The Human Chronicles Saga : Boxset #2 (The Human Chronicles Saga Boxsets)

by T. R. Harris

  But there was something a lot more important than her libido she wanted to discuss with Adam. He would find it shocking, yet it was a conversation that had to be made.

  Adam was as nervous as a school boy before his first county-wide debate. He and Sherri were standing on a raised platform that had been constructed in the massive hangar at his base on Pyrum-3, and crowding the cavernous room were dignitaries from the New Expansion, including the Administrator himself, Kroekus of Silea. There was also a smattering of Humans there as well, part of the diplomatic mission on Juir who had accompanied Kroekus to Pyrum. Adam’s team was there, too, what was left of them, all standing behind him on the platform. All in all, there were over a hundred beings in the hangar, and they were all looking at him.

  But as he thought about it, he realized that wasn’t entirely true. As a matter of fact, at that very moment very few eyes were on him; instead they were all focused on the incredible figure of Speaker Arieel Bol as she slowly approached the platform between two rows of seated dignitaries. Arieel and the High Celebrant, Convor Ton’al Ona, had come to Pyrum-3 to present to Adam the highest honor Formilian society had to offer – the Crest of Honor – for his success at saving the life of the Formilian Speaker. To him, it was all just a big photo-op, and he was feeling very out of place standing there on the platform. He had just been doing his job – and trying to save his own life in the process.

  But the person who was really making him feel uneasy was the one standing a step behind him and to his right – Sherri Valentine. As Arieel approached, her dark, almond-shaped eyes now locked on Adam, she was looking as incredibly beautiful as ever, and Adam knew Sherri would be scrutinizing his every move, his every glance, while in the presence to the Speaker. Sherri had already admitted that even she considered Arieel to be probably the most beautiful and seductive female she’d ever seen, of any race. So what was he – a mere male – to do in light of that fact? It would take incredible restraint on his part not to completely screw up this entire encounter.

  But Adam did have one ace up his sleeve – Convor. Even though the High Celebrant was easily sixty years of age, he was still an incredible example of virile manhood. (Adam chose not to bother with changing his thinking to Formilian-hood anymore; it just didn’t matter. The old guy was simply a hunk, and he knew Sherri would notice.)

  So Adam would himself be on the lookout for any reaction from Sherri to Convor’s presence, ready to use it as a counter argument against any criticisms she may later send his way. It would have been simpler if they’d just mailed me the god-damn award!

  “Greetings Mr. Cain,” Arieel said warmly as she stopped in front of him, her voice strong and projecting, so the entire chamber could hear. “It is very good to see you again.”

  “Same here,” Adam stuttered, his voice already crackling and revealing his nerves. Arieel locked eyes with him for longer than was necessary, a sly smile curling up the corners of her ample lips.

  Eventually Arieel broke eye contact with Adam and looked over at Sherri. Both females were about the same height, yet one blonde, the other dark haired. “You must be Adam’s mate, Sherri Valentine,” Arieel said with small bow. “You have such a lovely name, almost like that of a song.”

  Sherri’s mouth fell open, as she found herself at a loss for words. Finally she was able to blabber her own awkward reply. “Oh, thank you, Ms. Speaker, or Arieel. I’m afraid I don’t know what to call you?”

  Arieel flashed one of the brightest, warmest smiles Adam had ever seen. “Please call me Arieel. We are all friends here.”

  Convor then stepped up and greeted first Adam and then Sherri just as warmly. Adam could see Sherri’s checks go flush as the tall, barrel-chested, deeply tanned hunk of maleness leaned in close to her and kissed her on the cheek. Adam had never seen Convor do that with any female before but figured he must have considered the gesture a common greeting of Human females. Whether or not this was the case, it caused Sherri to wobble slightly before she regained her composure.

  Sherri looked over at Adam and smiled, yet her eyes said it all: Holy crap! We’re both in trouble, aren’t we? Adam just returned the smile.

