“Our ancestry has always fascinated me. I hope to travel to our home star one day.”
“Only in your dreams, Ruki’. You know that off-world travel to Antares is forbidden.”
“If she is the one, she must return. It is written, my foolish Brother.”
“The scroll says nothing of you going with her, little Sister.”
“We shall see, my Brother, we shall see indeed.”
Davan interrupted the banter, “Our other cave-land is just up ahead. The others should arrive shortly. We will gather supplies and wait for their arrival.”
“Yes, my Uncle,” Ruki’ nodded.
CHAPTER FOUR
________________________
Serintin
Glavin Infirmary
________________________
Baelak escorted Tumaleka toward Dumakas’ recovery tent, “He is doing much better, Madam Tumaleka.”
“Is he ready for travel?”
“Yes, Madam, the physician has released him. He will need time to rest in order to regain his strength.”
“How are your wounds, Baelak?”
“My wounds are all but healed, Madam.”
“Good. With Shotzgren’s death, more burden you will be taking.”
“Yes, Madam Tumaleka.”
“Once Dumakas is restored to power, he will be calling on you as one of his closest aides.”
“Thank you, Madam, it will be my honor to serve Lord Dumakas.”
“How much further, Lord Baelak?”
“Dumakas is right here, Madam,” Baelak parted a drape on one of the tents.
Poking her head though the curtain before entering, Tumaleka ensured he was decent, “How are you feeling, my Grandson?”
“I am doing much better,” Dumakas answered from the edge of his bed, “The physicians reprogrammed my Nanites.”
“That is good to hear, my Grandson.”
“At least I am on my own feet again. It will take another three days to fully recover.”
“Yes Dumakas.”
Dumakas sneered at his Grandmother, “You are a deceitful and retched old woman.”
“You should be thanking me, Dumakas.”
“What would I thank you for? Hitting me over the head in my cell or for supporting that gorech of a stranger who took my throne?”
“For saving your life, my Grandson; show a little respect to your elders.”
“I was nearly to Revein’sev. Why did you bring me back?”
“Because you are of my blood, Dumakas.”
“I fail to understand why you supported this gorech from Earth in the first place, only to free me again?”
“It was in the scrolls, my Grandson...”
“...The scrolls, the scrolls...stop with the scrolls already, lest I take my dagger and pierce my own two hearts.”
“Oh Dumakas, do not be this way.”
“And why should I show you respect, old woman?”
“Do you wish to have your throne back, or are you going to continue displaying such paroxysm?”
“I am displaying no such tantrum!” Dumakas stomped his foot in anger.
Tumaleka smirked at her Grandson, “If you are to sit on the throne once again, you must travel with me to the Delemian council.”
“Why not simply take the Palace? If Danielle is absent from the Rising Star of Antares, her blood song no longer sings here.”
“It would be best if you demonstrated that to the House of Delema yourself. You already have support there. You only need to convince one to change their pledge to you. With the council’s backing, the throne would be yours without the waste and bloodshed of an incursion. You will need every available resource to punish the Earthlings!”
“You know this to be fact, old woman? I only need to swing one of the four council votes?”
“Yes, my Grandson. Danielle holds the votes of the first, fourth, sixth, and seventh seat. The fourth seat is already neutral. Press him.”
“I know who sits in the fourth seat. He shall bow to my insistence, old woman.”
“If you continue to insult me, I shall leave without you.”
“An insult it is not. You are an old woman!”
“Are you coming with me or not?”
“Go with you? I detest the thought...” Dumakas spat.
“But you will go with me?”
“Yes, old woman, I shall accompany you to the House of Delema.”
“Good. Gather your things, we leave in ten minutes.”
“What of the other factions shooting us down when we are sky borne?”
“There is no more civil war, or at least there has been a cease fire until a new leader is seated.”
“...and my fleet?”
“It will not be your fleet unless you get that vote, my Grandson.”
“I grow weary of you speaking in riddles, old woman; what of my fleet?”
“We lost a significant number of ships at Betelgeuse and Sol sector. Two other fleets are due to arrive at the Rising Star of Antares in a few days.”
“How many ships did we lose?”
“Two hundred, maybe more.”
“Two hundred destroyers are lost? What an incompetent gorech she was!”
“When you return to the Palace, your war ministers will brief you on the details of our losses. I think they’re still calculating.”
“What about our factories?”
“The Empress had brought all our ship building factories online. They are operating at full capacity.”
“Well, as least she is not completely maladroit.”
“Now let us take leave of Glavin. It is a four hour trip to Delema.”
“Lead the way, old woman.”
Tumaleka gave Dumakas a snarl, and then turned to the exit, “Remember, Dumakas, I demand your respect.”
“Respect? I have no respect for you, old woman.”
“It is I who begged you an audience before the council. I can easily retract the request.”
________________________
Earth
Shuttle Target Landing Zone
________________________
Race eased back on the thrusters to slow his ACE support ship to the ground, “This is their last known position. Powering down engines. Thelix, pop the hatch and take a sniff around.”
