by T. R. Harris
Ranor was shocked that Humans would be conspiring against members of their own kind, and not only that, but against heroes of their race.
“Why would they do such a thing?”
“Because they feel—as we do—that Tarazi’s efforts may ultimately result in a re-link with the Sol-Kor universe. Once this is done, the invaders will be able to reenter our galaxy and resume their deadly harvesting.”
“I see that as a possibility as well. So this is my mission?”
“Yes, you are to monitor the movements of Riyad Tarazi as he seeks out Panur. He is employing a starship of advanced design, so you will be unable to maintain close surveillance on the vessel. However, once Panur is located, you must attempt to employ the techniques I am about to outline. We will rid the galaxy of the renegade alien who, through his misguided genius, is personally responsible for trillions upon trillions of deaths. But more importantly, we will prevent him from assisting the Humans in developing even deadlier technologies that could be used against us.”
“So I monitor his movements, and then attack when the time is right?”
“Exactly. You will be given the resources to guarantee success, although I must caution you against letting the Human know you are aware of his movements.”
“We have a tracker aboard his vessel?”
“Yes, and the Humans will be tracking him as well. Between our two efforts, Panur must be neutralized. After that threat is eliminated, we must turn our attentions on the Humans and their Orion-Cygnus Union. A time of reckoning is drawing near, Ranor. There have been too many distractions of late, yet there is a resolution on the horizon. Complete your mission and it will be the Humans who once again feel our wrath.”
Chapter 3
The controls of the Najmah Fahd were as nimble and intuitive as one would expect from a craft employing the latest technology and unlimited government funds. As a consequence, Riyad found it almost impossible to turn over control of the ship to the autopilot once they were out of the solar system and heading away from the plane of the ecliptic for the galaxy. The journey to Formil would take four days, and if he could have, he would have preferred to pilot her all the way there. But he also had to eat and sleep, and with Sherri’s continual harping on him to relinquish the controls, he reluctantly flicked the switch and climbed out of the pilot’s seat.
He was sending the ship away from the galaxy proper, away from competing gravity sources, so he could test its full capabilities. By traditional routes, the journey would take a several weeks, even in the Najmah Fahd, since Formil lay on the other side of the galactic core from Earth. Space between the two planets was littered with competing gravity sources, especially as they neared the core. However, steering above the galactic plane, Riyad could crank the ship up to her theoretical max. By distance, the course was much longer. By time, it was unbelievably shorter.
Riyad was mixing a herbal tea in the galley when Sherri pranced in and plopped down on the only couch in the lounge—the same place he had been planning to sit. He sat in one of the padded recliners instead.
“So Arieel is insisting on coming along?” Sherri asked out of the blue. “She’s really not equipped for a mission like this.”
“You mean she’s lacking skills?” His smile said it all.
“Fighting skills, yes,” Sherri countered. “You know she can’t seduce her way to finding Panur…or her daughter.” The last word came out like ice. She had been told that Adam was Lila’s father, and although Sherri and him hadn’t been an item for several years, it was still a sore subject. That he’d mated with an alien—a true alien—is what Riyad figured bothered her the most. Oh, and that Arieel was commonly referred to as the most-beautiful Prime female in the galaxy. He was sure that also had something to do with it.
“She just wants Lila back,” Riyad said. “She’s been cast out of the Order and is a disgrace to her race. She needs something to hold on to, to give her hope and pride, and her daughter is it. It’s a maternal thing, I guess.”
Riyad saw Sherri’s face go blank. “I’m so sorry, Sherri. That was insensitive.”
“That’s all right. Ricky and I could have had another child, but by then our relationship was already on the rocks. I’m okay…really I am.”
There was an awkward moment before Sherri spoke again. “So how are you planning on finding Panur?”
Relieved at the change of subject, Riyad was anxious to explain. “He took off with the Pegasus II. She’s a unique ship, well-known throughout the galaxy, and she uses a set of specialized power modules. I’m hoping we can access the Library on Formil and check any references to the ship, and maybe track power mod orders that would fit the Pegasus.”
“That’s beyond normal Library references. Wouldn’t that take specialized access? The Formilians invented the Library and the universal translation bugs. They don’t let just anyone snoop around their private files.”
“That’s right, and that’s another reason why we need to hook-up with Arieel.”
“I thought you said she was an outcast?”
“She is—officially. But you can’t throw away two thousand years of fanatical religious lineage just like that. I’m sure she still has some allies in the government.”
“Let’s hope so.” Then Sherri’s face turned sullen. “Do you really think he’s still alive?”
“We’re talking about Adam Cain. I would be really surprised if he wasn’t. He has an uncanny affinity for survival. Besides, according to Mac MacTavish, this new queen has taken an interest in Humans.”
“Hopefully more than just culinary…although Adam does seem to have a way with alien women.”
Riyad snickered. “I hadn’t really thought of that before, but you’re right.”
“Still, this is a long shot—that we can even find Panur, I mean. I’m sure if he doesn’t want to be found, then we won’t find him.”
