by Ronan Frost
"They shall not find us so easily. These rebels are unsuited for warfare and it is not surprising they don't last long. We came across a small band of rebels a few weeks ago blundering through the jungle."
"Did you give them aid?"
"No, they would be a burden. Our tribe was on the run and we didn't need to look after a bunch of wild Currachs would couldn't be trusted."
"Then why trust me? Why did Nobilor bring me back?"
The Elder chuckled softly. "It must have been your lucky day, for Nobilor has no love for the Currach. He must have taken pity upon your form. Either that or the wood sprites worked some of their magic."
Ashian smiled. "Wood sprites? No, it was Abas, the One God."
The Elder scratched his neck absently. "The forest is alive with spirits. One day you will come to learn the Marshad Teachings."
"It sounds fascinating, and I would love to talk to you about my Religion. But there is the Currach in me coming out, chattering about Religion when there are more important concerns."
The Elder sobered. "You really want to go to the stars and fight the Sunlords there?"
"Will you help me?" Ashian asked simply.
"It is not up to me, but my hunters. If any wish to travel with you that is their business, and I admire their courage. As to me, I am too old to gallivant to the sun. I must get my tribe back in strength before the winter storms."
"But don't you see," exasperated Ashian. "If we don't do something then the planet might not be here before the winter storms! Your hunters must help me."
"Hey, keep your voice down. But I ask you, if a man from another race wandered into your city and wanted you to travel with him to the end of the world, even to your death, you would hesitate. We are a simple people but are not willing to be pushed into anything."
"I meant no offence," covered Ashian. "I'm sorry, it's just that every day I sit here I feel I should be doing something. As I sleep I think of all the Currach who have no doubt fallen that day, the rebels, the farmers, the citizens."
"You take pride in your city, don't you."
"Of course," returned Ashian. "It is the heart of Currach culture and its streets are the lifeblood of Abas."
"Strange beliefs," chortled the Elder. "Everyone knows the holy spirits reside in the forest."
Ashian was about to reply when a shouting rang out. The Elder stood immediately to see what had happened.
"Capac has returned," came the explanation from a small excited Eloprin boy who ran messenger through the village.
"He is early. Come, Ashian, and let's hear his tale."
They met with Capac and Huso as the two hunters stepped into the forest clearing. Their faces were black with dirt and camouflage sap and they walked slowly. The Elder bade a welcome, and Capac returned it.
"We have been walking since yesterday," panted Capac. He lay down his bow and small pack. "We stirred the Sunlords up like bees, and they were pretty furious." Capac grinned with the memory. "We managed to shake them off our trail, though. It was tough."
Huso came up behind his leader. "They almost had us a couple of times, and this crazy scroch kept taunting them. We'd be in hiding and a patrol of Sunlords would pass and thop! Capac would take out one with his arrow, and we'd be on the run again."
"But it was fun, wasn't it?" grinned Capac.
"What did you do to them?" asked the Elder.
"We found another of their encampments and buzzed it. I took two Sunlords and Huso here got one. The others got pretty worked up so we lead them on a wild chase through the forest. We booby trapped our trail and set up ambushes. We lead them right into our environment."
The other villagers had gathered in awe about the hunters. They were the only Eloprin in the village with enough gall to face the Sunlords, and great respect was deserving.
"Did you bring back any Sunlord fire weapons?" was one of the other hunter's question.
"No," returned Capac. "We had to travel light and quick. Extra weight, especially one of those heavy things, would surely slow us. Besides, nobody knows how to use them anyway."
This was greeted with silence. The Elder hadn't be able to work the rifle and neither had any other of the hunters who had tried.
Ashian stepped forward to the Elder. "You have a fire weapon? I didn't know."
The Elder shrugged. "I didn't think you would be interested in a tool of killing. Besides, if a hunter can't figure it out a city Currach can't."
Capac's attention was attracted to Ashian. "So you are out of the furs? Recovered from your delusions yet? When I last saw you, you babbled on about some mad scheme."
"I will drive off the Sunlords myself if I have to. I would like to speak to you once you have rested, Capac Fletfod. The Elder had told me much about you."
Capac was silent. The serious mood was broken as the Elder called out:
"Prepare the feast! Capac is home!"
A cheer erupted, for the villagers had been stockpiling and preparing gourmet dishes all week. Everyone wanted to get stuck into the grub.
The villagers dispersed to go about their duties, and Capac's hut-wench came and took him and Huso to the bathing pool where soap and fresh clothing awaited.
The Elder, Capac, Huso and Ashian sat about the smouldering remains of the bonfire. The festivities had lasted long into the night and now the moon hung bright overhead. The village was quiet now as the Eloprin slept deeply under the influence of Jawkra root.
The four natives sat on bench-like logs about the crackling fire. The Elder spoke.
"We must speak of what we are going to do about the Sunlords. Ashian has something to say to you Capac. Listen closely, for his words have merit."
Ashian looked up as he heard his name, startled out of his daydream. He quickly informed Capac of how he intended to drive away the Sunlords.
