Only Human

by Chris Reher

  He seemed to find that humorous. "A Rhuwac matures to a fighting age within nine years. Your years. I have a limitless number of 'foot soldiers'. Trained to follow my orders without question. Once I have taken Targon I will own everything else in this sector. I am breeding Rhuwacs by the thousands per month. When the time comes, I will load them onto your carriers and ship them to Centauri. Millions of them! And once every Centauri planet is mine I will have it all. Even your precious Terra." He roared with laughter. "And all of this will be given to me by a little boy. One little Delphi creature!"

  Nova was amazed by extent of his delusions. "You're a sick man, Tharron."

  "Silence!" he roared.

  She shrank back against the wall, out of reflex reaching for a gun that wasn't there.

  He stood up, glaring at her. His hands were balled into fists. Then, abruptly, he turned and left.

  Nova scrambled to her feet while the sound of the door he had slammed still rang in her ears. She searched through the remainder of Tharron's meal and laughed with desperate hope when her fingers closed around a knife. It was dull, no more than a butter knife, but she felt better for having it.

  No sooner had she hidden it under her shirt that the door opened again. She moved to the far side of the room, expecting some especially brutal Rhuwac sent here by Tharron for amusement.

  When she saw who entered, Nova's knees felt like worn springs and only the support of the windowsill behind her kept them from collapsing. Not even her worst nightmare could ever conjure up a moment when she would find herself alone in a locked room with Pe Khoja.

  The Caspian entered slowly, looking for her with yellow opaque eyes. She felt as though he was looking straight at the knife she had hidden.

  "Nova," he said and smiled.

  * * *

  Tychon opened the Eagle's door to a barely audible, coded knock. The door hissed aside, admitting Greah and another Shaddallama. He peered into the darkness outside. Nova was nowhere in sight. He closed the door again.

  "Well?" he said, joining the other two in the main cabin. He recognized Tsegh.

  "There is some shouting and yelling going on by the guard house where they keep their radio. I had a look on my way past there. They're all awake now and playing with their machines."

  "I know," Tychon jerked a thumb at the cockpit. "It seems that some of our battleships have arrived. I have no idea why. Carras has been trying to reach us. If I answer we'll give our position away. I've just ignored it. I don't want to risk anything until we have Kira in our sight. What's with Tsegh here?"

  "I found him trying to find us. He's come from Tharron's hold." Greah nudged Tsegh who was craning his neck, staring at the foreign world of the Eagle's interior in silent awe. "Shring bga, adda!"

  Tsegh began to speak, his gestures eloquent, as Greah translated.

  Nova had been caught! She had gone inside Tharron's walls and they had found her. Now the entire complex of buildings was crawling with guards and more paced the streets. Tharron did not think that Nova had come alone.

  Tychon cursed. How could she have been so careless! So stupid! He'd bust her down to Corporal. He'd... "Is she hurt? Greah, ask him if she's all right. Hurry!"

  Greah listened to Tsegh's monologue and finally cut him off in mid-sentence when he saw Tychon's anxious face.

  "He says she was yelling at Tharron," Greah reported.

  Tychon smiled grimly at that. She would.

  "And then Tharron left. He was mad. They locked her up and then a man with yellow eyes and two thumbs on each hand went in to see her. That's when Tsegh left."

  "A Caspian?" Tychon frowned. "Pe Khoja!" A new worry began to nag him. He had seen Pe Khoja's face when Nova had run into them at Shad Lengh. At the time Tychon had thought that he had read hatred in the man's face. Thinking about it now, Tychon was certain it had been something else. For just an instant, a flicker of interest had crossed the dead features. Pe Khoja had wanted Nova, but for what? What was it about Nova that would interest someone like Pe Khoja?

  It took every bit of his strength to remain where he was. His entire being screamed out to follow his murderous instincts to Tharron's keep before the beastly Caspian harmed Nova. He could not remember ever feeling as powerless as he was now.

  Greah read the pain in his face. "I'll take Tsegh back," he said. "It will be light soon."

