Questor

by L. S. Gibson

  “Are you ready?” Manny asked from the console.

  Waiting on the Transmat platform were Triena, Jon, Cosna, Chadbon, Henson, and, of course, Mychlo. Mychlo would go through with the first group so he could begin to investigate the machinery at the other end, in case the control for the shield generator was sited anywhere near the Transmat under Sierrie. Everyone doubted it would be that simple, but one could hope.

  Triena’s shield would be in place just in case there were any Mideans present when they materialized. It was also decided to send another from the Questor with this first group to provide the extra security of an additional weapon. Manny was more than competent now to use the Transmat controls, so he was to send everyone through and then go with the last group.

  Triena glanced at her companions, and as they indicated their readiness, she glanced over at Manny and nodded. “As soon as we’re shielded you can send us,” she confirmed.

  A moment later their surroundings changed and they found themselves in the caverns of Sierrie. They stood still on the platform watching the one occupant of the area who sat at a small console nearby. He was pressing something, and then he began to speak.

  “Is that better?” he asked to thin air, though he must be speaking into a communication device. “It was just a couple of degrees out anyway.”

  Mychlo glanced at Triena. Could it be? Could they be so lucky?

  “Very well,” the Midean went on. “I will continue to monitor, make sure there isn’t a fault.” His tone indicated he was doing what he was told, not what he thought necessary. “Leva out.” His hand released a switch on the console and he leaned back in his seat, trying to get comfortable. “Flipping nuisance. Always has to have everything on the precise setting, as if one or two degrees make that much difference,” he muttered to himself.

  Jon peered at Triena who nodded. He checked the setting on his weapon, aimed at the Midean and watched dispassionately as he slid to the floor. Triena then dropped her shield, and Mychlo hurried forward to the bank of consoles. Cosna made straight for the obvious entrance to this particular cave. He was able to sense the presence of another person at quite some distance. He was almost as good as Lector, except he wasn’t able to project emotions at anyone approaching, but he could give plenty of warning. Chadbon’s Gift was telekinetic in nature.

  Triena walked over to where Mychlo studied the equipment, while Jon and Martin Henson reconnoitered the area just to make sure there was no other entry point. When it became clear there was but one entrance, Jon contacted Manny to confirm they’d arrived safely, and to send the next team through. Mychlo soon determined the equipment in this area was part Rhiava—a power relay and the Transmat control system—and part Midean, apparently temperature control and the communications station.

  They waited until the next two teams materialized before moving out into the cave system while one team stayed behind to secure the Transmat area. Jon described what he could remember and, together with the plans drawn up by Mychlo from the old records, they’d a fair idea of what to expect. There was quite a honeycomb of tunnels in the center of the mountain, and they would need to search them all. The teams began to spread out, slow and careful. It wouldn’t do now to be discovered by being careless. Jon’s team headed toward the main cavern where he’d been dragged before Charod.

  They moved through each tunnel with care, double-checking every side passage discovered. They found sleeping quarters, empty at this time, and a galley in which two Mideans were preparing food. Jon rendered them unconscious before continuing on to the next branch.

  Triena noted it was almost eight, and they were going to be a little late in arriving to meet Lector. It was taking longer than they expected to investigate every side tunnel, and for Mychlo to check any equipment they found. She hoped Lector would be cautious, reminding herself she needed to be cautious too. She had already used her shield quite extensively, and she felt the first inkling of tiredness.

  Meanwhile, Manny at last mounted the Transmat, the timer set to send the final party through. His team had the most direct route to the main cavern, knowing the other teams couldn’t have found anything, otherwise the signal would have been sent. Manny arrived in the caves and his team set off straight away. He wanted to make sure they got to the main cavern by the appointed time; he didn’t want to miss anything.

