The troop of Tolarions surrounded the two renegades and they were directed down a corridor, their superior officers following them. They headed down a second corridor, which took them in the direction
of Akros.
They still wore their masks, which Jeff didn’t quite understand. Why was there Oxygen here in the complex? He did find the air heavier than what he was used to on Ventros, but it was still breathable. They were lead down the hallway, and many thoughts raced through Jeff’s mind as he realized he still had many unanswered questions.
Would Barva and the lingworts be able to help them in the way Barva had said? Would the Republic come through with their promise and what about this gas cloud? How would it interfere with the Varcon’s systems, and would they survive the ordeal? All of this raced through his mind in a matter of minutes.
He was going to finally meet the famous Dr. Louis Avery face to face. It was hard to believe that someone who was so prominent a scientist would resort to such a destruction of any race. The young geneticist and physicist in the history records would never have done this, at least according to what he heard. Something must have happened to him to carry out such a personal vendetta against the human race. He always admired Avery’s great achievements, but never pictured him as an adversary. One thing was for sure; if Jeff didn’t stop him he would destroy both universes.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
As the Varcon approached the gas cloud, Carver walked up to the helm which was piloted by Centar. Barva was next to him, surveying the scanners. “How long before we reach Tolaria,” he asked.
“Two hours,” Barva answered.
“Do they know we’re following them?”
“No I don’t believe so. Being as primitive as they are, they would have attacked us by now.”
“Primitive? They were able to destroy two bases and an entire
planet!”
“Exactly,” Barva said.
“You certainly are one strange being.”
“In what way?”
“These Tolarions have spacecraft and weapons that we on Mars had never seen before. They travel through wormholes. How is that primitive?”
“Just because a race has technological achievements, it does not make them an advanced society. Like I stated to your human friend Jeff Walker, a race has not truly achieved enlightenment unless they can use their knowledge for peaceful and productive purposes.”
“I see,” Carver said. “Makes sense to me.”
“What type of energy did Mars use to travel?”
“Ion propulsion, rocket fuels and fission. Slow, but we never really ventured far from our own solar system. We knew over a century ago that there was other life in the universe. We just didn’t know how to get there.”
“And you still as a human would never understand it. I do not mean to be offensive, but the quantum physics involved are complicated.”
“Well,” Carver said, slightly hurt. “Remind me to get the crash course when I get back to Sentros.”
Barva smiled at the human. “I will try my very best to make as simple as I possibly can.”
They passed the gas cloud with minimal interference and Barva checked the scanners for enemy craft, and then opened the communication banks. “This is Barva,” he said. “Leader of the Talokian fleet. Prepare stolen Tolarion fleet for the first advancement on Tolaria. After that, the Varcon will advance, and then the Talokian fleet. After we’ve deactivated their force field, then the Republic will follow.”
After the force field was eliminated, the Rebuplic’s forces were to meet the Talokians and attack with a full invasion force. At Sentros, another battle was fought and the advance weaponry of the planet overcame the Tolarion forces as they began to retreat. Even though the Tolarions outnumbered the Republic; their weapons technology was inadequate to defeat them all through the galaxy.
This news, which was reported back to Akros, infuriated him to no end. That was the main reason he wanted to see Riona and get him to install the ray gun. The two renegades were directed into the hall, and Akros rose from his chair. “So these are our troublemakers,” Akros announced, walking over to them and carefully looked them
over, examining Jeff’s bruises and bleeding. “I was expecting much more worthy adversaries. Balta, didn’t I tell you not to harm him until he saw me first! Can’t either of you follow my orders correctly?”
“They would not come willingly,” Balta lied. “My men did what they had to, as I did what I had to.”
“He’s no good to me if you if you half kill him first,” Akros said, and stared into Jeff’s eyes.
Jeff stared back into his brown eyes with an evil stare. “I know who you are,” he exclaimed.
“Oh,” Akros said as he smiled. “And who am I?”
