The planet Aeun was the closest to him. On a zoomed-in section of a regional map, dots appeared in the forest where he’d encountered the Nukari scouts. Both Lady Weun and Seigie Weun’s profiles floated next to tiny report indicators.
The Murai Dome on the strip-mined world of Tericn was next. To the left of the dome showed the logo of Bansa, the mega-tech corporation the Nukari had infiltrated. Beside that floated the profiles of Toriko, her sister Maro, the resistance leader Daleron, the resistance’s second-in-command, Palo, and the deceased Professor FX. A smaller profile displayed off to the right. The profile picture was too pixelated to make out, but he recognized the name “Jencho.” Maro mentioned Jencho was the Nukari commander in charge of the Bansa infiltration.
The lush world called Ubunto was next. The D’mar emblem floated beside a more ominous-looking mercenary logo illustrated by two skulls fused by a lightning bolt. Allia and Ichini’s profiles hovered there, with an image of a cavern opening. That’s where he’d chased the pair when they scavenged his ship parts.
He wasn’t sure he liked that Eden knew the location of the entrance to the ancient D’mar civilization directly underground. In addition to being protective of his progenitor, the alliance with Eden was still new and squarely in that uneasy stage. Honestly, he was not ready to reveal everything he knew.
Yet wasn’t that type of thinking foolish? How much information had they gathered from his journeys? All from that innocent little pin Eyani gave him. And yes, how completely he’d been duped. From the evidence before him, Eden’s information looked comprehensive. He swore to never be that naive again.
Next was an asteroid mine, which he recalled was taken over by the Nukari and protected by their mercenary allies. The battle against the mammoth robot flashed through his mind. It was their near loss in that confrontation that led them to find more warriors like themselves, resulting in Naijen’s addition to the team.
He found it curious that Liren’s picture wasn’t displayed, only Ujaku’s. Of course, he had yet to talk with Eyani about the mysterious Liren. Given the technology at Liren’s disposal, and the comments he’d made about his “friends,” he suspected some connection by Liren to Eden.
The next world seemed out of place. The strange-looking towers and the energy fields were telltale signs of Naijen’s planet. But they hadn’t encountered any Nukari there, none he was aware of anyway. Naijen’s profile appeared with two different report icons next to it.
Is this war room about the Nukari, or about us?
The next two sections made him further question: their asteroid base, with Osuto’s profile, followed by the Coalition’s emblem and then his own profile.
He was just about to ask Eyani, when he noticed something in the projections on the far wall. Each one showed Humanoid-like beasts surrounded by peculiar, muddy-blue auras. Some were flying bodily in space; others hovered in the distant horizon, planet-side. Each scene appeared in the midst of battle.
“What are those?” Mencari said. No sooner had he said it, his eyes fell upon a zoomed-in section of an image. He felt a sudden twinge across his brow. The silvery-blue emblem with jagged edges was unmistakable. “Nukari?”
“There’s more,” Eyani said, motioning them all to sit.
Ignoring the direction, Naijen favored an up-close study of the peculiar holograms. Mencari noticed the warrior’s bloodthirsty sneer.
“They bear the Nukari mark, but we’ve never seen anything like them before,” Tenrl said.
“I thought the Nukari were more Humanoid?” Mencari shook his head.
“So did we,” Eyani said. “The Nukari’s abandoned dead from previous encounters supported that theory.”
Seigie said, “Then what are those things?”
“We were hoping you’d be able to tell us,” Tenrl said.
Mencari turned to him. “Us?”
“The blue glow is much like your golden auras,” Eyani said. “They also have other abilities … like yours.”
Like ours?
Eyani pulled up short segments of footage, which projected in the middle of the table. “You can see from these scenes: projections of energy beams, bodily travel in air and space—just like you.”
“Except they’re beasts?” Allia said.
Mencari’s mind tried to process this. Osuto never mentioned anything about the Nukari having the same abilities as the ancient D’mar, from which all in his group were descended. Did his mentor not know, or just forget to mention that?
