
She doesn’t worry about a cellphone since most areas Clair or Nayen lead her to don’t have reception and it’s foolish, if not out and out stupid, to worry about stopping to make a call, when her transitory charge’s life is on the line. Useful are items that will inflict immediate pain and render the degenerate powerless. An untrained girl can never be too careful is her motto. With each rescue, Gabriella swears she’ll learn martial arts, but can never seem to find the time. On the plus side, she has learned, the hard way, that virtually anything can be used as a weapon.
Chapter 3
Commander Dorn Gharm would have preferred to remain aboard his warship the Guardian and let his Co-Commander handle this retrieval assignment; however, Fleet Commander Scorpak personally selected him to oversee the mission, from the bridge of the class 5 transporter. Faith or punishment? Dorn wasn’t certain. He couldn’t recall any slights, mishaps, or errors that he has ever committed to warrant such a demeaning assignment in his opinion.
Fleet Commander Scorpak just completed the first portion of the same mission, but the difference was that he was with all of his brothers and it appeared to be more a vacation than an assignment. It was Fleet Commander Scorpak’s last voyage and as such, he had his choice of destination and personnel to accompany him. Baffling was why Scorpak spent so many months hovering over this overpopulated, erratic planet before re-boarding his warship the Galaxy Hunter.
Fleet Commander Scorpak established a transmission tower so the Pzianian fleet can be contacted should the Crovak’s invade Earth. The Fleet Commander and his crew also uploaded a tremendous amount of information on the planet and inhabitants, as well as collected honored guests in various fields to help guide the Pzianian leader, should future negotiations occur. Dorn suspected that many of the honored guests were more than that. Fleet Commander Scorpak admitted that one of the honored guests, by the name of Laurel MacKenna was to be his life-mate, and that Zepar and J’Quil wed their respective life-mates in an Earth ceremony.
The two male honored guests, L.C. and Kodiak, proved surprisingly talented. Both of them had taken Commander Gharm down, individually, in a sparring match. The bagallard Kodiak, who is large like a Pzian warrior, did it while blindfolded. L.C. is not as large as a Pzian warrior is, but is as fast and as deadly as Kodiak. Neither of the humans fights fair. They use their senses, legs, and can spin and twist in unnatural ways.
Dorn witnessed one of the female honored guests spar with L.C. and Kodiak, and had no doubt that she too would have floored him. He also heard rumored of another female honored guest pulling an unprovoked sneak attack on the Fleet Commander and giving him a bloody nose. Such an action against the Fleet Commander should have warranted a severe punishment, if not death. These humans not only don’t fight fair, but they are outspoken and vicious.
Fleetingly, Dorn thought that perhaps the Fleet Commander had become bored since there hasn’t been much in way of military action for the past decade, and wanted a little adventure with his brothers before retiring planet side. For Commander Gharm, there is nothing more exciting than warring and winning, and he hopes that a conflict with the Crovak’s erupts soon.
Prior to departing the Guardian, the large class five transporter was redesigned to house two technical stations. The transporter will orbit Earth during the mission, while the Guardian and the other two support warships maintain orbits near Jupiter.
No fewer than two warriors will be present on the transporter bridge at all times, per the Fleet Commander’s orders. Commander Gharm’s technical crew consists of Warrior Ivanoff Chipil from the Galaxy Hunter, temporarily assigned to him as second technical officer, Warrior Osiris Varun, Gharm’s selected senior technical officer, and Warriors Bylt and Mrirux. Warriors Bylt and Mrirux’s primary duties will be to sort and categorize the technical data. Their secondary duty will be to fill in for Chipil and Varun as needed.
The other crewmembers are Warrior-Healer Favian Bax, Warrior Tyce Owynn, interspecies relations, Warrior Rort Chipil, geologist, and son of Warrior Ivanoff Chipil, Warrior Maxon Lindrt, chemist, and Warrior Blaize Pulten, assassinations, and security. When required, a maintenance or engineering warrior may be called upon. Commander Gharm intended to assign all but three of the warriors under his command with locating an honored guest.
The first two days orbiting Earth were spent part in a meditative sleep to acquire all forms and nuances of the English language, and the other part to review Fleet Commander Scorpak’s logs. Some sections in the logs were intentionally deleted. Commander Gharm did not find this unusual but had to wonder what was on those blank areas that his esteemed commander did not want publicized.
