The dying Xik was still muttering. "You lose after all. This was the outpost, just to destabilize the population. Our laboratories are elsewhere. The insects you destroyed were only the first experiments. In breeding vats millions wait. They breed at many times the speed."
Storm sneered. "You Xiks aren't that good. We'll find these labs, destroy your pets and your friends with them. No one shall awaken your soul with the naming of names."
The alien eyes were glazing; blood ran from the corner of his mouth. He muttered, then laughed again. "No friends, only soldiers. Two places to guard and automatic relays. You find, they hatch, not find, they hatch anyhow. Try to blow the labs and you make matters worse, there are safeguards." He paused to cough. More blood ran. "Too bad, you lose this world. Lose many worlds. My son shall take up the four rights after me."
Tani moved and the alien's gaze lifted. He spat the mouthful of blood at her weakly. Tani's hand closed hard on Storm's wrist. Then her free hand went out to lie across the enemy's forehead. Storm spoke in a piercing clear voice. It broke through to the dying Xik.
"Where are the laboratories?" The Xik glared up at Tani as she crouched, hand laid on his flesh. He spat at her again and died. Storm felt all the pain he'd been holding back pour over him. His arm was burning until it filled his mind. Vaguely he was aware of Tani calling. Someone pressed a patch against his bared shoulder and the pain ebbed. Brad was helping him to his feet, guiding him to the copter. Storm was trying to explain that they had to stay, to search for the laboratories.
Tani was on his other side. He turned to her. Her smile was very lovely. She would leave Arzor now. He didn't want that. She had to stay. He needed her. He found he was mumbling at her. He could see his voice made no sense; from somewhere he drew strength for seven clear words.
"Love you, stay with me on Arzor!" Blackness reached out and he fell gratefully into it.
Chapter Seventeen
He woke to an arm that was still achingly sore, but the burning agony was only a memory. Tani sat quietly in an armchair nearby. Surra curled up on one side of her, the coyotes on the other. She must have felt the tiny movement he made. She looked at him and smiled.
"Awake?"
"Barely. What happened?"
Tani grinned. "You passed out. Mr. Dumaroy caught you and carried you to the copter. The medic said you were exhausted. He put you out for forty-eight hours. I helped with the cleanup, then he put me out too. I woke up a while back and had breakfast with your father and Logan. The medic treated your arm while you were unconscious. He said the clothing you wore saved you from real damage, but it's a nasty burn. You're not to use that arm for at least two weeks."
The events just before his involuntary fade from the scene came back to Storm in a rush.
"I have to. Tani, you were linking with me to read that First Leader, weren't you? Did you get anything?"
"Yes, but I need you to interpret what I saw."
His eyes met hers. "I need you too, Sunrise—for more than interpreting." He took in a slow breath. What if he was wrong? Maybe she didn't feel the same way. He tried to sound calm. "But that can wait a little."
Tani chuckled, a small merry gurgling sound. "Not too long it won't. Your father is talking about holding the wedding here. Logan is demanding to be best man, and Aunt Kady is asking about your own land. Will it feed us both or would money be a good wedding present?"
Storm's mouth opened. After a few seconds he got out, "How did that happen?"
"How do you think? You can't tell me you love me and ask me to stay on Arzor in front of more than forty people without having it talked about."
He remembered his last words and a faint flush showed across his cheeks. "I did, didn't I? Well, I guess I'll have to marry you. I wouldn't want a Cheyenne mad at me." He held out his unbandaged arm and Tani settled lightly into it on the side of the bed. His gaze met hers. "Will you marry me, Tani?"
She leaned over, her mouth soft and warm on his. The kiss lasted some time before she straightened up, still holding his hand.
"I guess I will. I wouldn't want a Navaho mad at me, either. But we'd better talk about the clickers right now."
His face became serious. "What did you get in the link when you touched the First Leader?"
"A picture. It was as if he was standing looking out across real desert. It was horrible land, dry, barren, and with dust blowing. He was higher. Not on flat land. I can't draw and it's just desert, anyhow. I can't show it to the others."