“Seigie, do you know anything about this?” he asked.
Her stony head shook, as much as her dome of crystalized hair would allow. “I’ve never seen anything like that before. Even in the original attack on D’mar, they used their ships and equipment. They never showed anything similar to our abilities.”
“Then what are they?” Mencari said, puzzled.
“That’s what we need to find out,” Eyani said. Tenrl’s furry mane bobbed in agreement.
The videos shrank away as personal displays projected before those seated. Locations, images, and reports became available in a holographic interface.
“They’ve hit four places so far, each in the same nearby system,” Tenrl explained, frustrated. “No apparent rhyme or reason—though most attacks were in far-out-of-the-way outposts and facilities.”
The level of detail and organizational structure of the reports seemed similar to the Coalition’s. Leveraging the similar format made it easy for Mencari to parse through them quickly. He didn’t agree with Tenrl’s assertion.
“There is a pattern here,” Mencari said. “The first place was a simple storage area, the second an armed munitions depot, the third a small colony with light defenses, and this last one—it had a larger defensive perimeter and external defenses.”
“They’re training,” Seigie said.
Mencari nodded. “Exactly.”
“In addition—” Bob appeared in a holographic projection overhead. “—each attack location appeared to be an alien installation on a host world.”
“What does that mean?” Allia said.
“Many developed worlds have alien settlements these days,” Eyani said. “It’s more common for cities to have integrated populations, but there are still pockets of segregated areas. Each attack took place in one of those areas.”
“It doesn’t look like the beasts leave much behind,” Seigie said, pointing to pictures showing burned-out holes where facilities once stood, taken in the attack’s aftermath.
Tenrl’s big eyes locked on Mencari’s. “We have to ask you another favor.”
“Go on,” Mencari said.
“We want you to investigate the last attack site. Bring back anything you think will help us understand what we’re up against here.”
“We know the creatures are still in the system, and could attack again,” Eyani added. “There might be an opportunity to engage them. With your abilities, you can beat them.”
“How many of them are there?” Seigie said, concerned. “Our team is just getting used to fighting regular soldiers, much less dealing with others like us.”
“Scared, stone lady?” Naijen chided.
“Shush,” Seigie said with her finger to her lips. “Don’t talk, it ruins your image.”
Naijen grunted. “I’m ready now.”
“Won’t there be local authorities checking out the site, Colonel?” Mencari said.
“Our connections can get you in without a problem,” Tenrl replied. “You’d be there representing one of the interplanetary investigation teams. The whole thing would take a few hours to set up, long before you’d arrive.”
“How far away is this place?” Seigie said.
“Jadrell is in the Messier system, less than two light-years away,” Bob chirped. “And only a few hours using the spaceway. I could relay the coordinates directly to your ship’s computer.”
“Since when?” Mencari said, surprised.
“Since Toriko integrated our systems—we can
help you in many ways now,” Eyani explained.
Maybe he needed to talk with Toriko and establish a few guidelines. He wasn’t convinced having a completely open exchange in systems was a good idea, just yet. Trust is earned, and, while helpful, Eyani and Tenrl had more to prove. And who else has access to the systems?
“What about Argosy?” Seigie said.
“These creatures are a stronger lead than what we had on Argosy,” Mencari said. “We can go there after we check this out. Let me clear this with Osuto first.”
* * * * *
“The images didn’t make it look this bad,” Allia said, looking out the side window on Jadrell below. No one else in the craft disagreed.
They flew over the burned-out husk of a building before descending toward the scorched earth below. The ship jostled a bit as it touched down next to a spidery-looking alien vessel already on the landing pad.
“Remember Osuto’s plan,” Mencari said, unstrapping. “Meet our contact, get the lowdown, then split up. Naijen, you’re with me. Seigie with Allia. Search for any clues, collect what we can, and then we’ll head back to Eden.”