"You what?" cried Capac. "This is suicide. How easily you think of flying like a bird to the sun, only a madman could dream of such a thing. Our only chance is to draw the Sunlords into the forest where we stand a better chance."
Ashian shook his head. "They will send down a powerful force and everything will be destroyed. The only way to save this world is to go up there ourselves. We could ambush one of their craft and pilot it up to the mother ship. Of course, it you are afraid..."
Capac fumed. "I have more courage than all the Currach put together. Why should we place our live in your hands? Who said you're any better at fighting Sunlords?"
"I can work their machines."
"What makes you so sure?" barked Capac. He contemptuously tossed the rifle across to the Currach, who caught it awkwardly. "If you can work that thing, I may just consider going with you."
Ashian turned the heavy rifle over in his hands. His mind was racing as he looked at its totally alien shape. He must work it so he could show Capac he was worth something. Fate was balanced on a knife edge as the Currach tried in vain to operate the metal contraption.
The forest was silent. The fire collapsed as a burning log gave way in a shower of sparks and renewed crackling.
Ashian was bemused. No matter how he prodded at the rifle nothing seemed to happen.
Capac opened his mouth to criticise but his words did not escape his mouth. Yellow angry fire erupted from the weapon in Ashian's lap. The three natives fell over backwards as the harsh loud chatter echoed through the trees, the leaves above them honeycombed with holes as the uncontrolled muzzle leapt wildly in Ashian's hands. The dirt of the clearing spouted dust as he strove to bring the weapon under control.
Suddenly it stopped.
Ears rang with newfound silence as battered leaves spun to the ground like soft rain. To Ashian's surprise Capac broke out in laughter.
"It looks like we have some talking to do, crusader."
Chapter Three
Rumblings.
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
William Shakespeare: Henry VI.
The young Sunlord radar controller aboard the Urisa scanned the world below anxiously. The distress message had come from a survey team deep in one of the forests and since then hadn't responded to any calls. The controller tried yet again.
"Urisa to Coney Blue. Awaiting transmission and status report."
Dread certainty rose within the Sunlord as nothing but static greeting his call. He flicked a switch to interface with Avatar.
UI:> Request update on android 39-LX and survey team CB-221.
The computer responded instantly.
Android code 39-LX off line; last status report 97.540.32.209
Blood rushed to the controllers face. His six fingered hands flew over the specially shaped keyboard.
UI:> Display last transmission of 39-LX.
The computer responded with something he had never seen before.
Access denied; mainframe investigating survey team CB-221.
Avatar had refused him access. The controller got the attention of the midshipman, who came stalking over, his large bulk moving easily under the low artificial gravity of the ship. He glanced at the radar controller's monitor.
"I picked up a distress call, sir, but Avatar has cut me off."
The midshipman grunted. "She has taken over, she knows to do better than you or I."
"What will it do? Shouldn't we inform the Admiral?"
The midshipman gave him a piecing gaze. "How long have you been in this position?"
"I normally work on the flight deck, but I am relieving con-"
"Then perhaps you should go back there! I will not have some ignorant frug questioning my authority. You should know that Avatar takes priority. If she thinks the Admiral should know she will tell him."
"But what will Avatar do?"
"Probably send out a A-squad to investigate. You cannot underestimate the power of the computer, she is the true commander of this vessel. Now get back to your work before I report you for lounging."
Far on the other side of the massive battlecruiser machinery whirred with life.
Gurhuin Sicil glanced up at this companion as an alarm rang on the ceiling of the mess room. He put down his nutripaste tube.
"Looks like Avatar wants us," he grumbled. "Always when I am having lunch."
Jhakl laughed. "Last time I was caught in the Erotocouch. It was a rude awakening."
The two Sunlords stood, large muscles bunching beneath tight helicasuits. The helicasuit was a specially designed suit constructed of microscopic interwoven fibres that gave the suit toughness and durability, able to withstand a vacuum and also high pressures. The lightweight helicasuit also shielded the wearer from the sub-zero cold of space and could resist the blistering heat of an explosion.
Jhakl pressed a wall panel and a door hissed open. "Haven't seen much action for a while," he commented as he stepped through the door.
"Should see some soon; Avatar is taking an unusual interest in this planet."
Gurhuin was a bull-like burly creature, his jaw low and protruding and his scalp hairless. Both Sunlords moved lightly on their feet like panthers, their chests broad and shoulders wide.
They belonged to a crack troop force known as the A-squad used in war time to infiltrate enemy lines and secure planetside bases. Equipped with the best hardware of the time they were a formidable opponent even for the best of defences, their specialised 'Auras' laser rifles meaning certain death to anyone caught between the cross-hairs.
They were the elite warriors aboard the Urisa and demanded special respect anywhere within the Forces, and looked upon by others with a mixture of admiration and suspicious awe. The A-squad warrior was created carefully from birth, their genes cultivated in laboratories for maximum strength, fitness and intellectual brilliance.
In a battle they were often the fatal stroke that destroyed the enemies defences. Their job was to infiltrate through the trenches and defence walls after the heavy troopers and tanks had taken the brunt of the firepower. From there they relied upon speed and manoeuvrability to locate and destroy the enemy's critical installations, freeing the way for the troopers. The A-squad was a feared name among the lines of the adversary, for they knew once they got through the outer defences, their base was as good as gone.
