by T. R. Harris
“So you’re not a Sol-Kor!”
“We are still on Kor,” the alien scolded. “Even as we gain space, we will remain under their influence for many hours. Please…do not ask any more questions, even of the innocuous kind.”
“Innocuous? Fancy word, even in translation. You know, all you’re doing is piquing my curiosity.”
“Then you will truly welcome the time when all can be revealed. But that time is not now. Sit!”
Adam sat in the co-pilot’s seat and buckled in. Five minutes later the ship lifted from the surface of Kor and angled sharply into space, passing between the two brilliant moons moments later.
The ship was challenged five times before it reached the edge of the solar system, and each time the nameless pilot provided the proper response. Adam had to smile. What were the chances of two races, located in different dimensions, both having mother stars called Sol? Maybe it was destiny that had brought them together. In any event, it was obvious only one would survive, and going strictly by the numbers, it wasn’t looking too good for the Humans.
Chapter 17
Adam excused himself after a while and went aft in search of food, a head, and a bed. He found all three, even if the food came in the form of meat strips preserved in a type of refrigerator.
He was wakened by the nameless alien after having fallen asleep for who knew how long.
“What time is it?”
“Time is relative?”
“Oh, great,” Adam said. “At lease now I have a name for you—Albert.”
“I do not understand.”
“It would be freaky if you did.”
“Again, I do not—”
“Never mind…Albert. Where are we?”
“We are nearing our destination. You have been asleep for nearly sixteen hours.”
“No shit?”
“Do you require…or do you not require…to excrete? It is an incongruous statement.”
“No, I was just shocked I’d been asleep that long.”
“And that it caused you to—”
“No, it’s just a slang term where I come from.”
The alien stood over the bed, a deep frown on his face. “Regardless, we can now share information. There is still much I need to learn of you and your species.”
“And I of you and yours.” Adam eyed the tall creature from top to bottom. “In fact, I don’t think you’re a traitor, and since there can’t be two identical species that look like SK’s, I’m pretty sure you’ve gone through some surgical procedure to make yourself look like a Sol-Kor. So…you’re a spy for someone.”
“Very efficient deduction, Adam Cain. Please, let us return to the bridge. It still requires constant monitoring until we are safely…home.”
********
Once settled back on the bridge—and after a head call, since the subject had been broached—the alien began to speak.
“My name is Fanon, not Albert as you surmised. I come from a world you have visited before.”
“Here…in this universe?”
“That is correct.”
“I’ve only been to one, other than Kor, and that was a place populated by primitive leftovers from a race the Sol-Kor harvested five thousand years ago.”
“We are called Hal’ic, and I assure you we are far from primitive leftovers, as you call us.”
“But…you guys are like cavemen, with huge clubs and wearing animal hides.”
“That is the image we wish to portray to outsiders, especially the Sol-Kor. If they knew the truth, they would come for a second time.”
“And that truth is?”
“The Hal’ic have long since recovered from the harvest—as you call it. We are now an advanced and powerful race, residing below the surface of our devastated cities.”
“No shit?”
The alien cocked his head and frowned. “Let us not have a repeat of our last encounter regarding that phrase.”
“It means that’s unbelievable.”
“That is not what the translation is revealing.”
“I know. It’s a bug in the system. But you say there’s a whole advanced civilization living underground, and only a couple of days’ flight time from Kor?”
“We were one of the first planets the feeders attacked. At that time, they did not possess their mind-influencing beam. They came with weapons of destruction from space. We had much more primitive spacecraft at the time, unable to counter their attack. After many years, the Sol-Kor won out. Many millions of my kind were taken away to be consumed. Yet many of us remained. We fled underground, presenting on the surface the appearance of a defeated race, barely able to avoid extinction. As a result, the Sol-Kor have left us alone for thousands of years, allowing us to recover fully—indeed to advance much further than we were at the time of our Dinaanic.”
“Dinaanic? There doesn’t seem to be a translation for the word.”
“A systematic killing off of a species.”
“Ah, a holocaust, or genocide.”
“You have words for such things?”
“Unfortunately we do.”
The alien regarded him for a long moment before continuing: “When last you came to my world, you revealed information that demanded verification. Since I belong to a unit of surgically-altered operatives, I was sent to provide that verification.”
“If I remember right, I said we’d killed the Eternal Queen and all her backups. Well, as you’ve probably learned, there’s someone who’s taken over, a female named J’nae.”
“Yes, I found that information to be of particular distress, seeing the obvious connection.”
“Connection? What do you mean?”
“Have you not realized the truth by now, Adam Cain?”
Adam leaned back in his chair. Any time someone asked a question like that, it was usually followed by a bombshell going off. “And what might that truth be?” he asked, drawing out the sentence with a pause between each word.
The alien smiled. “My people, the Hal’ic, come from a world we call J’nae.”
Adam squeezed his eyes shut. “And why would the Queen of the Sol-Kor be named after a planet the Sol-Kor harvested five thousand years ago?”
