by Ronan Frost
Capac's eyes widened with shock. He summed up the android's figure in one glance.
"You scroch!" he bawled. He swung the rifle around, the trigger still held down and spitting out yellow fire.
87-DE moved like lightning to deflect the blow. Capac was no match to its mechanical strength as the great machine wrenched the rifle free of the small hunter's grasp and cast it away.
Capac did not pause to think. He simply grabbed whatever came to hand. It was a length of wood, once a roof support but now one end was alight with fire. Capac rammed his burning club towards the android - with a shower of exploding sparks and embers the fire-eaten wood collapsed, saving Capac from certain death. The dancing sparks of wood hanging in the air threw 87-DE's targeting system off, the heat sensor thrown in to disarray as it was confronted with pinpoint sources of heat in all directions. The android switched to infra-red but by then it was too late. Capac rammed his knife into its neck, severing several wires. The wires were non-essential but the resulting confusion gave Capac the few seconds he needed. He wrenched the gun from the android's hand, tearing at its steel grasp with a frenzy driven on with the sight of seeing Huso's headless body.
Then the weapon was free and in Capac's hands. He barely had time to glance at the weapon. It was awkward in his hands but he didn't have time to change grip. A finger found the trigger and he depressed it immediately.
A shower of explosive tipped shells crashed into the android's chest. Capac felt a brief surge of relief as he saw the strange new weapon had fired in the direction he had intended.
The android's chest collapsed at point blank range. Its internal structure was torn to pieces with the ravages of what had been its own weapon, flying back for two metres before plunging to rest.
Capac looked quickly at the squat machine gun he held, grunting with satisfaction. He shook his head to clear it as a cry sounded.
"Capac, run!"
He looked up, and saw with mounting horror the Sunlord trooper he had shot into the sand was regaining its footing.
Gurhuin raised his laser rifle and flicked the auto-guided projectile panel. The seasoned A-squad warrior depressed the trigger and a grenade shot from the powerful gun.
Capac dived for the hot sands and rolled into the cover of a hollowed out tree. The grenade shattered above his head and narrowly missed bursting his skull.
As he rolled he scooped up the rifle the android had knocked from his grasp, so that he held two weapons in his hands. His face was streaked with sweat and bent with fury as he unleashed two parallel bursts of fire from each of the weapons.
Myshia was at the edge of the jungle, calling him.
"Run, Capac, run!"
Capac looked over to Huso's body, shock pounding at his heart. He made an effort to recover his friend's body, but was driven immediately back by a solid blast of gunfire.
Capac cursed as he sought a way around the Sunlord to aid Huso.
Myshia's voice came through the trees, but Capac barely heard it. "Huso's dead! Leave him, Capac. Run, run!"
Capac stopped in his tracks, his bloodstream coursing adrenalin, as the full impact of Huso's death hit him. Gazing as if disjoint from reality, he saw the prone form of what had been his loyal friend upon the sands. He realised his companion was beyond help.
The tree sheltering him was lit with sudden flame as laser rippled along the barked surface. Capac leapt for more substantial cover as his surrounds were bathed in flame.
The world swam before his eyes and he found himself falling into the sand.
Ashian pulled the hunter to his feet and back into consciousness. The currach staggered as he half-dragged Capac towards shelter as the trooper bore down upon them. Capac gasped for breath and seemed to draw his wits together. Myshia intercepted them at the tree line.
"Take this," said Capac, tossing the rifle to her. He glanced down at his own weapon, the android's machine gun. "I'll cover you while you make for Peprepa's Hill."
Myshia had caught the weapon and propped the butt into her shoulder.
"I'm not going without you," she swore between burst of fire.
Capac cursed. Letting off a long a savage burst back in the direction of the village he ran into the jungle, pulling Myshia after him.
They caught up with Ashian and together the three ran for their lives through the thick jungle. Sounds of pursuit became audible. They leapt over fallen logs and plunged straight through thorny bushes, heedless of scratches.