“You’re Dr. Louis Avery. You worked for NASA about a century ago,” Jeff told him.
“You’re well educated,” Akros answered. “And your name is-”
“Walker,” Jeff answered. “Major Jeff Walker. You knew
my grandfather, Colonel Thomas J. Walker.”
“Yes, of course,” Akros recollected another time and place. It was a time when he was not so angry with the human race. “Tom Walker. He was a good man. Not very intelligent, but a good man.”
“What’s happened to you?” Jeff asked. “You used to be so protective of the human race.”
“That was before they laughed at me for my theories, and condemned my research. They took away everything I fought so hard for! As usual, they were wrong!”
“Is that any reason to cause an interstellar war?” Zarcon asked.
Riona pointed his laser at the insect’s head. “Can’t we just kill them now?” he insisted.
“Not yet,” Akros said. “They want any answer, and they’re entitled to one. When I left Earth, I was dying. I knew my theories were right, but no one believed me. I was given a vision, in a dream, and the answer was all too clear to me. When I heard that there was a launch to develop a base on Mars, I hijacked the vessel that I had developed with NASA and left to test my theory. I harnessed the power of our sun, and tested this theory over and over again until I discovered how to create a wormhole in space, allowing me to travel anywhere in any universe. When I passed through to this universe and came here, a simple alien virus changed my genetic structure somehow. I began genetic research in hopes that I may become human again, but lacked human subjects for my experiments. This planet was
my only refuge.
I found this planet had its advantages. The alien organism actually
allowed me to live fifty years longer than I expected, and gave me two lung systems, giving me the ability to breathe both Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide. I had a whole world to call my own, and my research flourished. I created every being here using my own two hands!”
“That doesn’t explain why you want to destroy everyone,” Zarcon replied. “You’re a scientist; surely you understand the importance of life?”
“Perfect life,” he said and smiled. “On a perfect world, free from disease and death. A world where everyone is treated the same. Your race, Mr. Walker, is arrogant, greedy, and savage. Even by your own standards. Mine is clean, efficient-”
“Conquerous, murdering, malicious,” Jeff interrupted. “Your race has already destroyed at least three civilizations!”
“At least they haven’t destroyed themselves,” Akros argued. “Like so many Earth civilizations of the past!”
“How can you even still call yourself human?” Jeff asked.
“Who ever said I was human?” he answered. “I’m even better! I’m eternal!”
“You were eternal,” Riona said, as he quickly drew his laser and pointed at Akros. Akros was bewildered by his behavior.
“Riona?” he yelled, and backed towards the enormous window behind him, overlooking outside the base. “Have you gone mad? Balta, have the guards seize him!”
“They won’t follow your orders anymore,” Balta grinned and told him. “I’
m in command now!”
“So much for your perfect world,” Jeff joked, as he and Zarcon remained motionless.
“Silence!” Balta screamed and pointed his laser at the human. “You’re next!”
“Please Riona,” Akros pleaded. “I’ve created all of you!” The humanoid edged closer to him, his gun still aimed at him.
“We don’t need you,” Riona snarled. “We know now how to create our own race! Look at him grovel, the great, powerful Akros!”
“No,” Akros persisted. “You can’t do this! You need me to guide you! What about the Triachilite?”
“No I don’t,” Riona said. “I have all the Triachilite I need!”
“Please don’t kill me,” he said, and put his hands together as if to pray. “Give me a chance!”
“You had your chance,” Balta said. “Our process is quicker and more efficient. We have no more use for a mere human!”
“But I created you,” he continued.
"And I’m eliminating you,” Riona jested, as he fired the laser which created a blast that sent Akros through the window, allowing dust and wind to enter the conference room. Akros fell into the canyon below dead. Nitrous Oxide and wind poured into the room. Zarcon and Jeff had to move quickly if they wanted to escape alive.