"But it was in his mind as he died," Storm said, thinking about it. "Right after I asked where the clicker place was. A clear strong picture which I got across our link, because he was so sure we'd never find the place he'd seen. That picture was from where he'd stood and looked out across the land, probably from the main entrance. If I'm right about the other things he said, there's two more sites. Both near to each other but both deeper into the Big Blue. One to breed more clickers, and one to guard against people entering the desert from the settled lands. If we can trace the picture and go back to where he must have been standing we may find the clickers. Show me!"
Tani shook her head firmly. "No, first you eat, and your father wants to see you. So does Logan. I'll get food and you can talk to them." She trotted out and Storm heard her speaking to someone outside the door. His stepfather came in.
"How do you feel, son?"
"I'll live," Storm said briefly. "What were the results of the raid?"
Brad looked angry. "They had a real Xik nest there. We don't think any got away. Tani said only three came out of that back exit. Once the fighting was done we went back and combed right through. Tani came with us. Minou found us a hidden room with another Xik and a lot of interesting equipment and information. Seems they had plans for Arzor." His grin was half snarl. "If we finish the job they won't be carrying any of them out. We cleaned out all of the information and records and copies are on their way to HQ. A lot was in code. They'll crack it and let us know anything back we need to hear."
Storm nodded. "I don't know how fast they can crack the codes and get back to us, but it may not be fast enough. That was a First Leader I killed, I've seen the rank badges before. They wouldn't waste someone that highly trained on the simple installation we raided. That was just to start destabilizing the natives. I'm sure from what he gabbled as he died that there's more than one. How many Xik soldiers did we kill?"
"All up? Twenty-nine. That's counting the clerk and the three outside."
"Did you take the clerk alive? He'd be able to tell you a lot."
Brad sighed. "He probably could have. That'll be why he took poison as we broke in. He was dead before we could do anything. The coyotes were sure he was the last one and we left guards. Kelson went back again with equipment and looked for hollow areas. Rooms, cupboards, anything like that. He found a couple but there was only gear, no more Xiks. After that we doped Tani, too. You've both slept the clock round but she woke up first. She wanted to sit with you until you were awake." He looked the question he didn't want to ask aloud.
Storm smiled. "Yes, Asizi. You can start arranging a wedding. But not until after we get this mess cleaned up." From the doorway Logan gave a war whoop that set Storm's head ringing. He glared at his brother. "And yes, you can be best man, but only if you don't do that again."
Logan's grin widened knowingly. "Bet you don't know who Tani wants at the wedding to stand on her side?"
Storm looked at the wicked amusement and guessed. His voice was calm. "I suppose a Nitra or two can be fitted in. We may have to ask a few favors of them, anyway." He turned back to Brad. "Tani saw a picture in the First Leader's mind as he died. We think it shows the land in front of the entrance to their clicker laboratory, or if not that, then the separate guard installation. Tani says it's just desert to her and she can't draw, anyway. I'll link and see what I can tell you. But we may have to call in the tribes to search."
From the door came a soft rattle of a tray. Tani came in holding it as delecta
ble aromas preceded her. She smiled down.
"Eat all the food on this tray, then you can talk again."
Storm reached to help her, finding as he smelled the food that he was quite ravenous. He ate and drank steadily as his stepfather continued with his tale of events. Now and again Logan or Tani added details. Storm finished, polished the plate, drank off the last drops of swankee, and sighed.
"That's better. Now, did they find anything to say where the other hideout is?"
"Nothing. HQ says the codes the Xiks used are new. They could take a few days to break. Did the Leader give you any idea of how long we may have before the new clickers hatch?"
Tani nodded. "Not in chrono. But I had the sense of 'soon.' Not this minute but not too long either. If I had to guess I'd say no more than fifteen days, no less than ten. Don't forget what else he said."
