“I detest the term Clokchek’; this churns my stomach.”
“Once Danielle’s body is discovered, you will not have long as a Clokchek’,” Tumaleka said. “Now, let us meet with our war ministers and see what they have.”
________________________
Betelgeuse Sector
HMS Bristol
________________________
Bertram sat in his seat in the CSC next to Captain McCartney when he gasped, “I have received a message from Malcom from your home sector.”
“Well, what are you waiting for, Bertram?”
“Yes, yes, I apologize. Using words takes some getting used to.”
“Don’t worry about it. What has Malcom reported?”
“Colonel Jennings has located Danielle and her Antarian companion, Darnash.”
“They captured the Empress and her first in command?”
“I did not say capture; rather Malcom reports they were spotted alive. They survived the Calypso’s crash and have taken refuge with a band of Antarians, or Sasquatch, as you call them.”
“Excuse me?” McCartney begged, “Can this get any weirder?”
“They have been chasing them through one of Earth’s forests and now have gone missing under the ocean.”
“I thought you said you had good news?”
“You perceived Malcom’s news as positive. Finding Danielle alive is good news indeed, the news about Malcom’s counterpart Artemis, Race Jennings, and Mister Thelix is not good.”
“Kind of a double edged sword, isn’t it?” Commander Iverson added.
“Have they activated a search party?”
“No, Captain McCartney. Colonel Jennings asked for latitude, expecting they would lose connection with the surface.”
“Admiral Fitz just let ‘em follow Danielle into the ocean or something?”
“Quite correct, Captain McCartney, Artemis was able to scan Lord Darnash for a short moment. Enough for her to relay to Malcom that they are going to an underground city.”
“An underground city?” Commander Iverson asked.
“Yes, Commander Iverson, that is where Malcom has lost his link with Artemis.”
“We’re able to relay our condition back to the Admiral?”
“No, Captain McCartney, not with Admiral Fitz. However, I was able to relay our status back to Malcom, who will inform Admiral Fitz.”
“That’s what I meant.”
“My apologies, Captain McCartney. I will strive to be more efficient at vocal communications in the future.”
“Any word on our reconnaissance team?”
“Yes, Captain McCartney. We have scanned the Antares sector. Our Eridonian ship went undetected and will return to our position in a short while.”
“What’d they find out there, anyway?” Commander Iverson asked.
“The Warlords are continuing to bring more ships in from various sectors. They have activated their shipyards. They are constructing more vessels to add to their war machine.”
“Are they still in a civil war?”
“Unfortunately, it seems that with their new leader missing from Antares, her hold on them has diminished. They have ended their hostilities toward one another and have returned holding their arena games.”
“How’d you people get such detailed information and remain undetected?”
“We have had the Warlords under surveillance for many centuries without being detected.”
“What about their telepathic inhibitors?”
“The inhibitors take enormous resources to keep active. We can sneak in when we know they are down for maintenance.”
“That would have been good information to share before our last encounter.”
“We did not believe that information was necessary at the time.”
“Well,” Commander Iverson added, “perhaps the Eridonians should be forthcoming with their intelligence reports and let us decide if it’s relevant?”
“My apologies, Commander Iverson, but we are more advanced than Earthlings; you should continue trusting that we know the right time to convey our information.”
“Trust is not freely given,” Commander McCartney added, “trust is earned over time, through consistency of action.”
“Quite right, Captain McCartney. We shall take your requests under advisement.”
“Swell,” Commander Iverson whispered under his breath, “That makes me feel a lot better.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
________________________
Earth
Under-Lands
________________________
Four of the seven Sasquatch surrounding the pool aimed crossbows at Race, Thelix, and Artemis. Danielle stood on a large boulder at the edge of the pool, “Keep your hands in the air where I can see them!”
“Don’t shoot!” Race exclaimed, “Danielle? You are alive!”
“Hello Race,” Danielle answered.
“Can we, kind of like, get out of this freezing water?”
“Why did you follow me, Race?”
“Oh, I don’ know, maybe because I blame myself for you being in this predicament? Come on, it’s freezing in here!”
“Alright,” Danielle said, “Move to the edge...slowly!”
Race obeyed Danielle’s instructions and paddled to the water’s edge, “We didn’t follow you to hurt you.”
“Then what?”
“What’s gotten into you, Danielle? Come on, it’s Race. Don’t be like this.”
