by T. R. Harris
Tobias had done what he had to do, Adam knew that. But damn, they were so close!
“Is that the master portal to your universe?” Harix asked, noticing the dejected looks on the faces of all the Humans.
“What?” Adam asked, having tuned out everything but his melancholy thoughts.
“I asked if that is the master portal for U-5?”
“It was. Not anymore.”
“Then you must be disappointed,” Harix said.
“Disappointed? That’s like the least of the emotions we’re feeling right now.”
“I suppose now you will be returning to Kor.”
The alien’s statement made Adam shudder. “Kor? Hell no! Why would we do that?”
“I assume you still have a desire to return to U-5.”
“We do, but if you’re implying we try to find the portal in the Queen’s Chambers again, forget about it. There’s only eight of us now, and after the damage we caused the last time we were there, I doubt we’d get very far.”
“Is that how you entered the Sol-Kor universe? I have never been told.”
“No,” Adam relied, impatiently. “We came through a smaller portal, one near the spaceport.”
“In the Farm?”
Adam could tell Harix spoke the word with a capital “F.” It seemed significant.
“What Farm?”
“The Farm where you entered my universe.”
“We didn’t enter through a farm, just a small portal, one just big enough for individuals to make the transit.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“That’s a first.”
“A first what?”
“Never mind. Why do you call it the Farm?”
“Because that is what it is called.”
“A farm of what?”
“Buildings.”
Adam was getting frustrated. “Yes, there were a lot of buildings that all looked alike. Dozens of them.”
“That is the Farm.”
“Yes, we’ve established that. What’s in the friggin’ Farm?”
“Personal transit portals.”
All the stunned and dejected Humans on the bridge now took notice of the convoluted conversation taking place between Adam and the alien.
For his part, Adam stared dumbfounded at Harix. “I’m afraid to ask the next question.”
“Why?”
“Because I think the answer would make me sick.”
“Then do not ask it.”
“What the hell, I’ll ask it!” Riyad yelled. “Do each of the buildings in the farm contain a trans-dimensional portal?”
“Yes. That is what the Farm is for. It contains small units used for movement between my universe and others. You said that was how you arrived on Kor. I assumed you knew. Why did you not select another portal from within the Farm to return to your universe? There are over two hundred to choose from.”
Adam closed his eyes. “And that is why I’m going to be sick.”
********
“Excuse me, Captain, but does this mean we have to go back to Kor?” Lieutenant Johnson was voicing the question on the minds of the rest of the stunned strike team.
“‘Fraid so, Mr. Johnson.”
“I don’t think we’re going to receive too warm of a welcome.”
Adam smiled. “At least they won’t be expecting it.”
“So there’s a couple of hundred portals in those other buildings,” Chief Foster said. “Who knew?”
“I should have, Chief. Looking back on it now, all the buildings were the same. It makes perfect sense, or at least enough to have warranted a search of the surrounding buildings.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Adam,” Riyad spoke up. “I think we were all hoping to get out through the portal in the Queen’s Chambers—which we never had a chance to locate.”
“Well, the good news is we have a way home,” Corporal Neo Anderson said with a buoyant spirit. “And like the captain said, who would be expecting us to return to the scene of the crime? After the admiral blew up that big-ass portal, I was feeling a little…well, challenged, but this is the way of Special Ops. If we ain’t given a way out, we take one.”
“It’s either that or we find a quiet little planet somewhere in this universe to conquer.” Lieutenant Johnson looked around at the rest of the team. “Let’s think about that for a minute,” he said. “A virgin planet, full of weak-kneed aliens. Hell, we could be kings!”
“Did you say a virgin planet…or a planet of virgins?” Anderson asked.
“Either or, Mr. Anderson.”
“Okay, knock it off.” Adam said. “Anderson, get us a plot back to Kor. Mr. Johnson, Mac, Marsh, and Riyad, my cabin. Let’s get a plan going. We’re about six days out, and it’s a guarantee things back on Kor are going to be crazy. Maybe we can use some of that crazy to sneak back in.”
“Otherwise, it’s guns-a-blazing,” Riyad said, flashing a brilliant smile.
“As Rock said: either-or. Now, let’s get to work.”
Chapter 24
J’nae sat with an amused smile and watched as the gathering of High-Nosleads and other ranking officials of the Applying Council shifted nervously in their seats.
In Drasic’s opinion, they were all in a state of shock, many refusing to meet the eye of the their new mutant queen. He had just spent the last hour explaining everything he knew about the current crisis and the salvation J’nae was offering their species. The twenty-two officials at the big round table had been privy to the true nature of recent events, and as a consequence they’d had time to imagine the worst for the future of their race. Now Drasic had arrived with this creature—this mutant—and had presented her as the answer to all their problems. They were in shock, but most realized the impossible situation they were in. And here was a female—the only female—with Sol-Kor blood in her veins, promising not only to save the race, but to also bring even more prosperity—and more food—to the Colony.
