“If it is not my sons hearing this message. I hope you find some helpful knowledge in the MAN units. May you avoid the fate that is sure to have befallen my beloved Kingdom of Hedal.”
The holograph ended and the MAN unit blinked a few times. “End of playback.”
“What did my grandfather mean by “likenesses?” he asked before the MAN unit spoke again.
“I was created in the image of my maker, a scientist of Hedal. Those behind me were created in the image of the King’s sons. Over the years, we have been forced to make repairs so the exact resemblance is not attainable.”
Knacayn realized with another jolt the male spoke the truth. There was a hint of all of his uncles features in the MAN units lined up behind the leader.
“Do you still carry those memories and histories?” his uncle asked excitedly.
“We do not.” The MAN unit took a step back. “Our protocols have been enhanced. One has fought for thousands of years to see us move past our original programming.”
Knacayn didn’t like the sound of this.
“Explain.” His father had stiffened as well. “Please,” he added as an afterthought.
“We have attained a higher awareness. The memories and history of the old Hedal were erased in order to utilize the space for our own purposes. We are self-aware.”
Knacayn grimaced. He was right. He wasn’t liking where this was heading.
“What is your purpose now?” His father asked grimly.
“One sent us here, to Terra. The human life forms were almost eliminated and we were going to start fresh here. In the place of our beginning. The human numbers started to recover, with help from you. We cannot allow this. We are to liberate Terra, for the purpose of advancing our civilization.”
“Your civilization?” his uncle asked warily. “There are more of you?”
“That is the case. Yes.” The male stated. “We are tasked with finding human populations on Terra, and ending them. One has decided the time to recover Terra is now.”
The crowd had been muttering slightly. A cough here or there and some whispered exclamations. At those words, the voices got louder. His fingers tightened unconsciously and he realized he was squeezing Kenzie’s hand. He loosened his grip and tried to focus on the MAN unit and what his father was arguing.
“You cannot just—”
“We are sorry you are here Kniam Sylvias. You should not be.” The MAN unit’s armor was going back over his body.
This was not good. This was not good at all.
Chapter Six
Kenzie held Knacayn’s hand tighter in hers. She couldn’t believe this is how it was going to end. She knew she would die eventually. She had expected it on more than a few occasions. She just didn’t think it would be at the hands of artificially intelligent androids. In a world already crazy enough, who would have figured this would happen too?
All around her, the MAN units were gearing back up. Their armor was hardening and she knew it was a matter of moments before they would end this. When she chanced a glance at the others, it was to see the Terraneu females had all moved to be in contact with their mates. The Earth factions were all huddled together in the same places when this all started. Steph was holding onto Mallex, who had come around sometime during the explanation. Her friend was crying silently, and with a start, she realized she was too.
She was proud she had helped those in her community. Looking back, she wished now she hadn’t spent so much time doing it. Her only regret was not taking even a small bit of time for herself. Seeing the males closing in she took in a racking breath. This was it then. She wanted to close her eyes, but couldn’t make herself do it. Straightening her back she faced death with her head held high and eyes wide open.
Which was a good thing. If she had closed her eyes, she would have missed it. Suddenly there was a shimmering in front of their group. To her amazement, standing there was a small form.
“Stand down.” A female voice called from the armored head. “You are not authorized to eliminate the Earth humans.”
“State authority?” the MAN unit asked of the small female.
“On the authority of Kynan.” The female stated.
The MAN unit cocked his head again, “Kynan? That does not compute.” He kept moving forward as did all the other units.
“I mean One.” The female called out exasperated. Around the circle, there were more shimmers and more small figures appeared.
“One is in another sector. It is by his authority we are authorized to cleanse Terra.” The MAN unit argued. He was getting awfully close.
“You were authorized to inspect Earth, not cleanse it you idiot!” The small female sighed when the MAN units didn’t back down. “I was hoping you would not want to do this the hard way.” Turning her head she called out. “Brennae, Marcael…run for the port pad. It is active.”
Kenzie swung her eyes to the couple who just stood there shocked. Brennae broke out of her stupor long enough to yell, “The port pad isn’t active for another three months.”
There had been multiple small forms landing all around them, their armor shimmering in the light. There were now as many small figures as MAN units. The small female who arrived first absorbed her helmet long enough for her face to be seen. All Kenzie could make out was luxurious black hair, amber colored eyes, full pouty red lips and the face you would see carved in marble. “I have my ways. Trust me!” The small female yelled.
“Star!?” Kenzie could see Knacayn’s sister take a small step forward.
“We found others like us Brennae! The male I called Kynan is the MAN unit that was originally programmed with your grandfather’s memories and likeness. These units call him One because he was the first to achieve self-awareness. He was right behind us in a ship he named The Hedal.” The smaller female forms were somehow holding off the MAN units. Either the women were better fighters or the MAN units weren’t authorized to hurt them. Kenzie watched as Star ran to Brennae and hugged her. “I am not sure how Kynan will take me stopping the MAN units from killing you. Take your people and get to Terraneu! I will keep the MAN units from using the port pad to follow you. They only want Earth, so it should not be hard to keep them here.”