“It is because it is the name of the homeworld of the creature who we believe created the new queen…an evil mutant beast called Panur.”
********
“Panur is from…J’nae, your planet? I though he was the product of the Queen and an alien race?”
“He is, and the race of what could best be described as his father is Hal’ic. But now I am confused. You know of Panur?”
“I sure do. He’s stayed at my house on Earth—the planet where I come from. We go way back.”
Fanon pressed himself harder into the back of his chair. “You are friends with the mutant?” His voice—always cold and straightforward—was now even more so.
“Not really friends,” Adam quickly amended, sensing the tension in Fanon’s voice. “He found Humans to be interesting, and I got drafted to be his research project. There’s no saying no to him when he sets his mind to something.”
“I have never met him—I do not believe any of my race has. We know of him, and the contributions he’s made to the evil that is the Sol-Kor.”
“Oh.”
Panur sure has a way of making friends, Adam thought.
“So you think he named his creation as a reference to his genetic father?”
“It is the only explanation. Beyond that, we do not know if he is aware of our advancement. This creation of his is also an enigma. We cannot see what future is in store for the Sol-Kor with her as their Queen. Yet because Panur is involved, we fear the worst.”
“I don’t blame you. I do have to say that any worst-case scenario you can imagine…it will be a lot worse than that. As you know, I’ve had a lot of contact with the mutant.”
“You said that already, assuring me that you are not friends with Panur.”
“I meant J’nae.”
/> “J’nae is also a mutant?”
“I thought you knew that?”
“I did not. What else do you know of her? Does she have the abilities of Panur?”
“‘Fraid so. Super strength, incredible intelligence…and the bitch can’t be killed.”
“Regenerative cells?”
“Yep. I’ve experienced that firsthand.”
Fanon slumped down in his chair. “This alters our plans.”
“What plans?”
“I am not at liberty to divulge.”
“C’mon, I thought we were being open here.”
“Not about that. Also, I do not know fully myself. Only the Scribes know, and I was not completely briefed in case I was captured. If our leaders decide to inform you, then you will know more than I. But now I wish to learn more of the Humans. I have observed you but I know very little of your race. You come from another universe, and a small number of you came to Kor and were able to kill both the Eternal Queen and her zygotes, before some of you managed to escape. That was quite a feat.”
“Fruitless, as it turned out.”
“The introduction of J’nae into the equation is unexpected.”
“To say the least.”
“You wish me to say more? Yes, she will complicate what I do know of our plans. The fact that she cannot be killed means she shall reign over the Sol-Kor forever, or until a means can be found to neutralize her.”
Adam shook his head at the alien’s obvious misunderstanding of his comment. “So what do you want to know about us? We’re fighting the Sol-Kor over in my galaxy to keep from being eaten, just like every other race they’ve encountered. Being considered food by another species can motivate people that way.”
“And yet from what I have learned, your galaxy has managed to survive, going so far as to isolate yourself from the feeders. That is what the Hal’ic are most interested in. You have also learned how to counteract the Sol-Kor mind beam.”
“You said they came to…to J’nae…before they had the beam?”
“Yes. Panur invented the beam for them. That was after they had left my planet. Over time, we learned of the beam, and like you have developed countermeasures.”
The alien paused while checking the nav readings. “We will be at my world in six hours,” he stated. He turned back to Adam. “You obviously have exceptional fighting and planning skills to have achieved what you have.”
“I wasn’t able to land a finger on you.”
“Finger? You attempted to strike me with your entire hand…and your leg.”
“I mean I wasn’t able to connect.”
“I have advanced training, and have been genetically altered to make me better able to survive such covert assignments as the one I am just completing. Once back on J’nae, I will be returned to my normal appearance, unless it is decided to send me back to Kor.”
“So not all your people can move like you can?”
“Very few.”
“Good, I was developing an inferiority complex.”
Fanon blinked several times; the translation had only confused him more. He decided to move on. “The Hal’ic have long been seeking partners with whom to unite against the Sol-Kor, and I know the Scribes feel that the Humans may be such partners. Are they deluding themselves?”
“You mean for an assault on the Sol-Kor, here in this universe?”
“Yes, on Kor, and the other primary worlds.”
Adam shook his head. “You’re asking a lot. It’s all we can do to stay one step ahead of them in our own galaxy. You do realize there are over a trillion of the bastards?”
“Yes, we know. We also have detailed information on all their pyramids, power stations, training centers, and food processing facilities. We could be valuable allies for the Humans.”
“In your universe, not ours.” Adam sighed deeply. “There’s something you have to understand about Humans: we don’t often act as a unit. We’re a race of very pragmatic individuals, each following their own agenda. On rare occasions, we do come together to fight a common enemy, but that only lasts as long as the threat is staring us right in the face. Even now there are those of my race who want to negotiate a peace with the Sol-Kor.”
“That will not work.”