"Down here," called Capac, darting off to the left. He ran, and found himself in a small clearing, the ground dropping off at his feet. Without hesitation he cast himself off the cliff face with a cry.
Ashian and Myshia followed suit, not questioning Capac's lead. They plummeted down through the air for a few metres before splashing into the pool of water below.
Ashian gasped for breath as water was forced up his nose. He sunk for what seemed like eternity until he thought he would never again see the light of day. He struggled up, and at last broke the surface.
Capac helped him to the bank and over the half submerged roots of a tree. Five seconds later they disappeared into the jungle.
Gurhuin caught himself at the cliff's edge. He peered down, the targeting computer scanning the ground below.
He cursed as he realised the natives had escaped.
* * *
Ashian stirred the ashes of their campfire with a stick. The moon was rising in the night sky, bathing the forest in cold light. They had run until the light and their bodies had given out on them, finally forcing they declare a stop and rest for the night.
"I can't believe they're gone," Capac muttered. "Huso, the Elder, all of them. And it's my fault."
Myshia massaged the hunter's shoulders. "We did all we could."
Capac eyes lowered, taking a few deep breaths as he managed to soothe his mind. His husky grumbling voice was audible only to himself.
"I will avenge you Huso."
Ashian spoke. "I...I have never seen such death and killing," he began slowly. "But what I do know is that we cannot remain here. I will say all the prayers I am able and give my utmost supplication to the dead. But that is later..."
Myshia picked up the thread of his thoughts. "Now we have to rid our home of these monsters."
Ashian nodded, his mind boggling at how quickly the invaders had gone from mysterious godlike entities to feared terrible creatures.
A new light of determination shone in Capac's eyes. "What can we do now, Currach?"
"We must go after the Sunlords."
"That's crazy," muttered Myshia. "We were lucky to escape three - let alone an army."
"No, we don't use violence," interceded Ashian. "We must some how join their group, for that is the way to the ship in the sky."
"What, just join the end of the queue?" Capac was becoming uncomfortable and restless.
"I'll think of something."
Capac was unmoving, his brows sunken in contemplation. "Just tell me when you think of your plan. Too many have died already because of your dallying."
"Do you have a better idea?" Ashian retorted.
Capac fumed with emotions brought the surface by stress and fatigue. "You were the one who lead us off on your merry waltz while my village was slaughtered."
Ashian managed to put a lid on his temper and replied with calmness. "Just remember who left the trail for them to follow. Besides, you came with me of your own free will, and blame cannot be laid upon me. But this disaster must strengthen our cause in the fight against the invaders." The Currach spoke as if from a pulpit. "Those departed for the spirit world are blessed in the company of Abas. They are gone beyond our care. It is our sacred duty to defend the living."
"Spare me the sermon," grumbled Capac as he rolled over, settling himself into a rudimentary bed of leaves. He lay down and in moments appeared to be asleep.
Ashian shrugged in response to Myshia's gaze. Soon Myshia too settled down in her makeshift bed by the fire.
> "Get some sleep, Currach. We've got a full day ahead of us tomorrow."
Capac did not sleep - how could he when his mind was a turmoil of emotions and deranged thoughts. He kept dreaming he saw Huso, almost convincing himself that his friend slept on the other side of the fire just like the old times...then the memory of Huso's headless corpse flooded his mind and bitter emotions returned.
Capac cast aside the layer of broad leaves that protected him from the cold. He stood, angry that he could not sleep even though his body ached and craved for rest. Gathering up his newly acquired machine gun he decided to go for a walk.
Leaving the smoking embers of the campfire he glanced upon the sleeping Currach's form and felt a stab of remorse. He had not meant to argue with Ashian, but at the time he seemed the target upon which to take out his anger.
He stretched to his full height and gazed up at the full moon. He turned and was about to set off on his walk when a sudden rustle of motion erupted from the trees.
