Ormand shifted, glaring back. It was no longer about profit then – the bastard. Ormand glanced at Atlantos. The lanky man sat out of range of the holo-session and flashed his eyes. Ormand knew there was no way he could agree to this.
“Shall we formalize it with the proper paperwork?” Ormand sat forward and lowering his gaze to Apolino’s chest. There were so many ways he could kill this man if he ever got him onto Sonoran soil.
“There will be time enough for that, my dear Ormand. For now, keep out of the way of my guards. Stand back and watch the power of your party. We work for you, you know. I’m sure you will find the streets of Sonora City safer under our watch. Until then, my friend.” Mr. Apolino’s confident expression faded from the screen.
Ormand kept a smile plastered on his face until the session died. Then he looked at Atlantos. His advisor sat, ankle on one knee, fingertips pressed together.
Ormand let his arms fall to his sides. “Hmm. . . .”
They sat in silence.
Then Atlantos spoke. “Let him break himself against the Syndicate. It will give us time. Apolino is vulnerable in the manner he thinks himself strong – public opinion. If we turn that against him, he will leave us.”
Ormand felt his heart skip. “Yes, let him wear himself down while we grow stronger. He will find the Syndicate as bloody a problem as we have. This little police action could turn the Galaxy against him. A vote of no confidence would help. Get Melanion on that right away.”
“Of course, Sire.” Atlantos half smiled as he unfolded himself from the chair.
Ormand felt better. The nerve of Apolino. A whole contingent of guard – here! They had never agreed to this.
Book 3
The Natives
Chapter 1, John
Behind Josué the mechanical noise of battle-tech armor buzzed like the whisper of an oversized grasshopper. In front of him the darkness of the jungle loomed.
How do we get to the village? Felisa asked.
It was the question he’d been trying not to think about since they’d entered the jungle. Sacred sands?
They can’t transport us there, if that’s what you mean. She put a hand on her hip.
Germán turned to them expectantly. Josué avoided his gaze, taking a step into the jungle. There’s a way. I’ve just got to find it.
A shadow he’d mistaken for underbrush suddenly moved from behind a tree ten paces away. Josué’s vision turned golden and he almost dropped Enrique’s case. Pointed horns and a beaked mouth glinted in the glow of his eyesight. Josué swallowed, unsure what the massive animal would do. He’d only seen ceratopsids in the wild and read about their awful temper.
“Is this our answer?” Felisa asked at his shoulder.
Turning to her, he snapped his mouth shut. “I . . . uh, don’t know if I would . . . .”
Felisa shrugged and took a step toward it. The dinosaur bent its front leg and turned its head. “It wants us to get on its back.”
Josué grabbed her elbow. “I’ve never heard of anyone riding a triceratops and living to tell about it.”
“This triceratops clearly doesn’t mind, and we don’t have much of a choice.” She pulled her arm free, stepped on its knee and scrambled onto its back. She looked down at him with a satisfied air, holding out her hand. “It’s another part of the prophecy.” She smiled.
At the word prophecy, Josué raised an eyebrow. Hoping he wouldn’t regret it, he walked over to her. “Well, if it hasn’t gutted you by now, I guess it’s safe.”
He breathed easier once he was past the horns. Climbing up behind her, he wedged the silver case between them. The beast shook itself, clearly not minding them being there.
They looked down at Germán.
The big man shook his head and raised his hands. “Oh-no! You’re not getting me on that thing.”
“Come on. Look – it’s here to help.” Josué patted the dinosaur’s shoulder. It made a grunt, its horns nodding as if in agreement.
“I’d rather walk. It can’t be more than . . . 50 miles?” Germán took a step backward. Josué wanted to laugh. He hadn’t seen his friend shrink from anything before.
A laze blast behind Germán interrupted his protest. In an instant he was astride the bulky animal, gripping Josué’s shoulders. Then they all had to hang on as the triceratops bolted into the trees and protection of the jungle canopy.