“Thank you very much! I keep trying to tell them that. But if you want them to mount a major campaign to invade Sol-Kor space and engage in a long, drawn-out war in an alien universe, I think you can kiss that idea goodbye.”
“The Sol-Kor will continue to be a threat to your universe.”
“As long as they move on to other galaxies and leave mine alone, that will be good enough for us. Sorry, Fanon, but I don’t see us partnering up.”
The alien stared out the forward viewport for several moments, deep in thought. “I regret to hear that. But maybe you will change your mind once we reach J’nae.”
“It’s not my decision to make. Just look where you found me. I’m one of those who will go to whatever universe is necessary to fight the SK’s. I’m just saying that as a race, it probably won’t happen.”
“That is unfortunate. However, we can count on you to help.”
Adam went to protest, but held his tongue. The Hal’ic spy had rescued him from the Sol-Kor, expecting some favor in return. Adam would bide his time before dashing their hopes. What he needed now was a way back to his universe, or at least a way to communicate with them. There might be more personal TD-portals on other Sol-Kor worlds which would be less guarded than those on Kor. His new friends might be able to help him find one. To that end, Adam decided to try a new tack.
“I’ll tell you what, Fanon. Since you helped me out, I will use all my considerable influence with my fellow Humans to get them to help you. I’m somewhat of a hero where I come from. My opinion is respected. I can see how having the Hal’ic as allies right here in the backyard of the Sol-Kor could really give us the advantage. Let me see what I can do with my people.”
Fanon’s mood changed considerably. Although the altered scaly skin on his face didn’t allow for more than a thin smile or a frown, he did his best to display his thanks. “The Hal’ic have been waiting for a long time to find an able partner in this struggle. Not many advanced races exist in the area surrounding major Sol-Kor occupation. They have all been…harvested. Perhaps finding one in another universe is the most we can hope for.”
“Do you have way to get me back to my universe?” Adam held his breath while waiting for the reply.
“We do not—”
He exhaled deeply.
“However, we may be able to find a way.”
An inhale. “How?”
Now the lips of the alien attempted a smile. “The Sol-Kor know nothing of the capabilities of the Hal’ic. As such, we operate in the shadows. We have operatives in various locations throughout the Sol-Kor Colony. It is important that we remain hidden…until it is time not to hide any longer. If you are able to enlist the help of the Humans, we will find a way for you to contact your species.”
So a quid pro quo, Adam thought. He was okay with that. However, he was also positive the Union would not join the Hal’ic in any protracted war against the Sol-Kor, especially in their home universe. He would still make the presentation—as long as that presentation took place at the Union headquarters building in Phoenix, in the former state of Arizona, on the planet Earth.
********
Fanon entered his home star system without incident, even in a Sol-Kor mining craft. He made a number of links and then settled down in the remains of an ancient city that could’ve easily been the one Adam had visited earlier. He wasn’t sure. The planet was covered in ruins, and they all looked alike, crumbling structures overgrown by voracious vegetation.
Yet unlike the last time he was on planet, the ground beneath the spaceship began to rotate downward until it was completely below the surface. Then another panel of artificial grass and rubble swung into place over it, thoroughly hiding their entry point within seconds of landing.
>
The huge vehicle elevator continued to descend. Adam had no idea how deep, but the journey took a full twenty minutes. When they eventually reached the bottom, the panel on which the ship rested slid forward into a vast chamber occupied by hundreds of spacecraft, none resembling the Sol-Kor ship they were in. These were Hal’ic spacecraft, designed and built in secret by a race that had supposedly been wiped out of existence five thousand years before.
Stocky, pale-skinned natives were everywhere, hundreds of them circulating throughout the spaceport, wearing a variety of outfits—not animal skins like before. However, one dominant uniform was worn primarily by the males he saw. It was dark blue, one-piece, with white patches on the sleeves indicating rank—members of the Hal’ic military.
The Sol-Kor mining ship was finally maneuvered into a space within the vast underground spaceport and the conveyor belt stopped.
“We have arrived,” Fanon said with open joy.
“How long have you been gone?”
“Not long—on this assignment anyway—since just after you disclosed the death of the Eternal Queen. Yet because of my unique modifications, I have been to Kor four times before, one time for over a year. I was promised that after this last mission I would be returned to normal. It will be a long and painful recovery, yet I will endure it with enthusiasm.”
“Good for you…and I don’t know if I’ve thanked you for getting off Kor? Your help was completely unexpected.”
“My original assignment did not include your extraction. I was sent to observe and gather information. Only recently were the orders amended to bring you to J’nae.”
“No shit?”
“No shit.”
Fanon is a quick study, Adam observed.
“I wonder what changed?”
“That will be for others to explain. Now, let us depart. A delegation has already formed outside.”
The delegation consisted of five older Hal’ics dressed in high-collared tunics with sashes of white and green across their chests. The natives smiled with reckless abandon, unafraid that the baring of teeth would incite a death challenge. Adam smiled back. It felt good not having to worry about such a simple thing as a smile.