“It is of extreme importance that you do not interfere. I must find the missing scroll.”
Race eased himself out of the water and offered his hand to Artemis, who took it with no hesitation. He closed his eyes briefly in an attempt to send a message, Artemis, maybe now would be a good time for you to intervene? You know, a little mind trick or two?
Race pulled the shivering Eridonian onto the rock, and then Thelix pulled himself out of the water.
The three shivered uncontrollably as Artemis struggled to answer Race, I cannot...too cold...must get warm...
Danielle motioned with her hand to Darnash, “Fetch them warm blankets. We shall bring them with us.”
Akua kept his crossbow aimed at the group, “Bringing outsiders to our under-lands is forbidden, Danielle Cooper.”
Danielle turned to Akua, “We can’t leave them here. They’ll die of exposure. They are my friends.”
Akua protested when Danielle returned a stern finger, “You will do as I say, Akua! You have no choice as long as my blood sings to your heart! Now lower your weapons at once. Keep them at the ready, but there is no need to be concerned with these humans.”
“Thank you,” Race nodded, “Now, about those blankets?”
“Hurry,” she instructed Darnash, and then turned to Race once more, “Do not cross me. These Antarians won’t hesitate to kill in order to keep this place a secret.”
Akua lowered his crossbow, removed its arrow, and slung the weapon over his shoulder, “Do as she says. She has a hold over us that we can explain only with what was foretold in our ancient scroll. There are plenty of provisions for everyone.”
Darnash, along with Kuhar and Rehor, brought the thick blankets from the Sasquatch’s storehouse. Darnash pointed to Race, “Remove your wet clothes at once. All of you; you will warm with these in no time.”
Race dressed down to his skivvies and took the blanket when Darnash yanked it back, “All of them.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, it will be better for you.”
Race glanced over to Danielle, “I think not!”
“Do as he says, Race,” the corner of Danielle’s mouth rose a little.
“Okay, okay,” Race shook his head. “Do ya mind?” He twirled his finger in the air.
“So modest,” Danielle smiled before turning around.
Race and the others removed all of their clothes. They each wrapped a blanket around themselves.
“Hey, this ain’t bad.”
Thelix looked to Darnash, “I see you have done well for yourself, my trusted navigator?”
“My Lord,” Darnash bowed, “I thought you had traveled to Revein’sev. I now follow the song of our Empress.”
“I am no longer your Lord. My blood spirit was taken by Danielle. You may now refer to me as Mister Thelix.”
“My Blood Spirit was taken, and the Emperor’, by the Empress’ blood.”
Akua stood forward, “It is hard to believe that what you are telling us is true.”
“Believe it,” Danielle added, “This is all happening according to the ancient Antarian Scrolls. I am the strange warrior from an unknown house. It is how I was able to kill a Boreshog and usurp an Antarian Emperor. I have a hold on all Antarians through the blood spirit of an adolescent Boreshog.”
“We have much to discuss,” Akua said with a raised brow.
“We must perform the test before we say more, my Husband.”
“Yes, I agree with my sister,” Davan added.
“What test?” Danielle squinted.
“Do not say anymore, my Husband.”
“Do not worry, my Wife. It is alright.”
“Yeah, it’s alright,” Race nodded, “Please, do tell her.”
“We must go,” Akua said, gathering their gear.
“Just where is it we’re going to, anyway?”
“Another inquisitive above-land human,” Akua shook his head, “Mor’relock will not be pleased.”
“If she passes the test, my Father, Mor’relock will be very pleased.”
“You are a bright and gifted child, my Ruki’.”
“Are you warming up, Race?” Danielle asked.
“Gee, thanks for the concern, Danielle. I appreciate the accommodations and all, but I’d rather have my own clothes back...and yes, I’m warm enough now, thank you very much.”
“The Ma’Getch clans-women will make you new garments. I will help them,” Ruki’ smiled, “Right, my Father?”
“Yes, that is right, Ruki’, we will make them new wears. Come now,” Akua motioned, “It is not far to the Clan of Ma’Getch.”
“Can someone please tell me what’s going on?”
“Do not be afraid, Race,” Akua assured, “these passages are protected. They keep our people safe from the above-land humans.”
“I always believed that Sasquatch existed, but I never imagined that they existed underground.”
