Monster

by Patrick F. Johnson

  “The Risen!” Cheers followed the familiar voice of Shik Ricarra.

  “Quiet, my friends,” Bett answered. “We must make sure there are no more.”

  Several humans appeared as if from nowhere with arrows knocked at the ready, covering Bett as he reached up and snatched the alien from the ramp. He then crept up the ramp and peered into the cargo area. Finding nothing, he pressed on toward the cockpit. He holstered his pistol when he found it empty.

  “It is all clear,” he cried out as loudly as his translator would allow. “I'm coming out. Please lower your bows.” He marched back through the cargo area and down the ramp.

  “What are these things?” Shik asked.

  “I think these are called Gotes. I've heard of them but I've never seen them in person.” Bett looked over to view the crying females being consoled by the Nuunian warriors.

  “Why were they taking these females?” Shik asked.

  “I have no idea. I don't think I will ever fully understand mammals.”

  Shik shook his head as he looked over the vessel. “We are very grateful for your help. That noise you made. Wow. You stopped them. You gave me an opening to take my shot.”

  “You did very well,” Bett answered.

  “I was so afraid of hitting her by mistake...”

  Bett cut him off before he lapsed into hysterics. “Nera would be proud.”

  Shik smiled. “Well, we sure couldn't have done it without you.”

  “And I couldn't have done it alone.”

  Shik looked around and then asked, “What do you think we should do with the bodies?”

  “Help me get them loaded,” Bett answered. “As soon as I figure out how to fly this thing, we'll take them to my camp and feed them to the kyles.”

  Shik laughed. “You are the wisest of all beings, I can attest.”

  Bett joined in the laughter. “It seems we have a new ship.”

  * * *

  “It seems you have a new ship,” Frank said as they made their way to the upper level.

  “I am looking forward to having a look at it,” Trove replied.

  Frank recognized the corridor. “Frad, is that access panel to the roof still open?”

  “Yes. Someone or something ripped it from its hinges. It's on our list of things to repair.”

  Frank stifled his chuckle. “I want to bring my associate down. I'll bring him in through that hole. Please make sure the field is lowered and keep in mind that he is not edible.”

  “Sire!” Frad exclaimed. “I would never!”

  Trove laughed heartily and slapped Frad on the back. “Our ally jests. You will learn.”

  A few moments later, Phildan landed softly in the corridor. “Hello. I am called Phildan. I am the Monster's science officer.” He smiled at Frank. Somehow he had managed to speak the Mingrein language with a British accent.

  After the Mingrein introduced themselves, Frank said in a low voice, in English, “My science officer? Really?”

  “It's important to love your job. Might as well have some fun.”

  Frank chuckled. “I can't argue with that. Shall we?”

  “I already spent way too much time in that room over there,” Phildan said, having switched back into the Mingrein language. “Let's see what is inside these others.” He was leading the pack at this point, walking with great confidence. He punched the button to open the door to the next lab over. “Now, this is more like it!”

  Frank stopped in the doorway and watched as Phildan and Trove started going through things and conversing with a sense of glee that only the technically minded could appreciate. Frad stepped into the room and found a stool to sit upon while he observed with great disinterest. Frank looked over his right shoulder and nodded. Constanthos made her way, her remote still cloaked, to interface with the main computational systems.

  “The next room is far more interesting,” Frad said to Frank.

  “Oh, yeah? How so?”

  “It is where they built the battle suits. We haven't fully investigated any of these rooms, but we have no understanding of this one.”

  Frank looked around to see handwritten notes. Everything was written in Lianese. “You're not alone there. I am unable to read this language.”

  “They were researching the effects of radiation,” Trove offered as he was reading some papers.

  “Between the messy handwriting and the fact that I'm not very good with Lianese, I'm not getting anywhere here,” Phildan admitted.

  “Here is a list,” Trove said as he showed the paper to Phildan. “They have several different sentient species graded and ranked. It would seem that we Mingrein are quite resistant to radiation.”

  “Only the Rhoshe and the Gurdiks are higher,” Phildan added.

  “Humans and Gotes are right in the middle.”

  “Interesting,” Frank said. “Who is at the bottom of the list?”

  “The Li, of course,” Phildan answered.

  “Even more interesting. I wonder how they ever developed nukes.” Frank rubbed his chin as he often did while lost in thought.

  “I know we are pressed for time,” Phildan said finally. “Let's go to the next room.”

  “If I discover anything more of interest, I will surely share it,” Trove offered.

  “I would so appreciate that,” Phildan replied. He started for the door. “Shall we?” He marched quickly out the door and down the corridor. Again punching the opening mechanism, he stopped and stared for a moment before walking in.

  Frank walked in to discover Phildan standing with his mouth agape. “You alright, buddy?”

  “Oh, yes. This room is amazing.” He began circling the room as if looking for something. “I need to find where the helmets are assembled.”