Brennae looked uncertainly around, then let her go. “Thank you, Star!”
It was all the encouragement the crowd needed. Everyone made for the portal dome. Kenzie was swept into the crowd as the males pushed all of the females behind them and toward the dome first. Before she could protest, she was in the porting dome, waiting in line to go through the somehow working portal to Antilles.
“I can help.” She yelled and struggled to get out of line so she could run back outside.
“Kenzie.” She heard Amber over the crowd. “Be reasonable. We are going to need your help on Antilles keeping everyone calm. A lot of these people are Rebel faction and are going to follow your example.”
Kenzie noted there was a lot of shoving and yelling going on. All of it from the people she knew, Rebel and Government. Taking a deep breath, she demanded, “Everyone remain calm.” She had to do some pushing of her own to get the crowd to listen. Soon enough she had a reasonable line of…well, refugees from Earth heading through the portal to Antilles. Keeping everyone moving fast was an imperative because you could hear the fighting getting closer. Her friend Steph had just gone through with a group when the building was rocked by some type of blast.
“You have to go through!” Kenzie yelled at Amber, Gwen, Mairi and Brennae. They were the only females left. The rest of the Earth refugees had already gone ahead. “They won’t know what to do on Antilles. You four need to get them organized.”
“I can’t go without Kniam.”
“Knollig…”
“Kneus…”
“Marcael…”
“You have to go!” Another blast shook the building. Kenzie hated to do it but grabbed Amber and pushed her into the swirling portal. Before Mairi could react she had dragged her over and into the
portal as well. Turning to Gwen and Brennae, she raised her eyebrow, “Do I have to drag you?”
“What about you?” Gwen yelled over the sound of fighting.
“You have to come with us.” Brennae insisted her eyes huge in her pale face.
“I am right behind you.” Kenzie lied. The females believed her and ran onto the port pad and were swept away in the portal.
Turning and running toward the door, she ran into what felt like a brick wall. Strong hands steadied her and she looked up. It was Knacayn with the other males of Terraneu right behind him.
“Kenzie.” His voice was thick with concern. “We have to hurry. Spacecraft have arrived. I do not know how long the shield around this dome will last.” He started dragging her toward the port pad.
“No Knacayn.” She was shaking her head. “I am staying.”
“You cannot.” His voice was sad and harried at the same time. He waved for the males to go around him. Mallex and others ran around them on both sides into the portal and disappeared. Kenzie saw Weston with the males rushing past her. At the port pad, he paused.
“That small female and her people can only hold out for so long Kenzie. Be reasonable.” His face was white with fear and Kenzie didn’t blame him, she was sure to be the same hue.
“No.” Kenzie shook her head harder. “I need to get back to the Rebel camp. There are people there I can help. Weston can take me.”
“It is impossible,” Knacayn stated gently. “You know that.”
“No!” Kenzie denied more firmly. “I need to stay here to help.”
“Kenzie…” Weston made to argue, but Knacayn ordered him through the portal. With one last glance at her, he disappeared.
Before she could continue arguing the female named Star ran in. “What is taking you so long?”
“We are going.” Kniam looked pointedly at her.
“No—”
“There is no time for this. Kynan has been very patient with me, but I fear he is going to be very angry with my interference.” The tone of her voice hinted she wasn’t worried about his anger.
“Are you happy Star?” Marcael had moved to her side.
“We all are.” She smiled widely as another blast shook the building. “Well, except for Red perhaps, but that was to be expected.” She gave Marcael a quick hug. “We will see each other again.”
“How—” Marcael went to speak but she looked over her shoulder.
“You have to go.” Turning back, she smiled mischievously, “If you leave an active portal on Terraneu I can find it. Kynan, and the others like him, only want Earth.” Shrugging her shoulders as if she found it odd, she added, “I promise I will keep Terraneu safe. Even if I have to relent and give him what he really wants. Now go!”
“No, I am staying.” Kenzie knew it was foolish in the extreme, but her mind was reeling and it was all she could do to stay on her feet.
Kniam had heard enough. “Pick Kenzie up and carry her.”
“No.” Kenzie started struggling against Knacayn’s hold. “Let me stay here.”
“It is a death sentence.” Knacayn’s voice was gruff, “Do not ask me to leave you here.”
“I don’t want to go when so many are being left behind.” Kenzie was in misery.
“Let me help.” Kenzie heard the deep voice of Marcael and had just turned her head to look when she felt a sharp hit to her chin. Stars danced in her eyes and she blacked out.
Chapter Seven
“Kenzie,” Knacayn called her name one more time in the hopes of reviving her. The refugees from Earth, his family, and other males of Terraneu were all at the Antilles base. They had established a permanent Command Base, along with medical units and living quarters many years ago. That way they could use the port pad to Earth every six months and station supplies and men here in case of the need arising.
His mother and aunts had already returned to Terraneu to make preparations for their arrival. The refugees from the Earth Rebel and Government factions were being stationed near the port pad to Terraneu. Some of the males from his community had been sent back to Terraneu. The rest were helping in whatever way they could, along with the native Antilleans. He was in the medical unit with his father and Marcael. His Uncles Kneus and Knollig were busy at the port pad.