The process by which she would do this was abhorrent to everyone seated around the table. Infecting the race with a female element was, well, incomprehensible. This was not how the Sol-Kor did it. They knew this was the norm throughout all the universes they’d experienced, even their own, yet the Sol-Kor were different, and it was this difference that made them great. Now Drasic was suggesting they become like all the others, and with this abomination as their leader.
But what choice did they have? For the past few days every Sol-Kor at the table had truly believed their race was doomed. The High Chancellor himself had verified the mutant’s credentials, explaining how another mutant—the legendary Panur—was responsible for her creation.
“You may not have liked Panur, yet you must admit his contributions allowed for our advancement into space, and into other universes. In his genius, he also planned for this very eventuality.”
“Panur abandoned us for the creatures in U-5,” said Councilmember Tryani, seated a few chairs away. “And now these same creatures—his favorites, his pets—have successful assassinated our Eternal Queen. I have my suspicions that the mutant may be behind this attack.”
“That is ridiculous, Councilmember Tryani,” J’nae said. She had long since memorized all of the top forty-thousand Sol-Kor officials, so she knew all the names around the table. Earlier, she had made a few brief statements, answers to questions directly addressed to her. Now she was ready to exert her newly-bestowed authority. “Each moment of the assassins’ activities has been traced precisely, and it is obvious no input was needed from Panur to execute such a plan. Rather, it came about from an overabundance of confidence on the part of everyone seated at this table. You could not foresee such a thing happening, wrapped up as you are in your belief that no one would dare confront the Sol-Kor on their homeworld. This race—these Humans—not only accepted your challenge, but they came with only twelve of their kind and they did, indeed, assassinate the Queen. Panur did not foresee these specific events, just the possibility that the Queen may die at so
me point, and without any Zygotes to take her place. It was wise to plan for such an event, and this wisdom resulted in my creation. You, Councilmember Tryani, should be grateful.”
“We all realize we face, J’nae—is that correct, your name is J’nae?” This was High-Noslead Winox Al speaking, the Nos of the Sol-Kor military forces.
Drasic noticed the mutant bristle at the question regarding her name, knowing Winox had questioned her as a display of disrespect. The High Chancellor had not had a chance to warn the others of all the powers and abilities J’nae possessed. He was hoping the mutant would not see the need to demonstrate them at this time.
“Winox Al, you are correct. Panur gave me the name J’nae as a tribute to his long lost homeworld. I assume everyone at this table know that Panur was the offspring of the Eternal Queen. And since I am a product of both him and the Queen, I am just like all Sol-Kor, with some notable exceptions.”
“And what are these exceptions you mention?” Winox asked. “We all acknowledge that you are a mutant, which in that statement reveals that you are not like all the rest of the Sol-Kor. Our Queen was a unique member of the race—given tremendous responsibility to not only perpetuate the species but also to guide us with her wisdom and intelligence. Yet she was not a mutant. Do you also possess such wisdom and intelligence that we can also honor you with the title of queen? Simply arriving here and stating so is not proof enough, at least not for me.”
“It has already been acknowledged that I cannot reproduce such as the former queen, but hopefully, even with your limited intellect, you realize that her way was not a sustainable path for the Sol-Kor. Eventually some tragedy would have befallen her. I am setting the Sol-Kor on a new path, a more secure path. And yet I am not just a vessel for this change. I also possess the intellect of Panur, which even you should accept was superior to the Queen’s.”
A nervous murmur spread around the table. “As you can also see,” J’nae continued, “I am more mobile than the Queen, and I am much stronger, stronger than any male Sol-Kor.”
“How can that be?”
The words had barely escaped Winox’s mouth before J’nae had moved from her seated position to be standing behind the startled military commander. Drasic held his breath as the long, slender fingers on the mutant’s hands began to grow, extending out five times their normal length to encircle the thick neck of the High-Noslead.
He fought against the increasing grip, yet was held firmly in his chair by J’nae’s immoveable force. “I regret this, Winox Al, yet it is evident a demonstration must be made in order for me to gain the respect of this gathering, and you appear to be mocking me in uncertain terms. Yet please take comfort in knowing that your death will help stabilize the current crisis and bring about a new and brighter future for the Sol-Kor.”
It was over a second later. The head of the High-Noslead fell over the back of the chair, dangling at an impossible angle.
J’nae scanned the faces in the room. “I expect there will be no more questioning of either my abilities or of my authority. And also be forewarned, I possess Panur’s ability for rapid cell regeneration. I will be your queen far longer than was the Eternal Queen—a title we will certainly have to amend in light of her present condition.”
********
J’nae requested Drasic remain in her chambers after the others had left. There was no doubt in her mind, or that of the High Chancellor’s, that her message had been received and understood. She was the new Queen of the Sol-Kor, and Drasic had the impression that the mutant desperately wanted everyone to know that this was a good thing, even if they couldn’t see it at the moment.
“What is the latest information on the Queen’s assassins?”