“Can’t wait for our scavenger hunt together, Rylee,” Naijen chided.
“Eyani said those beasts could show up anytime,” Allia said.
“Hope they do.” Naijen glared at Mencari. “Still gonna get that practicin’ in.”
“And keep your sash on,” Mencari said, adjusting the black-and-tan garment around his shoulder and waist. “Eyani said they’ll let us go wherever we need to as long as we have these on.”
The hatch hissed open and warm, humid air rushed in. A heavy stench of smoke and burnt plastics assaulted Mencari’s nostrils. A figure dressed in the familiar tan-and-black Eden uniform appeared to await their exit. Purple scales grabbed Mencari’s attention. For a moment, he wondered if Eyani had somehow beaten them to the planet. As the figure approached, he saw a more muscular outline inside the uniform, and short-cropped silver hair. The man did have the same entrancing purple eyes as Eyani. A racial trait, Mencari thought.
“Mr. Mencari?” the man said to Naijen, and withered from the warrior’s glare.
Mencari motioned. “That’s me.”
With an embarrassed nod, the man hurried over to Mencari. “My apologies. Agent First Class Telik. Please come this way.”
The man led them to the smoldering structures.
“What do we know?” Mencari asked.
“Nurealian compound.” Agent Telik handed over a small data pad that displayed information. “Official records say they were in some type of technology exchange with local Jadrelans.”
“And who are these Nurealians?” Mencari asked.
“Their homeworld is a few light-years away. Pretty benign race from what I’ve seen. Intel says they have a few places like this with other worlds, collecting tech.”
“Anyone missing their facility?” Seigie said.
Agent Telik blinked at Seigie’s sarcasm, and rushed to continue. “Just before you landed we received word the Nurealians are sending a team to collect the bodies and retrieve any surviving materials.”
“Have they seen the pictures of this place?” Seigie said. “What do they think they’re getting back from here?”
“That’s all I know, ma’am,” Telik said, motioning the group to follow. They skirted along a blackened crater. Along the edges, fragments of fractured walls stood defiant among the debris.
“Any survivors?” Mencari said. Turning to Seigie he added, “Not that I’m expecting any.”
“None onsite,” Telik said. “But there was one en route during the attack. He arrived soon after it was all over.”
“Where is he now?” Mencari asked.
“There’s an outlet area just a click away from here. It’s used to cater to those on the outpost.” Telik pointed due east. “He said he was going to wait at the Pit.”
“What pit?” Allia said, confused.
Telik shook his head, amused. “The Viper Pit, it’s a bar.”
“What would this Nurealian look like?” Mencari said.
“Light green skin, a few large, brownish scales. Not much like mine,” Telik pointed to his lavender scales. “Theirs looks more like a recessive trait working its way out of the gene pool.”
Mencari hadn’t expected anyone to be alive. This could be a good opportunity to get some direct answers. “Can you get us transportation?”
“Easily, sir.”
“Seigie, you and Allia look around here,” Mencari said. “Naijen and I are going to find out what we can from the Nurealian. We’ll meet back here.”
* * * * *
“This whole area cleared out after the attack,” Telik said as they barreled into the makeshift town. “Doesn’t look like much, but the chance to get paid in universal credits draws all kinds here.”
Telik wasn’t kidding. Mencari only spotted one other person about. From what he could see there were five, maybe six buildings along the main avenue. Business signs used universal symbols: food, supplies, clothing, some type of knick-knacks store, and women. He pretended not to see that last one.
Mencari and Naijen unbuckled as Telik pulled up to the Viper Pit. Mugs of flashing neon greeted them.
“What’s this guy’s name?” Mencari asked.
“I don’t know, sir,” Telik said. “Just look for a man in a gray cloak, with green skin and brown scales. There can’t be many in there … now, anyway. I’ll wait here.”
