by T. R. Harris
“Is that really what you’re curious about? I have no idea if they survived or not. What are you going to do with us now?”
Copernicus walked over the food processor and came back to Adam’s table with a drink in his hand. He lifted the glass in a toast. “Here’s to the power of advertising. You will interested to learn that we are currently on our way to meet the highest bidder.”
“You’re going to sell the orb?”
Coop snorted. “It started out just being a negotiation for you and Riyad. But when I told them about your little friend there, they were quite interested.”
“Who are they?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
“It’s the Klin, isn’t it?”
“I’m impressed, Mister Cain. But I guess you, better than anyone, would know who hates you the most.”
“Don’t trust them.”
“Oh I don’t, not in the least. I’ll be careful. All I want is my money and then I’m out of here. You’ll never see me again.”
“My god, you’re the greediest son-of-a-bitch I’ve ever met.”
Coop smiled. “Haven’t you heard: Greed is good. Just relax; we’re almost there. A nice neutral meeting place where everyone will feel safe.” Then he laughed. “I can almost hear it from here.”
After a pause, Adam’s curiosity got the best of him. “Hear what?”
“Cha-Ching! The sound of money.”
Chapter 27
If invited, Copernicus would not have met the Klin on one of their Colony ships. To be the only Human among twenty-thousand vengeful aliens would not have been a wise move. Instead, he would meet a single Klin ship in the middle of the vast expanse of space, devoid of any stars, planets or asteroids where additional forces could hide. He had the sensors of the Silean’s very expensive starship out to the maximum. Only one ship was approaching. Any more than that, and he’d be a hole in space, making a hasty retreat.
The Klin ship wasn’t much larger than the Silean’s, a long-range cruiser that looked to be able to carry a crew of five or so. Copernicus really had no idea. He’d never met a Klin before, although he’d seen pictures.
They were tall, thin creatures with pale skin that was often referred to as silver. Their hair was white without any variation that he’d seen. They had very Human-like features otherwise; two arms, two legs and two, large, almond-shaped eyes.
The Klin were an enigma in the galaxy. Over four thousand years ago they maintained a thriving, high-tech society made up of peaceful, intelligent beings. There had never been a history of war on their homeworld of Kinmon; instead they devoted their time and energy to developing new and useful technologies.
One such invention was the gravity space-drive. Already the leaders of a small alliance of nearby worlds—one of which would later come to be called Juir—the Klin expanded their tiny empire to forty surrounding civilizations using their new star-drive. The future looked very bright for the Klin, who, as a result of their intelligent, peaceful and innovative nature, where destined to become benevolent leaders of the entire galaxy.
That was until the Juireans attacked unexpectedly, destroying their empire, their world, as well as their destiny.
For the next four thousand years, the surviving Klin worked behind the scenes to bring an end to Juirean rule and domination of the galaxy. Yet their numbers were few, and they lacked the killer instinct of the warrior races. So they set about manipulating numerous wars and confrontations between these more aggressive creatures, even going so far as to enlist a few of them as partners in their campaign against the Juireans.
The Humans were one such race, as were the Kracori.
Unfortunately, all their efforts failed miserably until only a fraction of the already depleted Klin race survived, hiding in small clusters of twenty-kilometer in diameter space stations called Colony Ships; giant globes holding the last best hope the Klin had for attaining their rightful place in the galaxy.
Copernicus knew their history. He always thought they got a bum rap at the beginning by trusting the Juireans in the first place. But then they started a war between Earth and Juir that resulted in a billion Human dead. Later, they sent the Kracori against the planet. That time the body count was over two billion.
Yes, the Klin hadn’t had all the breaks fall their way. But the way they went about seeking justice made them pariahs throughout the galaxy, and especially on the planet Earth.
But that was all politics and emotion. Copernicus Smith was of a more singular focus. All he cared about was Copernicus Smith.
********
“We will come to your ship on the condition the gravity is set to Klin standard,” said the silver-skinned creature on the viewscreen.
“I have no problem with that. I’m sure you wish to inspect the merchandise.”
“Of course. We will be accompanied by certain other beings we have enlisted as guards. I am sure you can understand why.”
“Another surrogate race?” The moment he said the words, Copernicus regretted them.
“Not in the sense you are suggesting,” said the Klin representative, unfazed, a being called Senior Fellow Hinnaes. Coop always thought Klin titles belonged more in the halls of a prestigious university than in the halls of government. “They do not have the intellectual capacity of our past affiliations, although I must warn you they have been selected for the singular purpose of protecting us from Humans.”
“Sounds like something I could use, too, especially after we conclude our business. There’s an airlock coupling on the starboard side.”
“Starboard?”
“Sorry, the right side. You’ll see it. Do you have the money?”
“All you have requested. Unlike other races, credits—money—has little intrinsic value to us. We acquire it to facilitate transactions, this one included. That is all. There is no need to question our integrity.”
“I wasn’t. You just have to remember I’m a Human. We question everything and trust no one.”