Josué held Felisa’s waist. “Do you think they’ll follow us?” he asked against the wind.
“If they do, they won’t get through this underbrush,” she replied. “Especially at this speed.”
The triceratops was fast. Not even a viper could move through the jungle like this animal. Its bulk carried them forward with little effort. They passed over the uneven terrain without a pause. The beak and bone collar parted branches and pushed vines aside like the bow of a ship through water.
They traveled for what seemed like half the night before slowing down. When they did, Josué heard Germán growl in his ear. “Are you guiding this thing? Or does it know where to go on its own?”
Josué had begun to wonder the same thing. “I’m not guiding it,” he shouted back.
“He’s finding a way around the river,” Felisa said with a confidence Josué didn’t feel.
“Are you guiding it?” he asked, but she only smiled back at him, clearly enjoying knowing more than he did.
The jungle thinned all at once and they found themselves in the open. Felisa’s satisfied sigh was almost too much as the animal crossed a wide, shallow section of river.
On the far bank, the deep rumble of a battle-tech jet spooked the triceratops and they were off again. A low branch came at Josué out of the morning half-light. He ducked and heard Germán grunt as the branch snapped in his ear. The beast made a sharp turn and Josué had to hold on to keep from falling off.
Sunlight stretched into the jungle foliage before they finally slowed. A bird sang to their left. Their ride snorted, shook itself and stopped.
“There’s the village!” Felisa shouted, pointing ahead of them.
Spiked logs surrounded a clearing at the top of the hill less than a hundred yards away.
Germán slid off the animal like a sack of potatoes. Josué hopped down and turned to help Felisa down, but she landed before he could raise his arms. The triceratops disappeared into the jungle, apparently done with them.
Josué turned to Germán and gasped. The big man sat with his head against a tree. A large red stain stretched under his arm. “Germán, you’re hurt!”
The big man turned to them, a glazed look in his eyes. “Did we make it?”
“Yes. We’re at the village.” Felisa put her weapon down, crouched next to him and felt at his wound. Germán shivered at her touch.
He’s lost a lot of blood, but he’ll survive, a familiar voice said in Josué’s mind.
Josué turned to see Elder John standing behind them. Felisa straightened when she saw him, backing away from Germán, staring wide-eyed at the blue-robed figure.
Two large men in native garb pushed past Josué. They lifted the semi-conscious Germán in their arms and carried him into the protection of the village.
“Come with me, Josué, Felisa. We can’t stay here. They’re searching for you.” The blue-robed elder led them through the village streets.
Josué tried to memorize the twists and turns as they came, but he could barely keep up with their guide let alone take in any detail. At one point he saw the pavilion through the trees. Nothing else looked familiar. They left the main walkway and stepped onto a dirt trail. Elder John led them to a small cottage, opened the front door and ushered them in.
The scent of cinnamon and oranges greeted them as the front door closed. The warm, smooth, off-white walls and wooden floors reminded Josué of Trevino Manor.
The Elder’s hand landed on Josué’s shoulder. “You have something for us?” he asked.
Nodding, Josué handed him the silver case. “Can
you build more of these?”
John led Josué to the living area. “We intend to try.”
Josué sat next to Felisa, who was already on the couch in the center of the room. The comfort of the cushions reminded him how long it had been since he’d slept. He watched the Elder leave, Enrique’s case in hand.
That was quite a ride, he said in his mind, but Felisa’s eyes were already closed, her lips parted. He leaned his head against hers. It felt good to rest.
Chapter 2, Prophecies
The warmth of morning sunlight fell on Josué like a blanket. Through slitted eyes he traced the round window with wooden crossbeams near the foot of his bed. How long had it been since he’d slept on a real mattress?
Rubbing his forehead, he tried to pinpoint what felt so out of place. After a moment he realized he could hear his own breathing. No blaster sounds, no snoring bunkmates, no shouting guards disturbed this perfect morning. He sat up and smiled.
