Monster

by Patrick F. Johnson

“Oh, collisions?”

  “Precisely. We jumped closer to the star of this system to ensure our systems will be fully charged. We will arrive at Vera with the next jump.”

  “That place looked crazy,” Michelle said. Both she and Robert were sitting on the front edge of the couch.

  “That is as good of a description as any. It was once a human planet, but its proximity to the newer traffic patterns has corrupted it.” Phildan bowed his head as he spoke the next words. “We've learned that Frank is to be a part of the next tournament.”

  “What tournament?” Robert asked.

  “The Gotes periodically assemble a group of combatants for an organized tournament. It usually consists of condemned criminals, although there are sometimes volunteers, as innocent fighters win large sums of currency. If a criminal wins, he or she wins their freedom.”

  “Frank is no criminal,” Robert stated.

  “Of course not,” Phildan replied. “But the Gotes are simply cashing in on his notoriety.”

  Robert thought about it for a few moments. “They threatened Earth if he didn't go. Now they're making him fight. This is really fucking with my emotions.”

  “You are certainly not alone,” Phildan answered.

  * * *

  “It's Nera!”

  She marched down the ramp ahead of her companions with even more confidence than her Nuunian compatriots were accustomed to. Donned in her black varitherm with two short swords strapped to her back in a crossed configuration, she was a vision of lethal authority. And she felt strong. She stopped at the bottom of the ramp to allow everyone else to catch up. Looking out into the forest, where the warrior sect was emerging, she commanded, “Bring my masking oil.”

  “Yours is where you left it,” Shik Ricarra said as he came forth. “Feel free to use mine.”

  “Thank you,” she responded. “You have done well. Bett told me all about it.”

  “I wasn't left much choice, but thank you just the same.” Shik gave her his best boyish smile. “So, I see you have brought more giants with you.”

  Nera glanced back at Hiro and Miyako, who were both looking around in awe. “These are the Nakamuras. This man is who taught Frank the art of swordplay.” Hiro heard his surname and snapped to attention. The small crowd's reaction to Nera's words compelled him to bow.

  “While we are certainly grateful for their arrival,” Shik said, “I must ask, where is Frank Ford?”

  “They have taken him,” Bett interjected as he stomped down the ramp. “They threatened the destruction of his world, so he sacrificed himself.” He listened to their collective gasp. “He isn't dead. They have other plans for him that I do not know of, but I am confident that he will find a way to destroy them from within.”

  “They weren't hard to defeat,” Shik said with a smug smile.

  “You're not the only one who has killed a Gote,” Nera said. “And I intend to kill many more.” She knelt down and closed her eyes as the older woman came from the forest carrying a bowl. She made her way to Nera and proceeded to paint her face with the wide black stripe that all of the warrior clan bore. It quickly dried, hardening into a mask that oddly matched her suit. “We must hide the ship, and stand ready for more Gotes.”

  24.

  “That was absolutely brilliant, Trove,” Evrok proclaimed as the smaller Mingrein was departing the scout ship.

  “The Gotes aren't very smart, and their warship was garbage. But thank you just the same.”

  “What do you mean by garbage?” Gildract asked. They were assembled in the airfield along with several heavily armed Mingrein.

  “It was a Li design, but the hull cracked way to easily. It was substandard construction.”

  “Tirogof wanted his betrayal to go smoothly,” Evrok mused.

  “I agree,” Trove replied. “It looked quite impressive, but I only fired eight torpedoes to completely destroy it.”

  “I'm sure knowing exactly where to target helped,” Gildract added. “Give yourself more credit, my friend.”

  Trove shrugged and smiled as much as a Mingrein could manage. “So, what is the status of the Gotes down here?”

  “There,” Gildract said as he pointed toward the freighter that was just coming into view. “We're bringing that drop ship inside the fence.”

  “That is good thinking,” Trove said. “I doubt mingala understand the need for interrogation.”

  They watched as the freighter gently sat the drop ship inside the barrier. With all weapons at the ready, the Mingrein formed a loose perimeter around the troop transport. A fourth-gen Mingrein ran up and slapped a device onto the hull just beside the ramp.

  “Is that an explosive?” Evrok asked.

  “No,” Trove replied. “It is a translation module. We retrieved Gotian from the computational systems.”

  Evrok paused and looked at Trove. And then he looked at Gildract. “Yes. This new way is good. I never would have thought of that. My brothers would not have thought of that. You two represent the very best of your respective generations. And you are in the positions that you deserve.” Trove and Gildract nodded in thanks. “Now to lure these idiots out of that drop ship.” Evrok marched over to the device and looked it over. Everyone could tell that he was trying to think of something to say into the translator. He turned back to the group so they could see the mischievous look in his eye. He pressed the button and said, “We only need one of you alive. We'll let you decide which one.” He drew his pistol and backed away slowly. After a short time, several gunshots were heard from inside the drop ship. Evrok chuckled. “I cannot believe that actually worked!” he exclaimed as everyone burst into laughter. The ramp lowered, and after the cooler air inside had escaped, a lone Gote was visible among the corpses. He dropped his gun when he saw dozens of Mingrein taking aim at him.