  Frank's height offered him a better view. “Try over there,” he suggested, pointing to the opposite corner.

  “Ah, yes. Thank you, Frank.” Phildan practically sprinted to the work table where several helmets were in various stages of assembly.

  Frank and Trove came to stand near him. “So, what's the deal with the helmets, Phil?”

  “I'm curious about how they are interfacing,” Phildan answered.

  “Huh?” Frank asked.

  “I want to know how the Li would control the suits. When you fought them, did you notice any delay in their actions?”

  “No, Phil. They were pretty quick, actually.”

  “There appears to be some type of sensor array,” Trove said as he also inspected a helmet. “The circuitry is amazing.”

  “Yes,” Phildan responded. He looked over to view what appeared to be a map laying on the table. “Here, look at this. They mapped out the Li brain. These tools are for calibrating the sensors. Not bad. I see room for improvement, though.”

  “I'm glad you never got a chance to improve them,” Frank said. “They were already tough enough.”

  “It is my understanding that we were just a testing opportunity for the suits,” Trove said with a slight tinge of anger in his voice.

  “Hmm. I wonder.” Frank rubbed his chin again. “Gladys?” he called out with a glance over his shoulder.

  “Yes?” she answered, her remote again uncloaking over his left shoulder.

  “Have you anything to report?”

  Shifting into Lianese, Gladys asked, “Trove, the Wise, would it be acceptable to you if I speak in Lianese, as my voice isn't suited for the Mingrein language?”

  “I find that acceptable. Thank you for asking. But I must respond in the Mingrein language, as my voice is not suited for Lianese.” He gave a slight bow toward the orb.

  “Thank you, Trove. I have accessed Tirogof's journal.”

  “Amazing. How deep was the encryption?” Trove was suddenly very excited.

  “It was very deep. These battle suits, as well as the stealth suits, and the Mingrein race for that matter, were all designed to fight the Gotes.” She paused to allow Trove, and now Frad, to process the information.

  “Please cont
inue,” Trove said after a few moments.

  “Tirogof had orchestrated everything. He had been in talks, independently, with Korick, the crime-lord that controls the Gotian government. The Gotes were pressing toward the borders of the Li Empire. Tirogof made it so Emperor Mobof would order the creation of a new army. So Tirogof began manufacturing Mingrein. He had already designed your great race and it was just a matter of building. He knew you would eventually rebel. You know about the next part. Groll was manipulated into taking a path of destruction that eventually led him to Earth. The original plan was for you to weaken Earth's defenses enough so the Li could come in and take all of Earth's nukes.”

  “Okay, now I'm confused,” Frank interrupted. “The Li already had nukes.”

  “That is true,” she continued. “Earth's nukes were promised to Korick. The Li were unable to manufacture their own nukes due to their sensitivity to radiation, and the lack of materials throughout their empire. They were able to acquire a sizable amount from a being simply written as Ottwan.”

  “Thanks for the clarification,” Frank offered.

  “You're welcome,” she said. “Tirogof wrote that he intended to betray Korick. He planned to regain control of the Mingrein, and with the battle armor and stealth suits, invade Gote space.”

  “His plan was too complex,” Trove offered. “It was doomed to failure.”

  “I agree,” Gladys replied. “But I must give credit to Frank.”

  “Agreed,” Trove said.

  “Tirogof knew his history well,” she continued. “The Sessik found a way to beat the Li before, so that is why he destroyed Sessik Home. He was very close to declaring himself Emperor. I was to be executed at his coronation.”

  “So it is you!” Trove said with great excitement. “The legendary Winner of Wars! It is a great honor to be speaking with you.” He dropped to one knee. Frad looked confused and mimicked Trove.

  “No kneeling!” she exclaimed. “You are a proud and noble race. You should not kneel for anyone.”

  Trove laughed as he stood. “Your influence is evident in your Custodian.”

  “As Frank would say, you have it exactly backwards. This is a result of his influence on me.”

  “You know, I'm standing right here,” Frank added.

  Trove seemed to ignore him. “You are well known as one of the greatest minds in the galaxy, Mistress Suercey.”

  “I thank you for the compliment. But I want you to know that I have shed all of my old titles. I am now known simply as Gladys Ford. I am one of Frank's wives.”

  Trove's eyes went wide as he regarded Frank. “I don't fully understand the concept of wife and husband, as those are mammalian concepts. But I do understand that congratulations are in order.”

  “Thank you,” Frank answered with a slight nod of his head.

  “How many wives do you have?” Phildan asked in English. “She said she was one of your wives.”

  “The jury is still out,” Frank answered.

  “I suppose I should get out of the workshop more often,” Phildan said.

  Frank answered with a shrug.

  “So what is to become of us now?” Trove asked.

  “It is just as Frank said,” Gladys answered. “You are now free.”

  “But the Gotes,” Frad interjected. “They show up periodically to collect us for their tournament.”

