“At least something works from this bloody ship.” He said to himself.
“I heard that…” the computer chimed.
“Computer…”
The computer cut off Jhahnahkan mid-sentence, “I am so sorry Jhahnahkan… I could not help myself.”
“… Any life signs, is what I was going to ask.”
“Certainly, there are no life signs detected within the search parameters.”
“Continue recording… this dwelling has a single table with benches hewn out of solid stone. One of them has fractured and is lying out partially on its side on the dirt floor. Off to one side there is a fire pit that appears to have been used for cooking… A closer inspection has revealed that there are cooking utensils and broken vessels surrounding the area… no signs of anyone left behind… no bones… just a lot of nothing… computer, end recording.”
“VOX disabled.”
Jhahnahkan rummaged through the entire dwelling and several others but found no signs of any technology or anything made out of anything other than stone. “This is fascinating.” He said out loud, “It’s over hundred and twenty outside, yet within the dwelling it’s a comfortable ninety degrees, nearly thirty degrees cooler. I would like to meet the engineers who designed these buildings that they can stay at such a desirable temperature.”
“Would you like me to record that in your log Jhahnahkan?” the computer offered.
“Yes, sure, that would be good.” He answered.
“My scans of the area are completed Jhahnahkan, would you like to hear the report now?”
“Yes computer, begin report… I’m going to continue investigating more of the city center.”
“My primary scans have indicated that this city once held approximately twenty thousand inhabitants. The entire area of the ruins contains enough dwellings to house a family of five members each. I then calculated by four thousand individual living structures which is how I arrived at the total possible population….”
“Computer, discontinue personal editorial on your methods, just give me the facts… please.”
“Very well Jhahnahkan.” The computer said, and then continued with its report. “There are a total of five thousand buildings on the surface at the location of these ruins… there are no other structures on the surface of this planet.”
“Where could twenty thousand inhabitants vanish to?” Jhahnahkan questioned, “No trace of anyone… no burial grounds… no trace of anything … nothing… it’s like they just picked up and left their homes all at once.”
“There is an underground structure that I have detected…”
“Underground?” Jhahnahkan questioned, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? They might all have migrated below ground.”
“No life signs are detected below the surface…”
“Could your scans be blocked by the grounds composition?”
“That is possible… I recommend an exportation of the lower structure.”
“Quite right computer… however, I may lose communications.”
“Understood Jhahnahkan.”
The computer plotted a course for Jhahnahkan to follow, which made it very quick to find. He came to a metal lid that looked similar to the iron grate you would find on a modern city street that would lead him to the structures below.”
* * *
The Telenian
Year: 2983.9
Sagrit sat on the edge of his captain’s chair and looked all around at each bridge station. “I cannot believe you missed the Bane!” he shouted at his tactical officer, “I thought I made myself perfectly clear on your instructions!”
“Sir, your orders included killing our captain and your crew… I could not carry out that order.” The Telenian’s tactical officer said.
“Sir, there is another ship on our tail…” the com officer reported, “They are closing fast with weapons loaded.”
“Sir,” the helm reported, “the Bane has dropped from slipstream and is locking weapons on our pursuers.”
“Perhaps you made an incorrect assessment of keeping the Bane and her crew alive…” his first officer added.
“Perhaps for now…” Sagrit said with a grin, “Transfer all available power to the aft shields and lock weapons.”
“It appears that we have a new enemy… I do not recognize that ship design.” The Telenian’s first officer added.
“Sir, they have fired a weapon at the Bane… impact in ten seconds…” tactical reported.
“Helm, change course… any course other than this one… and get some distance between us.” Sagrit ordered.
The Telenian increased velocity and reentered slipstream. The helm changed course to try and catch their pursuers off guard. Whoever it was that was pursuing was not giving up.
“Sir, their weapons fire has struck the Bane…” tactical reported, “They are dead in space… I read most of their system were knocked out by whatever that weapon was.”
“Then I suggest we had better lose them before they fire that weapon at us.” Sagrit said, still sitting on the edge of his chair. “What is their position now?”
“Our course change did throw them off sir…” tactical reported, “But they compensated and are continuing the pursuit… we did gain about ten minutes…”
“Are we keeping distance?”
“We are losing distance… it seems their engines are faster.”
“How long do we have to before they overtake us?” the first officer asked.
“I calculate one hour at best.” The tactical officer said looking directly at his new captain.
Sagrit paused for a moment collecting his thoughts, “Open a ship wide channel.”
“Channel open sir.”
“This is the captain speaking… we are being pursued by an unknown vessel from an unknown origin… at this point we have not been successful in scanning their crew complement or weapons systems… we have not been able to penetrate their hull or shielding.” He paused once more and then continued, “Their engines are superior to ours and will out run us in less than an hour from now… I can only guess that their weapons are superior as well…”
The crew looked somberly at their captain while the rest of the crew listened intently at the words of their captain.
