Borne On Wings of Steel

by Tony Chandler

  * * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING, while everyone else was still fast asleep, Elise quickly dressed and began walking to the exit on the lower level.

  “Why are you up so early?” Mother's voice asked from the nearest speaker.

  “I wanted to watch the sun rise over the ocean.” Elise looked away from the optic, realizing she had told Mother a half-truth. But if she told her the true reason, she'd never let her leave.

  Nobody trusted her.

  “Please don't go far, Elise. The boys will be landing around midday. I'd like for you all to talk about what happened last night. I think it's time you all came to an understanding."

  Elise looked away in silence.

  “Okay.” Elise still couldn't bear to face the optic from where Mother observed her. “Can I go now?"

  “I guess so. I will send Krinia for you when breakfast is ready."

  But Elise barely nodded as she stepped quickly outside the door.

  Inside her circuits, Mother reviewed the biological readings she had taken of Elise as she left. Both her heart rate and her breathing were higher than normal. Her other body functions also seemed to indicate a high state of emotions.

  The utilization of Mother's processors increased steadily.

  Within seconds, she awakened Krinia and asked her to go after Elise.

  Something wasn't right—and it was causing her internal processors an inordinate amount of utilization as she tried to determine why Elise was in such a highly emotional state.

  Krinia dressed in minutes and was soon out on the lush, tropical path that led to the nearest beach. The nearest tourist complexes shed a fair amount of artificial light and helped her to see her way. But as she neared the beach the predawn darkness began to take over. She heard the regular crashing of waves long before she saw the foamy surf.

  She ran out onto the almost deserted beach, now able to make out the outlines of others who were out to greet the first light of dawn. But the minutes added up and Krinia still couldn't locate the familiar form of Elise.

  The communicator on her belt sounded.

  “Krinia, here.” She waited expectantly.

  “The Mejadic computer system just sent verification of payment.” Mother spoke with an electronic edge.

  “What for?” Krinia's voice suddenly filled with urgency.

  “It seems Elise has just paid for a trip on the first ferry to Mermoona—in straight tokens, no credit. And by herself."

  Krinia groaned. “Can you send a message and ask Mejadic management to not allow her to get on?"

  “I've already tried—she is of age. Unless there is a medical or security reason, they won't stop her. After all, she's simply registered for a day trip there and back—like hundreds of other tourists."

  “So, she's going...” Krinia sighed. “By herself."

  “You've got to register for the noon ferry, you and Jysar. And go after her immediately."

  Krinia slapped her thigh with anger. “Okay. I'll be right there. Jysar and I will get registered as quickly as we can."

  A feeling of impending doom suddenly gripped Krinia's heart. She wrestled with the icy emotion that suddenly seized her with an iron grip. Finally, she found words.

  “Do you think Elise is in some kind of danger?"

  “It is possible—but maybe not. Still, better to err on the side of caution. Certain recent occurrences have caused me to reassess any new situation that presents itself. And this one seems—strange."

  “You mean the encounter with the Paum ship?"

  “That and a few other things I have not mentioned as of yet. Only Minstrel and I have discussed them. I don't want to talk any more about it over an open comm channel."

  “I'll be right there!” Krinia said with determination. “Wake up Jysar too. I think we all need to get on the same page right now."

  Krinia made her way back at a full run.

  * * * *

  ELISE PURCHASED HER ticket and quickly joined a family group as they walked up the wooden gangway to the deck of the alien catamaran.

  The sleek craft had two masts, one fore and one aft, and was painted a bright blue. The passenger section, located between the twin hulls, easily accommodated two hundred passengers inside its comfortable interior. But Elise's curiosity was piqued by the twin masts—they were designed to carry sails as their main means of transportation at the top and bottom section, but the middle section of each mast was covered with louvers that would catch the wind and cause that part of the mast to spin separately from the other sections of mast.