Jeff, taking advantage of the situation, grabbed Balta around the neck and disarmed him. He pointed the laser at his head until he and Zarcon reached the doorway, and then threw him to the floor. Zarcon quickly took the homing device from his antennae and placed it in his mandibles and swallowed it, as Riona started to go after them.
“Wait,” Balta gasped, as he rose from the floor and grabbed his arm. “Set up the fusion ray and set the coordinates on Sentros!”
“But they’re getting away,” Riona yelled.
“I’ll go after them! You just get the gun ready, understand?”
He followed his orders, and headed to the landing bay area where the ray gun was unloaded earlier. It was transported to the main control area to where it was to be operated from. Carrying a laser, Balta proceeded to search for the prisoners. He wanted to make sure they were dead for certain this time. He walked down the corridor, where he met with one of his men. “There are unidentified alien ships entering the atmosphere,” his subordinate told him.
“You’re kidding!”
“Sir, I wish I was. The force field has somehow been deactivated from inside the complex.”
“Zarcon,” Balta hissed, as he realized his prisoners again had gotten the upper hand. “Very well. Place all of our troops on alert near the landing bay area. Seal the main control center off and don’t let anyone enter it, except for Riona! He knows what to do. I’ve got some unfinished business to take care of!”
Meanwhile, Jeff and Zarcon had deactivated the base’s force field and successfully made it to the laboratory in which the Triachilite was produced. The human kept guard as Zarcon eyed the computer for information on the project.
“This is interesting,” Zarcon said, as he glanced at the screen.
screen.
“What is it?” Jeff asked.
“According to this, they haven’t produced any Triachilite here, only the antidote,” the Belorion stated. “It must be Riona was supposed to supply the formula.”
“It figures,” the human remarked. “Does it say where he got it from?”
“Hang on, I’ll find out.” He punched in the necessary data on the keys, and an array of information was displayed. “He received it on Zacharas, which is in the Tallman star system. Hey, wait a minute, that’s where my people are from!”
“That explains a lot of things! Just who is Riona really anyway?”
“I’ll see if the Tolarions have a profile on him,” Zarcon said, typing in more input. In a matter of minutes, the following information appeared: Riona- A humanoid from Tios Four, star system 8981083. Birth date unknown, joined the Republic in 120, joined Tolaria as double agent in year 124, advanced to Republic Leader in 133, successful takeover of Rotar in 135, takeover of Zeloria in 136, takeover of Beloria in 138, destruction of Zeloria in 138. Level four intelligence expert, extremely dangerous and well trained.
“Jeff, look at this,” he said, and gestured for him to look at the screen. The human read it over carefully.
“It appears our Tolarion spy has been very busy,” Jeff said. “It doesn’t mention how he got the drug, however.”
“Perhaps if we give him the antidote,” Zarcon suggested. “We can put an end to all of this.”
“Yea,” Jeff said. “What and where is it?”
“Its called Varibolin,” the insect said. “It might be on the table over there.” He pointed to a table by the wall. Jeff walked over to it and gazed at the many different colored flasks in front of him.
“Which one?” he asked.
“According to its properties, it appears to be the greenish liquid there.”
“Found it,” Jeff said, grabbing the flask. “How is it supposed to be administered?”
“Through the skin using a needle.” Jeff poured its contents into two syringe bottles, being careful not to spill any. He then gave one to Zarcon, and kept one for himself.
“If you can hold Riona down or keep him occupied,” Jeff suggested. “I can inject him with the serum.”
“We may not have to worry about that,” Zarcon said. “I sensed before that his power was weakening considerably. He
needs another injection to sustain it. Perhaps his current supply is running out.”
“Well, we can’t take any chances,” Jeff said. “The fleet is on their
way. We have to find him and stop him before they get here.”
“What about Balta?” Zarcon asked, as Jeff placed his syringe inside the pocket of his tattered spacesuit.
“He’s my problem,” the human answered. “First we have to find the ray gun and destroy it.”