“We do not know what the outcome will be, but I want everyone at their battle-ready stations in thirty minutes… there is no point in delaying our meeting them so I plan on turning us around and facing off.”
The first officer barked orders to his crew as they made ready for their inevitable encounter with their unknown pursuers.
* * *
Delta Scorpii Twelve – Under city
Year: 3989
Jhahnahkan climbed down into a large underground complex that had apparently been carved right out of the rocks. It was very dark in this underground complex, he had lost the signal to his ship, and the shuttle relay had also failed. Without the aid of his computer, he would have to navigate on his own. He reached for his side arm and set the power control to its lowest setting. He aimed it at the wall in front of him and fired a quick blast at the wall. His laser pistol hit the wall and was absorbed into the rock.
“Not much of an effect,” he said to himself, half way expecting his computer to respond.
He aimed again and this time pulled the trigger and held it for ten seconds. “There… let’s see what that’ll do.”
He watched the wall begin to form a yellow glow and slightly diminished in radiance.
“Now, let’s see how long that stays lit.” he said crouching down and resting his legs for a time.
Several minutes passed as he continued to gauge how long he had before his lit pathway would diminish. He thought that there must be hundreds of catacombs below ground and it would make it virtually impossible to find a way back out if his markers vanished part way back to the entrance.
“Well,” he commented to himself, “that lasted only fifteen minutes… so if I increase power three hundred percent
for a duration of thirty seconds… that should equate roughly forty five minutes before my oldest marker disappears.”
He thought that he would move twenty minutes in and then return, giving him a five minute buffer. With his head gear lights activated he was able to make his way easily within the underground structure, only stopping every fifty to a hundred feet to set a marker on the rocks. The more he traveled down, he knew the less he would have to spend making the mark as they didn’t need to last quite as long.
It was remarkable. Jhahnahkan learned through his inspections, that these were the homes of the ones who lived on the surface. “These people must have made these catacombs in order to escape the harsh seasons,” he said, “my guess is they would live below ground during the most severe weather conditions.”
Jhahnahkan reached a small circular dome shaped dwelling. He took notice because it was built differently than all the rest and it seemed to be at the center of the underground complex.
There was a small arched doorway that was covered by a tattered purple colored cloth and when he reached out to move it aside, it dissolved in his hand and became dust.
He looked at the settling remnants and thought that this place too had been abandoned for a very long time.
Crouching down he entered the dwelling and then noted how much time he had left before he needed to return to the surface.
He searched the room and discovered a cot and fire pit in the room. He reached under the cot and felt around. His fingers touched an object and he knelt lower to reach what it was and pulled out a metal box.
“Now we’re talking.” He spoke out loud. “Finally, some evidence that someone once lived here!”
He knew he only had a few minutes left before his first marker would be fading too far. He picked up the box and tucked it under his arm and left the room, but he discovered in his haste to enter the rock hut that he forgot to leave his final marker. He lost precious time as he searched for this last marker which would lead him back to the entrance.
Finally on track to the surface, he almost ran to find each marker showing him the correct turns to make. With only one minute to spare, he reached the last marker before it faded completely.
He climbed the ladder and exited the iron hatch. He now felt the hot sun beating down on him, but he could hardly wait to see what was in the box.
He set the box on the ground and knelt beside it. Upon examining the box for a way to open it, he soon discovered the interlocking system on the lid. He slid one slat left and it unclicked. He slid the next slat right and he heard another click. Following the same progression the box soon popped open which revealed a very bright colored crystal.
The computer chimed in just as he was about to touch it, “Jhahnahkan, there is a sand storm approaching from the east... Wind velocity is being measured at over two hundred miles per hour… I suggest you return to the ship at once… the storm will be upon you in ten minutes.”
“I don’t have time for this, give me a minute.” He said as he continued to grab for the crystal.
With the touch of his hand, the crystal activated and began to open up a vortex before him. He grabbed the crystal with both hands as it glowed brightly, his eyes widened as the force of the vortex pulled him in and then closed behind him.
* * *
Chapter 3
Birth Pangs
Ackturra
Year: 2983.9
Jhahnahkan stood by as Kate made her announcement that her time had arrived. He had wide eyes and stood motionless as he tried to comprehend the news.
Uttarak stepped aside and joined Qiaoshan, “This will be too weird for me…” he commented, “being here for my own birth… not going to happen… I better not be present.”
Luanren came to her side and yelled for some assistance, “Come on now,” she barked, “We need to get her to the Palace doctors at once.”
Ghaia’s countenance changed with Kate’s news and stepped over to help as well, “I have plenty of experience with birthing so I will take over from here.”
“Not so fast Ghaia, she is not your responsibility, you need to step back and let me help her.”
“How about you both help me?!” Kate screamed as another contraction started. “Let’s not stand here and argue about this!”
