by T. R. Harris
In all his time in the cell, Kroekus couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy or triumphant. So when the first shudder of thunder reverberated under the cell, he barely noticed, consumed as he was in plans for his sacrificial death.
But then came more thunder, accompanied by the sound of flash weapons in the room outside his cell.
He stood, the precious meat bone held hidden in his right hand. His heart was pounding and he smiled as a thought occurred to him: Either way, today will be my last as a prisoner of the Juireans. One way or another, I will be free.
The electronic lock clicked, and as the heavy metal door swung inward Kroekus had to shelter his eyes against the bright glare flooding in from the room beyond. There was now a figure standing in the doorway, merely a shadow against the brilliant contrast. And then the dark shape stepped further into the room and swung the cell door closed until the light from the outside was blocked to his sight.
Kroekus smiled, as tears of joy began to flow freely down his once-fleshy cheeks. He gazed at the lean figure before him, feeling an almost religious admiration come over him. When finally he could speak, he looked into the blue eyes of his rescuer and said, “Each time we meet, I can’t help but see how much you resemble your father.”
“You mean the father I’ve never met,” said the young Human standing before him. “Except for the few vids you’ve shown me, I don’t have much experience to confirm your belief. You must know that you are the only father I have ever known.”
Kroekus smiled as he grasped the outstretched hands of his savior. “And I take much pride in that,” he said. “Yet now I wonder: Are you ready to embark on the long journey of discovery—a journey not only to discover your past, but also your future?”
“I’ve waited my whole life for this; what’s another four months?”
“Then please, lead the way out of this dungeon, Eric. A fateful reunion awaits us both.”
Nigel McCarthy
The lean, hard figure of Alic Kiran studied the letters of marque on the datapad before looking into the pink face of the being called Nigel McCarthy. He shook his head.
“I fail to see the significance of these documents,” he said. “I accept the fact that you are a valued confidant of my associate Kroekus, yet I am at a loss as to what you expect of me?”
“Just that you allow us to observe,” McCarthy said. “From my varied experience, I may be able to offer suggestions as to better improve your operations and make more profit.”
“You know nothing of how commerce works in Tanic; you are an outsider.” Alic paused as he looked past McCarthy and at the small entourage of five other creatures who had accompanied him. They called themselves Humans, and from the sketchy information he had received over the years from the Silean Galaxy, Humans had once briefly ruled the Expansion, at times in partnership with his benefactor, Kroekus of Silea. This fact made the association logical, yet to rule the Expansion in the wake of the Juireans meant that these Humans were much more than a mere background race within the power structure of Tanic’s massive galactic neighbor. One did not reach such levels of power simply by fate or accident. It came from purpose and ability, both of which this alien was trying hard to downplay.
“You say you have come to observe, yet does it take a hundred of your kind to accomplish such a task?”
Alic had received the reports from the Kilis Spaceport of the three strange starships McCarthy had brought with him. Careful surveillance had revealed the true number of the Human’s associates. Even though he did not fear these Humans—after all what could a hundred beings do against his entire Clan—he still questioned why an emissary of Kroekus’s would need such a large number of ships and crew. In the past, the Silean had sent others, yet none had arrived in such force.
“Kroekus wishes that I remain in Tanic until his arrival. Without knowing his exact timetable, I felt it necessary to bring with me an extended family of sorts, seeing that we are the only Humans in your entire galaxy.”
“Kroekus is coming here?” Alic was surprised by the news. Why would the huge Silean bother with such a daunting journey, especially since as the leader of the Expansion his duties must be all time-consuming?
“That is his plan, although exactly when has not been determined. With our new concentrated-array gravity-drives, he can make the journey in as little as nine standard months.”
Alic raised an eyebrow. “How is that possible? I have received reports from the spaceport that your ships contain an over-abundance of focusing ring ports, yet it was only supposition that they were indeed for such a purpose. Are you now confirming this?”
“Yes. Each ship is able to concentrate generator power through an eight-ring array.”
“Again I ask: How is that possible?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m a diplomat, not a scientist. My engineers could better answer your question. Yet be assured, the concentrated-array does function, allowing for the deepest gravity-wells ever achieved to date.”
“Is Kroekus offering this technology to me? If so, then this will be a monumental leap forward in space-drive construction in Tanic.” Whether this McCarthy creature would allow Alic access to the drive or not was immaterial. Alic would take what he wanted even over the protests of Kroekus. Such a breakthrough in gravity-drive technology would be the biggest event in Tanic since—well, since the first gravity-drive was reverse-engineered and put into production by his ancestors over five hundred years before.
Nine months to Silea! And yet it also meant that creatures from Silea could come here just as fast. Suddenly the ramifications of this new gravity-drive began to dawn on him. Without his monopoly on Silean technology, the operations of his Clan would definitely be at risk. Now others could easily travel between galaxies, sharing knowledge, trade—and technology.