  Lector double-checked and it was definitely past time. He debated what to do. He already felt the beginning of fatigue. Perhaps he ought to leave now and hope they managed to carry out the plan, but the idea of not being involved now, at the moment of their success, was galling to him. Besides, just the idea of Triena being in possible danger without him being there to help had worried him all day and now, with her being so close, he couldn’t countenance the idea of abandoning her. No, he had to wait and hope they were on their way. But how much longer could he keep using his Gifts in here? He’d find out.

  He reached as far as he could with his senses, but everything was quiet. Maybe too quiet. Of course, they were near. He concentrated with all his might and reached, and reached. There, there she was. She was concerned, too. No, not quite concern, it was more... caution.

  He felt a sudden relief and for a moment he didn’t know if it was his relief or hers. He pulled back from her and searched for any Mideans. No, there were none nearby.

  Taking care, he followed his sense of Triena, around the bend in the tunnel ahead, past where they’d left Jon struggling with those Mideans, which seemed a life time ago now. Just a few more feet ahead he sensed someone else he knew, it took him but a second to recognize him. It was Cosna. He raised his hand in greeting, but said nothing. Cosna returned the greeting and hurried forward.

  Cosna spoke, keeping his voice low. “Good to see you are safe. All is going well so far.” As he spoke the others came into view in the background.

  Triena saw him and began to smile, then she regarded him again. “You’re weary. You’ve done too much.”

  “No, I’m all right.”

  “Let’s not waste any more time,” Jon said. “This way to the main cavern.”

  “Haven’t you managed to get through yet!” Charod demanded at his most irritated.

  “No, sir,” replied Morovny, “I still can’t get a response. I’ve checked the equipment and it appears to be in good working order.”

  “Very well,” Charod replied sharply, “check post two.” He paced up and down between the huge legs of the construct. He stopped and stared upwards along the length of the projector into the sky above. He frowned as he watched the swirling clouds. “You know, Morovny, I have the oddest sensation that I’m missing something.”

  “Missing something, sir?” Morovny asked perplexed. It was most unlike Charod to admit to any kind of doubt, at least aloud.

  Charod didn’t answer. Instead he asked, “Any reply yet?”

  “No, sir. Still nothing.”

  “Right. Get a patrol together, we’re going down. Make it a double squad”

  Manny’s team was almost at the entrance to the central cavern when they heard whispered voices ahead, and as the Mideans had no cause to whisper, Manny assumed it was one of the other teams. Within a matter of minutes every team except one was gathered in the large central cavern. Jon’s team still hadn’t arrived, though they did have the farthest to go to collect Lector, and it would take a fair amount of time to check every minor installation on the way. All the same Manny was relieved when Jon’s party at last showed up.

  They compared notes to confirm every branch had been investigated and cleared of any Mideans, and every installation had been found. Then Mychlo set to work checking out the equipment in the central cavern, with help from both Manny and Robert Simpson.

  It was becoming increasingly blatant by now that the most Gifted of the Rhiava were showing signs of the lethargy which affected Triena and Lector on their earlier visit. The Gifted held out much longer due to their enforced rest beforehand, but they couldn’t be asked to do much more no
w.

  “It’s quite clear in these caves now. You all take it easy and we can take up guard positions the old-fashioned way,” Jon said, with what for him had now become a rare smile.

  The others from Questor spread out forming a guard detail at every conceivable entrance, even the divisions between the various consoles.

  After a thorough inspection, Mychlo and the others reported the shield control mechanism was not in this cavern, but Manny was convinced that because so much of the machinery there was used to produce the shield it wouldn’t matter.

  “We won’t be able to just ‘throw a switch,’ but we can do more than enough damage here using these,” he said, indicating his weapon, “to render the system inoperable anyway.”

  Charod approached the main cave complex from the north. He still hadn’t seen any of his men. If he needed proof something was wrong, he already had it.

  Morovny had the team under strict control, there was no noise, but it was probable that wouldn’t be enough if there were any Rhiava in the caves. The strangers had managed to destroy the vessel he’d summoned from Midea, and he couldn’t afford to dismiss them anymore. They’d managed to get two vessels through the shield, one near here, and one near the original crash site. The large one had since left, taking Medved with them, and though there was no sign of any other landing since, Charod was now extremely wary.