Storm quoted some of the First Leader's dying triumphant words slowly. "No friends only soldiers there, they guard. Automatic relays. You find, they hatch, not find, they hatch anyhow. We have safeguards. Too bad, you lose this world. Lose many worlds." Storm looked up. "What's the word on those other worlds?"
Logan laughed shortly. "HQ got all the official stuff, but Kady made up a gram for her friends and sent that. We've been hearing back ever since. With reason to think Xiks were on those worlds and causing the problems they were having, most of the worlds went hunting for Xiks undercover and sabotage groups with a real fervor. A lot of settlers died where they found them, but they think they've shaken every single Xik out of hiding. The Governments on those worlds aren't pleased about it, either. High Command will have to do something this time. It turned out that only one world had real natural disasters. The Xiks caused all the others."
"Asizi?"
"Logan's right. The governments of the damaged worlds are kicking up a fuss, including ours. They're demanding reparations to repair all the damage caused and compensation for the families of the dead, and for the injured and those who lost property. On top of that they want punitive damages. The amount will set back any Xik expansion plans for generations. And that's if Command settles for just the credits. With a dozen worlds yelling it's likely to be more." He looked at Storm. "How do you feel now?"
"A lot better. I think we should try for a picture of this clicker place." He took Tani's hand again. "Show me, Sunrise which flames across my sky."
Tani smiled at him as she closed her eyes. The picture formed in the link, just as she'd seen it in the dying alien's mind. She held, allowing Storm to study the land it showed. When he signaled she broke the link and opened her eyes.
Storm was cursing under his breath. Brad raised his brows in query.
"How bad is it, son?"
"Tani's right. It's real desert. I can recognize some of the land, enough to know it's well into the Big Blue. We can't copter in. There's a glimpse of mountains a good distance away and in the corner of the picture. You're standing higher than the desert, though, which may mean he was into the foothill fringe of the mountains. A place where the foothills run out a long way into the lower desert."
He looked at Logan. "Is that anything you recognize?"
His half-brother grimaced. "Not in Shosonna territory, I'm sure."
Tani made a small noise in the back of her throat. "The Blue is mostly Nitra territory, isn't it? I can go to the clan and ask them if they know the place. They'll search and get the other tribes to help."
"It may not be that simple," Brad said.
"Why not? They've lost friends and family. Logan said they've put the peace poles up even for overflights. Let me go and tell Speaker of Dreams all about it."
Storm turned his head to her. "You can't describe the place. I need to go with you."
Brad queried her with a look and she nodded. "He's right. We could move him carefully. Strap the arm up and copter him in."
Logan headed for the door. "I'll com Kelson. See if he can arrange it. I'll come back when he's set a time."
The door clicked shut behind him and Storm lay back. His arm was beginning to hurt again and he felt as if he'd been up for days. Tani saw the growing weariness in his face. Gently she indicated first Storm, then the door. Brad smiled at her and nodded. Storm was drifting into sleep again as they left him. He half woke when Tani returned to give the pain and sleep shot. Long enough to feel her kiss and to stroke her cheek with his fingers in reply.
This time when he woke he was completely rested. Tani was asleep on a bed set up by his. Ferarre was watching him and the coyote nudged Tani at once with his nose. She sat up.
"Storm. Good, I'll bring you food. Kelson says he can have the copter here as soon as we let him know. The government doesn't care what it costs. They have to stop the clickers. Kelson's going crazy about that and so is Logan. I'll just be a minute."
Storm was left there wondering why his brother and the liaison man should be so excited. Tani returned with a tray bearing enough to feed four men. She handed it over and sat down. Storm asked the question even as he reached for a fork.
"Well. The government's agreed that there should be a ranger force. It won't fall through this time. They've already drafted the parameters and got it passed by law. Kelson's asked Logan to head it. Kelson will stay as liaison man for all the departments dealing with the natives and just add the force to that." She giggled as she expanded on the rangers and Logan's pleasure. Storm finished his meal and listened. "Logan's running about trying to do everything at once. I told him you were awake again and looking a lot better. He's commed Kelson and the copter will be here in a couple of hours."