  Intrigued, Elise approached one of the Mejadic crew, a young male dressed in a one-piece jumpsuit, as he prepared the sails to be hoisted.

  “Why does the middle section of each mast spin?"

  “It provides additional power to the anti-gravity circuit inside each hull. It helps us to fly over the waves.” The Mejadic's yellow and blue face gleamed with excitement. “We'll run full out when we hit deep water and catch the fresh morning breeze. It's very exhilarating—the boat slicing through the waves silent and fast. All you'll hear and feel is the wind on your skin and the waves below us as the craft rises and falls."

  Elise smiled back at the young male. She could feel his excitement through his smile and sparkling eyes. “I can't wait. How fast will go?"

  “Almost thirty-five knots, once we bring the anti-grav systems on-line."

  “What do they do?"

  “We use them to raise the craft up almost out of the water—until only a small part of each hull is slicing through the water."

  Elise thanked him and walked around the top deck watching the other aliens as they quickly boarded. A few minutes later, the sleek catamaran slowly left its berth and pointed its nose to the horizon that slowly became visible with the light of a new day.

  And this day would find Elise sailing the open water of the Emerald Sea on the island-planet of Meramee, her first journey by herself. Her excitement grew with each passing wave.

  The three-hour sail did not disappoint. Elise watched the sky slowly begin to take shape as the red sun rose higher above the watery horizon.

  She ate a small breakfast below decks and returned to her seat. With the light of day, all the passengers took up positions as they watched island after island pass by on either side as the fast boat made its way to Mermoona.

  It was a wonderful, and different, kind of feeling. But Elise couldn't get over how quiet it was, even though they traveled so fast. It really added to her overall joy—her first journey alone. And the total absence of any engine noise whatsoever as the vessel sliced through the sea made it seem as if the ship traveled by magic.

  She knew that her hair must be glowing a bright blue or green—she felt so happy, so excited, so free. Yes, to be here all alone riding toward a new, undiscovered destination. Elise smiled as she touched her hair and felt the subtle warmth of her Hair Lighter.

  Slowly, wonderfully, the mountainous outline of the isle of Mermoona rose above the water. The brisk wind caressed her skin as she leaned forward on the railing. Soon she made out that Mermoona was a jungle-covered island with two mountain peaks—one at either end.

  A few minutes later as the ship pulled to the dock, the communicator at her belt vibrated.

  It must be Mother.

  She pulled the device up and looked at it a moment. And with a decisive motion she turned it off and returned it to her belt. She had come this far on her own and she was determined to see this journey through on her own—and find the other humans.

  Elise strained to get a better look.

  “Well, isn't this quite a surprise."

  Elise turned and found the same two aliens she had met on the beach yesterday—the same two who had told her about the humans here on Mermoona.

  Her eyes widened with surprise.

  “Yes, I see you're just as surprised as we are.” The Harg smiled savagely. “You know, I don't believe we were properly introduced yesterday. I am called Craga. And this is my
partner, Rost."

  Elise felt an overpowering urge to run away. But the ferry was now letting the first passengers off via the gangway—there was nowhere to go except to follow the slowly moving crowd.

  “And your name?"

  Elise stared at them dumbfounded a moment.

  “Elise,” she finally mumbled.

  “Elise. My, what a pretty name,” Craga said.

  “And such a pretty alien, too,” Rost added.

  “You know, I suddenly have an idea,” Craga said with exaggerated innocence. He smiled again. “Why don't Rost and I take you to where we saw the humans we told you about? I mean, I assume that is why you've come here."

  Elise's mind worked feverishly. That would help her actually; her first step was to have found the food booth they'd told her about. But now they could take her straight to it. And even if there was something a bit too coincidental about this meeting, well, she was in the middle of hundreds of other tourists. How much trouble could she get herself into?

  A renewed resolution filled her heart as she thought again of the surprise and happiness on Kyle and Jaric's faces when she met them with the other humans she found on Mermoona today.

