The Light-years Beneath My Feet (The Taken)

by Alan Dean Foster

  Senior General Deeleng-hab-wiq was not finished. “Much has been learned from this experience. Though my realm has suffered, it not done so as significantly as would have been case in more ancient, unenlightened times. Instead of penalty, vanquishers of our traditional forces offer us chance to gain back what has been lost, by joining with them.” He spared a glance for the ubiquitous hovering recorders. “While we continue forcefully resist their incursion, of course. Fight against, fight together, all at same time. Is unique way of looking at traditional warfare.” Stepping away from the center of the intricately inlaid floor, he approached the human, halting less than an arm’s length away. The narrow skull inclined slightly to one side, tall ears tilted forward, and moonlike eyes met Walker’s own.

  “We have learn that this unique perspective originate not with traditional strategic thinkers of any attacking forces, but with foreign visitors from Seremathenn, and beyond. As is natural Charuchalan way, admiration follows.”

  Walker shuffled nervously. Cheers after a good tackle on the field he was used to. Standing here, in resplendent alien surroundings, subject to the mixed curious and complimentary stares of dozens of ranking Niyyuuan soldiers and politicians, was another matter entirely. He fought to conceal his discomfort. A soft, whispered voice from somewhere near his feet helped to steady him.

  “Don’t blow this,” George hissed warningly.

  Walker gathered himself. “My friends and I are thankful for your compliment, but the congratulations deserve to be spread among all the relevant commanders.”

  The senior general of the armed forces of Charuchal-uul dipped his head briefly in acknowledgment of alien modesty. “Individual accomplishments are inevitably recognized by the discerning. Our research clearly indicates that you and yous’ colleagues, though deceptively incompatible, cooperate fully on matters that affect yous all. We of Charuchal-uul, though caught off guard by yous’ tactics, learn quickly.” One hand reached out to stroke Walker’s right shoulder. “Not surprising learn that new ideas come from new minds.”

  Walker could only mumble thanks on behalf of himself and his companions.

  Deeleng-hab-wiq glanced briefly at the attentive crowd. “When seeking the best of new ideas, visitor Walker, we of Charuchal-uul are second to none in our ability to adapt to new conditions. Clearly seeing, if this unprecedented yet not formally allied consortium of realms is to continue to grow and succeed, leadership concurrent with the new ideas that inspire and drive it is required. The thing is decided.” Taking two steps back, he gestured ceremoniously.

  “The supreme military council of Charuchal-uul, in concert with full parliamentary sanction and approval of the military and governmental representatives of the other relevant realms, have determine to designate you, Marcus Walker of Earth, as chief determiner of strategy and tactics for all future endeavors involving the armed forces of those realms so indicated.”

  At his feet, George grinned toothily. Feeling a vast presence close behind him, Walker turned to see Braouk looming over him. A massive tentacle came down to rest on his shoulder while an eyestalk curved around either side of Walker’s head as the Tuuqalian stared at him in stereo. The big alien rumbled in the human’s ear.

  “An important development, in our personal seeking, to progress. Thus think I, while observing this honor, so timely.”

  Conscious of multiple pairs of penetrating Niyyuuan eyes on him, Walker swallowed hard and mumbled, “But I’m just a commodities trader—and a cook!”

  Stunned and benumbed, Walker was not the only one present to object to the unexpected and startling announcement. Visibly shocked, Saluu-hir-lek stepped out of the circle of dignitaries and into the center. Behind him, Viyv-pym looked more confused than Walker had ever seen her.

  “What foolishness is this?” the commander of the forces of Kojn-umm demanded to know. He was so angry his ears were quivering. “I, Saluu-hir-lek, defender of Jalar-aad-biidh, have overseen every military advance since first pursuit of Toroudian attackers! Nomination of alien advisors as heads of Kojn-umm forces was for show only. Any dominant position is rightfully mine.” Though utterly alien in appearance, Walker noted, the general made noises like any outraged sentient seeing a lifelong dream evaporate before his eyes. The irony was that of all those notables assembled under the great dome, none supported the general’s assertion more strongly than did the lone human present.

