by L. S. Gibson
“Edison, sir, isn’t just a crack shot and one of those people who seems to notice everything at once, but she’s also the daughter of Malcolm Edison. She’s seen more diplomacy in her short life than you or I will ever see.”
“Malcolm Edison? Hmm? She’s that good?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve watched her with a weapon, and I know Singh is impressed with her performance. And I’ve seen her with people; she’s good, quite remarkable. She has a rather calm nature, and she listens, and I mean listens. And somehow she makes you listen too. I’ve witnessed her diffuse the most difficult situations. I think she could prove of benefit.”
“I did have a couple of possibilities in mind, but I’ve no objection to your taking Edison as you have confidence in her ability to carry out the mission.”
“Thank you, I’ll inform her. When do you wish us leave?”
“I think Sara is almost finished. Liaise with her and plan accordingly. I want you to leave as soon as you can. If Sanctuary is in danger, the sooner we can warn them the better. Keep in mind our priority is to develop good relations, we need whatever we can get from them.”
It was slow going. Even with Triena’s shield, they needed to be most careful not to make any noise as the mountainside was swarming with Mideans.
Manny helped Jon now. Jon tried to keep it to himself, but it was obvious his ordeal had left him somewhat weak, and he showed signs of pain with every step, but still he didn’t complain.
Jon showed more concern about Triena’s endurance in maintaining her shield than his own waning strength. She’d been protecting them for quite some time now, first the three of them on the way up, and now all four down the mountain. Other than the short break she’d managed to take whilst they were inside the building where Jon was held prisoner, she’d maintained her shield for almost three hours. It was doubtful she could go on much longer.
Jon touched Triena’s shoulder and mouthed at her. “Are you all right? The shield?”
She nodded in response, and then Lector pointed below and to their right and whispered, “The crevice, perhaps ten minutes.” And just to confirm he put up his ten fingers.
From a short distance above them a voice boomed out, “Keep to your search pattern allocation. That way we can cover the ground with more efficiency.”
Jon’s head snapped around at the sound. That alone was enough to tell the others the voice belonged to Charod. Jon glanced at Manny, gave him a wan smile and shrugged. Manny glanced up to where Charod must be and his expression gave away his feelings. He gripped Jon’s shoulder in support.
They couldn’t stay where they were. The Mideans were performing a thorough search. They’d spread all three squads across the mountainside and were moving down almost in unison, not just using their eyes but also using their devices. While the device couldn’t read Rhiava when shielded, if Triena’s shield was faulty in any way it would detect them. However, the Mideans were also searching by feel, reaching and probing with poles or by hand as they moved forward. Triena’s shield couldn’t protect them if physical contact was made, either with a pole or by hand. They had to keep ahead of the patrols.
Lector reached out and projected a feeling of anxiety at the following Mideans. As they were now so close he could use some of his empathic ability, it just might slow them down a little. He then gave Triena a gentle tap on the arm and indicated he could merge and help bolster her power. She glanced back up the hill. The soldiers were getting closer. It just needed one of these devices to get through. She nodded her agreement to Lector. They stopped for a moment and regarded each other.
Jon and Manny understood what they were doing and kept a close eye on the following troopers. As they watched, those at the middle of the line seemed to hesitate. They were looking around and motioning to each other. Manny grinned at Jon, realizing what Lector had done.
They were on the move again. Manny just hoped Barlow’s party had long since found the hiding place within the crevice. He didn’t like to think of them being caught out on the mountainside with the Midean patrols heading their way. Barlow should have reached there before this; Manny’s party was now so late. Perhaps it was for the best. If they’d managed to make better time it could’ve been costly to Barlow’s party.