  “Get him inside,” Evrok said, “before a mingala claims him.”

  * * *

  “We are through,” Gladys said as she checked the instruments. “We're clear. Phildan?” she said as she stood up. “Would you please take the helm. Put us somewhere safe.” He rushed to take her position as she moved to the opposite side of the control room. She sat down and donned the halo that aided her in steering her remotes. “I'm going to find Frank.” She manipulated some controls. “I have a feed going to the television on Frank's boat.” She did something on the other end of the panel. “I have his beacon.” She had a look of determination. “I'm coming, my love,” she said under her voice.

  * * *

  “So I had these orbs in my pockets weighing me down the whole time,” Frank said, recounting the battle that Jard had asked him about.

  “That explains a lot,” Jard said after he stopped laughing. “I thought for sure that the video had been faked. The way you threw that lizard around. Low gravity. Very clever.”

  “Now if I could only figure out a way to counter this higher gravity.” Frank was again laying on his side. The collar was very uncomfortable but he had given up on adjusting it. He was tired of getting shocked

  “What language is that?” The question was in English and it came from just outside the door. And Frank knew the voice.

  “You. You're as good as dead.” Frank found it odd to be speaking English on Vera to anyone other than Raymond. So he switched to Lianese. “My first order of business, when I get out of here, is to track you down.”

  “Mr. Ford, I am just a contractor. I was hired to do a specific job, and thanks to you, I failed. I see no reason for you to continue to harbor a grudge against me.” Ottwan squirmed in his chair, thinking of this relentless human tracking him across the galaxy for the rest of his life.

  “If your job is over, then why are you here?”

  “I had to explain to Korick what had happened. I am trying to make amends so that I may continue my career without Gotes hunting me down.”

  “This stupid title alone is enough to make me kill you,” Frank said. His anger was distracting him from the constant pain of his hunger.
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  “To be honest, I never expected the title to stick. I don't really have the authority to grant titles. But when you refused to die, you pretty much cemented it.”

  “So, why are you here now? Just to piss me off?”

  “I just want you to know that I advised against bringing you here.” Ottwan sounded very sincere.

  “So, I'm just supposed to forgive and forget?” Frank asked.

  “I know that is a lot to ask for. The Li operations on Earth had been going on for some time. Tirogof hired me simply to wrap it up.”

  “What was the point? Why a planet so far away?”

  “With Sessik technology, nowhere is far away anymore. Tirogof and Korick acquired that on their own.”

  “Do you know how they did it?” Frank asked.

  “I don't know all of the details, but I understand it involved the shipbuilder having gambling debts. And something about a construct.”

  Frank thought of Delvan, and how heartbroken Phildan was over his brother's fall. “I am still wondering why Tirogof would enlist the aid of these assholes.”

  “He needed funding. He and Korick were to divide up the galaxy between the two of them. We were to supply nuclear weapons to the Gotes as part of the deal.”

  “Does Korick really have that kind of wealth?” Frank asked.

  “Casinos. Intoxicants. Slave trade. All are lucrative businesses. But these tournaments are where he makes the most profit.”

  “Oh, so he takes a cut of all betting.”

  “Yes. And there is a ridiculous amount of betting going on. He will make more on this tournament alone than he lost on Tirogof.”

  “You're being awfully generous with this information,” Frank said suspiciously. “What is in this for you?”

  “While I am merely a contractor, I am still a Li. With Tirogof gone, Korick is free to invade wherever he sees fit. I fear for my people, as you fear for yours.”

  “Could the Li raise an army against him?”

  “That's what the Mingrein were, but you put a stop to that. And now Korick has sent a warship to retake Korbaal.”

  Frank laughed out loud. “They won't retake Korbaal.”

  “I think you may be right about that.” Ottwan paused. “So what language was that? From what I gather, no one else has been able to communicate with the Assassin.”

  “I don't know what it's called. Comm chip.”

  “Ah, yes, of course. Another part of the curse.”

  * * *

  Gladys' cloaked remote made its way through the atmosphere until the Great Pyramid came into view. The beacon was emanating from the adjoining building. As the orb got closer, she realized it was one of Korick's casinos. And then as she was looking for a way in, Gladys decided that this must be the main casino. The building itself was horrendous. It looked as if a dome had been constructed, and then added onto. And then added onto again. With the dome protruding from the top of the garish Gote-styled building, and the contrast of the classical Verullian architecture surrounding it, the casino looked like a pimple on the city. A group of soldiers was making their way toward the main entrance, so she followed them in. Once inside, she flew past several gaming tables and devices to make her way over to the dome itself. Tables and standing areas were situated at the glass, and she could see that the arrangement was carried out all the way around the dome. Then she looked up to see that the upper floors had the same configuration. She decided that this was where the tournament actually took place. Most patrons dock at the massive space station in orbit above the city to place their bets, but patrons that were able to withstand the gravity would fill every available inch of the glass for a chance to see the gruesome battles below. The floor was lined with doors around its full circumference. The beacon was originating from the far left of that lower level. She then searched for a way down. After one full lap around the dome, she noticed a massive Gote entering the casino. He was dressed differently than the others. His uniform was burgundy, trimmed with gold, but it actually looked nice. And there was the human trailing closely behind. It was the two that Phildan had recorded on Earth. Unlike the other patrons, they didn't make their was to either a bar or a gaming device, but instead they walked hastily toward a table where a Gote sat alone. She moved closer.