“If you are referring to my primal instincts, you should know that I keep the edge on my personal dagger very sharp.”
“I meant look...take a look around. I’m sure you can spot something with those big brown eyes of yours.”
“Race Jennings,” Thelix returned a smile, “You must find time to work on your humor sense.”
“Nice...”
“You are welcome.”
“Been studying up some, eh?”
“I have become fond of ‘sarcastic’ and ‘ironic’ humor, yes.”
“Just go see if you can find anything while I secure the ship. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
“You are not going to ask me to leave the ship, Colonel Jennings?” Artemis asked.
“No, wouldn’t do any good ‘cause you’re just gonna listen in anyway.”
Thelix exited the ship still chuckling under his breath.
Artemis turned away from Race, “I am sorry if our actions have offended you, Colonel Jennings. We are only here to offer help where needed.”
“What? You’re not going to knock around inside my head this time?”
“No, Colonel Jennings, you may not believe us, but we truly do not mean you any harm.”
“Humph, sounds like something from a “B” rated sci-fi novel.”
“Where do you think they got these lines from, Colonel Jennings?”
“And you, Artemis. You definitely need to work on your humor.”
“I am trying, Colonel Jennings,” Artemis explored the clearing the ACE had landed in.
Race jumped to the ground behind Artemis. The ship secured, he scanned their surroundings, “Either of you getting anything yet?”
Thelix gave two more sniffs into the air, “They were here a short time ago.”
“Well, they couldn’t have gone far.”
“Maintaining a mind lock is still difficult. We are working to remedy this issue.”
“This way,” Thelix motioned, “Their scent is stronger in this direction.”
“You can tell that?” Race asked.
“Yes,” Thelix smiled, “It does come in handy, does it not?”
Thelix led them to a large fallen tree trunk. He climbed the ten foot high log. Looking over the top, he saw nothing but blackness.
“Do you have a stick of light?”
“You mean a flashlight?”
“Flashlight, yes.”
Race tossed the light to Thelix, who played the beam over the log.
“I see a passage. They must have gone down this way.”
“Inside the log?”
“Yes,” Thelix said, jumping back to the ground with a thud. “There is a passage large enough that we can all descend.”
“Descend to where?”
“To wherever the others went.”
“Down there? As in underground?”
“It is the way they went. We must make haste lest I lose their scent.”
“Okay, okay, go ahead and start making your way down. I’ll give the Admiral an update and join you in a sec.”
“Do not linger long, Race Jennings,” Thelix warned.
“Don’t get your tidies in a bunch, ol’ friend. I’ll be right behind you.”
Thelix pulled Artemis to his side at the top of the log, “It would be better if you hold on. We will descend efficiently this way.”
“I agree, Mister Thelix,” Artemis scooted around and held on by wrapping her spindly arms around his neck and gripped his fur.
“Okay,” Thelix nodded, “Ready?”
“Ready when you are, Mister Thelix,” Artemis said as Thelix climbed down the hole.
“Admiral? Colonel Jennings here,” Race called over his wireless.
“Go ahead, Colonel.”
“Admiral, we found an entrance to some kind of underground passage. Thelix has picked up their trail.”
“Underground passage?”
“Yes, Sir, and I’ll bet ya another bottle of Scotch that’s the reason we keep losing their signal.”
“We’ve got a fix on your position. If we don’t hear from you in four hours, we’re coming for you.”
“Please do, Sir. Jennings out.”
________________________
House of Delema
Council Chambers
________________________
“Dumakas,” Tumaleka’s long hairy finger reached towards the former Emperor, “The House of Delema will have your audience.”
“Well isn’t that nice,” Dumakas pushed past Tumaleka and approached the seated council members. Tumaleka warned her grandson, “Dumakas, choose your words wisely…”
Dumakas charged to the center podium. He grabbed it with both hands and tossed it against one of the walls. The council watched their ceremonial podium explode into wooden shards.
Sliding his sword from its sheath, he held the blade crossways in front of them, “I have come to reclaim my rightful, legally obtained throne of the House of Serintin of the Rising Star Antares! Who shall stand in my way?”
The council froze at his words, stunned that this former Emperor would be so bold as to issue them ultimatums.
“If none opposes my claim, I shall demand that this body, this Delemian Council issue a call for my reinstatement!”
The First Councilmen stood.
Dumakas took an offensive posture with his sword, “Be sure of your next words, Councilmen.”
“Your argument is not with me, Lord Dumakas. I have always supported your claim to be our rightful leader. I am one of three who voted in your favor.”
“I do make my demands clear today; I shall have the vote of this body to reinstate my position!”
The Third chair joined the First, “It seems apparent what is to come of this meeting.”
“Explain.”
“We are the seers, Lord Dumakas. We knew of this day not long ago. We understand that the Empress, who this body approved with a four to three vote, is missing on a foreign planet, a planet called Earth.”