  Tychon got up to stand with his back to them, leaning heavily on the map table. "Be careful."

  "You're bleeding again."

  "I know."

  "Ty, maybe..."

  "Go, Greah. Get him home."

  Chapter Sixteen

  The two men were bent over maps, charts and screens in a dimly lit corner of Teti's bridge. It was quiet in the long, crescent shaped room, both in deference to the high-ranking leaders and the tension that had permeated both battleships since dropping into normal space yesterday. The closest possible jumpsite terminus to Shaddallam was far enough removed from that planet to give Tharron ample time to learn of their approach. His hiding place was well-chosen. They were expected.

  Carras traced his finger over a two-dimensional map of Shaddallam. "My last reports show that Major Tychon's final signal originated here, on this plateau. He said that they hadn't come up with anything yet and they would try this town, Shad Lengh. After that there were no further messages but Vanguard Nine has since traced the plane north to the region of Shad Laika. They flew a direct path, bypassing two towns in these foothills. I would guess from that that they found something."

  "You have established Tharron's base to be in the valley, then?"

  "Yes, the only area with any significant air traffic and traceable communication. Other parts of Shaddallam are far too exposed to offer significant cover."

  "Have you tried to hail Vanguard Seven?" Baroch asked.

  "Of course. There has been no reply."

  Baroch nodded. "Consider your team unavailable. You have Eagles here?"

  "Yes, Captain Xi on Eagle Three and Major Adachi on Eagle One have been monitoring this area for outbound ships for two days now. Nine is on the ground, standing by. Five is now inside Shad Areen, powered down."

  "Good, have someone take me to the Erato."

  "Sir?"

  "I did not choose Erato on a whim. Tharron's battleship will arrive shortly, no doubt fully armed. You will intercept and keep them busy while I will employ the Challenger over Shaddallam."

  Carras sprang to his feet. "The Challenger? I protest, sire!"

  "Must you oppose me every step of the way?" Baroch asked testily. He lowered his voice after directing a meaningful glance at the nearby bridge crew. Few people aboard were aware that this was anything other than a decisive strike against Tharron's headquarters and a new and treacherous weapon in his possession. "Were you expecting to engage in a duel with the child? We will blanket the entire Shad-Laika valley including Shad-Areen."

  Carras was momentarily struck speechless. The discreetly-named Challenger was an anti-personnel weapon designed to capture in-flight ships undamaged. It could clear rebel transports of their cargo of Rhuwacs without having to board and engage in battle. It was a dirty weapon too easily used for other purpposes, loathed for its efficiency and utter ruthlessness by all commanders. Here on Shaddallam the Challenger would not displace a single grain of sand while rendering the entire valley lifeless with a few well-placed volleys. Had this man gone insane?

  "Lord Baroch," he said carefully. "Perhaps we can wait until Tharron leaves Shaddallam. The valley is densely populated with sentient–"

  "Carras, desist, please," Baroch sighed. "We cannot hover in orbit and wait for Tharron to strike first."

  "But we don't know if he's been able to access the... weapon. Most likely, he will be interested in escape. Let me land my troops on Shaddallam to flush him out. If we can get him airborne he'll be an easy target."

  "Or perhaps he'll get on a boat and slip out of the valley. Or use a cave system. Or get on a damn sandrunner and ride out of
there! Are you willing to wager on anything that madman might or might not do? And if he does go airborne, are you willing to let him leave the planet, destroy both of our ships and then head into Trans-Targon? What price to pay is Shaddallam compared to the destruction Tharron will cause on other planets? And that is only a consideration if the Tughan obeys him. May the Gods find us all if the Tughan gets loose! I believe that you are allowing sentiment to get in the way of professional judgment. We do not have time for debates. Carry out your orders."

  Carras stared after the departing Factor in disbelief. The man was willing to destroy a half-million people and a vast swath of vital forests on what was otherwise a desert planet for the chance of eliminating the Tughan. It was madness. He rose abruptly and strode from the bridge.