“Agreed,” the insect said, as he put the syringe in his utility belt upon leaving the laboratory.
They edged down a corridor that lead towards the landing bay area and control area, careful to make sure there no guards were about. The area was dead quiet, for most of the Tolarions were engaged in battle or looking for the two escapees.
They came closer to their destination when two guards began to open fire on them. Jeff fired back, and hit one square in the chest. The other attacked Zarcon, swinging at his large head with his fist. Four arms proved to be to his advantage as he grabbed his foe’s arms and pierced his lower claws through his victim’s chest. He fell to the floor in a pool of blood. They then continued up a stairway to a catwalk which overlooked the main control area. On the catwalk they saw Riona setting up the doomsday device. “There he is,” whispered Jeff.
“We’re too late,” replied Zarcon, as they watched him inject a needle into his pale skinned arm.
“Not yet,” Jeff said, and prepared to fire his laser at him.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” snarled a voice from behind. Jeff turned to face Balta, who was holding a laser at him. Jeff and Zarcon dropped their lasers to the floor. “Our operations are complete. We’re getting what we wanted from
the beginning-to destroy your precious Republic.”
“I’ve heard of being overly optimistic,” Jeff replied. “But what makes you so sure that you’ve won?”
“It doesn’t matter if we’ve won,” the sadistic simian answered. “The destruction of all of your planets is justification enough! In a matter of minutes, President Zarcon, your council’s headquarters will explode like a supernova, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it! Start it up, Riona!”
Balta turned to his comrade, and as he did, Jeff quickly kicked the laser from his hand. Riona activated the death ray and the fusion reactor started to warm up. “Stop him,” Jeff yelled to Zarcon, as he tossed him the other syringe. Jeff swung violently and hit Balta’s head, which made him fall to the floor. The Tolarion grabbed his leg, also pulling him to the floor.
Balta
scrambled to grab the laser and get on top of Jeff, but Jeff knocked it over the catwalk. Balta jumped on him and struck his face repeatedly thus drawing blood. The human threw him off, kicking him in the side. He then punched him several times until he had the beast against the railing, overlooking a thirty feet drop. He held his arm at the beast’s throat. “I never asked for any of this,” he hissed. “You brought this upon yourselves!” Balta pushed Jeff away and he fell against the wall.
“Can’t you see that you are inferior to me?” Balta preached, as he kicked the human in the stomach. Jeff didn’t have much fight left, as both of his eyes began to swell, and blood was dripping from his mouth. When he tried to rise, the Tolarion kicked his face and he fell to the floor, and was dragged to the railing.
He threw Jeff over the catwalk and the human was barely able to grab the railing. Balta grabbed his wrist, trying to make him lose his grip. “Time to die, Mr. Walker,” he laughed as the human could no longer hold the rail. Just before the Tolarion was about to let go, he ripped off his mask and was able to grab the knife from Balta’s belt. Balta began to gasp, and with his free arm, Jeff threw it into his chest. Jeff grabbed the floor of the catwalk, even to his own amazement.
He lifted himself up, as Balta proceeded to pull the knife out of his body armor, and scrambled to grab his mask, gasping. Jeff pulled his leg and he fell against the catwalk. When Balta’s knife was back in his right hand, he turned towards Jeff. “Now I’m going to really get you,” he snarled, as he sliced the human’s left arm. Jeff jumped away, grabbing his throbbing bloody arm, his pain only secondary to his rage at that point. He was getting tired of this alien, and wanted to end it. He quickly snatched the knife from his foe with his right hand, and kicked him in the stomach. He jumped on him, ripped his mask off again, and punched his face wildly until he was unconscious. He then rose from the floor to help his arthropod companion, but ended up collapsing beside Balta, unconscious himself.
During this time, Zarcon had reached Riona below. “Zarcon,” he replied. “You’re just in time to watch me destroy that subservient alliance of yours.”
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