Manny scanned the way ahead. It was a dark night, as most of the nights were since their arrival; the altered atmosphere didn’t allow much starlight through and even the moon’s light was dimmed. However, this night there was also cloud cover, though it was now clearing. He tried to find some landmarks to gauge where they were in relation to the crevice, but he couldn’t see anything that appeared familiar. Not surprising, he thought. He’d made the last journey down here in desperation, trying to get an exhausted pair of Rhiava through mist and rain to safety. So, when at last Lector signaled to take a sharp left, Manny knew he’d never have found the place alone. Even as they edged around the large boulder he couldn’t see anything other than rough mountainside. But there it was; the entrance no more than fifteen feet past the boulder.
They slipped inside, grateful to be safe at last.
Manny saw Nunez keeping a watch just inside the entrance, with Barlow just a short distance away, pacing. He must’ve been worried sick, Manny thought, though without much sympathy. He had enough worry, it was about time someone else had some too.
Triena was grateful to be able to drop the shield as they passed inside.
Nunez jumped to attention in shock behind them, while Barlow stopped pacing. It was clear he was having difficulty believing his eyes, and they widened even more the moment he spotted Jon. He opened his mouth and Manny was quick to raise his finger to his lips and point outside. He mouthed the word Midean and pointed to the back of the crevice, and they moved farther in.
Manny whispered, “The place is crawling with Midean patrols. They know we took Jon, and they’ve been trying to track us all the way down.”
“Hardesty, thank God you’re all right,” Barlow said when they moved farther inside. Then he moved toward Manny who was still supporting Jon. “So that’s why you’re late. Couldn’t obey orders and wait for us, could you? We’ve been waiting here worrying what on earth had happened to you, and you’re taking a ridiculous chance.” His tone of voice wasn’t as harsh as his words.
“I’m afraid it’s my fault. When we discovered where they were holding Jon I sensed that...” Triena glanced at Jon, all of a sudden wondering if he wanted the others to know everything. He gave no negative indication so she continued, “I sensed when Jon became aware of his impending death. We couldn’t wait for your group, Mr. Barlow. We had to act with immediate effect.”
As they were talking, Dr. Helen Mannion was swift to come forward to meet them from the back of the crevice where she’d been resting.
Manny released Jon who slid gratefully to the ground, while Triena sat down close beside him. While the doctor checked him over, Barlow led Manny to one side.
“He doesn’t look as bad as I expected from the reports we got. And yet, this last bit about impending death. What the hell was going on?”
Manny explained as best as he could what the Mideans had been doing to Jon.
As Barlow listened, his disbelief and growing anger were evident. “What kind of people are these Mideans? Torture of any kind is horrendous, but it’s abhorrent any race could develop a machine with the sole purpose of indefinite torture of another being, until they welcomed death as their one release.” He glanced at Jon, his expression showing his concern.
Dr. Mannion came over just then. “Well, considering what he’s been through his condition is reasonable. He has a couple of cracked ribs, and there’s evidence of a minor concussion, from when he was captured, he says. It's obvious he’s weak, in part due to having no food or water for the past couple of days, and he’s suffering from shock due to the tremendous stress his system has been under.” She hesitated, glancing back toward Jon. “Most of that is simple enough to treat, but that’s not all. There are other things I
can’t quite account for. Part of his condition is due to some biochemical changes. It's apparent he’s suffered from aches and pains ever since you freed him from this machine, and I’m not referring to his ribs. I’ve done a full screen and his potassium, calcium, phosphate, and electrolyte levels have all been drastically altered. The iron in his blood is also too low. I can but assume it has somehow been caused by this light source they used on him, but how and why I have no idea.”
“You can correct it though, can’t you?” Manny asked.
“Yes, but it’ll take a little time. Some levels are too low; some are too high. It’s a tough balancing act. It’ll be easier once we are back onboard. However, I can take temporary measures now.”
“It’s a shame Irida isn’t here,” Lector said. He’d come over to hear the doctor’s report.
“Of course!” Manny said.
“Irida? What’s that?” the doctor queried.
“Not what, who. She is a Rhiava and her Gift is for healing. Triena is able to take pain away. She can help him with that now that she no longer has to provide a shield. But it's probable Irida could correct all his problems.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Dr. Mannion declared, with a cynical expression.
