‘I’ve calculated that the Kinfin will have a five percent reserve power, which is just enough to carry the Aurora,’ Kalrea said.
‘What if the Kinfin can’t support our weight or something goes wrong?’ James enquired.
‘I would have no choice but to release the grapples,’ Captain Uloim said.
‘The operational drive will allow us to return safely to space,’ Kalrea said, reassuringly.
‘Captain Uloim, we’re all yours,’ James said.
The Kinfin slowly manoeuvred itself above the Aurora; then, held station, while grapples descended from its belly into the Aurora’s open cargo bay. The grapples attached themselves onto the Aurora’s docking clamps, before being retracted. The Kinfin descended, until, with a loud bang, the hulls of the two ships touched, and the Lonori’s cranes were released. The Kinfin moved gracefully away with the Aurora slung helplessly below.
‘So far, so good,’ Captain Uloim said cheerfully. ‘Cut all transmissions with control. Approach on vector 25.7 Alpha.’
The Kinfin powered effortlessly down towards Brinoli.
‘Hold on,’ Captain Uloim said.
The ships penetrated the atmosphere.
James unexpectedly felt his stomach rise and a moment of weightlessness. He grabbed the side of the console to steadily himself, as the gravitational forces increased. He looked at Kira to check she was all right. Her claws where firmly embedded in the seat.
‘Ninety percent reverse thrust,’ Captain Uloim ordered.
James could feel the vibration from the Kinfin’s drives reverberating through the console. The increase in volume from event horizon drives made him release his grip and cover his ears.
We’re slowing, he thought.
‘Maximum reverse thrust,’ Captain Uloim said calmly.
With that, the ships came slowly to a stop, hovering over the Brinoli countryside.
‘I told you the old ship could do it,’ Captain Uloim said.
‘What?’ James replied, trying to understand the captain over the noise.
Kalrea repeated the message.
‘Yes. I’m sorry, there’s a lot of noise!’ James shouted.
James noticed the tone of the drives change. He watched the ships descend towards the forest of trees, but they were heading away from the base.
Where are they taking us, Kalrea? James thought.
I’ve no idea. There’s nothing on the forward scanners, Kalrea replied.
‘Captain Uloim. Why are we heading away from the base?’ James said loudly.
‘We’re taking you to the Polune hangar,’ Captain Uloim said.
What’s a Polune hangar, Kalrea? James thought.
‘Polune’ means ‘hidden cavern’ in Telecan. It must be an old Telecan science station, Kalrea said.
What, like the one on Lavmino, where we met?
Yes.
‘Your ship will be safe there while it’s being repaired,’ Captain Uloim added.
The ships came to a stop over a large rocky outcrop in the middle of the forest. James was about to ask why, when he heard a loud cracking noise from outside. Using the monitor, he looked down, to see the surface of Brinoli below, moving. Two massive doors moved slowly downwards and then slid apart.
Kalrea, I think there’s something else you didn’t tell me about. You never mentioned the Telecan science station was here when we arrived, James thought.
Until those doors started to open, I had nothing on the scanners to indicate such a structure, Kalrea replied. Even the main computers on Brinoli had no data on the station. The walls must be shielded so no scanners can penetrate them.
When the doors had finally opened, they revealed a colossal hangar. About nine hundred metres below, James could see the Pulsora. To the left of the Pulsora, he counted nine fighters in various stages of repair. He could see figures moving around them. A lone shuttle sat in the far right corner.
As the two ships slowly descended, James noticed that the floor of the hangar was covered by a pattern of circles. The tops of three of them illuminated when the Aurora approached. The Kinfin held station while three large columns rose from the floor. When they all touched the belly of the Aurora, the Kinfin’s drives decreased in power and the grapples disengaged.
The Kinfin moved away. Wow, peace and quiet at last.
‘Thanks for the lift, Captain Uloim,’ James said, rubbing his ears.
James picked up his sports bag and retrieved his pictures from the seatra. Beneath them laid the red data cartridge. He picked it up and looked at the melted corner.
I need to show Londuo this to convince her.
James placed it in his pocket.
‘Come on Kira!’ he shouted. ‘It’s time to go. Kira!’
*****
When James exited from the Aurora, he could hear the buzz of people and machinery echoing around the hangar base. In the distance, in front of him were the fighters sitting on a small platform with many engineers working on them. To his right, were a number of doors cut into the rock-face of the hangar. He watched two people emerge from one of the doors and walk towards the fighters. To his left, partially hidden by one of the columns supporting the Aurora, lay the Pulsora, which he could see was also supported by three columns.
What time is it, Kalrea? James thought. I’m hungry.
He looked down at Kira.
Yes, you’re hungry too, I bet.
It’s six twenty-four after midday, Kalrea replied. But remember there’s only twenty-one hours in a day here.
So midday is at ten thirty, James thought and smiled. He suddenly noticed a commander jogging towards him.
James, I’ve just cracked another encryption key from the diary, Kalrea said.
‘Captain Brasdoi!’ the commander said. ‘There’s a shuttle waiting to take you to the base.’
He pointed to the shuttle.