Gurhuin had seen many battles and had fought alongside fellow warriors for most of his long life. He paced lightly down the steel corridor, his weight carried easily upon muscled legs. He stepped into the armoury cube.
"See you planetside," he called to Jhakl as his companion walked a little further down the corridor to his cube.
"Let's wipe some thorts!"
Gurhuin laughed and fitted himself into the cube and sealed the door. Moments later he was in darkness.
Machinery hummed as heavy armour was fitted about his form by a thousand small robotic arms. Webbing containing dehydrated food, ammunition, a medical kit and a self contained gas mask strapped to the armour. The heavy duty Auras rifle slotted into place in the holster just below the right shoulder blade that could be retrieved by the Sunlord by simply reaching over in an easy motion. A smaller pistol fitted snugly into its recessed clip on the left thigh and a belt of grenades snapped onto the waist of the armour.
Just as the final latches hummed and locked into place, the floor beneath Gurhuin's feet dropped away. His face remained impassive as he dropped and carried through a world of blackness and groaning hydraulics. There was a hissing, and the door before opened before him. Taking a split-second to reorientate himself, he stepped out and double-timed it through the restricted area to the docking bay.
He piled into the seats of the craft that awaited, noticing that five other troops had already taken position. The drop craft had a small interior and was empty of lining. All available space was utilised in the most efficient manner possible. The android supervised as the equipment was stowed and strapped, but its presence was superfluous as the troops moved into their positions like pieces falling into a jigsaw puzzle. Barely had the last two troops locked into position did the door shut and docking catches release.
In a complex array multiple machines swung into action to carry the small craft through the opening dock doors. The hiss of propelling steam immediately froze as it entered the absolute cold of space, retro rockets flaring to carry the ship away from the bulk of the Urisa. The primary thruster blazed once clear of the docking bay and in seconds the craft was in free fall. The whole craft shook and jolted as they entered the atmosphere and gravity tugged gently at them. Ten seconds later all that could be seen of them was a small fiery speck, falling earthwards with flame in its wake.
The troops of A-squad were briefed on their mission as they fell. A small monitor embedded into a side panel of every acceleration couch slid forward, green lettering issuing commands Avatar had assigned. The troop's mind easily retained the list of co-ordinates and time rendezvous in their photographic memories. The technical briefing was followed by a synopsis:
Target: settlement of 23 inhabitants. Deepsat records location 104.304 ^ 28.09.
Dropsite: as shown on schematic above.
Objectives: all life forms must be dispatched. Caution must be taken at all times. Weapons are to be set to maximum firepower.
The troops' discipline bred minds absorbed this information - to them the enemy was a digitised image of a squat narrow-faced alien on the data files, sometimes showing themselves between the thick gnarled trees on the planet below. It never occurred to them that these creatures were intelligent or could form some sort of resistance.
Not even the Avatar master program expected retaliation.
* * *
Numerous huddled forms sat cross legged about a low fire, cloaks drawn about their forms in the growing darkness, flickering shadows cast by the fire dancing over their faces. The Elder sat at a prominent position, eyeing all others of the tribe.
"I have called this council t
o settle the matter of the Currach." The Elder drew on his Jawkra pipe and puffed smoke from his nostrils, at the same time gesturing to his left with a twitch of his head. All turned their gaze and saw Ashian sitting on a hide of a nearby hut, drinking steaming stew examining the Sunlord's fire weapon. He sat apart from the council, patiently awaiting its outcome.
The Elder continued. "The Currach asks of our assistance in fighting the Sunlords."
"Why does he need us?" cursed C'hio, a tribe hunter. "Why, after hundreds of years, do the Currach come to us? From the moment the hunting party brought him in I knew that this creature only wanted us for one reason - cannon fodder!"
A wave of murmuring went up, both in confusion and some in agreement.
Capac spoke. "As chief hunter, I think that something must be done to help the Currach. He has worked the fire weapons of the Sunlords' and claims to have been aboard their ship. Yes, at first I too was sceptical, but the more I talk to him I realise he has bold plans."
"Plans that'll get you killed," grumbled C'hio.
"Has our method of attack been successful lately? Huso and I are the only ones who have drawn Sunlord blood, the rest are too afraid or too inept."
C'hio rose to the challenge. There had never been any love lost between the two hunters and tensions were once again brought to the surface. "You dare call me inept? Why, I wouldn't be surprised if you had stirred the Sunlords up so much they were setting fire to the entire forest at this very minute."
The Elder stepped in the quell the impending conflict.
"Calm yourself, C'hio. Capac has defended our tribe as his efforts should be respected. Now lets hear his views."
A general wave of agreement came from the villagers. Capac spoke.
"Since we lost our village we have been in hiding, without large shelters and bonfires." Capac remembered their former village, a huge encampment of wicker huts generations old. "That is gone, and we have to rebuild. But before we can do that we have to drive away our enemies in with one powerful blow."