  “It’s true what Saluu-hir-lek says. My friends and I were ‘made’ heads of the army of Kojn-umm for certain reasons that need not be detailed here. The general was the one who was really in charge throughout.”

  Though he made mollifying gestures, Deeleng-hab-wiq did not back down from his declaration. “All of us, most certainly those whose traditional forces have been defeated, recognize the skill and experience of Saluu-hir-lek of Kojn-umm in directing combat operations. But careful study has shown from whence the original strategy comes that has allowed for the establishment of such unusual combinations of forces. Did not arise from you, Saluu-hir-lek.” The representative of Charuchal-uul looked back to Walker. “Is not difficult for the interested to assess that unnatural proposals arise from unnatural sources.”

  “It not matter!” Saluu-hir-lek was livid. “I the one who directed combined armies. I the one who oversaw movements of forces as well as actual assaults. Besides, is madness to give actual as opposed to sham ability to make operational decisions at such a level to this . . . this . . .”

  It was fascinating to watch a Niyyuu sputter, George observed. At such rare moments their round, muscular mouths resembled leaky hose spigots. It reminded him also very much of angry cats, though the Niyyuu were only passingly feline. Standing next to him, Walker was handling it rather well. There was something to be said for being stunned speechless. But if you couldn’t talk, you couldn’t say something foolish. It was hard for a mute to be imprudent.

  “This non-Niyyuu?” the commander of great Charuchal-uul’s forces finished for the general. “That precisely the reason why agreement to do so was so swiftly reached among affected governments. Biranju-oov, for example, give every indication of balking if someone like youself named to such a position of power. Same true for commanders of traditional army of Toroud-eed. And I may say with some confidence, of Charuchal-uul as well.” His attention fixed on Walker.

  “But this creature from who originate distinctive military strategy that lead to unprecedented consequences among the Niyyuu, he not Niyyuu. His advisors not Niyyuu. Not even Sessrimathe. All are complete strangers to our society. Furthermore, have no external interests beyond the immediately personal.” Deeleng-hab-wiq did not look at the irate general of Kojn-umm as he said this. He did not have to.

  “Alien Walker person not act on behalf of some hidden, unknown power waiting to take advantage of new and confusing situation here. So he not favor any local faction above another. Not Divintt-aap over Dereun-oon. Not Biranju-oov over Charuchal-uul.” Now he turned and stared hard at the apoplectic general. “Not Kojn-umm over Toroud-eed.”

  Anxious to maintain harmony, Walker stepped forward. “Listen, nothing I and my friends did or said or advised was for personal gain. At least, not in the sense your people generally think of such things. We just want to get home.”

  Deeleng-hab-wiq gestured understandingly. “All who decide this matter know that. Such knowledge contribute to our decision appoint you key position.”

  Walker spread his hands helplessly. “But I don’t want it.”

  The voice of the commander of Charuchal-uul’s forces fell slightly, sounding like two steel screws being rubbed against one another. “You not consulted,” he replied quietly but firmly.

  “Actions have consequences, that cannot be foreseen, every time,” Braouk intoned solemnly behind the anxious human.

  At Walker’s feet, George whispered upward. “You’re stuck with it, Marc. When a dog’s made the leader of the pack, he’s got no choice but to fight to keep it. Otherwise some subordinate will rip him to
bits at the first opportunity, if only to protect his or her own status.”

  At this, Walker glanced reflexively in Saluu-hir-lek’s direction. But the general of Kojn-umm was not looking at him. He continued to glare at Deeleng-hab-wiq as if Walker himself was wholly unimportant to the disagreement at hand.

  But not Viyv-pym. She was watching her human charge closely. If she was seeking evidence of deception on his part, she was looking in the wrong place.

  “This is a thing settled.” Deeleng-hab-wiq was not to be moved.

  Eying the other assembled dignitaries, Saluu-hir-lek saw that their resolve was no less strong. Enraged, frustrated, and full of fury at having had his supreme command usurped not only by an alien, but by an alien who did not even want the honor, he whirled and pushed his way through the crowd. Viyv-pym hesitated. But she was Kojn-umm. Irrespective of any personal feeling she might hold, she owed her allegiance to her realm. Also her enviable position. Turning, she hurried to catch up to the rapidly departing Saluu-hir-lek.