  “I am unfamiliar with that,” Gladys answered. “But with your defensive array and the mingala, I am sure you can easily defend yourselves.”

  “Yes, brother,” Trove added. “This is the Mingrein home planet and nothing short of a global bombardment will change that. And I am going to devote my efforts to preventing even that.”

  “So what do we know of this Korick?” Frank asked.

  There was a slight pause and Frank realized that Gladys was being fed information from Constanthos. “Not much is written in the journal. It only says that he was regarded as the biggest single threat to the galaxy before your emergence, Frank. Earth was off-limits to the Gotes as part of their original agreement.”

  Frank shrugged. “Funny, I don't feel like a threat.”

  She went on, “The agreement is obviously no longer intact. We should probably get going.”

  12.

  “Father?”

  Ondex looked up from his work to regard his daughter. “Caja?”

  “I am of age and feel the need to take over the business of the crown.” She surprised herself with her own bluntness.

  “Is that so? So you're here to kill me?”

  “No, Father. My love for you is strong. I wish to remove the burden from you.”

  “I see. I knew it was a matter of time before you would realize that your father wasn't suited for leadership.” He sat his tools down to give her his full attention.

  “Korick has gained too much power,” she continued.

  “I agree.”

  Caja bore a look of confusion. “So why have you done nothing?”

  “Because I fear for your safety.”

  “Is that it? You shouldn't believe the tabloids, Father.”

  “You are all that I really have. The palace, the wealth...it means nothing to me.”

  “Their deaths were ruled an accident. No one would kill a female, let alone two.”

  Ondex moved closer to his daughter and placed his gigantic scarred hands upon her shoulders. “I will have you know that it was implied to me, directly, that it wasn't an accident. I know you lost your mother and grandmother. I lost my mother and the Gote that I loved. It wasn't merely a marriage of convenience as most royal marriages are. I was deeply and truly in love with your mother. And now you are my world.”

  “I love you with all of my heart. And I hope you can understand. I have no deep desire for power. I only want to set things right. Korick has distorted our Gotes. His ways are not the proper Gotian ways.”

  “I am aware.”

  “I have been in talks with members of the Royal Guard,” Caja said.

  “Oh? So they're feeling treasonous?”

  “No, Father. If fact, they were concerned with my intentions. Once they heard me out, they pledged their allegiance to us.”

  “To us?”

  “Yes. You are King Ondex. I am just Princess Caja, running around and kicking seatpants.”

  Ondex laughed at her remark. “You are so much like your mother.” He looked her in the eye for a long while before adding, “I have gained a bit of a reputation for my hobby. This will work in our advantage. I shall announce a leave, and leave you in charge.”

  Caja smiled. “That is a wonderful compromise, Father.”

  “It will raise less suspicion in the government this way. If I abdicate my throne, Korick will take notice and...I don't know.”

  “Mother died when I was very young, but I remember her. And I know she would be proud of you, Father. And you are quite skilled at your hobby. Word outside Gote space is you are a master sculptor.”

  “That is flattering. It's funny how inspiration can be a fleeting thing. But I find myself feeling so inspired now that I must get to work on this new project.”

  “I'll have the proper papers drawn up so you can sign them between the strikes of your chisel.”

  “Yes, do that.” Ondex had a faraway look.

  “I'll leave you to it, Father. And I look forward to seeing what you come up with.”

  * * *

  “So what makes you sure the kyles will even eat these things?” Shik asked.

  “They, like you, are mammals,” Bett answered without looking up from his work.

  “I don't even know what that means,” Shik answered. He was sitting cross legged behind Bett, who was fiddling with some wiring harnesses.

  “Despite their size, these beings are more like you than me. Kyles won't eat me, but they will eat you.”

  “If you say so. I wish Nera was here to make sense of all of this.”

  Bett shook his head. “If you would be quiet for a while, I might be able
to figure this thing out. After I dispose of the bodies, I wish to travel to Earth in order to report to Frank.”

  “Yes. We need Frank.”

  “Now here is something that I understand.” Bett lifted his head to look at the view screen. “There is a setting for Lianese.”

  “I don't know what that means either.”

  “It means the Gotes got their tech from the Li.”

  Shik answered with a blank stare.

  “Okay. Get out of here. I will let you know what I discover.”

  * * *

  “This Korick will surely be looking to expand Gote Space,” Frank said. “I hope I haven't left you guys in a bad place.”

  “I would choose death in battle,” Gildract answered, “defending my home world over dying on some barren rock with an unstable star.”

  “We would all agree,” Evrok added. “This is a fine planet.”

  Frank looked over as Phildan and Trove marched down the ramp of the Gote ship. “Any luck?” he asked.

  “It is just as I had suspected,” Phildan replied. “The computational system has a setting for Lianese and it was running at about one third efficiency. I made the proper adjustments and Trove is going to take it from there.”