Dorn was certain that nothing that could place his crew in peril was omitted
. Scorpak is honorable and ruthless when it comes to the protection of those under his command.
*.*
Commander Gharm’s first official tactical meeting would begin shortly. Warrior Chipil had arrived early to review the agenda with Gharm, and to set out a selection of Earth flavored coffees for the warriors to try. Admittedly, Gharm found the coffee drink that humans call Mocha, tasty. He liked the energy boost as well. Dorn assumed that he would be living off this energy drink for the next month or two in order to stay awake and not die of boredom.
“Warrior Chipil, I understand that Fleet Commander Scorpak wasn’t as formal during his meetings. Is that correct?”
“Yes, Commander Gharm,” Ivanoff informed him. He quickly followed up with, “We all understood that informality was in place, only while we were aboard the transport ship. Fleet Commander Scorpak maintained formal interactions with the government officials, other than Director Cheng Lee.”
“You are not related to the Fleet Commander,” Gharm commented.
“No, Commander Gharm, I am not.”
“Yet, you spoke to him as any other warrior and not one of his high-standing. Furthermore, I heard you refer to the honored guests, their families, and Director Lee by their first names.” Commander Gharm knew he sounded accusatory but was actually curious and wanted to understand if the same is to be expected here and now.
Ivanoff wasn’t sure if Commander Gharm was pointedly telling him that his prior behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, or if he is warning him to not share this part of the time he spent with Slotan, his brothers and the honored guests with the warriors aboard.
“Commander Gharm, I never once forgot Fleet Commander’s high-standing position. I only spoke to him as a colleague at his insistence. Given the small crew size, the unexpected revelation that the mission was much more complicated than expected, and our dependency on each other, Fleet Commander Scorpak felt it prudent to break down structural barriers in order to promote a cohesive working relationship without fear of reprisal. This mission was unlike anything any of us aboard had ever encountered, and the Fleet Commander wanted honest opinions and suggestions. He made it known immediately that we’re not to withhold our opinions, so long as they are constructive.
One of his favorite sayings, which came from one of the honored guests, was, ‘There’s always more than one road to travel, and the best roads are those traveled with ones you love, trust, and respect’. He took that to heart and counted on us to help find alternative avenues to solve problems.”
Ivanoff relaxed his shoulders and continued, “The honored guests insisted we call them by their first names, as well as their relatives. I never called them by their first names until they granted me permission to do so.” He paused for a moment, then offered, “Since my son is also on this transport, I will not be offended if you wish to call me Ivanoff. In order to lessen the confusion when my son and I are both present in the same room.”
“Informality, that is what Fleet Commander Scorpak spoke of,” Gharm recalled. “I’ll take what you have voiced under consideration.” Dorn took his seat at the head of the conference table as the other warriors filed in.
*.*
As soon as the warriors were seated, Dorn began the meeting. “Warrior Chipil has set out various Earth flavored coffees for you to try.” He waited while his direct reports picked up one cup after another, sniffed at them, and then made their selections.
“Fleet Commander Scorpak has tasked us with locating researchers familiar with deadly contagious diseases and biological warfare. I’ve outlined the parameters for searching for these individuals. No contact with these researchers is to be made. We are to catalog our findings for remittance later.
Pulten, as head of security, you will need to pull together background checks going back to birth on each of these individuals since they could be potential threats to our own population. Only those with no mates or younglings, and are in good health will be considered. I want you to also investigate the researcher’s parents, siblings, religious beliefs, and any personal and professional associations.
Young Warrior Chipil, you will scout for mineral deposits and map landforms on land and in the waters. Have you completed reviewing the material left for you by Warriors Breneem and Bolano Scorpak?” The twin brothers had left notes for Commander Gharm as to where he should have his crew pickup scanning the planet.
Rort nodded his head in understanding. “Yes, Commander. I have.” He cleared his throat and continued, “Commander Gharm, I am pleased to be a part of this mission, and proud to be sitting at the same table as my father.”
Dorn picked up his coffee and savored another sip. “Your father is instrumental to the success of this mission. I expect all of you to seek out his advice and listen to his suggestions. Senior Warrior Chipil was present for the last half of Fleet Commander Scorpak’s time here and has insights and knowledge that will save us a great deal of time and misunderstandings. Once I outline our tasks, I will open the meeting up for questions and answers, which I expect will be mostly directed towards Ivanoff.”