A giggle rippled down the hallway. He stretched his legs. Muscles he didn’t know he had cried out.
A clean pair of pants and shirt lay on the chair next to his bed. Putting them on over his scars, he eased his back into the softness of the material.
Another giggle. He stood up from the bed and entered the hallway. Through a half-opened doorway, he saw Felisa sitting next to a tall woman on a fluffy white comforter. She was saying something he couldn’t hear, her voice reminding him of cool waters.
He hesitated then touched the door. It creaked.
The woman looked up. “Good morning, Josué.” Her golden hair and smile gave her an angelic glow. Sunlight streamed around her, enhancing the effect.
Felisa’s eyes were damp. “We’ve been talking about home.” She smiled. “Artemis knew my parents.”
“I knew your mother too, Josué.”
The mention of Josué’s mother didn’t surprise him here. The whole house reminded him of what he’d imagined his mother would be like. Even the room’s smell matched a drawer of clothes he’d found in her old room once.
Elder John stepped from behind him. “I see you two are in good health – in spite of your ride.” He patted Josué on the shoulder. “I trust you slept well?”
Josué nodded. “Is Germán alright?”
“He’s recovering at the home of our best doctor. He’ll be as good as new within the week.”
“Can we see him?”
“You will see him. However, this morning I need you to come with me to the council.” John turned to Artemis.
Josué glanced at Felisa. I’ll be alright, he heard in his mind.
Artemis smiled and waved them out of the room. “Leave her here. We have plenty to talk about.”
John turned to go. Josué followed him.
“I thought you might be hungry.” The Elder led him to the kitchen, where an overflowing plate of breads, cheeses and jungle fruit sat in the center of a large table. Josué’s mouth watered.
The elder sat down and picked up a cluster of grapes. “Enjoy.”
Josué tried not to grab as he devoured the fruit by the handful. An odd feeling of familiarity struck him. Foods he’d never seen before tasted the way he thought they should.
He shifted in his seat and looked at the Elder. As he chewed on a bite of sweetbread he thought about the dream he’d had the night the battle-tech warriors had landed. It had felt like the Elder had been there somehow. He wanted to ask, but couldn’t think of how to bring it up without feeling awkward. “So, what will happen at the council?” he asked instead.
“Mateo wants to talk about things.” The elder took a bite of a rather large apple.
“What kind of things?” Josué asked around a mouth-full.
“Oh . . . your voice weapon for one.” Elder John took a drink of water. “Then there are the prophecies and what the sacred sands tell us about you.” He looked at Josué.
Josué wrinkled his brow. “What are the sacred sands?” He hoped the Elder could give him something more than what Felisa had said.
“They make up the collective intent of our world. Think of them as a single consciousness spread throughout the planet. It communicates to us, guides us and protects Sonora IV.”
Josué raised an eyebrow and grabbed another piece of fruit.
When they’d eaten enough, John led him out of the house and down a winding path. An open aired dais rose from the jungle like an ancient temple ruins. Pillars crowned the platform, holding up a semi-circle of carved rock. Torches flickered off the soft stones, making them warm and alive.
Bright red-orange flowers hung over the pathway leading to the steps. Blossom hung down, dripping with richness. By the time he stepped onto the dais, Josué felt he’d been cleansed in some way.
Five wide stone chairs were arranged in a circle around a knee-high table, centered on the platform. The torches cut the morning chill, making it feel sheltered on the platform.
Mateo, Ignacio, and Tacito stood around the table. John walked over to stand beside Mateo then indicated an empty seat between himself and Tacito. Josué stepped to it, feeling especially awkward when he noticed the voice weapon in the center of the table.
The four elders sat in silence. Josué couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast of this meeting to his experience at settler Parliament. Finding a moment of silence in that room would have been like finding a smile on an Omri guard.