  The commander of the traditional armies of Charuchal-uul, now a part of the seething mélange of realms and forces that continued, on a much lower level, to fight among themselves so as to avoid the stigma of being considered formal allies, turned back to Walker.

  “The soldier from Kojn-umm has ambition. Perhaps too much ambition for a traditional Niyyuuan fighter. Our species has found a way to let us aggressively settle disputes between different traditional territories without adversely impacting overall planetary development. Yous’ successful alien tactics have cast new and confusing ideas into ancient cultural mix. This making many uncomfortable. But new ideas, even uncomfortable ones—especially uncomfortable ones—cannot be ignored. They must be dealt with.” Taking a step back, he wrapped both long arms around his upper torso.

  “We of the assembled traditional fighting forces of Toroud-eed, Biranju-oov, Divintt-aap, Dereun-oon, Charuchal-uul, and perhaps even Kojn-umm await you next advisement.”

  Having stood openmouthed for so long, Walker became aware that his palate was drying out. He swallowed again, licked his lips. “I—I’ll have to consult with my . . . advisors.”

  “Of course you will. A suitable residency has been prepared for yous here in capital.” Dropping his arms, Deeleng-hab-wiq once more approached the human, coming very close. “Is hoped yous will find Charuchalan hospitality as satisfactory as what yous have experienced elsewhere.” Lowering his head, he brought it close to Walker’s own and whispered.

  “Perhaps also you might be persuaded prepare special meal for uppermost level of capital government? Is said that you performances with Niyyuuan cuisine are quite remarkable.”

  Not knowing what else to say and utterly overwhelmed by the unexpected events that had overtaken him, Walker could only mumble a response. “I’ll see what I can do. I don’t have my trained assistants here, and I’d be working with unknown instrumentation, and—”

  “Whatever is required will be provided,” Deeleng-hab-wiq declared importantly as he straightened. He did not elaborate on the request. “Until yous have a proposal for all to consider, yous must relax and regain yous’ energy.”

  Raising one hand, he gestured. A small but well-armed escort appeared. As he and his friends were led away, Walker wondered at the need for it. Was Deeleng-hab-wiq worried that a disgruntled Saluu-hir-lek might react violently to the decision that had been made on the aliens’ behalf? Or was it simply the Charuchalan way?

  Exiting the enormously impressive traditional building, they were bundled into a transport large enough to accommodate them all, including Braouk and their armed escort. Rising above normal traffic, the huge craft settled into an altitude reserved for travelers on official business and accelerated.

  While George kept his nose pressed to the transparent shell of their craft to better enjoy the passing view of the imposing capital city of Charuchal-uul, Braouk sprawled his bulk in the back, massive tentacles pressing up against the sides and floor of the vehicle. That left Walker to tread in the turbulent pool of his own thoughts until a wandering tendril crept across his shoulder. Turning in his typically too-narrow Niyyuuan seat, he found the glistening, argent, horizontal eyes of Sequi’aranaqua’na’senemu staring back into his own. As she clung firmly to the supports of the seat behind him, another of her ten tendrils snaked forward to join the first.

  “So the bumbling, primitive human is given nominal overlordship over the decisions of a powerful cluster of alien forces. Truly, the universe is replete with wonders.”

  “I don’t want it,” he mumbled by way of response. “We weren’t looking for anything like this, and I don’t want anything to do with it. Let Saluu-hir-lek have the control.” He grew thoughtful. “I bet I can talk Deeleng-hab-wiq and the other commanders into reconsidering. I mean, I understand their line of reasoning, but if I object strenuously enough, if I show them that I’m really not the individual mentally and emotionally equipped for the kind of task that they—”

  “That does not matter.” As was her manner, she did not hesitate to interrupt before he was finished. “Do not trouble yourself with concern over everyday decisions involving military matters. What is important is that these forces that have gathered more or less together regard you as an honest broker of opinion. What matters is that, despite individual misgivings, they are likely to respond positively to any request you might care to make.” Glistening a deep red that was almost black, tendrils writhed. Light flashed from the shards of metal and plastic and thin slivers of gemstone that decorated the sinuous, flexible limbs.