“I’ve always found him to be a cocky little son-of-a-goat, so we’ll use his overconfidence against him.”
Sherri shrugged. “We’ll see, as long as we don’t get too overconfident ourselves.”
Riyad smiled. “Fortunately, I have you along to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”
Sherri raised her right hand and extended the middle finger. “Asshole.”
“Just like old times.”
“Double asshole.”
********
The Najmah Fayd was granted landing access in the exclusive Temple spaceport next to the walled compound of the Order grounds. Although Arieel was no longer the Speaker of the Formilian Order, she was still housed in the complex, if in much more modest accommodations. After a clearing process, a transport was provided that brought Riyad and Sherri to Arieel’s new quarters.
When the door slid open, Riyad was taken aback by the absolute feminine allure of Arieel Bol. Although she was an alien, the exaggerated sensual curves, flowing jet black hair, and powerful pheromones, were universal in their appeal to most Primes throughout the galaxy. Her allure was shared by most Formilian females—and even the males—when it came to the opposite sex. Sherri had felt her own share of overwhelming unease around both Trimen O’lac—the new First Celebrant of the Order—and Convor Ton’al Ona, Arieel’s one-hundred-year-old-plus father, since deceased. The Formilians were just built that way, and although they were aware of the sexual power they had over most other Primes, they seldom used it for nefarious purposes.
Of course, Sherri had a differing opinion when it came to Arieel and her influence on Adam.
Arieel’s smile vanished the moment Sherri stepped into view. “I was not aware you were a member of the search team?”
“I am now.”
Arieel looked to Riyad. “What does she contribute to the venture?”
“Everyone just calm down. Sherri is a Human and her fighting skills could come in handy. And, Sherri, we need Arieel for her contacts on Formil—”
“In addition to the fact that we are seeking my daughter. If we find Lila,
we find Panur.”
The pair stepped into Arieel’s humble quarters, which was a far cry from the palatial Speaker’s chambers. Arieel had been born and raised in the Temple. This had to be hard on her, Riyad thought.
After sitting on thread-worn couches, Riyad started the conversation.
“Any progress in restoring your status within the Order?”
“Some. I have allies arguing before the Council that relinquishing my Gift was an act of patriotism, that it has helped to secure the planet against Sol-Kor invasion. Closed minds are beginning to open, yet amongst the most devout I am still a pariah.”
“They could just give you a new one…a new Gift,” Riyad said.
“They could, but this crisis has changed more than just my status. Now that the true nature of my abilities—the Speaker’s abilities—has been revealed to the population, the mystique has vanished. Some feel betrayed that technology was used in place of natural ability to commune with our gods. The Order is losing influence and a new system is being contemplated as its replacement. There may be no Speaker position to be filled in the near future. But let’s speak of the mission at hand. You have been vague as to your plan for finding Panur—I assume for security reasons.”
“Admiral Tobias warned me that there are elements within the Union government against us finding another way into the Sol-Kor universe. They feel it best that we leave things the way they are, even if that means sacrificing Adam.”
“I agree,” Arieel said, to the surprise of both Humans. “If I was not so influenced by personal motives, I would be opposed to such a mission as well. As it is, I am willing to take the risk.”
“Then let’s act fast, before any real opposition can be organized,” Sherri said.
“Agreed.”
“We need access to the Library,” Riyad said, deciding to go for broke. “And not just the general data, but the internals, including the language banks.”
Arieel’s eyes filled with concern. “You did not mention this before, Riyad. Access to such sources is subject to the utmost restrictions.”
“I realize that, but can you get us in?”
“Alerts will be triggered, so if I do it will only be for a limited time.” She hesitated. “It will also identify me as breaking protocol, which will be seen as another betrayal of my sacred trust. It will not help my cause before the Order Council.”
Riyad and Sherri remained silent. This was a decision Arieel had to make on her own.
“I have conflicted feelings about this,” she said eventually. “Although I feel badly for what has become of the Speakership as a result of my actions, I also feel the need to unite with my daughter, if even to spend our remaining time in exile. The damage has been done to the Order…there will be no going back. So all I have to truly hope for is that Lila can be lured away from the influence of the mutant—the other mutant.”
“We have to find her first,” Riyad pointed out.
“I realize that, and that is the reason I will help—if I can. I will make contact with certain people in the data center. Their assistance will come at a high price, as there will be no shielding them from in-depth investigation. I regret what is to become of them.”
Arieel stood from the couch and walked toward a door in her small apartment. “Allow me a moment in private as I make the arrangements. I realize we have no time to waste. We must move quickly, and then stay ahead of our opponents.”
“Thank you, Arieel.”
“Thank me once I have actually accomplished something. For now, all I can do is try.”
********
Four hours later, the trio entered a low-slung building several kilometers from the Temple compound. A nervous Formilian male quickly steered them into an elevator that descended far below the surface. He seldom met Arieel’s eyes, awed by the presence of the female who had once ruled his planet and his race. As the elevator neared its destination, he spoke for the first time.