  Arieel then stepped back some and straightened her back. “Adam Cain,” she began formally, “I have been hard at work petitioning the Order to award you a special honor afforded to you and to you only. Even though Speakers in the past have faced grave danger in their lives, in my case it was the worst ever encountered in the entire two-thousand years of the Speaker’s existence. If it wasn’t for you, I would have surely perished, and even our entire way of life may have been compromised.”

  Adam chanced a quick glance Convor’s way and noticed from his expression the High Celebrant was not sharing in the joy of the occasion. Convor knew the truth; the truth about how little Adam cared for the Formilian way of life, and how close he had come to bringing it all crashing down.

  “So here, my friend Adam Cain, I present to you the Formilian Crest of Honor, the first ever given to a non-Formilian, and the highest award my people have to offer.” Arieel stepped forward and placed a ribbon over his head with a large, silver medallion hanging from it.

  She then turned to the audience so they could all see Adam’s glimmering award. The crowd began to clap – or at least half of them did. The other half produced a cacophony of dissonant sounds ranging from hoots to screeches, as each represented race had their own distinct form of expressing congratulations.

  Then Convor stepped up to say a few words to the audience, to be followed by Kroekus, and then Ambassador John Daulton, the highest ranking Human in the New Expansion.

  You look nervous, Adam Cain. Try to relax.

  Adam’s eyes blinked several times as he heard the words echo in his mind. He was sure he heard them, but they seemed to come out of nowhere … and everywhere.

  He looked around the podium. Sherri was still flushed in the cheeks and staring, mesmerized, at the view of Convor’s back, or more correctly, his butt. Next he turned to his left and saw Arieel looking at him with one of her trademark seductive smiles.

  Don’t be alarmed, the voice said again. It is only me, Arieel.

  Adam’s eyes grew wide and his gaze locked on the stunning alien. What the hell’s going on? he thought.

  Just try to imagine we are talking traditionally. Use the skills you’ve acquired until now to imagine this. You can do it.

  Are we talking telepathically?

  Of course, Adam, how else could you hear my thoughts?

  You said you couldn’t read my mind! Adam was angry, as well as a little embarrassed.

  I am not reading your thoughts. We are communicating through our Gifts.

  Adam’s mouth fell open.

  Yes, I know you carry within you a Gift, just as I carry. Even though it is an affront to my religion and a threat to our very way of life, I have come to accept the fact that you have it, and that – regrettable – it has been deemed a benefit to the Formilian people.

  What do you mean? And you knew about my implant?

  Of course I knew. I knew the moment it was born in your body.

  Why didn’t you tell me?

  Oh, this is a secret even the Order does not know. Throughout the long history of the Speakers, we have been able to communicate with other wearers of the Gift, but we have chosen not to reveal this to the others. It is how my mother and I communicated throughout the years, as I was trained, and up until the very moment she relinquished her contact with Mislin and Sufor. She taught me a lot during our private conversations, and I am sure the loss of our intimate contact is what hastened her death upon losing our link. It has been the same for nearly every other mother-Speaker pair.

  And now we’re linked?

  Yes. This is such a unique occurrence that I hesitated at first to reveal it to you. Yet in light of recent developments, I felt it necessary.

  Adam looked over at Sherri almost in a panic and saw her looking at him, a frown on her forehead. “Are you all right?”
she asked, leaning over to whisper in his ear. “You look pale.”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little anxiety attack being up here in front of all these people, I guess.”

  “You’ve done this before, Mr. Hero of the Human Race. What’s so different now?” Sherri looked past him and at Arieel, who was watching the two of them with an amused expression.

  Does she know? Adam asked through his mind.

  How could she? She does not possess the Gift.

  “I’m fine,” Adam repeated, patting Sherri on the shoulder. “It will pass.”

  Sherri frowned a little deeper, but then slowly looked away and back to Convor, who was still speaking.

  You do not have to look at me for us to communicate, Arieel’s voice told him.