* * * * *
From the moment he stepped inside, Mencari felt something strange. At first he thought maybe it was the heavy stench of alien alcohol in the air, but it wasn’t that. The sensation was more like standing in a slow-flowing stream. The feeling seemed to come from a man sitting at the bar sipping from a mug, the one wearing a simple cloak with the hood pulled up over his head.
Mencari motioned Naijen to follow, a directive that brought the warrior’s annoyed huff, but he followed Mencari to the bar.
“Excuse me,” Mencari started. “I’m with—”
“The interplanetary investigation unit, I see your sash.” The man looked Mencari over before returning to his brew.
Light green skin, a few large, brownish scales, just like Telik said. This was the Nurealian.
“At least you got here faster this time, not that it did much good,” the man said.
The man’s tone held bitterness. “This has happened before?” Mencari said.
“Four times. Don’t you types even talk to each other? No wonder it keeps happening.”
“We knew there were four attacks on alien establishments,” Mencari said. “We didn’t know they were all the same race. Any idea on who’s attacking?”
“Not really. We’ve killed a few—beast creatures of some sort. Never caught one alive. Always seem to take their dead too.”
“Have you been in the attacks?”
A pause. “Not directly, no.”
“Why would they attack your people?”
“You know, I just lost a bunch of friends, and coworkers. Playing 20 Questions isn’t on the top of my list of things to do.”
“I’m sorry. This is just the first opportunity to get some real information about what’s going on.”
The man’s head bobbed.
“I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself,” Mencari said in the warmest possible way. “I’m Rhysus Mencari.”
The man’s eyes looked Mencari over, square pupils dilating as he stared. The alien’s entire demeanor shifted, becoming anxiety-ridden.
“Anrik,” the man said at last. “Who’s the bodyguard?”
“Naijen,” the warrior replied, amused.
“Usually friendlier than this, but it’s been a rough day,” Anrik said. “Finding nothing but charred remains of your outpost will do that.”
A flashing drew Mencari’s gaze to the alien’s wrist. A thick metal band was etched into a white armguard of a leather-like material. A rounded symbol appeared to pulse in waves of light.
>
“Got to go.” Anrik stood and tossed some universal credits on the bar. Before Mencari could protest, the Nurealian was headed toward the door.
“Are you going back to the outpost?” Mencari called after him. “We’ll head back with you.”
Anrik disappeared outside.
“Like your technique,” Naijen chided. “Got us a lot of info.”
* * * * *
“Seigie, over here!” Allia waved the group’s matriarch over. “According to the map, this crater is the communications center. Or was.”
Allia’s eyes scoured the remains. This foundation was so different from the other buildings. When Seigie’s heavy steps drew near, Allia added, “Look how deep this goes! At least one, maybe two extra levels underground.” She squinted, trying to focus in on the shadowy objects. “Looks like there’s stuff down there the blast didn’t get to. Let’s go, Ichini!”
Her companion nipped the clothing around her neck, tossing her up and onto his back. She held on tight to Ichini’s bony neck plates as he leaped down into the pit and bounding across broken platforms and up from various debris.
“Careful!” Seigie called out.
A black plume rose as Ichini landed on the soot-covered floor.
“See, we’re fine!” Allia looked back up at Seigie and waved, then turned her attention to the charred remains around her. Spotting prints in the ash, she hopped off Ichini and scurried around. Burned-out husks of equipment littered the walls, yet some areas were unusually clean, accompanied by telltale ruts in the ground.
“I see trails down here,” she called up to Seigie. “Animal-like prints and drag marks.”
A gleam drew her attention to a crack in the floor. There, a severed and charred finger lay, still carrying a silver band with a single topaz at the top.
“Pretty!” she said.
“What?” Seigie called down.
“A ring with a yellow gem—on a finger.” The girl reached down to retrieve it.
“Wait!” Seigie yelled. “Use the sealer like Eyani said.”
“Oh, yeah.” Allia pulled out the small dispenser from Eden.
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