  “Regarding specifics, do not worry. As always, I am here to proffer advice and good counsel. I have some small notions on how best we should proceed given these most recent developments.”

  He smiled at the utterly alien shape that clung to the superstructure of the seat behind him. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t, Sque. You’re always thinking forward, always one jump ahead of everybody else, so I’m sure you’ve been—” His words faded away and his eyes widened ever so slightly as he gawked at the eternally cool, utterly composed K’eremu. “My God. You saw this coming, didn’t you? All of it. You’ve seen this coming right from the beginning, when we pushed Saluu-hir-lek to pursue the army of Toroud-eed right after their retreat from Jalar-aad-biidh.” His voice rose perceptibly. “And all the time, you didn’t say anything. You kept it to yourself.” His hand moved sharply as he gestured first toward the dog staring at the window, then at the muscular alien mass sprawled in the rear of the transport.

  “You’ve been using us, manipulating us, right from the start of this. Just like you manipulated us to get free of the Vilenjji ship.” He slapped his forehead and rolled his eyes. “What could I have been thinking? Or not thinking. I’ve been so wrapped up in surviving our time here and trying to think of ways to move on that I forgot to pay attention to what you’ve been doing, to how you operate. You’re a scheming little bag of worms, Sque.”

  The K’eremu bore the human’s outpouring of anger and angst in silence. When he finally ran out of steam, her two extended tendrils lightly stroked his shoulder in the Niyyuuan manner.

  “I applaud you. Realization of reality never comes to some. Better to achieve enlightenment late than to forever dwell in the darkness. You are correct in your assumptions—but only to a certain extent. Yes, I did foresee certain possibilities and work to bring them about. For them to have the best chance of success it was required that you assume center stage. You are the one who came to Niyu with the lofty reputation, and your body shape and size is far more agreeable and familiar to the natives than is that of the K’eremu. You are also more diplomatic and self-effacing than I. I can recognize the usefulness of such qualities in lesser life-forms even when I do not possess them myself.

  “You loudly decry my maneuverings. Let us consider for a time-part how damaging the results have been to you. They freed you from Vilenjji captivity, assured your good treatment on Seremathenn, and most recently have seen you anoin
ted the chief of strategy for a powerful, possibly unprecedented consortium of the natives who are our present hosts.” The slender pink speaking tube danced and swayed. “Yes, you surely have done badly from my maneuvering, human Walker. The misery you have suffered as a result must know no bounds.”

  “Dammit, Sque, it’s not that, and you know it!” Taking note of his shouting, George finally turned from the transparent side of the speeding transport. With one hand, Walker removed the pair of caressing tendrils from his shoulder. “It’s this not telling us what’s going on, what you have in mind, that’s so infuriating. If you wanted me to end up as the tactical head of this bad-tempered coalition of traditional Niyyuuan forces, why didn’t you just say so? Why didn’t you tell me what you were planning?”

  “Look inward, Marcus. Take a good look inside your being, if your kind is capable of such candid introspection. If I had apprised you of such intentions back on the old stone walls of Jalar-aad-biidh in Kojn-umm and you had not panicked outright, what would have been your most likely reaction?” Startling him, she proceeded to perfectly mimic his voice. It was yet another ability she had not previously demonstrated. “‘Oh, Sequi’aranaqua’na’senemu, what a clever idea! Oh Sque, I can’t wait to put my life on the line in multiple attempts to fool the Niyyuu as to our true purpose! Oh, yes, Sque, I will be able to portray myself as totally uninterested in the outcomes of all subsequent conflicts!’” Her voice returned to normal.

  “It was vital to the success of the enterprise that your innocence as to its ultimate potential objective be at all times preserved. I think you will agree that such has been the case, and that events have developed propitiously. We are now in a position to demand, as opposed to filing polite requests for, assistance from the Niyyuuan astronomic community in locating our homeworlds. This would not be possible without our successive military triumphs, albeit on the low-grade traditional level. One squad of Niyyuu equipped with modern weapons could disperse all the assembled armies of all the six realms we have brought together. But that, fortunately, is not the Niyyuuan way.”