  Thanks, that helps a lot, Adam thought. Now what do we do?

  We are at a critical crossroads in the affairs of the galaxy. Even with the creature McCarthy’s death, we do know that his technicians now possess the knowledge to construct more of his primitive devices. This could be catastrophic to the Formilians, as well as the structure of the entire galaxy. If the knowledge and use of these counterfeit Gifts becomes widespread, it could alter everything.

  I agree; that was one of the reasons I insisted I get the implant – the Gift. I knew McCarthy was on the verge of learning how to build one, and I needed to be a counterforce against him having it.

  Adam, we both know that it was also the power you sought as well.

  Adam looked out at the adoring crowd, now beginning to stir restlessly as Kroekus took the stage. He wondered if she could also read his interior thoughts, his own deep musings.

  I sense a caution on your part Adam. We can only communicate when you chose to communicate. The Gift will know the difference between a public thought and a private one. So, once again, please try to relax. This is a wonderful Gift you’ve been given, as unique as the award I just gave you.

  So can we only do this within the range of the device?

  Technically, yes. But remember, we can control nearly all electronic devices within that range, including conventional communication devices as well as CW links. If you wish, your thoughts to me can attach themselves to any other communication, and I will hear you.

  Can McCarthy’s device communicate with us, too?

  No. That device was of a completely foreign design, a blasphemous design, not given by the Gods. We may be able to detect its presence, but we cannot communicate with it, nor can we control it. This is of grave concern to me.

  Adam smiled, while still looking out at the crowd. So it’s just you and me against the universe and the forces of evil?

  Exactly, my friend Adam. I fear that this knowledge will get out and then we will have to fight constantly to keep it under control.

  But Arieel, you’re the Speaker of the Formilian Coalition. You can’t be out wandering the galaxy searching for bad guys with a medallion hanging around their necks.

  No, but I can help coordinate the search for such devices, as I’m sure they will appear. But it will be up to you to be the tip of the sword.

  What if I need help? Can I bring in others?

  You mean your mate, do you not?

  Possibly.

  We shall see. If the need arises, then of course. Our primary objective will be to keep the existence of such devices a secret for as long as possible.

  But Arieel, I am leaving for Earth in a short while, I may be gone for as long as a year or more.

  With McCarthy’s death, you should have time to do what you must to preserve your mating pair. We will still be able to communicate, and with the new ships you possess, transit times between Human space and Expansion space has been greatly reduced.

  There was a deep silence in the depths of his mind before Arieel’s voice came through once more.

  Adam Cain, we are at the beginning of something very new, something neither one of us has ever experienced before. We will learn as we go forward. I know you are a neophyte in the ways of the Gift, having only discovered its most basic functions. I will help when I can, to guide you to new levels of awareness and of control. Go to your Earth, take time to recharge your spirit energies, and then return. There is much work to be done before we can both truly find peace.

  Adam looked over at Arieel and they shared a long, serious look. She was right. If the knowledge of McCarthy’s device got out, then it would be as Adam had predicted – a mass rush to build and acquire these devices by everyone, friend and foe alike. He knew that until now all he’d really used the device for was to turns things on and off. But he also knew it was capable of so much more. It took Arieel ten years and more of constant training to get where she is now, and she’s still learning. It would take Adam even longer. It would be a solitary journey, smoothed occasionally by the ephemeral voice of Arieel Bol – unless he could bring on a partner.

  He looked at Sherri again. She was also looking at him, now an expression of nervous concern. She knew his mind was elsewhere – literally – and she would be at a loss as to understand why. But he also knew she would focus on the logical target of his distractions – Arieel Bol. Somehow, he would have to put her mind at ease.

  31

  The day after the award ceremony, Arieel and Convor left Pyrum-3 for Formil. Kroekus and the Ambassador left as well, and soon the base was nearly deserted, as was its normal state of being.

  Sherri had been very warm towards Adam over the past twenty-four hours, trying her best to ignore the obvious chemistry that existed between Adam and Arieel. It also made her worry about the plans they had made only a week before.