His thoughts were broken as McCarthy spoke again. “Yes, he is offering this technology to you; however, since this is such a major improvement over what you have, he is asking for a renegotiation of the terms of your affiliation.”
“What renegotiation? The agreements go back to a time before either Kroekus or I became the Lords of our respective Clans. They have worked well for five hundred years. What new terms is he proposing?”
“That I do not know, but I suspect it’s the reason he’s coming, so the two of you can settle on an amicable and profitable resolution in person.”
“And in the meantime I will not have access to this technology?”
“Unfortunately, those are Kroekus’s orders.”
“I could simple confiscate your ships and imprison you and your crews. I don’t need the permission of Kroekus to do this.”
“That’s true,” said McCarthy. Alic detected no fear on the face of the alien—which was strange in light of his tenuous position. “Yet then you will negate all past agreements and affiliations, and as you said, they go back five hundred years. Why risk destroying all you and your ancestors have built when I’m sure Kroekus intends to make it so that both you and he can make substantial profit? Is it not true that Kroekus and his Clan have provided you with the means to make an untold amount of gain over the years? You have to trust that he’ll do the same with the new gravity-drive.”
Alic was silent for a moment as he thought through his options. The decision was easy: He would indulge this representative of Kroekus’s, even though he would place a close watch on him and his activities. By doing so, Alic wasn’t giving up any of his advantage. He believed all parties understood that he could simply take this new technology as his own. Even Kroekus had to know that.
After a moment, Alic nodded. “Very well,” he said. “I will restrain myself from acquiring the technology of your new space-drive, at least for the moment. I find it curious, however, that even though you mention the possibility of Kroekus journeying to Tanic, I have not had any communication from him in quite some time. And if the rumors are true—brought to us by the few travelers coming to us from the Silean Galaxy—a major upheaval of some
kind has taken place within the Expansion. This would make me suspect that something bad has happened to Kroekus and his power base.”
“I’ve not heard anything about that,” McCarthy said. “Yet with the new communications technology I also bring, I’m sure he will make contact soon.”
“What new communications technology? You say there is even more advances from Silea?”
“Yes; it’s called Continuous-Wormhole communications or CW-Comm. We have been stringing an array of the required comm-relays during our journey here. Once the network is established, we will have real-time links between stations for up to an hour at a time.”
Alic knew his jaw had fallen open as McCarthy spoke, now he snapped it shut again. Instant communications across intergalactic space, and nine-month transits between galaxies! His mind was fast becoming a jumbled mess as he sought to sort through his conflicting emotions. He could see how these new technologies could both benefit—as well as harm—his activities, one in the realm of propulsion, the other in communications. After this meeting he would call in his top advisors to discuss contingency plans.
Indeed, this somewhat puny alien with the fiery orange hair had made an impact in the brief five minutes of the meeting. Whatever his true intentions, Alic was sure they did not include a benevolent attitude towards him or his Clan. McCarthy represented Kroekus and his family on Silea. For over five hundred years the creatures from the planet Silea—as well as the Galaxy that shared its name—had been feeding Alic and his ancestors what he was sure were simply technological scraps, just enough to keep him—and his entire galaxy—addicted to all the wondrous advances the Sileans could provide. And now Kroekus has sent this so-called diplomat as an advance party to his own arrival.
It didn’t take any great prescience to tell that this McCarthy beast was no diplomat. He carried himself—as did the others in his entourage—as those more accustomed to military discipline and sacrifice. Even though Tanic did not partake often in straight up military operations, they did engage in conflicts involving rivals. These clashes between the Clans were often isolated and brief, more-often-than-not involving only a single world or region. And they were mainly fought over profit.
Alic knew enough about their neighboring galaxy to know that its inhabitants often worshipped territory over profit. He had studied the concept and found it to be valid, since once one controlled a territory, the wealth within was usually confiscated, either by outright thievery or by various forms of taxation. The beings within these territories were usually powerless against their rulers, so it often took another conquest of territory to gain any sort of illusionary representation. In truth, one ruler was simply replaced by another, and the cycle began again.
Was Kroekus coming to do the same to Tanic? The Silean race was the most-ambitious and ruthless creatures he had ever encountered, so he would not dismiss the possibility, especially with the rumored turmoil embroiling their galaxy. Kroekus may be looking for more fertile ground to further his ambitions.
Alic could tell the warrior-diplomat was growing impatient with his long silence.
“The information you have revealed shall require much thought and planning; therefore, I would greatly appreciate your input during these deliberations, Nigel McCarthy. And now, after such a long journey, I anticipate that you and your crew would enjoy more spacious accommodations outside your tiny ships.” He turned to his second-aide, Rilos Mol. “Provide lavish accommodations for our guests, as much as they require. It appears they may be with us for some time. And now let us welcome them in as members of the Kiran Clan.”
“Yes, Lord Kiran. It will be done.”