‘Please follow me!’
What does the diary now tell us, Kalrea? James thought, while he was being quickly led to the shuttle, with Kira following very close behind him.
Your name’s mentioned more than once. I think you’re right, it is Londuo’s. There’s something else—
‘Sorry for the rush, sir,’ the commander said. ‘We must close the hangar doors as soon as possible. Milonri has told me to give Kalrea anything she needs. Where is she?’
James smiled as he stepped onboard the shuttle.
‘You mean Milonri didn’t tell you…?’ James said. ‘You’ll meet her when you go onboard the Aurora. Kira! Come on, come here.’
She jumped onboard.
Sorry, Kalrea, go on. You were going to tell me more about the diary.
I’m making some assumptions by linking the data together, so I could be wrong, but Antaio may not be who he seems.
What do you mean?
A symbol flashed on the door of the shuttle.
‘One more thing, sir,’ the commander said to James.
He held out a small tablet.
‘This will help you to find your way around. It’s a map of the base.’
James took the tablet, just before the door of the shuttle closed.
James, I’m concerned, Kalrea said. The hangar’s shielding stops me being able to transmit a signal outside this structure. Once you’re outside and the doors are closed, we’ll be unable to contact each other. I can’t protect you.
Kalrea, what are your concerns about Antaio?
I cannot be sure, but I suggest for now you do not trust him, James. The diary mentions him, then death and destruction.
Surely you mean the attack on Dagnamk.
No James; it’s in our future and it’s soon.
Are you sure? Do I tell Milonri?
I need to crack another key to be certain.
Okay, I’ll get the other diary from Londuo.
Be careful, James.
James felt his stomach drop suddenly when the shuttle lifted away. Not again! He wanted to look outside to focus on something, but the shuttle had n
o windows. It’s like being on a roller-coaster ride with a blindfold on.
The shuttle twisted and turned quickly. His face went pale. I never did like roller coasters.
He was relieved when the shuttle finally touched down and he wasted no time in disembarking. He took two deep breaths before looking down at the holographic notepad in his hand. A three-dimensional image of the base was displayed, with his quarters highlighted within one of the large pyramid-shaped building on the perimeter of the land area. Kira rubbed up against his leg. Where are we Kira? He looked around to determine his position, before walking slowly toward a building. He glanced up at the sky. It is getting late.
James entered through two large doors and proceeded down a long well-lit corridor. Behind him, he could hear the distant noise of a ship coming into land. He looked at the number on each door. Twenty-three, -four, -five… His quarters were about a quarter of the way along the corridor. Ah, twenty-eight.
James waved his hand over a keypad next to the door. As soon as the door had opened, Kira ran in. He entered and lights came on illuminating the small room, which was very similar to Londuo’s temporary quarters onboard the Lonori. There was a window against the furthest wall, which was slightly tilted, and in the far left corner was a communications console. To the left was a small seatra; to the right, two chairs. He placed his bag and the notepad on the nearest chair. Kira was sniffing around and exploring the room.
James could hear a humming noise coming from outside in the direction of the window. He walked over to it, almost tripping over Kira, who was running in front of him.
‘Kira!’ James said, as he stumbled.
The window overlooked the east landing site. James looked at a large transport lifting off, its long shadow flicked across his window as it banked slowly away and accelerated. He followed it until it faded into the darkening sky.
‘I wonder how I go about getting something to eat in this place,’ James said, looking down at Kira and then over at the console. ‘You look hungry too, don’t you?’
The console was similar to the one Londuo was using to teach him, but this time he didn’t have Londuo or Kalrea to help him. He looked at the many symbols.
‘Which one was it, Kira?’ he said, running his finger over the far left symbols of the keyboard.
Kira brushed up against his leg.
‘This one, then,’ James said, before pressing a white circular symbol.
Suddenly the lights in the room went out leaving him in total darkness.
‘That’s the last time I listen to you. Now I can’t even see anything except this damn console.’
James pressed the same symbol once more, but nothing happened. He could hear Kira walking about behind him.
It’s one of these, I know it is, he thought, then pressed another familiar symbol.
The monitor suddenly brightened, and a man dressed in white appeared.
‘Can I help you? Is there anyone there?’ he asked, because he was unable to see anything in his monitor.
‘Er…’ James said slowly. ‘I was… Sorry, my kiol jumped up on the console.’
‘Why don’t you activate the light?’
‘Er… I’ve just arrived and I was about to when. Er… I’m afraid the kiol beat me there. She was pleased to see me and jumped up.’
James bit his lip.
‘I’ve reset the console and activated the light for you,’ the man said.
The room became light once more.
‘Oh sorry, sir,’ he said, as he stood to attention. ‘I couldn’t see you. Was there anything else, sir?’
‘Er… No. Thank you,’ James replied.
The monitor went blank.
James noticed Kira looking at him.
‘What? Look, I’m sorry. I couldn’t say it was my fault. They’ll think I’m stupid.’
James felt embarrassed.
‘We only wanted some— Damn. I forgot the food.’
James looked at the console once more.
Oh well, there’s only this one left, he thought, pressing a symbol below those he had tried earlier.