  Outside, Xi and Adachi waited for their orders. He motioned them along, into the lift shaft to the launch bay where their conversation would not be overheard. Briefly, he explained Baroch's plan. He saw his own fear and disgust mirrored on their faces. But they were lifelong warriors, conditioned to follow orders. Neither commented.

  "Xi, take the Factor to the Erato. Lieutenant Colonel McDougall is commanding. You will inform him privately that he is to release control of the Challenger to Lieutenant Denier here on the Teti. For the record, I believe that, being Delphian, Lord Baroch is not observing the situation from an objective perspective. His kinsmen have instilled in him the necessity of killing the Tughan above all else. It is my duty to preserve Shaddallam's civilization. Do you understand?"

  Xi nodded. "Yessir."

  "Adachi, return to the planet and be prepared to intercept anything leaving the surface from Shad Areen. Xi will join you there."

  "Colonel," Adachi said. "I would fail in my duty if I did not remind you that to undermine a direct order from the Elected Factors is mutiny."

  Carras nodded. "Thank you, Adachi. You are correct in pointing this out to me and it shall be noted. Your rank gives you the authority to relieve me of duty."

  Adachi grinned. "I wouldn't presume." The Vanguard commanders left the elevator, not entirely certain which of their leaders was misjudging the situation. One was perhaps mad, certainly obsessed, the other about to destroy his illustrious career.

  Carras watched them board their Eagles, then returned to the bridge just as an alarm began to ring through the corridors. "Colonel, the enemy battleship has arrived and is heading for these coordinates, approaching rapidly."

  "Move to intercept."

  * * *

  Nova awoke with a start. How long had she dozed? She looked around her prison, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the pre-dawn shadows. One lamp still cast its light over the table in the middle of the room.

  Pe Khoja was using it to read from a musty, moisture-swelled book. "And when Cazin Sovi died," he continued their conversation as if she had not nodded off at all. "Grair Dunn took over, have I got that right?"

  Nova sat up on the hard bench, her limbs aching and cramped. "No," she said. "That was later. Grair Dunn was in no position to assume command until they found K'lar Four. There was Sovi's Second, Cryan Sydd. She created a near mutiny but by then they had landed on K'lar. Sydd was the only one that knew of the second jumpsite past Bellac Tau."

  "I know that 'site," he said. "Difficult. Back then it must have been more luck than know-how."

  "What time is it?" Nova walked to the small window and peered out into the courtyard. She could now make out the buildings and the doubled guards.

  "I don't know," Pe Khoja said, engrossed in his book.

  Nova stared at his back in wonder. He had been locked in this little room with her as a favor from Tharron. No doubt the rebel leader had envisioned lively hours of terror, torture and rape. Knowing what she did of Pe Khoja's background, Nova had feared the same.

  But he had surprised her.

  He had searched her and found the dull knife and had cuffed her for her trouble. Then, after kicking the laughable weapon under the door and into the hall, he had swept the table clear of bowls and cups, letting them crash to the floor. Nova’s mind replayed visions of Tychon’s battered body when the Caspian turned to her.

  He had questioned her. At first he had demanded information about Union dealings which, of course, she refused to answer. For many of his queries she knew no answer. Others she would not disclose even in the face of torture.

  Surprisingly, he had not pressed her but had begun to ask about her background and what she knew of the Centauri. They were easy, harmless questions about things that were common knowledge. Astounded, Nova was moved to answer. Soon, she was recounting ancient legend and folklore as well as Centauri's recent history. He had listened well, at times asking intelligent questions to keep her narrative from wandering. Nova had talked eagerly, as much to keep herself from worrying about tomorrow as to keep him from remembering Tharron's 'gift'.

  At times he turned from her to study his books, allowing her to doze. Whenever she awoke, he had a new question ready. He had ordered a basin of water to let her clean the blood from her face and the Rhuwac gore from her arms and hands.