After a moment of continued silence, Josué began to wonder what he’d gotten himself into. He had to admit he’d only come on a gut instinct. The eyes of the woman from the jungle seemed to demand it of him. He settled into his chair. It was cold but surprisingly comfortable.
His grandfather had advised him to come, too. After all, with the galactic troops in the city, what else could he have done? They continued sitting. No one spoke.
Josué hoped he hadn’t been wrong. He looked at the men again. The awkwardness had somehow left. Apprehension drained from his shoulders. In the distance, the marsh erupted with birds. The mountain range beyond it basked in the morning sun. He wondered if he had ever searched that range for El Umbral. How close was he to the Trevino property?
Mateo finally spoke. “Welcome, Josué son of Thetis.”
Josué glanced down at his arms. His skin was as pale as a settler’s. The city had afforded him little opportunity for sun this past week.
“You have come to us with a purpose.” Mateo lifted the weapon, a grim look on his face.
The gun looked alien in the Elder’s hands, like an oversized toy or a gaudy settler tool. He thought about the whole pitiful war he’d been caught up in. It all felt so futile to him now – a struggle over impossibilities. What rights did settlers have to this planet, yet here they were killing each other over it.
Mateo placed the weapon back on the table and looked at Josué. “We will help you,” he said.
Josué sat back. Perhaps he had been right to come.
“With the following understanding,” Mateo added quickly.
Josué checked himself. There would have to be a catch.
“As natives,” Mateo indicated the village around them, “we only have so many resources.” Josué followed the Elder’s glance. He could see the village through the trees. It looked peaceful, yet small. Compared to Sonora City, it was insignificant. Had he asked too much from these people? Why should they get involved in this fight, anyway? Maybe he’d been wrong to come here.
Mateo went on, “We know the struggle you are in better than you do, and I want to assure you, we are on your side.” Mateo stroked his chin as if considering the statement. “That is to say, we stand for similar things.”
Mateo picked up Enrique’s weapon again. Josué wished he wouldn’t. “This weapon . . . .” Mateo turned it over in his hands. “. . . is something we could replicate if we had the right materials.”
Josué placed his foot on his knee, picking absently at the bottom of his boot. He wondered what the Elder was getting at.
“Let me show you what I mean.” Mateo concentrated on the table between them. A hologram of a mountain peak filled the surface of the table. The image zoomed in to a cave nestled in an alcove.
“What you are seeing is the entrance to El Umbral, the ancient native mines – as you call them.” Mateo smiled at Josué as if anticipating the effect of his words.
Josué blinked and sat forward. He could feel his heart beating in his temples. “Are you serious? You mean it’s not just a legend?” He’d always believed in El Umbral, he just hadn’t realized it might actually exist. His quest to find it had given him something to do and a hope he might find his mother through finding it.
“It is real. We sealed the mines during the settler invasion. Before then, they had provided centuries of building material for our people. All maps of the mines were destroyed save this one. You could say our people were a bit overzealous in their effort to protect the knowledge of its location. Unfortunately, even this map only shows us the entrance and some of the inside corridors.”
Josué’s sat back and stared at the hologram, fighting a chill. His eyes searched the three dimensional image, trying to take in every detail – the face of the rocks, the lay of the trees, the color of the soil. He sat forward. “Does the map zoom out? Can you see the surrounding mountains?”
The elder shook his head.
Josué bit his lower lip. “I can see why their location has remained a secret.”
“Our prophecies indicate, and the sacred sands validate it – you are the one to lead us to El Umbral.” Mateo leaned forward. “If you lead us there, we will be able to help you.”
Josué looked at the golden-robed elder and swallowed. “You want me to find them?”
“The resources hidden in those mines can purchase an army to conquer the Galaxy.” Mateo folded his hands in his lap.
“We need the materials to build the weapons.” Elder John leaned forward. “Enrique used gold as the primary element in the voice amplification component. You will not be able to create more weapons without more gold.”
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