A new set of symbols appeared. James recognised a few of them and started to try each. A menu was displayed on the monitor.
Not the quickest way, Kira, but we may get something by the morning, James thought to himself, as he looked up and down the choices. The only thing he recognised was dirkon. Wish Londuo was here or I could speak to Kalrea.
The choices were numbered. James looked to the left of the keyboard.
Well, time to try something different, he thought, then pressed the number three.
A message appeared on the monitor.
ORDER WILL BE COMPLETED IN TEN MINUTES.
‘That’s me sorted,’ James said, looking at Kira, ‘Now, what about you?’
James looked over the many symbols to see if he could find out how to get Kira something, but after a few minutes he gave up and sat back in the chair.
‘Looks like we’ll be sharing Kira,’ he said, stroking her on the head.
James glanced around the room once more. He suddenly felt sad and slightly depressed.
I’m all alone for the first time since arriving on Brinoli. Kalrea is in the hangar and Londuo is recovering in hospital. It feels strange not to have anyone to talk to.
He looked down at Kira and gave her a fuss.
I miss her, Kira. I bet you do too. We’d be spending time together now.
He took a deep breath.
Oh, I must cheer up. There’s got to be something to do around here.
Once he and Kira had eaten, James changed into some casual clothes and decided to go and to see what the nearest communal area was like. He checked his map of the surrounding area to find the nearest.
‘Come on, Kira; we’re going for a walk.’
Chapter Thirty
As James exited the accommodation building with Kira, the Wilarn star was just setting over the edge if the chasm, high above him.
It feels much more comfortable now that the temperature has dropped, he thought to himself. What’s that smell? James filled his lungs with air. Wow, what a lovely scent, he thought, looking around at the colourful display of wild followers, which appeared to be growing everywhere.
As soon as he started to walk, Kira’s ears pricked up and she immediately ran off into the distance.
‘Kira!’
Damn, where’s she going?
‘Kira!’
After a minute Kira returned but then ran off again in another direction.
I need a lead or something.
‘Kira, come here!’
He continued to walk and soon realised, that although Kira seemed to be ignoring him, she always returned, so he decided to stop calling out to her.
It must be the first time Kira’s been out in the open air for many sykals. No wonder she wants to run around so much.
As he neared the communal area, he passed by several bland and basic buildings, which lowered his expectation of what the communal area would be like. However, when he rounded the final corner and entered the area, he was pleasantly surprised to see what looked like shops, places to eat and a few small bars. Everything was full of colour and the place was buzzing with people.
There’re children! James thought, pleasantly surprised. Up to now I haven’t seen any. The children were running around, playing, and this made him feel uplifted.
James wandered along, looking in through the shop windows, and eventually decided to venture into a very small bar, attracted by some music playing inside.
I wonder if kiols are allowed inside. He looked at the signs near the door.
Kira had now returned and was sitting by him.
‘What a lovely kiol,’ a young woman said, as she passed. ‘We don’t see many of those anymore. You’re very lucky to have one.’
‘Look, a kiol, mummy,’ a small girl said.
‘Ah, it’s, so cute!’ her mum said, as they walked over.
James smiled, he felt
a bit nervous. He was now aware that quite a few people seem to be attracted by Kira. A few came over to give her a fuss. Kira seemed to enjoy it and rolled over on her side.
I can see she’ll be ok. What about me!
James looked into the bar once more.
Nothing to say kiols aren’t allowed, but I think Kira will probably stay outside, anyway. Doesn’t look like she wants to move!
As soon as he entered the bar, he instinctively put his hand in his back pocket. Damn, I don’t have any money. Money! What am I thinking; maybe they don’t use money, and maybe it’s some other type of payment Qinants use. Whatever it is, I don’t have it!
The bar was brightly lit by a number of lights positioned in the centre of the tables and from many set into the walls. The walls were covered in colourful elaborate patterns. Looking around, he wished Londuo was there with him.
James was about to turn and leave when suddenly someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and saw Antaio.
‘James, you look a bit lost.’
‘You could say that, Antaio,’ James replied.
‘I thought I recognised Kira in amongst all those people outside. Come on; cheer up, Londuo’s going to be fine. Let me get you a drink.’
Antaio approached a small bar. There was no barman, just three consoles and a large board with many pictures of drinks on it.
‘What would you like?’ he asked James.
‘I’ve no idea what they are,’ James answered, looking at the board.
‘Right, let me explain. Those up there are from the kalti plant…’
What’s a kalti plant?
As Antaio continued to explain, James felt more and more confused. James’ expression said it all and Antaio stopped.
‘I’m not making any sense, am I?’ Antaio said.
‘Sorry; nope. You could have been talking about the weather for all I know,’ James said.
‘Right, let me try again.’ Antaio pointed to the top row. ‘Kalti drinks will intoxicate you, whereas the dolu ones will make you more alert.’
Antaio looked at James.
‘No, you don’t look like you need dolu; looks like you need something stronger. I’ll get you a kalti ginom.’
The Aurora (Aurora Saga, Book 1) Page 28