  She smiled at the Harg.

  “Sure, why don't you take me there. That'll save me some time."

  Rost and Craga smiled widely.

  “Good. This way, please.” Rost pointed toward Mermoona's jungle interior.

  * * * *

  “THAT IS A SWEET sight!” Kyle exclaimed with appreciation as he stared at the island-planet.

  Jaric moved closer to the view-screen filled with their first direct image of Meramee. “There must be every shade of blue and green imaginable on that planet."

  “Ah, Meramee!” Inaha shouted with a heartfelt cry. “It's been too long. I have almost forgotten how beautiful a world you are."

  Even Rok rose from his commander's chair in order to get a better look. He grunted with satisfaction as his eyes took in the great natural beauty before him. The Kraaqi Captain turned to his companions.

  “It's obvious that the Mejadic have a deep respect for the world under their care. Even though they are a technologically advanced race, our sensors show that the natural cycles are pollution-free and that the flora and fauna are thriving even amidst a sizable, native population multiplied by tourists.” The Kraaqi captain nodded approvingly. “I sense a kinship with these people already."

  “Captain.” A Kraaqi officer looked up from his bridge station. “The MotherShip is hailing us—on a secure channel."

  “On!” Rok returned to his chair.

  “Captain Rok,” Mother's voice began. “I must ask you to speed your landing procedures as quickly as Mejadic protocol will allow."

  “What's going on?” A look of concern filled Kyle's face.

  “Elise seems to be missing."

  “What do you mean, ‘seems'?” Kyle looked from Jaric over to Rok with a questioning look.

  “She took a ferry over to Mermoona at first light this morning—without telling anyone of her intentions."

  Kyle chuckled approvingly. “I guess she really wants to meet the other humans ... if they're really there."

  “Explain,” Mother said almost without pause.

  “I was just trying to be realistic this time.” Kyle glanced over to the Kraaqi captain. “I mean, I wasn't getting my hopes up too high this time. And..."

  “Please continue more quickly, Kyle.” Mother urged.

  “That's it. I'm just trying to be more realistic. And after I thought it over, it just seemed almost too good to be true. Elise may not find humans on Mermoona.” Kyle's brow furrowed with concern. “But why do you think Elise is missing, if you know where she is?"

  “She's not answering our communication attempts."

  “She's probably ignoring you,” Kyle countered.

  “I hope so. I have confirmed that she took her communicator. But after consulting with Jysar and Krinia, I have a new concern."

  “Go on,” Kyle said.

  “After the strange attack by the Paum ship, Minstrel and I conferred privately. We discovered that the Paum use a race of beings called Harg as paid mercenaries in this Sector.” Mother paused, noticing Jaric and Kyle's puzzled expressions.

  “Harg!” Kyle blurted out as he paced the bridge.

  “Oh man,” Jaric groaned. “We had a little tussle with them back on RahajMr."

  “You did not mention any Harg to me.” Mother's voice rose with anger.

  “Well, you said we would finish discussing it later,” Kyle shot back.

  Jaric groaned, shaking his head.

  “And I remember!” Kyle snapped his fingers. “They mentioned they were going to take us to their ship ... someone wanted to meet us!"

  Jaric whistled. “Did they? Not to me."

  “Before Krinia and Jysar left to go after Elise, I warned them to be on the lookout for Harg—which I described for them. As soon as I completed my description, they realized the two aliens who told them about the humans were Harg."

  “You're kidding!” Jaric blurted out. “That's too much—something's going on."

  “This is my fault,” Mother said mournfully. “I wrongly assumed that the Paum's interest in us was based on our visit to RahajMr—and since we'd left without any direct incident, my calculations indicated a lessening of danger."

  Mother grew silent as her short-term memories reviewed the combined data of all of their recent encounters with the Harg and her last discussion with Minstrel.