  “Are you sure you still want to go?” Sherri asked as they cuddled on the couch in Adam’s apartment. “I know it hasn’t been six months, but after all the crap we’ve been through over the past few weeks, I really need a vacation. And you did promise.”

  “I know, and I’m with you, Sherri. I could certainly use a vacation, too. Let’s go – let’s pack up and head back to Earth, at least for a while. It will be good to be in a place where aliens aren’t trying to kill you every few seconds, someplace where we can just relax.”

  “Exactly! I once said it was boring there, well that’s just what I need; someplace boring, where nothing happens … at least nothing involving aliens and galactic empires and ancient vendettas.”

  “Earth sounds like just the ticket – probably the most boring place in the entire galaxy these days.”

  Sherri moved in close to Adam. “Now there’s that other thing – that secret you won’t share with me. I know it has something to do with you and Arieel. Don’t try to deny it; I saw how the two of you have some sort of special connection, and it’s something more than could have developed over seven days onboard a starship while running for your lives. So what is it? Do you two have a love-child together, or what?” She attempted a feeble smile.

  Adam raised his eyebrows at the question – and surprised at just how close to the truth the statement was, in a manner of speaking. Sherri saw his expression change and her eyes grew wide. “No way; I was only kidding!”

  “It’s not what you think,” Adam said, gently taking hold of her shoulders. He looked her straight in the eyes and his expression grew serious. “You have to promise not to say a word to anyone. This is deadly serious – I mean it.”

  Sherri was taken aback by Adam’s dark tone. She nodded nervously. “Okay, if you want to know then I’ll tell you – no, I’ll show you.”

  He then pushed her away slightly, creating a separation between them. Then he held out his right hand, as his face relaxed and his eyes stared at her without seeing. Just then Sherri began to notice faint streaks of light zipping around in the space between them. Soon the streaks became more prominent, now more than just an illusion; they were real, and dancing around in the air like a frenetic swarm of fireflies on a warm Southern night. The tiny bursts of light began to congregate just above Adam’s still extended hand, beginning to form the shape of a ball just above his palm. Th
e ball of light grew brighter until both their faces were aglow with sparkles and bursts of white.

  Sherri’s eyes were now wide with shock and wonder. She was mesmerized by the swirling mass of electric light now hovering in Adam’s hand. As she stared at the ball, it all became suddenly clear. She opened her mouth and simply said, “No freaking way!”

  A wide smile began to stretch across Adam’s face. This was the dawning of a new age for him and Sherri, as well as for the entire Human race….

  Epilogue

  Nomar Polimic, Langril of the Kracori, had never been this far from his home. He looked out the observation dome aboard the mightiest ship the Kracori had ever built – a behemoth nearly half-a-mile long – and saw the star known as Oiferin blazing in the distance. Somewhere out there nearby in the emptiness of space was the planet Duelux, which would place him well within the Far Arm and an area of the galaxy claimed by the primitive Humans.

  The journey here had been long and tedious, but one Polimic felt he had to make personally. Near here, on a dead ball of rock orbiting a white dwarf, his fleet was gathering. It would be from this base that the ships would launch that would attack the Human planet of Earth, raining nuclear fire down upon its surface until the very rock boiled. After that, there would still be Humans left in the galaxy – millions perhaps – but they would be without a home, with all their history gone for eternity. The Legend of Earth would be broken. Almost like what the Kracori had done to the Juireans….

  Even though the Kracori forces had not been able to stay on Juir long enough to complete their sterilization campaign, the creative genius of the local commander had helped them get closer to achieving their goal. He had towed a small asteroid to Juir and then dropped it on the planet. The resulting damage lasted even until today, with temperatures on Juir still ten degrees below normal. Estimates put it at twenty to fifty years in the future before Juir would return to the way it had been before the Kracori arrived. But that was only the climate of Juir. As far as the Legend of the Juirean people, that was gone forever.