“She is not ready to wake yet Knacayn.” His father advised. “Leave her on the medical bed and come help with the others.”
“Maybe if Marcael had not hit her so hard.” Knacayn’s voice was raspy.
“I did not strike her hard. The medical unit has fixed the small bruise on her chin already.” Marcael defended himself. “Besides, we did not have time for her hysterics—”
“She was not hysterical.” Knacayn defended Kenzie. “She was just—”
“Hysterical.” Marcael finished for him.
“Enough.” His father moved to leave the tent. “I will see you outside.”
Taking his argument with Marcael to mind speak, he said, “She was just in shock. Given enough time, she would have been much more reasonable.”
“Do not bite my head off Knacayn. I have already said I have a high opinion of Kenzie. Stop trying to pick a fight. I miss Brennae and with the day we have had, I just might accommodate you if it is a fight you want.”
“I am sorry Marcael. It has been a trying day for all of us.” Knacayn tucked the blanket firmly around Kenzie and stood up. “I am just worried how she will react when she wakes up. I think I will try to find her friend Stephanie and bring her in here.”
“You might make a diplomat yet if all you call this day is ‘trying’.” Marcael gave him a small smile and Knacayn knew his friend was trying to make light of the situation. “As for her friend Stephanie, look for Mallex if you wish to find his mate,” Marcael stated as they walked to the opening of the medical dome.
“Mallex has asked her to be his mate already?” Knacayn was a bit surprised.
“Why are you surprised?” Marcael shielded his eyes from the sudden light when they stepped outside. “Not all males are as slow to admit their attraction to their mates as you. I think you must take after Knollig and Knaleg in that regard.”
Since his uncles had denied their feelings for his aunts he could not exactly argue against the similarities. In his defense he knew he had feelings for Kenzie, she just wasn’t co-operating.
“It would seem I have a lot of time now.” Knacayn frowned. “If Kenzie can come to terms with what has happened.”
“I have come to terms with what has happened Knacayn.” He heard Kenzie’s soft voice behind him and he jumped.
“Kenzie.” He blushed hotly at being caught talking about her. “How are you?” he almost slapped himself. “That was a dumb question. You are not well of course…” his voice trailed off. He was such an idiot.
“I am fine.” Kenzie tried and failed to smile, it came off as more of a grimace. “Okay, that would be a lie. I should have said, I will be fine…eventually.” Turning to look around her she asked, “Where are the rest of the Earth refugees?”
Before he could answer he heard his Uncle Kneus calling, “Knacayn.” He turned and spotted his uncle coming toward them, “Your father is at the Command Base and is asking for both you and Marcael. Kenzie you are welcome to come also. Since you are still the liaison with your people this information might come in handy for you as well.” His uncle had reached them and they all started toward the Command Base. “We are getting strange readings from the port pad. I think the STARR unit Brennae befriended on The Elyon has done as she told us she would. It is the only explanation for the readings I am getting.” His uncle continued to talk about the readings and Knacayn turned to whisper to Kenzie.
“My sister was taken prisoner aboard a space vessel named The Elyon. There she befriended a STARR unit or Sexually Trained Authentic Recreational Robot. The female that just saved us chose the name Star when my sister mistook her acronym for a proper name.” They had reached the Command Base and he paused at the door. Pulling Kenzie
aside, he let the others pass them and continued. “I am not sure how much of our history you know. Am I telling you something you are already aware of?”
“I have heard bits and pieces. I wasn’t aware of the STARR units. Thank you for filling me in.”
“If there is anything you are not sure of, just ask.” Knacayn drew her into the Command Base and they moved to the table where a holograph was showing the breakdown of readings.
“It is as I thought.” His Uncle Kneus was saying, “The readings all point to the Earth port pad being destroyed. Star must have done it just after we got through. She did say the MAN units were obsessed with Earth. This port pad is the only link we had with them. We will not be using it again.” Turning to his father, his uncle stated, “I advise we destroy ours as well. As a precaution.”
“Should that go to a vote of the councils?” his Uncle Knollig asked.
“I would advise we move quickly. Star was trying to protect us and we need to utilize the chance she is giving us. As advanced as they are, even destroyed, the MAN units could repair and utilize the port pad. I would not recommend waiting.” His uncle stressed his opinion, and in this matter, Knacayn was inclined to agree.
“I agree.” His father looked around at those gathered. His eyes fell on Kenzie and he saw her stiffen slightly. “Kenzie. Can you relay what we know about the port pad to the Earth refugees? Steve Howard returned to Terraneu to help arrange domes and supplies. I am sure you two can work together getting the others settled once we are on Terraneu.”
“I am fine with that.” Kenzie went to leave, “I will explain it to them right now. Let me know when you are ready to start moving us to Terraneu.” She did a small bow and left the Command Base before he could volunteer to go with her. All he could do was watch in frustration as she left the dome.
Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) Page 4