  She was unable to understand his motives for any of this. He had committed crimes of the foulest nature in Tharron's name and could not be credited with a kind deed for anyone. But here he treated her with more respect than she would ever expect from any rebel and seemed grateful for the things she told him. He was a scholar of history and she was only filling in a few bare patches in his vast knowledge of fact and mythology. He seemed to crave information, looking for something that no one had yet been able to show him. Something drove this man and Nova had not the slightest idea of what that might be. It was certainly not the need for wealth or power, for he had both. He seemed to need nothing, not sleep or food, nor the physical satisfaction he might find with a female captive.

  She rubbed her stinging, tired eyes, not daring to go back to sleep. It was nearly morning.

  "You would enjoy our information system on Targon," she ventured. "Centauri's entire library bank was brought there for distribution. All of our schools and academies draw on the info center for their teaching material. Anyone may access it."

  "Any Union member," he said.

  "Well, yes," she replied, walking around him and to the door. She heard voices in the distance. Footsteps. Doors slamming. The day had begun. "You don't have to be with Tharron, you know."

  His eyes moved away from the book. "I have no wish to join your Union."

  "Why not?" she asked, honestly puzzled.

  "I've made my choices. I cannot betray Tharron."

  "That madman! Pe Khoja, I can't believe you look to him as he thinks you do."

  "Maybe not. I find him amusing. This whole affair has given me great pleasure. Too bad you were too inept to stop him from coming this far. You can't expect me to do your work for you."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "The Tughan is a dangerous thing. Tharron should not be allowed to possess it."

  "If you believe that, why didn't you stop him?"

  "I tried," he said. "Who do you think sent the K'lar to Tor Ag to give you the tape I made? Why do you think you were left in Shad Lengh? I knew you weren't dead. I know what Tychon is capable of. Just as I hoped one of you would survive the surprise we left for you in the valley. And I may have forgotten to remove your ship's transponder. How neglectful of me."

  Nova stared. "You? You led us here? Why?"

  "It amused me. I wanted to see you stop Tharron. Or try. I nearly lost you a few times. Who would have thought your old boyfriend was going to take out my courier on Tor Ag. You're lucky he bailed when he recognized you. You have quite an effect on people, Captain."

  "You wanted us to stop Tharron? But you could have stopped him. You! You could have killed Tharron or taken Kiran away. You could have killed the boy and the whole thing would be done with!"

  "Yes, I could have."

  "Then why didn't you?" she said, incredulous.

  "To what purpose? This is much m
ore fascinating. I'm ready to see what happens next, aren't you?"

  "This is a game to you? Don't you care what happens? You've put yourself in harm's way when Carras gets here."

  "No, I don't care," he said. He closed his book and placed it on a shelf. "And I've managed to escape your plodding ships before. Now be kind enough to appear mistreated when he arrives."

  "Why didn't you?"

  "Why didn't I what? Mistreat you? Kill you? You’re far more interesting alive."

  Nova shrugged, embarrassed. "Tharron threatened to... to take me."

  Pe Khoja laughed. It was not an unpleasant sound. "You Humans have strange notions. The man is a giant. He needs you alive."

  "But he sent you," Nova said, half-angry at being mocked but strangely affected by his laughter.

  "Even if you appealed to me, Human, I would not have touched you. Perhaps you could help yourself to your library on Targon and study Caspian anatomy and mating habits. You will find that 'rape' is not part of our vocabulary."

  Nova had to smile. "Does Tharron know that?"

  "Apparently not," Pe Khoja said, still grinning.

  Nova remembered his earlier, startling disclosure. "If you're against Tharron using the Tughan, would you consider stopping him? Not for the Union. Stop him for those who will be hurt by the Tughan. Innocent people..."

  She had misjudged him. He shook his head. "It's too late, Nova. Now I have to see what happens next." His face assumed a distant, wistful expression. "I, too, am eager to meet this Tughan Wai. I think he could teach me many things."

  "But–"

  "I hear them coming," he said. "I will thank you for the hours of enlightenment before we return to the business of being enemies."

  "I wish it wasn't so," Nova said, meaning it.

  "You have reason to hate me."

  "Yes. You are an assassin and a murderer and you'd see all of Trans-Targon burn before you'd help. I don't understand you. But I see now that not all of you is evil."