********
Adam felt the gravity lighten and knew instantly what was happening. The Klin were coming here.
Moments later Copernicus, two Klin, and two huge, thug-like aliens came into the dining area. The Klin seemed particularly amused by Adam’s predicament.
“I recognize you as the famous Adam Cain,” said one of the Klin. “I am Senior Fellow Hinnaes Simnon. I was living aboard the 89-N when you and a team of raiders boarded the ship to gain access to the Sol-Kor trans-dimensional portal. I lost friends in the battle aboard my home.”
“I lost my wife and child when you tricked the Juireans in attacking Earth. I’d say let’s call it even, but I’m not going to.”
The Klin stood over Adam, strapped to the table, with a gun aimed at his leg. “Your defiance in the face of complete defeat is embarrassing, for you and your race. It is the sign of a weak mind when you cannot accept reality.”
‘Let’s get on with this. The sooner I’m untied, the sooner I can kill every last one of you sorry sons-of-bitches.”
Hinnaes looked at Copernicus. “I wish to conclude this transaction quickly. The sooner he is in our custody, the sooner we can begin.”
“Begin what?” Coop asked.
The Klin actually smiled, full-toothed and unabashed. “If you could only imagine, it would still not be horrific enough.”
********
Adam didn’t see the money change hands, but he did see the effect on Coop. He was red-faced and beaming with excitement. His voice trembled somewhat and he appeared to want to kiss the very ground the Klin walked on.
When he was eventually released, one of the huge goons clamped a particularly strong, three fingered hand around his arm. The fingers interlocked, and Adam had the feeling he would be attached to the giant for the duration. Even in the light Klin gravity, Adam could barely cause the creature to wobble as he tested the strength and balance of the beast.
At least Z was going with them. Having a three billion year old en
ergy-generating friend on his side gave him at a ray of hope. Unfortunately, all he was hoping for at this point was a quick death, rather than the agonizingly torturous one the Klin had intimated at earlier.
Is there anything you can do? Adam asked Z.
I cannot think of anything. Your brain interface will be able to influence the workings of the Klin vessel.
I know, but one of the Klin already felt my right side for the device. They’re aware of it, and I doubt if I’ll have it very much longer.
Then we will not be able to talk anymore. Z’s thoughts sounded panicked, desperate.
Don’t worry, buddy, we’ll think of something.
********
Eventually Adam and Riyad—along with Kaylor and Jym—were transferred to the Klin ship. Adam stayed in touch with Z, knowing that he was also aboard but locked in a metal case with an electrical current running through it.
Does the current stop you from teleporting?
No, but I will not let them know that, not until we have a plan.
Adam smiled. His little Personal Service Module was on the job.
The Klin named Hinnaes came up to Adam a while later. “I am aware of your interface device. I should let you know that the Klin are also interested in that technology. This transaction has not only given us you and Mister Tarazi, but also the ancient energy device and the interface. This is a glorious day for the Klin. Not only will we get revenge on two of the most notorious creatures in Klin history, but we will soon be able to produce the most-powerful weapons in the galaxy while fitting all Klin with the device you carry under your flesh. With all of that, we will no longer need surrogate races to fight our battles for us. The Klin will reign supreme, and only the Klin.”
“Yes, mein fuhrer.”
“The translation device still functions when you speak German. And I do understand the context, having studied Human history. In a way, the reference is appropriate. I only wish you could survive long enough to see the Human race bow down to the Klin as you have to others throughout your history.”
“Go ahead. Make my day.”
This time the reference was lost on the Klin. After a moment, he continued regardless. “You will retain the device until it can be properly removed surgically, being aware of any security measures it may contain. We do not wish to the destroy the interface, just its carrier.”
“You’re really trying your best to come off all diabolical and shit, but it ain’t working. You’re still just a pasty-skinned pansy who can’t do anything on your own.”
The Klin laughed. “There is something I can do, and that is shut you up.” He lifted a short metal tube and pointed it at Adam. “You may not have seen one of these before, yet you have felt its affects. This is the device we used to subdue Human targets on Earth when we would abduct you to help build our army, you included. Good night, Mister Cain.”
All Adam remembered was the bright white light and the moment of intense burning. The pain didn’t last long, replaced instead by a deep, dreamless sleep.
Chapter 28
The Klin knew Humans beings better than any race in the galaxy. For a hundred years before Adam’s abduction they had been coming to Earth and removing members of mankind for experiments, breeding and training, as they sought to build an army capable of defeating the Juireans.
In time, they had a million Second Generation Humans—the 2G’s—who had never set foot on the planet of their ancestors and who worshipped the Klin as their masters.
Adam helped lift the vail, revealing the Klin evil plan for all to see. But now, after all these years, he was sickened to find himself back where it had all started, a prisoner of the Klin and with no chance of escape.
The two Humans—Riyad and Adam—where placed in separate cells next to each other and not allowed to communicate. The Klin knew Humans craved interaction with their own kind and drew strength from associations. Kaylor and Jym were also placed in separate rooms, although they were mostly ignored, having come to the Klin colony ship essentially as part of the luggage.