  He’d been wondering during the trip down from the summit if it was possible his erstwhile prisoner—what had been that odd name? Oh yes, Hardesty—could be involved with whatever was going on in the caves below. The more he thought about it the more logical it seemed that he would be. After all, he was the one person, other than Mideans, to have seen inside the main cavern, he’d be the obvious person to use as a guide.

  Maybe the strangers had found a way to travel that couldn’t be scanned. After all they’d found a method of penetrating the shield. It could be a mixed team perhaps of the strangers and some Rhiava. That was also logical. This could be his second chance to get his hands on Hardesty, and maybe at least one more of Hardesty’s kind. If he was careful he could perhaps even get his hands on this Triena, there was some link between the strangers and her.

  He remembered how he felt when Hardesty had escaped him. How galling that had been. A repeat of that was impossible to contemplate. If Hardesty was there, the man wouldn’t escape again. He had a sudden vision of having Hardesty in the sights of his weapon. He smirked to himself at the image.

  Charod calmed himself, drawing on that cold control he’d exercised over his inferiors for years. He still moved on in front of his team down the twisting paths, but it was a trip he made on automatic, his mind was far away practicing control exercises he hadn’t needed for a long time. He’d need all his control now, acknowledging his own failing when it came to this stranger, the one person who had defeated him. He wasn’t about to let a second failure occur, especially not one of his own making.

  A few minutes later Charod and his patrol reached the last communication station before the central cavern, and he called a halt. He held his hand up to signify silence, and whispered, “We can link into the main console in the central cavern from here. Maybe we can learn something.” He nodded to Morovny who slipped into the seat and altered the dials to tune into the system.

  Charod moved to study the screen. “Audio,” he ordered.

  Charod watched as a Rhiava moved in front of the screen. “Do we need to destroy it all, Manny?” the Rhiava asked looking toward a figure moving forward.

  “No, if we destroy the main console there,” he said pointing to the central control console, “and that one there, I think it’s a power shunt system. It should overload the lot.”

  Charod recognized the stranger, not the actual face, but he knew this was Hardesty’s companion. It was probable it was he who’d attacked Charod when they’d rescued Hardesty.

  Even as Charod thought about him, Hardesty came into view, closely followed by a young female Rhiava. He didn’t know how he could be so sure, but he was. This was her, this was Triena. “I knew it,” he said aloud, “they’re all there—Hardesty, Triena, everyone we want.” He glanced at Morovny and there it was, his cold, cold smile.

  Morovny returned it, almost an echo of his superior.

  SIXTEEN

  “I suppose the best thing now would be to withdraw slowly, just leaving a small team to destroy the consoles,” Barlow said.

  “Yes, sir,” Simpson replied. “If you’d like to begin retracing your steps, we,” he continued, indicating Mannheim, Henson, and himself, “can carry out what’s necessary and follow as soon as we can.”

  “I think it best if we go as soon as possible,” Chadbon remarked. “This atmosphere is affecting us even more than I would have expected. It seems the more gifted we are, the more we are affected.”

  One look at Triena was more than enough to confirm that assertion, she was exhausted. It was also the reason neither she nor any of her compatriots sensed the approaching Mideans until it was too late. Triena was just wondering why she felt the vague touch of anxiety; Lector thought he felt a chill, though not a chill caused by the cold; even Cosna felt most uneasy.

  The answer came before any of them could even enunciate the disquiet, and by then the problem was all too clear. The cavern filled up with armed Mideans, each in the process of taking a bead on the armed crew from Questor. There was a universal scramble for cover, which just added to the confusion made by the sound of the first blast from the Midean weapons.

  Jon was in the exact center of the cavern, next to one of the large consoles. He twisted at the first sound of a heavy footfall, shocked to come face to face with his nemesis across the expanse of the large cavern. Jon was hidden from view of most of the Mideans, but in clear view of the supervisor. Charod seemed almost as surprised as Jon. Until Jon realized it wasn’t surprise that lit up Charod’s face, it was satisfaction. In that instant Jon understood he was at a disadvantage. He’d just holstered his weapon. Charod was bringing his weapon to bear.

  Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Jon could see the arm moving upwards, he recognized Charod’s expression. Jon could even see Charod’s eye narrowing as he aimed. But Jon could do nothing, nothing but watch frozen to the spot by the sudden memories rushing in on him just at the sight of his torturer.

  He could hear voices shouting; he heard his name being called, and the voice drew his attention back to the present. It was Triena calling, but she was too far away, and she had no strength left for anything other than to shout. He took his eyes from Charod for an instant and sought her out, but instead he found Manny.

  Manny hadn’t holstered his weapon. He was shoving Triena out of harm’s way toward the shelter of the side of one of the consoles, when something made her pull away. Jon watched Manny follow her gaze as she stared back at Jon and saw his predicament. In that split second, Manny took in the situation and swung his weapon toward Charod.

  Jon watched as Charod also followed the sound of the shouted call; saw the weapon being trained on him. From Charod’s position across the room, it was but a minute change of aim for him to move from Jon to Manny. He had just one chance and he didn’t waste it.

  Still in that maddening slow motion, Jon watched as Charod altered his aim, watched as he fired faster than Manny was able. He saw the weapon buck in Charod’s hand, saw the corresponding jolt as Manny was hit square in the chest. He even heard his own cry of desperation as Manny crumpled. It was then that time speeded up, returning to normal.

  Manny hit the ground with a thud, his mouth agape with shock. Henson, who’d been just a short way from Manny, returned fire in the direction of Charod, and the supervisor was forced to flee, trying to take refuge behind some of the equipment. Even as Jon bounded over to where Manny had fallen, the others rushed in the opposite direction, following the now retreating Mideans. The shot, which dropped Manny, spurred on his colleagues with a vengeance, and the Rhiava were hot on their heels.

&
nbsp; When Jon reached Manny he was already cradled in Triena’s arms, Lector hovering at her shoulder, pale as he peered down at the stranger who’d become a friend. Jon didn’t need to be a doctor to know Manny was hurt badly. There was just too much damage visible in the gaping wound in his chest. He had a sudden urge to hold Manny, but all he could do was brush the hair from his eyes.

  “Oh, Jon. I can’t help him,” Triena said, her voice breaking, one hand lifted to Manny’s temple. “I don’t...I’ve used too much energy. I have nothing...to call on.” Tears welling in her eyes, she glanced at Manny and said, “I’m sorry, Manny.”

  “You...couldn’t...help...this time...anyway,” Manny murmured, even managing a bleak smile, before it was lost in a grimace of pain and a choking cough.

  “Manny, Manny,” groaned Jon. “Oh my goodness, what have I done?” Pain blossomed in his chest, he could hardly breathe. His heart was hammering so hard he felt it would burst through his ribs.

  “You...not your...fault... Don’t say...that.” Manny struggled to get the words out between his gasps for breath.

  “You don’t deserve this, not you, Manny. I...” Jon felt too numb to think of anything else to say. His mouth opened but no words would come.

  “No...one...does.” Manny’s voice was much softer. He lifted one arm slowly as if it was too heavy, and placed his hand over Jon’s. He tried to squeeze it, but there was no strength left. “I...will...miss...you...” His voice faded, as did the light from his eyes. His head slumped in Triena’s lap, and he was too still.

  “No!” Jon’s hammering heart seemed to stop beating. It can’t be. He can’t be gone, not Manny. He’s always so alive. He heard the statements in his own mind, but somehow he wasn’t making them. Manny couldn’t be gone. But what he couldn’t deny, what he couldn’t shut out, was the sight that met his eyes. His best friend was lying dead at his feet, and it was his fault. No matter what Manny had said, it was his fault. He had let Charod live when he’d had the opportunity to kill him. And look at the cost. Goodness, look at the cost.