“Thank you,” the creature called McCarthy said. “And since we are new here, I would appreciate a brief explanation of titles and forms of address within your Clan. We wouldn’t wish to offend.” The beast then bared his teeth at Alic, which within the current tone of the meeting seemed an inappropriate response. Surely he is not challenging me, not here, in my own court, and immediately after his stated wish not to offend?
“Of course, and I appreciate your concern. I am the Lord of the Clan—the leader. I believe you may be familiar with the term; the peoples of Tanic adopted it from references made in the early days for leaders in your own galaxy. Also, just as you, we have both superior and minor names. My superior and respected name is Kiran. My familiar name is Alic. Since we will be working closely together, you may address me as Alic in private, yet Lord Kiran in public.”
Again with the baring of the teeth; I will have to research this blatant display of physical challenge. It cannot mean the same to this creature as it does to us.
“Also, for advice, your apparent habit of baring your teeth at me and others could be construed as a combat challenge. If this is your understanding as well, then I must have completely misunderstood your intentions, and I will gladly accept your challenge. I pride myself with my combat skills and would welcome the opportunity.”
“Forgive me, Lord Kiran,” said McCarthy quickly. “Where I come from this is called a smile, and it is a sign of pleasure and goodwill—just the opposite as you have taken it.”
“Ah, that is very strange,” Alic said. “Yet I am sure I will find many other habits and traits associated with the Human race to be just as strange and unusual, if not confusing.”
Alic saw the alien begin to smile again, yet this time he merely widen his lips without showing his teeth. “I am sure that will be true, as it seems to be the prevailing attitude of most races we encounter.”
“Rilos, tend to our guests.”
Alic also prided himself on his ability to read the body language of others, including aliens; it was one of the talents that had helped him maintain his position as Lord of the Clan. And with this Human, he detected an almost wicked tinge to the Human’s last statement, conveyed in both the tone of his voice as well as the manner of his body. He would have to watch this creature carefully.
Rilos would see to it that all the proper electronic surveillance devices would be present in the living units of the Humans. Eventually, Alic would learn of McCarthy’s true intentions, and hopefully that of his benefactor Kroekus, as well. In the meantime, Alic had much planning to do in light of these new technological revelations. As he watched McCarthy and the other Humans follow Rilos out of his court, he knew that as a result of this brief encounter with the Human his life would never be the same.
Alic wondered if that was what the alien meant when he said other races had been similarly impacted upon meeting the Humans? Yet Alic Kiran was no ordinary being. He sensed danger in the Humans, and he trusted his feelings implicitly. He would not allow himself to be taken by surprise, not by Kroekus, and especially not by the Humans.
Nigel McCarthy had instructed his entourage not to speak after the meeting, believing that even distant conversations could be intercepted. Once back in the secure confines of their ships, they could discuss their next moves.
Unfortunately, there was no way for him to refuse the offer of accommodations off the ships, even though he knew they would be full of surveillance devices—the best the Tanic Galaxy had to offer. Even then, he was sure he could circumvent most of them, since his Artificial Telepathy Device could detect their presence, if not disarm them directly.
That was a curiosity which frustrated McCarthy to no end—that his ATD didn’t function fully within this galaxy. He could detect the presence of electronic control modules, yet he was unable to link with any of them. This failure was universal throughout all devices, so he felt there was no conscious intent to shield these devices, but rather simply a flaw in his own device.
Nigel was greatly upset by this development, since he had been counting on his secret weapon to help accomplish his mission. Now he would have to do it the old fashion way—with cunning, subterfuge and uncompromising force.
The first step had been taken; they had been accepted into the Clan. Yet Nigel also knew Alic Kiran didn’t trust them. His offer of outside accommodation
s was just a way to keep an eye on his team. As a result, Nigel was already gaining respect for the Lord of the Kiran Clan. It was always important in his line of work to give credit where credit was due, otherwise one had the nasty habit of underestimating the enemy. And that could prove fatal in the game Nigel played.
McCarthy also had to admit that he welcomed the opportunity to spread out and stretch his legs. Nine months was a long time to spend cooped up inside a steel cocoon, and even though the Humans did control the gravity level aboard their ships, the lighter gravity of the planet Anicett was a pleasant relief.
He also knew he was operating under a strict deadline. It was only a matter of time before Alic learned of Kroekus’s fate—that of a prisoner of the Juireans. Once he knew Kroekus wasn’t coming to the galaxy, all bets were off. Alic would simply take what he wanted and dispose of the garbage afterwards.
Also, from what little Nigel knew of Alic Kiran, the alien was not the type to let events simply play out. He would be actively looking to confirm everything Nigel had just said, including that Kroekus was indeed on his way to the Cloud.
Nigel couldn’t lollygag. His plan would have to be up and running within the month.
132
“I’m back,” said Adam Cain…
“...and I have the specifications you need.” He handed the datapad to the alien.
Nurick Nur, the Vicorean power-module dealer, scanned the data while wrinkling his moist, black nose. “I could tell you had returned when you entered the market, foreigner—by your smell. Is that the result of a medical condition or is your race just that inconsiderate of others?”