“Security has been turned off in this section of the building, and will remain so for eight minutes. Beyond that, the automatic detectors will activate. Enter through the doors across from the lift. Others have been sent on cursory assignments, so you will be alone for the designated period.”
“Your help is greatly appreciated,” Arieel said. “Are you shielded?”
“To a limited degree. Should others wish to probe deeper, I will be revealed.”
“Let us hope that does not happen.”
“Yes. I have a family to consider.”
“If that should happen, I will endeavor to provide for you and yours. I still have some assets to employ.”
The doors slid open, and the male slipped out before anything else could be said. He hurried down the corridor, leaving the trio standing awkwardly in the elevator. The doors began to close.
Together, they rushed out of the car.
There was a set of heavy metal doors across the narrow lobby, with an assortment of locks and other security devices on them. Riyad was surprised when the doors opened at the slightest touch and no alarms went off.
“Have you ever been here before?” Sherri asked Arieel.
“I have toured the facilities on a number of occasions, as new sections have been added. At times I have also been allowed to access data. It is a rite of passage in a way, since the existence of the Library and language banks are so crucial to the galaxy. We revere these institutions almost as highly as we do Mislin and Sufor. Or at least we did.” The Formilian had a sour look on her face.
Sherri carried an MK-17 bolt launcher, set on level-three. It would stun a Formilian but not kill, should they run into any trouble. Fortunately, as had been promised, the room was empty, though there was seating for several operators placed before a huge bank of sophisticated computer servers.
Riyad’s jaw fell open. “Where do we even begin?”
“Any of these consoles can draw data. Let us sit. Now, tell me, what are you seeking?”
“I’m assuming Panur went to a section of the galaxy where the Union and the Expansion are not well represented. If that’s the case, then any mention of the Pegasus would have to have been added to the local language programs. So first let’s access the translation servers.”
Arieel tapped the surface of a monitor and a series of boxes appeared on the screen. She hit one, then a sequence of two more as new data options came up. “We now have access to the language programs. This is where all the millions of languages spoken within the galaxy are stored. I will look for references to the word Pegasus to see if it has been added to a language program over the past six standard months.”
The results came up instantaneously. They were written in Formilian, so only Arieel reacted when the data came up.
“We have success!”
“Where?”
“The word was added to the Rissen dialect, T41, four months ago.”
“Where is Rissen spoken?”
She tapped the screen again. “The Dzin Sector.”
Sherri shook her head. “Where the hell is that? I’ve never heard of it.”
“Neither have I,” said Arieel. “I will check.”
A few taps later, she was again reading the screen. “The Dzin Sector is a minor arm of the galaxy, located between the Far Arm and the Expansion Kidis Frontier. T41 is a language spoken by the Aforac, natives of the planet Opness Gaslinska Dor.”
“That’s a mouthful,” Sherri said, her eyes rolling back in her head. “Can you print out a specific location?”
“I have entered it into my translator. I can call up the reference as need be.”
“All right, we’re making progress,” Riyad said. He checked his watch. They were running out of time. “Now I need you to access the Library files.”
“Requesting what information?”
“Suppliers of the SCAC-18 fuel modules. That’s what the Pegasus runs on since Panur made the change over to his hybrid propulsion drive.”
Arieel set to work tapping the screen again. The seco
nds ticked by, causing Riyad and Sherri to share a nervous look. Anytime now the automatic alarms could be set off. Neither of them knew what would happen then. This was the hub of all data that circulated within the galaxy, along with the translation programs that filtered down to the trillions upon trillions of embedded language bugs, allowing for interspecies communications and interaction. The place had to be one of the most secure locations in the entire galaxy. And they had waltzed right in.
“I have eighty-four manufacturers of the SCAC-18 fuel modules,” Arieel announced. “Their records are now available to us.”
Riyad leaned in closer. “Good, now, from the research I’ve done, as a rule these mods are used primarily in huge power plants and not individual starships. Can you isolate recent orders to only those for smaller quantities?”
“Yes. The orders are numerous and in bulk, as you intimated. There has only been one such order for a five-module quantity.” Arieel looked over her shoulder at the two Humans and smiled. “And the order came from a planet within the Dzin Sector!”
“The Aforac?” Sherri asked.
“No, the Wokan. I have the location and the name of the firm that placed the order.”
“Has it shipped yet?” Riyad asked.
“Yes…but is still en route. Scheduled delivery date is two days from now.”
“How far is it to the Dzin Sector from here?”
Arieel shook her head. “According to this data, it is beyond twenty thousand light-years.”
Sherri looked at Riyad. “Even your new starship couldn’t make it there in time.”
“Is that when the modules will be delivered to the…the Wokan company that ordered them?”
“Yes.”
“Can you find out where the modules are ultimately headed for?”
“That information is not available, although that seems highly irregular that it would not be included.”
“Bingo!” Riyad said. “Sounds like something Panur would do to keep his location and identity a secret.”
“I have recovered the reference to the word bingo, although I do not see where it would apply in this case.”