Capac ducked low, his heart suddenly beating in his ears. Then the sound came again, a rustling in the bushes like an animal shuffling though the undergrowth. But Capac's trained ears knew that no animal on the planet made no such noise. This noise was distinctly of someone making their way towards the fire.
He shook Myshia awake.
"What is it?" she whispered, immediately alert.
Capac rose to a half-crouch to gain a better perspective.
"There's something moving in the bushes."
Myshia perked her head and held silent and listening. Then a snap of a twig and drag of leaves alerted the Eloprin hunters that the thing was very close now. Both were silent as Capac gripped his machine gun in an offensive manner. The Eloprin hunter stalked over towards the clump of trees from which the noise seemed to be coming.
Myshia was at his side, indicating he should restrain himself from firing if possible. Capac nodded in understanding, knowing that such a racket would alert the entire Sunlord army. Together they stepped forward a little closer to the rustling.
Suddenly a figure slumped into the open and fell across the shifting shafts of moonlight. The natives recoiled defensively - it was without doubt a Sunlord. Capac overcame the initial flutter of panic to swing the end of the machine gun over his head almost instinctively.
"Wait!"
He was poised to strike but at the last minute this word spoken by the creature stopped him, his face a mask of surprise. The creature had its arms protectively over its head and was obviously wounded. Capac saw on his second glance that this thing was different to the Sunlord; it was smaller, thinner, and the frontal bulge that appeared on the skull of the Sunlord was non-existent. Although this thing wore Sunlord clothing Capac saw that it was almost smoothed skinned, not unlike an Eloprin infant. Whatever it was, it wasn't Sunlord, and it wasn't a Currach.
Capac backed off slightly uneasy, the rifle still at the ready.
"Wait," groaned Shaun, propping himself up from the humus. He hawked and spat blood, cradling bruised ribs with his right arm. His misty vision slowly cleared, revealing the glistening end of a rifle barrel hanging millimetres from his chin.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire, thought Shaun.
Chapter Five
Plans Afoot.
It is much safer to obey than to rule.
- Thomas A Kempis.
Rows of fluorescent lights flickered into life overhead, driving away the oily darkness to reveal a huge hanger aboard the space craft Urisa. Giant machines lined the walls, silent with inactivity. Multi limbed service droids were locked into position in each of the many docks harbouring small space craft. A massive jaw like machine hung from the roof that could, using the matrix of interwoven tracks overhead, lift small ships and place them in another location, where another machine would take it up.
Rows upon rows of cylinders containing rounds of ammunition were flush against the walls behind the docked ships which allowed re-arming in a matter of seconds. Huge blue lettering on the wall proclaimed it to be Hanger 09.
The dock housed a myriad of craft, from the simple scout ships, to the Sova-1 fighter craft, and the huge Daml bombers. All sat awaiting with infinite patience, ready to launch at a single command from Avatar.
As the lights came into life harsh shadows cast from the square machinery, distinctly etched into the surroundings. Two forms made their way into the hanger via a brightly lit corridor, their elongated shadows dancing almost ghoul like over the steel floor.
They were Sunlord mechanics, suited in a specially modified Helicasuits constructed of lightweight titanium mesh that would cushion a heavy blow or protect them from an accidental explosion. An air mask hung limply like a dead parasite from their necks, to be used in case of an emergency. Both wore a tool belt fitted with a variety of small mechanical aids - all small and supplementary since the main tools were available from the consoles embedded into floor space. Besides, the droids did most of the work. The crew was only put on to assist the droids and to oversee that a short-circuit did not result in disaster.
Conversation echoed eerily about the sleeping dock as the two crew members stepped through into the hanger. They stepped with carefully controlled steps in the half gravity of the hanger.