Her face grew hard when she sensed Drasic’s hesitation. “I detect from your expression that all is not well on this front?”
“Forgive me, my Queen, but the situation has been fluid and only now is more definitive information being provided.”
“Go on.”
“As you know, I sent a large fleet to the U-5 portal to retake possession, yet the Humans have since destroyed the array…and rather thoroughly as well.”
“That is unfortunate. However, that was not my question.”
“There are reports that a mainship made contact with the Humans at the array just prior to it being destroyed. This craft then escaped the area before it could be stopped.”
“Did it pass through the portal prior to its destruction?”
“No, my Queen. It is still in Sol-Kor space.”
J’nae smiled, which served to only confuse Drasic. She was silent for a moment.
“The assassins sought out the portal as a means of returning to their universe, yet they did not make it through before it was destroyed. Therefore, they will have to find another way of returning to U-5.”
“But that was the only staging portal for that universe. There is no other way for the stolen mainship to pass through.”
“High Chancellor, the Humans did not enter our universe in a spaceship. They entered through an individual portal located within the Farm.”
“Yes, and that portal was destroyed as well.”
“It is but one of many in the Farm.”
“Yet the Humans sought out a starship to make their escape from Kor. They must have had a reason for doing so.”
“Is it not obvious to you, Drasic Reol?”
“What, my Queen?”
“Why they absconded with a mainship?”
“To exit our universe for their own.”
J’nae closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I can tell that ruling the Sol-Kor will try my patience.” When she reopened her eyes they conveyed a look of sadness. “Is it not obvious to you that the Humans were not aware of the other portals within the Farm? They have no knowledge of our universe except for the very short foray they made here a year ago. As outsiders, why would they even suspect there were more portals in the area?”
“I now understand your logic, my Queen. That makes sense.”
“I’m glad you concur.” Drasic picked upon on the sarcasm in her tone. “Now the Humans will seek another alternative for their journey back.”
“Yet you just said they are not aware of the other portals in the Farm.”
“Not yet, but eventually they will learn—must learn. They are a resourceful lot.”
Drasic shook his head. “Even if they learn of the other portals, they would not risk a return to Kor.”
“Why not, High Chancellor? You would not be expecting such to happen. Even now you deny the possibility.”
“Yes…but…” He stopped, unable to form a cogent rebuttal.
“Have news of the portal destruction at the Farm released for wide distribution. Mention the purpose of the Farm. If the assassins do not learn of the Farm on their own, then let us hope they are monitoring our comm channels. Make it appear to be a request for technical support to rebuild the device.”
“Yes, my Queen, even though I still believe the Humans will not risk a return to Kor. They may seek transport to another universe, one further from Sol-Kor dominance.”
“They may indeed. But for now we will assume they won’t. They appear to place a higher value on individual life than we do, and seem very determined to return to their universe. If it were the Sol-Kor who committed the assassination of the Human leader, our team would have gladly accepted their fate and not even bothered to return. Achieving the goal of the mission would have been enough for a Sol-Kor. That is why we are superior to the Humans when it comes to battle tactics. They inject too much emotion into their decision-making. Now go, make the preparations. And, Drasic, allow them to land, but don’t make it too obvious. Let them into the Farm, then I will deal with them personally.”
Chapter 25
The traffic around Kor was surprisingly light, something the team ascribed to having most of the alien starships out looking for them, or comprising the massive fleet that was undoubtedly still in the vicinity of a radi
oactive ball of rock that had once been Master Portal Four.
When Harix learned they were going back to Kor, he was ecstatic. He figured the chances of the Humans being either caught or killed would be greatly increased once they arrived, so he cooperated with requesting landing permission rather than the scratching microphone method of communication they been using for the past two weeks.
To Adam’s delight, they were granted permission to land and assigned a spot almost on the other side of the conveyor ramp and fence from the cluster of cookie-cutter buildings known as the Farm. In hindsight, he should have known the area was a portal farm. It would have made a world of difference. The team would already be back on Earth and toasting their success, with Riyad making the talk show circuit, milking this latest adventure for all it was worth.
There was a transport truck assigned to the landing zone for the use of the crew as they went about their tasks on Kor. It was night on the planet when they landed, with just the right amount of shadow to allow the team, along with Harix, to load into the truck and begin the short journey to the Farm.
They exited the spaceport grounds through a small side entrance, and five minutes later were humming down a street bordered with long, light-blue buildings. As a precaution, Adam had UTC specialist Wizard Kaczynski brief all the team members on how to program a personal portal for the return to the Klin colony ship, just in case they became separated or Kaczynski didn’t make it out alive. Unlike the huge portals used for ship transport between universes, these smaller units were capable of tuning into similar devices, unless programmed otherwise. The only unit on their side they had an address for was the one aboard the Klin starship.
The portal back at Travis was for limited uses, yet the Klin portal could be used to move between universes. It had already been used for that purpose twice before. All it had to do now was hold up for one more trip.