When all but Rort Chipil exhibited confusion, Commander Gharm elaborated, “Ivanoff is Senior Warrior Chipil’s first name. He suggested I not use his title when both he and his son are present to avoid confusion. He also mentioned, same as Fleet Commander Scorpak, that humans prefer to use first names.”
Each of the warriors around the table wondered if their commander was aware that they commonly use each other’s first names when he isn’t in view, the same goes for their Co-Commander who is like Commander Gharm, not easily approachable.
None of the warriors was thrilled to learn that they would be in close quarters with the mighty commander for an extended period but would never admit as much. Pzian warriors do not question or complain, they simply follow orders. After reviewing the logs Fleet Commander Scorpak left behind for their perusal, each of the warriors had to admit that despite Commander Gharm’s presence, the human inhabitants are intriguing, and each of the warriors hope to meet with Ivanoff privately about his experiences.
Commander Gharm was pleased to see his warriors quietly waiting for instructions. “Let me explain this mission. In addition to what I’ve already discussed, we are to monitor the transmission tower, and arrange for a tour of one of our warships. Warrior Pulten you will be in charge of that and I have forwarded you the information.” He took another sip of his mocha.
“We also need to upload more data. Ivanoff will share with the technical staff what has been uploaded and what needs to be acquired. Next is the matter of locating and retrieving gifted humans, working with Department of Defense Director Lee, utilizing a human named Aideen MacKenna as a personal shopper, collecting updated political database submissions from a Veronica Rose Archer, and entertaining the MacKenna families. Entertaining is not the appropriate word. Fleet Commander Scorpak has stated that the MacKennas are willing to help us understand human behavior and guide us on approaching honored guests.
The last tasks are to review the books Honored Guest Laurel MacKenna suggested, and to monitor Illock movements. Our Fleet Commander is of the belief that the Illocks have been visiting this planet. To do so means they have found a way to cloak themselves from our warships. Ivanoff, I believe you know a way to use Earth media to verify Illock movement, if it has indeed occurred.”
Ivanoff nearly choked on his mocha when he heard Commander Gharm order them to review the literature Laurel recommended, but held it in. It was apparent the Commander had not reviewed the stories. Ivanoff, on the other hand, had already read the books, or love stories, with a lot of human sex, and knew his peers were in for a shock. He cleared his throat and replied, “Yes, Commander Gharm.” He then looked at his son and thought it was time he had what humans call, “The talk,” with him. That would happen later, in private.
Commander Gharm grabbed another mocha. “Pulten you will be in charge of making contact with Director Lee. Owynn you will work with the MacK
ennas and with Aideen MacKenna. Give her whatever funds she needs to shop for us. I also want you to contact Veronica Archer and set up a schedule to retrieve her database entries. Bax, you will locate a stem cell researcher willing to return with us to Pzianian. The rest of you, except Ivanoff, Bylt, and Mrirux, will retrieve gifted humans. Ivanoff, please explain gifted. Also, can some humans really speak with the dead?”
*.*
Ivanoff wasn’t in the least bit tempted to discuss Samantha Lane Linder-Scorpak’s gift of precognition, and how she was responsible for saving Pzianian. He vowed to keep her secret and would never break her trust. However, he did feel comfortable discussing Kodiak’s gifts since Fleet Commander Slotan Scorpak had already informed Gharm that Kodiak is one of the gifted humans.
Ivanoff began his delivery on Kodiak’s gift of detecting energy, communicating with nature, and his knowing. He admitted that Fleet Commander Scorpak and the warriors were at a loss as to how Kodiak could do the things he has done, and to know the things that he knows. He did reveal they suspect Kodiak is a descendant of Tsohanoi, a Navajo God.
Ivanoff wisely left out the sparring match between Commander Gharm and Kodiak.
Warrior Pulten probed, “Ivanoff, if these gifted humans stay mostly hidden, how are we to locate them? Do they all possess the same type of gifts as Kodiak?”
“Locating them will not be easy. There are many fraudulent humans claiming to be gifted in order to gain notoriety or a monetary boon. It will take a lot of creative searching to locate them. Kodiak, L.C., and the MacKennas have provided many leads to begin with. Kodiak’s gifts were not known at the time Warrior Zepar Scorpak sought him out. He pursued him and his communications expert for their vocational skills. It wasn’t until later that his gift was discovered.