The gravity inside was half that of the rest of the ship so that manoeuvring and lifting would be made easier. Although this would be easier in zero-gee a weightless environment presented countless difficulties; disembarking to find oneself floating halfway across the hanger in an uncontrollable state, or dropping a tool or part and watching it become irretrievably lost once dropped. So a compromise of half gravity was obtained, the docking days spinning half as fast as the main section of the Urisa. At the rear of the huge interstellar ship, surrounded on either side by jet propulsion systems, was the main docking day at zero-gee. This was explicitly for high tuned fighter craft which was maintained all activities to maximise efficiency, the absence of gravity in this section making work easier for the machines. The result was a strange hybrid ship with different sections revolving at varying speeds, making it fascinating and beautiful to look upon.
One of the two mechanics punched a button on a control panel to bring up a status report. The board was green, so they moved onto the next. Irfide, one of the mechanics, broke the silence with casual talk, his speech harsh and almost rhythmic as he spoke in his native Sunlord tongue.
"Did you hear of the escape, Gron?"
The smaller, squatter Sunlord narrowed its eyes and signalled curiosity. "Escape?"
"From the bio-labs division."
"Huh!" scoffed Gron. "Experiments to find the perfect being. There was nothing on the Newsnet of this escape."
"I came across the escapee by chance. I was in time to see a guard in the corridor below me try to take it back into custody. I'm afraid my glance was swift because I had a schedule to keep."
"What in the name of Frug was it doing out of the cells?" The smaller Sunlord's large mouth pulled back to reveal large incisor teeth, a gesture interpreted by the other as anger.
"Avatar allows them access to equipment to analyse their actions. I am sure that the Earth creature that escaped will be dissected and the video tapes of his breakout studied."
"This creature was an human? Avatar has kept one of our sworn enemies aboard our own craft? Aren't these the creatures that threaten to take our homes?" Gron's yellow eyes flickered with emotion. "We fight a war against the Federation, yet we let on of their kind spy upon us? Why, Irfide?"
Irfide soothed its companion, attempting to control the flows of adrenalin-like chemicals in the latter's brain. The wraith and angered fury of the Sunlords that had enabled the species to conquer in primeval days was still present in these modern day beings. If in a suitable state a Sunlord could double its strength simply with the unconscious flow of an unusual and unique organic chemical.
Irfide gestured silently to the steel hull around them and the mini camera's mounted flush in the walls. Avatar could hear ev
ery word they said. "The mother computer knows best," Irfide finished.
Gron grumbled but was silent. He was an old man, one of the oldest aboard, and being a mechanist did not often interface with Avatar, but he knew enough to shut up and change the subject.
"You been on shore leave?" he asked. They had now reached a looming craft, its landing gear safely fitted into the specially designed holds of the dock. The shell of the ship had been removed and a mess of wires hung like intestines from its underbelly, its flank extensively damaged from a blow it had suffered in a skirmish during the last battle. Replacement parts were being fitted by a long armed, nimble fingered machine. Its hydraulics were silent for the moment as another much smaller machine tested all electrical circuits of the ship.
Gron answered Irfide's question as he checked the progress of the circuit testing, his eyes scanning the rows of numbers that appeared on the monitor. "I'm overdue. I hear it is a lush planet, the natives simple and ignorant."
Irfide laughed chillingly. "I have been, and yes, the natives were enjoyable. They were small and flimsy, and their bones terribly brittle."
Gron looked up from the monitor, satisfied with the results. He too grinned. "I will have to find such a settlement."
Irfide's voice lowered conspiracy. "I found a village when I was flying over the forest in a pod car. Although I left them in a bit of a mess I'm sure you could find someone."
Shore leave for the crew was a luxury given only for recuperative purposes. The computer, fully briefed with psychology files, knew that relief is necessary after war. Avatar had decided to give small numbers free range of a non-hostile planet for a few days. It refreshed the Sunlords both mentally and physically. Hunts were encouraged by Avatar to build up the aggressive psyche of the crew.
"Did you say you found them in the forest?" asked Gron. "The newsnet stats read that the only sentient life lived in primitive stone-walled cities."