Manny glanced at her. “Oh, you’ve got a lot to learn. Irida treated me after the crash, and she has treated Jon twice, the second time after he was shot by a percussion weapon. Take a look at his left shoulder; he had a rather nasty wound there.”
“I’ve checked him all over, he has no sign of any recent wound,” Mannion replied with a puzzled expression.
Manny gave an annoying grin, but all he said was, “Exactly.”
Martin Henson piloted the small shuttle away from Questor and headed into the atmosphere. Joanna Edison was keeping a weather eye on the sensor scans to ensure the counteraction of the wakes had the desired effect on the atmosphere. So far the trip was going well. Sara had done it again. She might be a pain in the neck but she did have her moments.
Martin circled over the crash site of Manny and Jon’s shuttle. The Rhiava, Lector, suggested they land as near as possible to it, and then head due east from the nose-cone over the rise and on into the forest beyond. Once they entered the forest, the Rhiava in Sanctuary would be aware of their presence. It was probable they’d send someone to investigate. However, they should head due southeast from the top of the rise and keep walking. That would take them on a direct course for the village, though he doubted they would get that far without being seen.
Martin saw it had been quite a crash, and Jon and Manny had been lucky. He completed the circuit and landed alongside. Joanna helped him unload their supplies, and then they sealed the craft to head off east toward the nearby rise as instructed.
“It’s quite something isn’t it, Martin, to be on an alien world heading toward a native village? These Rhiava sound most interesting, if even half of what I’ve heard is true. Can you imagine?”
“Yes, Joanna, but right now I think it’d be more sensible to be cautious. It's probable the Mideans are around here somewhere too.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” she said, her tone formal. “I’m afraid I let my excitement cloud my judgment. It won’t happen again.”
Martin smirked to himself, remembering when he’d been that green. “Just stay alert.”
They topped the rise and found the forest spread out before them as far as they could see. It appeared wonderful from the air, but from here its grandeur was even more obvious. Martin checked their direction and set off for Sanctuary. He was a little unsure just what Lector meant, that once they entered the forest the Rhiava would be aware of them. Did he mean some sort of technology, or one of their odd powers? Well, they’d find out soon enough.
“Remember, we could encounter Rhiava at any time, so be prepared.”
They carried on walking for about another ten minutes, when Joanna said, “Sir, I have the oddest feeling. I don’t think we’re alone.”
Martin glanced at her; he’d been feeling a little odd himself, but he put it down to nerves. “Don’t let your imagination run riot, Joanna.”
Looking around with caution, Joanna added, “I don’t think it’s my imagination, Mr. Henson.”
In answer, a young alien stepped out from behind a large tree to their right. From the description they’d received, this was a Rhiava. He just stood there for a moment and watched them.
Martin walked toward him. “Hello. My name is Martin Henson, and this is Joanna Edison. We’re crewmates of Jon and Manny. Do you know them?”
The alien stepped nearer, studying them, but still he didn’t speak.
Martin glanced at Joanna, who nodded encouragement. “We’ve come with a message for you from Triena and Lector. They gave us directions on how to find Sanctuary. They said we should ask for Sernov.” They waited.
He came forward, gave a graceful bow, and spoke at last. “Follow.”
They walked in silence for another twenty-five minutes, and then they entered a large clearing to find themselves in what appeared to be a primitive village. The young alien, who had not spoken since that one word, crossed the clearing to the far side where a large communal table could be seen. There were three other Rhiava seated at the table, and the young alien headed straight for them. He passed by others who all made a small polite bow as they passed by; no one seemed threatening, or threatened by the two strangers in their midst.
As those seated at the table noticed the approach of the strangers, they rose and waited.
“Well, Cosna, who do we have here?” said the one who was the oldest of the group.