Luanren and Ghaia stared at each other in dismay, “Well,” they said at the same time, “I can put our differences aside for this.” The two nodded as one helped her and the other cleared the way.
Jhahnahkan watched as they started taking her away when Kate made them stop. She turned and looked at her husband, “Well…” she asked, “Aren’t you coming?”
“I…I… guess so…” he answered with hesitation.
“Come on man!” she barked, “I need you with me… don’t leave me now.”
Qiaoshan gave his son a slight push from behind and grinned as if coaxing him to move along with them.
Jhahnahkan broke loose from his frozen stance and joined Kate as they helped her down the hall to the infirmary.
Sam had already set up shop in preparation of her delivery and helped her up onto the table. He pushed some buttons on the control panel and engaged the medical computer to scan her vitals as well as her baby.
“The patient is at three centimeters… her vitals are normal but the child seems to be slightly distressed.”
“What’s wrong with my child?” Kate screamed as yet another contraction came on.
Luanren stepped to her side and took her hand, “You need to breathe sweetie.”
“What are you talking about?” Kate said again screaming, “I am breathing!”
“Relax Kate,” Ghaia said in a comforting tone, “What she means is there is a special way to breath during child birth,” she said peering at Luanren, “During your contractions… like this…” she said demonstrating with hand gestures, “Slow deep breath in through your nose… and exhale slowly out your mouth… like this…” she said blowing out her mouth.
“Oh don’t be ridiculous…” Kate said with sweat now forming on her brow. “That’s just silly.”
“Well my dear,” Ghaia said, “It does help reduce the pain.
Just about that time, another contraction occurred, sending Kate reeling. “OK… OK…” she said as she started mimicking Ghaia’s breathing technique.
“There…” Ghaia said, “Now does not that help?”
“NO!” She yelled, “It’s not helping at all… ow!”
“Computer,” Sam asked, “Can you identify the problem?”
“I am unable to determine the cause, but it appears that baby has an abnormal presentation.” The computer replied, “I will put my scans on the monitor.”
“I know our child will be born without problems…” Jhahnahkan finally said stepping over to her other side, “Our son is here… you know it is him… he has to be alright.”
She grabbed his hand and squeezed tightly, “Ahhhh! This is not good!” she yelled again. She looked up at Jhahnahkan, “This is all your fault!”
“How is this complication my fault?” he asked.
“They just are!” she spat back.
“Pay little attention to her words at this time Jhahnahkan,” Luanren said, “this is a common occurrence in child birth…”
“Common occurrence?” he said back.
“Yes…” Ghaia confirmed.
“Can’t you give me anything for the pain!?!” she exclaimed as the beads of sweat grew and dripped down her face.
The computer displayed the child on the screen with vital signs changing on the screen as in real time.
“Other than the breech, I don’t see anything wrong here computer,” Sam said, “Everything looks normal to me and I’ve delivered plenty of babies in my time, we’ll get him turned so that she can continue to progress properly.”
“The patient is not progressing as quickly as she should doctor,” the computer replied, “What are your recommendations?”
“Labor can be intense and take many
hours… the best thing to do is to wait…”
“Wait?!?” Kate shouted, “I don’t want to wait any longer! Get this child out of me… now!”
“I’m sorry my dear, but it does take time for these things…” the doctor tried to answer before she interrupted him.
“We have things to do… places to go…” Kate said trying to maintain any semblance of calm.
“Yes… like Zelinite…” Ghaia said trying not to smile.
“This child will be born if I have to pull it out of me!”
“Now Kate,” Jhahnahkan said, “You will need to follow the doctor’s…”
“Do not patronize me!” she said with an evil look on her face, “We are leaving for Zelinite as soon as we can! We have no choice!”
“She is right you know,” Ghaia offered, no longer able to contain her sheepish grin.
“You just want them gone so you can take over again…” Luanren said looking over at Ghaia.
“The high priestess has spoken…” Ghaia said, “She is giving command to Jhovahkan and your son has agreed… that would make me high priestess again, since my son has no mate.”
“… but Qiaoshan and I shall be close by watching…” Luanren reminded Ghaia.
“Yes… you will indeed…” Ghaia said with disgust.
“Another contraction is about to occur,” the computer reported.
“Do not remind me!” Kate shrieked. “Ah man! Come on you insensitive computer… give me something to handle the pain!” she cried.
“Come on Doctor,” Jhahnahkan said, “Can you not help her with this pain?”
“I think you have something that might help her better and safer than drugs…” Sam offered pointing at his cloak.
Remembering his crystal sphere, he removed it from his cloak and held it by its sides with both hands over Kate. He began to concentrate and a cone shaped light emanated from the bottom of his sphere. It flowed down and enveloped Kate completely and gave her a warm feeling.
“Ok, now that is a little better.” Kate said.
“Until the next contraction,” Ghaia said looking deep into her eyes, You do realize that this birth must not happen… she said with her mind.
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