  * * *

  “What news do you have?” Moldew asked.

  “Princess Caja is taking over all the business of the throne,” the Gote responded.

  Moldew looked around and then motioned for Raymond to be seated. “What does that mean? What of King Ondex?”

  “Calm down, Moldew,” the Gote said. “He gave her control. There is no treason. Apparently there is some special project that he wants to focus on.”

  “That is a relief,” Moldew said. “She is strong willed. This might bode well for our cause.”

  “I would say it bodes very well. She has already dispatched an agent of Korick that had infiltrated our ranks.” The Gote looked around suspiciously. “What have you to report?”

  Moldew looked at Raymond for a moment before turning to answer, “Korick is making the Monster fight in the upcoming tournament.”

  “That is already common knowledge,” the Gote replied.

  “We have reason to believe it's the biggest mistake of Korick's life. This particular human is very dangerous.”

  “No offense,” the Gote said toward Raymond, “but how is a human so dangerous?”

  “There is video of him defending his planet,” Moldew responded. “He cut down entire regiments of Mingrein, single handed. Apparently, he took Korbaal. And he killed two Gotes at Rhoshe One that attempted to claim his female.”

  “The footage could have been faked.” The Gote pondered the other points. “Korbaal? That would be difficult to prove.”

  “That report came directly from a Li operative. I heard it myself.”

  “Li are certainly not reliable. You say a human killed two Gotes at Rhoshe?”

  “Yes,” Moldew replied. “They were riding with some Gurdiks.”

  “I'm sorry, Moldew. I can't report this. It's too unbelievable.”

  “Let me add this,” Moldew said. “The Gurdiks have completely evacuated the planet because of it.”

  “That's not like them,” the Gote replied.

  “They fear his wrath, should he escape.” Moldew looked very serious.

  “Do you fear his wrath?” the Gote asked.

  “We watched him rip his hand out of a set of heavy shackles and then use them to break the jaw of a high ranking Gote soldier. His flesh was torn, and we saw it heal right before us! Another soldier tried to shoot the Monster, but the rounds never made it to him. He has some type of shield. We have heard that he is somehow immortal. Yes. Yes, I fear his wrath.”

  The Gote sat and stared at Moldew for a moment before replying, “I'll deliver the report. Keep in mind, I am taking it to the princess.”

  “That is good.”

  * * *

  Gladys was listening intently to the conversation and recording every word. She noticed how the three of them kept looking around suspiciously, even the silent human. She found herself doing the same as she listened and that is when she spotted him. A Gote in a military uniform was watching them talk, partially hidden behind a pillar. He was too far away to hear their words, but his actions drew her interest. As he turned to slip away, she could see that there was a metal plate covering most of his jaw. This must have been the Gote that Frank had tangled with. She decided to follow him. Quickly closing the gap between them, she came in close, just over his left shoulder as he entered a lift. Surprisingly, he entered the command to make it descend. She had expected him to go upward, toward where she imagined some main office to be in such a large ugly building. They rode down for a short while, and when the door panel opened, he went straight toward and office where an older Gote sat, watching some recording of an exotic sporting event.

  “Doris? What brings you down here?”

  Answering with only a sneer, the Got
e that she now knew as Doris snatched a key from a rack. He looked around and fetched some strange device from a bin with odd Gotian markings. Making a motion with his free hand, Doris made it clear that any interference would mean death, and he turned to leave. She followed him as he reentered the corridor and went the rest of the way to where it led to the ring of cell doors. He turned to the left and marched on as if with a purpose. After about a quarter of the way around, she could hear voices in the distance. As they drew nearer, she realized she could hear Frank talking. But the sound of the other voice interrupted the relief she felt. It was the voice from the propaganda videos.

  * * *

  “I am fairly certain that you should not be down here,” Ottwan said to Doris as he marched forward.

  “Your pathetic race has no authority here,” Doris said with his new lisp. “You have no authority anywhere, for that matter.”

  “I do not know what you have planned,” Ottwan said, “but I am certain that Korick would not approve.”

  “I am claiming this human,” Doris replied as he quickly reached out and snatched Ottwan's drone from mid-air. “I have heard enough out of you.” He smashed the drone repeatedly against the hard outside wall and then violently threw it down the hall. Jard began to protest loudly from the next cell but Doris simply pressed a button on the device he carried. “Shut up,” he said casually as he listened to the odd sounds of the Assassin being jolted into unconsciousness. “And here is one for you, too.”

  Within Frank's cell, he felt the jolt of electricity being sent through his body. He fought through the immense pain for a short time before finally passing out, succumbing to its power. He didn't hear the sound of the mechanisms that formed the massive locking apparatus of the door as Doris used the key and swung it open. Closing the door behind him, Doris looked down at Frank's unconscious body and opened his fly. Kneeling down, he rolled Frank onto his stomach.