“The Rising Star of Antares requires a leader to be appointed amidst her absence!”
“Lord Dumakas,” the Third Chair continued, “We fully understand the law of appointment. However, you must realize that absence of evidence that the Empress is no longer alive, a new leader cannot be appointed...”
“This is an OUTRAGE,” Dumakas took his sword and held the blade against the Third Chair’s neck.
“...notwithstanding,” the Third Chair quickly added, “we can grant emergency powers to you in such cases as these.”
Dumakas’ sword pressed in.
“Until the Empress’ body is located...”
“...and we can confirm her passing into Revein’sev,” the First Chair added, “I call a vote of this council to grant emergency powers to Lord Dumakas, how do you vote?”
Dumakas relaxed his grip and then swiftly turned his sword to the Fourth Chair’s chest.
Each member raised their tunic-covered arms in favor, “Motion passes,” The First Chair smiled, “We hereby grant Lord Dumakas of the House of Gornash, Emergency Powers over the House of Serintin until further notice...this meeting is adjourned.”
Dumakas snorted through his snarled teeth as he sheathed his weapon.
“Good day, my Lord.”
CHAPTER FIVE
________________________
Earth
Underground Passages
________________________
Race poked Thelix in the ribs, “Just what exactly do you remember these Sasquatch saying?”
Thelix’s eyes followed his light down the dark and damp passage, “The one I chased was named Davan. Apparently his niece...”
“...the one armed with a branch?”
“...yes, the branch,” Thelix rubbed his chin once more, “Her name is Ruki’. I got the feeling there is an entire family in these parts.”
“So this Davan dude,” Race asked, “You think he was leading us away from the others?”
“Yes, that is what he was doing. I should have expected that tactic.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, big guy.”
“He saw that my appearance was strange.”
“Whattya mean?”
“He asked what Clan I was from, and his expression was that of wonder.”
“Well, that’s how I am every time I look into your big brown eyes.”
“Now that was funny,” Thelix chuckled.
“I try my best.”
“Did they say anything else?”
“Apparently, this young Ruki’ thinks her Uncle is a lame ass.”
Race burst out with laughter, “Oh, now that’s funny.”
“I fail to understand this humor? What is ‘lame ass’?”
Artemis looked puzzled, “I too am having trouble understanding his humor, Colonel Jennings, since the word lame is defined in your vocabulary as a person or animal being unable to walk normally because of an injury or illness effecting the leg or foot,” turning to Thelix, “Do you think Davan has an injury to his ass?”
“No, I do not think he was injured,” Thelix shook his head. “Certainly not before he attempted to tackle me.”
“Guys, guys...wow, you both need an education on slang.”
Thelix grinned over his shoulder, “Got cha.”
“Mister Thelix, you are a quick study.”
“I too have fooled you, Colonel Jennings.”
“No, it’s too late to say you knew Thelix was kidding, much too late.”
Thelix raised a fist in the air and the two stopped behind, “Their scent, it grows strong here.”
“How long have we been at this, anyway?” Race asked, “Does anyone know?”
/>
“We have been following this passage for one hour and fifty-five minutes.”
“Wait,” Thelix turned off the light, and Race followed suit. “Did you hear that?”
The three listened intently, “There it is again.”
“What, you have keen hearing as well as sight and smell?”
“I am Antarian.”
“Especially the smell part, Mister Thelix,” Artemis said.
Thelix leaned close to Artemis and growled.
“Shhh, shhh, shhh,” Race motioned in the darkness, “I heard something too.”
“Voices,” Thelix whispered, “Just up ahead.”
“Okay,” Race answered as quiet as he could, “Let’s go.”
________________________
Earth
Other-Cave
________________________
Ruki’ entered the cave smiling. Seeing her family safe was a relief, “My Mother, I fear the humans follow from above-lands.”
“We must leave for under-lands,” Akua ordered, “Quickly, they mustn’t find the entrance.”
Danielle stood and made ready, “Where is this entrance?”
“Not far from here,” Naryah answered, “at the end of this catacomb to the water-edge.”
“The under-lands entrance is at the ocean?” Danielle asked.
“Yes,” Davan nodded, “Under-lands entrance is below waters-land.”
“Below, as in under water?”
“Can you swim?” Ruki’ asked.
“Yes, I can swim...” Danielle answered.
“...good, you will need to in order to get to the under-land entrance.”
“Swim?” Darnash protested. “I detest getting wet.”
“Come on, Lord Darnash,” Danielle tugged on his fur, “Where’s your sense of adventure.”
“After we jump from the cliff we will swim to the under-lands entrance,” Akua instructed.
Danielle grew wide eyes, “Jump?”
“Come on, my Empress,” Darnash poked in return, “Where is your sense of adventure.”
“My sense of adventure is just fine, Darnash, I just don’t like heights.”
Akua returned Darnash a crooked smile, “Do not worry, my new friends, there will be warmth and dryness once we are there.”
“How long will this take?” Danielle asked.
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