  “I have failed. I should have shared all the data with you, as limited as it was, right after the Paum ship attacked me. If I had shared all the data instead of withholding it, this would not have happened. But I did not want to worry anyone unduly until I knew all the facts. I have made a grave error."

  “Don't blame yourself, Mother,” Jaric protested. “It's too bad we don't have any hard evidence we could take to Mejadic Security so they could help. We only have a strong suspicion at this point."

  “In fact, if Mejadic Security contacted Mrad Security, we might be the ones they take into custody.” Kyle shook his head, beating himself mentally.

  “It seems we all are of interest to the Paum, not just Minstrel and myself,” Mother said. “I will upload all the data I have to the Aurora for you to review."

  “Where are Krinia and Jysar?” Jaric asked quickly.

  “They chartered a high speed craft to Mermoona. They will arrive much quicker than the ferry. I can patch you through to their communicators.” Mother waited.

  “In a minute,” Kyle growled. “We'd better lay all of our cards on the table now. The Harg may be making their move even as we speak.” He shook his head with slow deliberation. “And we're not even sure what they want from us yet."

  “That mystery must be solved,” Mother added.

  The view-screen now displayed a gracefully moving starfield.

  Inaha stepped beside the silent forms of Rok, Jaric and Kyle.

  “This is not good,” Inaha said with a serious tone.

  “What do you mean?” Jaric asked.

  “The Paum are widely feared. And rightly so."

  “Where did they come from?” Rok's eyes became intent. “Are they a race?"

  “They are not a race. You become Paum.” Inaha's eyes narrowed. “The Paum appeared out of nowhere on the planet Iopa. The Liede lived there—a very technologically advanced race. It was said that their computers were as powerful as the great Mrad systems. There among the Liede—Paum was born."

  “What do you mean?"

  “The Paum took control. The Paum united the Liede as a single people, rid their world of want and injustice and led them in the path of happiness. They no longer focus their lives around business, or technology, or entertainment. They left their cities and now live in thousands of small farming communities while a vast population of robots back in the empty cities keep the infrastructure of the world functioning.

  “The Paum controls those mundane thi
ngs now. In fact, it is even said the Paum controls the very weather—on Iopa and on each world where the Paum takes control. Paum brings them paradise..."

  “Hmmm,” Jaric mused. “That doesn't sound so bad."

  “But there seems to be a price.” Inaha rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

  “There's always a price,” Rok agreed.

  “Their life is now dictated by Paum—but whether that is a code or an actual being known as Paum, no one knows for certain outside Paum. The adherents speak of the mysterious Paum as if it were a being of some kind, but no one has ever actually seen him.” Inaha shrugged. “It's all rather mysterious—everything about the Paum."

  “I don't like mysteries,” Kyle said.

  “It seems everyone who follows Paum is happy, care-free. But I traveled to some of their worlds, newly conquered worlds, on a trader ship last year. It's kind of weird—everyone dresses the same way, everyone smiling and very polite—like they're all copies of each other.” Inaha's eyes became far-off as he paused, remembering those faces. “There was something else in their eyes—fear—or something.” He grunted. “On the surface everything looked great, but I was always happy to leave."

  “They conquer people?” Kyle asked with a puzzled expression. “It almost sounds like a philosophy, or religion. Wouldn't they just try to convert others to their way of life?"

  “Well, that's the scary part,” Inaha said. “It seems that everything outside of Paum is an enemy of Paum. They fight ‘holy wars'. Others must subscribe to Paum, or they must be destroyed. And one day they believe Paum will govern the entire universe. And the universe will be one."

  “They inflict Paum on others?” Kyle gasped. “That's brutal!"

  “I've talked to many back at the floating cities who've fled their conquered worlds—fled before the final Paum victory.” Inaha took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Their wars are unbelievably brutal—small corps of dedicated Paum warriors willing to fight to the death. They march alongside massive armies of robots whose sole programming is to conquer at any cost.” Inaha shook his head slowly.