Cosna bowed. “Allow me to introduce colleagues of Jon and Manny. This is Martin Henson and Joanna Edison. They’ve brought a message from Mistress Triena and Lector.” He again bowed to his Elders, and turning, he bowed to Martin and Joanna as well before leaving.
“I am Sernov, Elder of the People. This is another of the Elders, Delav, and here we have Wirva. Wirva sustains our bodies to enable us to sustain our minds. You’re most welcome. We owe much to Manny and Jon; we trust all is well. Please sit. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, thank you. We’re fine at the moment,” Martin said, grateful the Rhiava were so welcoming. “I wish we had better news to bring you.” He went on to relate all that had happened to Triena’s party and what they’d discovered at Haven, adding a plan was in hand to assist Triena and the others to rescue Jon. He expected some questions as he explained it all, but no one spoke until he’d finished.
“Thank you. We had some idea their journey wasn’t going as well as we’d hoped. Delav suspected for some little time Triena was becoming distressed, but we didn’t know it was because of Jon Hardesty. There would need to be a contact for that.” He glanced at Wirva as he spoke. “As for Haven, we received news from Reliff yesterday that the Elders from there had been brought to the city, together with many of those who had sought refuge with them. You can, I believe, understand our relief there was no mention of Triena or of your crew members. We’d not heard of this base on Sierrie’s summit though.”
“Our captain asked me to inform you that a...relationship appears to have developed between Triena and Jon Hardesty. He hopes this will not cause any offense, you can rest assured there was no intention of any breach of protocol.”
“Protocol? I’m not sure I understand. As I mentioned earlier, for Triena to be distressed because of Jon’s condition there would need to be a contact, a strong contact. Such contact would be by choice, of both parties.”
Martin was perplexed, but it was clear their meaning of contact wasn’t what he’d first thought it meant.
“Sernov? May I ask, what do you mean by a strong contact between them?” Joanna asked, having also recognized there was an alternative meaning to the word for the Rhiava.
“Ah, I see. You don’t understand. From what you have said, Triena was able to sense Jon’s predicament on various occasions, and at quite some distance. There is but one way two of us have such direct sensati
on, because of what we call contact. Such contact only takes place because of pairing. Even though Jon is alien, it must still have taken place. If Mistress Triena has found Jon Hardesty worthy of pairing, then we would not interfere with her choice.”
“Pairing?” Joanna queried.
“The emotional, intellectual, and physical bonding of male and female, leading to a life partnership.”
Martin was rather dumbstruck. Manny, yes, he could somehow imagine Manny romancing an attractive young woman, but Jon Hardesty? Romancing an alien, and a religious leader to boot. What had Sernov said? Emotional, intellectual, and physical bonding. Physical. What had Jon been thinking?
Well, at least it seemed the Rhiava had no objection to the relationship anyway. If they could sort out the problem of the shield and the Mideans, at least the option for help with supplies was still on the table. The rest would have to sort itself out.
Just then Henson’s transmitter beeped. “That’s my ship calling. If you’ll excuse me,” Martin said, standing and moving to one side. Joanna remained seated at the table, and continued her conversation with Sernov and the others.
“Henson, here.”
“Mr. Henson,” replied Piper. “Captain Sullivan asked me to inform you he’s heard from Commander Barlow.” Martin listened as Piper recounted what had happened on Sierrie.
“I’m pleased to hear Jon is safe.”
“As soon as they’re able they’re going to head for the shuttle. It’ll be somewhat overloaded, but they think it’ll be all right for the short flight to join you at Sanctuary, and set about planning a raid on the shield generator.”
“Thank you, Phillip.”
“Do you have any news yet?”
“Yes. Everything is going rather well. We’ve made contact with Sernov and passed on the message we had from Lector. They seem friendly and understanding.” Martin wasn’t going to go into details right then. “I’m sure the Rhiava will be pleased to know that everyone is safe right now, but I get the impression they’ll be even happier when our group arrives back here. The people in Sanctuary already knew about Haven, having received the news from Reliff.”