Her expression hardened. "I dreamed last night. The clickers hatched and they were a new kind. All of them are poisonous instead of just a few. They're bigger, and they breed every few weeks. They prefer people, but they'll eat anything, even plants if they can't find flesh. I dreamed there was nothing left on Arzor, the whole planet was clickers. Then they killed each other and there was nothing. Only rock and the dust blowing." Her face was haunted. "Storm, it isn't going to happen, is it?"
He'd felt chilled listening. It could, if they couldn't find and destroy the Xik time bomb.
"It could happen," he told her quietly. "I won't lie to you. But we'll do everything we can to fight it. A warrior can do no more than his best."
And their best was starting to look good, he thought some time later, as the copter dropped toward the Nitra camp. He remained hopeful as he described the scene to the clan's Thunder-Drummer. It had taken a while to disentangle Tani from her friends and to explain why a forbidden machine came, but now the clan sat patient. His arm hurt as he signed but he continued. This was more important than a little pain. Speaker of Dreams watched, her interpreter passing on the information in soft twitterings to those of the clan who did not read the finger-talk so well.
After that it was question and answer until both Tani and Storm were wrung dry. The Thunder-Drummer considered. Then she spoke.
"This is a matter for Those-Who-Drum-Thunder. I have sent out a message. The five great tribes of the Nitra shall meet. I will pass on your words and I think they will search as you wish. I think they will search very hard. Our clan has been fortunate thanks to Sunrise. Others have not been so. Many are dead and their clans mourn. That this enemy is yours as well as ours I will so-say."
"How long before the Nitra search?"
"A day. Two days. No more. Time is short, that I understand." Her gaze traveled over him, noting the weakness and the bandaged arm. Her interpreter signed as she spoke again. "Rest, warrior. The fight is now ours but you shall not be cheated. I will bring word. Let Sunrise return here tomorrow and each day until I have news."
Kelson and the pilot had remained in the copter. Tani and Storm were surrounded by the clan as the Thunder-Drummer rode out. The girl laughed, her fingers flickering in the signs as she talked of what had happened. They visited for an hour, then rejoined the machine that rose to head for the ranch. For four days Storm rested. By then his arm was healing well and he
was restless. The Thunder-Drummers had cooperated. None were so blind or stubborn that they could not see the possible extinction of their tribe.
Into the area settlers had named the Big Blue, small groups of Nitra warriors now fanned out. They knew not to approach the place too closely. They must recognize it, then ride swiftly to the Djimbut clan. Twice warriors came with news. Each time Tani rode with clan-friends and each time the place was not the one she had seen. The third time she was almost sure. She rode across the front of the foothills and the scene changed. It too was wrong. She bit back her fears. There was so little time left. She could feel it.
The next day Storm was well enough to return with her. They were talking with Stream Song when the warning call went up. Tani looked, then stood up hastily.
"More warriors with another place they've found." She ran to join Speaker of Dreams as Storm followed more slowly. Both watched intently as the interpreter signed of the place found. Now and again the girl nodded. It fitted, every bit so far. One of the warriors turned to Tani. His arms and partially bared chest were seamed with scars, red tattooed lines emphasizing his warrior status. His fingers moved slowly.
"I am a great warrior. I have fought enemies many times. Always I win. I know how the enemy thinks, and I feel when enemy is near. I feel the enemy in this place."
Tani faced him. "I see the scars of a true warrior. If you will lead us, I will ride with you to see the place you have found. But let us ride very carefully. A wise warrior does not ride into ambush where enemies wait. Will you lead us?"
The warrior studied her. He had heard of the human female who was clan-friend to the Djimbut. It was said she could feel the death. Warn of it. She wore the ornaments of the thunder-flowers. The clan would not give those for no cause. He nodded.
"I lead. You listen for the death. Who rides with you?"
Storm stepped to join Tani. His fingers signed. "I ride with one who will be my mate. I too can hear the death. Together we hear even better, very far. We will follow you, warrior, find this enemy. We speak with tribes then."
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