Their cells also had the unique feature of using keys to unlock the doors. This was a deterrent against Adam using his ATD to set them free.
For the first few days of his captivity, Adam was treated with indifference as the Klin devised a program to deal with their most-prized prisoner, who only days before they had no idea they would be hosting. But then it began.
The aliens employed a two-prong strategy.
First they poked, prodded, x-rayed and scanned his Formilian brain-interface device, trying their best to determine if it had an internal self-destruct function. This process was more or less painless—yet intrusive—and lasted approximately seven days from what Adam could determine, based on the number of barely life-sustainable meals they provided.
The second part was much more violent and sadistic, and was conducted in conjunction with the first part.
For a race that had started out peaceful and compassionate, the past four thousand years of exile and humiliation had turned the Klin into monsters. Besides the normal mental and physical torture inflicted by trained professionals, young Klin where brought in—mainly teenagers—to use him as a punching bag. No Klin had ever struck a Human before, so dozens of them signed up to get the chance. Their blows weren’t that painful, but the totality of them took a toll. Sparing the regions around the ATD, his face and groin, the slender and weak silver-skinned creatures would come to where he was suspended from the ceiling by chains and have at it. When he would pass out, the young Klin would continue beating on him until their elders told them to stop, saying that if Adam couldn’t feel the punishment, then it wasn’t punishment any longer.
The light in his room never varied; it was always at an almost blinding intensity that penetrated his closed eyelids. At first he used his ATD to counter this, but the Klin programmed the lights to simply reboot a millisecond after Adam’s efforts. After a while he gave up.
He was given just enough food to keep him alive and received no medical care for the build-up of injuries he was experiencing.
In the few quiet moments he had back in his cell he wondered how Riyad was holding up? His friend didn’t have an implant which the Klin valued, so anything was fair game with him from day one. Adam knew he was still alive, as they would occasionally pass each other either coming or going from the latest torture session,. Each time they did, Riyad looked more battered and gaunt than the time before. Adam was sure he looked the same to Riyad.
Adam had stopped communicating with Z after the first few days of his captivity, depressed by the energy orb’s inability to help. Add to that the fact that Z could look into his mind and experience first-hand what Adam was going through and the communications moratorium was a mutual decision.
Adam was disgusted and frustrated that after all he’d been through over the past twenty years that he would end up back in the hands of the Klin. When all this started, he had no idea what was happening, and Kaylor and Jym had freed him of his captivity even before he knew he’d been a prisoner. This time it was different, and the Klin appeared to be in no hurry to bring it to a close.
They didn’t need to learn anything about Human military strategies and tactics. They knew them already. They didn’t need to study Human physiology or tolerances. They knew these as well.
What Adam and Riyad were going through was simply a cathartic cleansing the Klin needed for vengeance against the two Humans who they felt were directly responsible for sabotaging their chance at becoming the supreme rulers of the galaxy.
After ten days of this treatment, Klin doctors traced surgery lines on his skin, preparing for the operation to remove the implant. After that, Adam knew the end was near. He heard his Klin tormentors speaking of how the Pleabaen—their leader—was coming to the colony ship within the next few days. Adam had no illusion as to why. There was to be a grand spectacle where the two Humans would meet their fate.
Adam was anxious to get it over with.
********
Adam was hunched up on the hard cot in his room, bare-chested and his eyes open in the bright glare of the lights, when the first explosion occurred.
He was so numb to the sound of this tormenters as they would arrive to escort him to the latest torture and intimidation session that he didn’t realize what it was at first.
But then explosion after explosion rocked his tiny cell. There was nothing to hold onto, so he tumbled to the hard, cold metal deck and lay on his belly, his mind barely able to comprehend what was going on.
There was noise and confusion outside his cell, until there came a pounding.
“Captain Cain, are you in there?”
Adam didn’t answer at first. It sounded like English, but then so did the Klin language through his translation bug.
“Captain Cain, if you can hear me, move away from the door. We’re going to blow it.”
The words were just beginning to register when a smaller explosion rattled the door to his cell. Then it slid open and two figures dressed in black combat gear rushed in. They didn’t hesitate. They wrapped a thick cotton blanket over his shoulders and then lifted him to his feet.
He was taken into the corridor, where he saw more of the dark figures, each wearing full face masks and thick, armored vests. Then Riyad was at his side. Neither men said a thing to each other, confused and bewildered by what was happening.
“Kaylor…Jym?” Adam finally managed to ask.
“We have them, too,” came an urgent voice.
Strong, guiding hands then led them down the corridor.
They came upon a long, black dart-like obstruction filling the entire corridor. All around it was damage, from buckled walls to electrical conduit and sparking wires in the overhead.
A clear canopy was open on top of the object, and Adam and Riyad were lifted up and ceremonially placed inside. They were buckled into the three-seat compartment, Adam in the middle, Riyad to the rear, while another of the black figures sat in the front. The canopy was lowered.