The group packed the rest of their gear and headed south through the underground passages.
“How far is this place, and how many of them are there?”
“Above-landers,” Akua again shook his head, “Always asking questions.”
Ruki’ moved closer to Race, “I shall tell you, Race.”
“Ruki’!” Naryah scolded, “You will not! She must pass the test first. Not before!”
“My Mother,” Ruki’ answered, “She will pass the test.”
“My very young and inexperienced daughter, how can you know this is the one?”
“Because, my Mother, I have researched and studied our ancestral heritage extensively.”
“Who is giving you access to these writings, Ruki’? They are out of line!”
“I have,” Akua answered, “Ruki’ is very smart. It is an efficient use of resources.”
“She is so very young, my Husband. Why do you abbreviate her youth?”
“Father has not shortened my youth. I have learned a great deal about our heritage.”
“Please, Ruki’, tell us about it,” Race smiled, “I for one would like to hear what she has to say.”
“Come on, my Mother, it will not hurt anything if they know now, or in an hour.”
“Well, I suppose it will be alight,” Naryah nodded her approval, “Besides, if she does not pass the test, we’ll kill them all anyway.”
“Wait, what?” Race stopped in his tracks.
“She is quite right,” Akua agreed. “If Danielle Cooper does not pass the test, we will have to kill all of you. It would be too risky to send you back to the above-lands.”
“Now, wait just a cotton pickin’ minute! No one is going to kill me or anyone else!” Race nervously protested, “You can count on that!”
“On second thought,” Race felt the hot breath of Felvek, one of the tallest of the clan, down the back of his neck, “maybe we should be going now.” Race turned to find himself staring into the Sasquatch’s chest.
Felvek placed a huge hand on each of Race’s shoulders and turned him back around.
“Okay, maybe I’ll take my chances with Ms. Empress after all.”
“A wise decision,” Felvek agreed.
“Back off, my Uncle,” Ruki’ spat, “We’re not killing anyone.”
“I hope you’re right about that, Ruki’,” Race gulped.
“I am, trust me, Race. You have my word as an Antarian.”
“A young Antarian child,” Akua pointed, “Let us not forget you are not an adult yet, my Child. Do not forget your place.”
“Do not worry, I will not dishonor you or our clan, my Father.”
“See to it that you do not!”
“I’d love to trust you an’ all,” Race interjected, “but I hardly know you.”
“If Ruki’ is one thing,” Naryah said, “She is trustworthy...and honest. If she believes this above-lands human to be who she claims she is, then you can be certain she will do everything she can to prove that she is; that includes ensuring you do not travel to Revein’sev.”
“Revein’sev?” Race quizzed, “That’s the second time I’ve heard that word. Antarian?”
“Revein’sev,” Thelix answered, “is what you would call the great beyond. It is a place our warriors travel upon death. There, they join with all our ancestors.”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Race shook his head.
“What is wrong, Race Jennings,” Akua asked.
“I find it hard to believe that you people have spiritual belief.”
“What is Spiritual?”
“You know. The after-life, it’s our Revein’sev. You see, we have a vast accumulation of faith and belief systems.”
“Ah,” Akua nodded, “I understand now. However, I am sure your after-life is nothing like Revein’sev.”
Race raised his eyebrows, “Oh, that’s one bet I’d never take.”
“I must ask why above-land humanoids feel the need for multiple belief systems? We find one complex enough as it is,” Akua laughed at his own words.
“Yes, well, um you see, well, I don’t think I have the time to go into all the details. It’s gonna take a lot longer than an hour.”
“Do not be concerned, above-lands humanoid,” Davan said. “We do not wish to learn of your ways, lest you contaminate ours.”
“He is right, my Brother,” Felvek added. “We should not have brought more above-land creatures here.”
“I did not bring more than the one being tested; they followed us. Lest I find the need to remind you of your place, my Brother, you shall hold your tongue.”
“I am sorry, my Brother. I meant no disrespect.”
Akua motioned with his large hairy hand, “I for one do believe that this is the one spoken of within our writings.”
“You cannot be serious, my Father,” Kuhar asked.
“Yes, my Father,” Rehor added, “I agree with my brother. All we need to do is count the many cycles and Antarian generations that have passed.”
“I cannot discount the events that are unfolding, my Sons. The number of generations that have passed is one of the very reasons I seek the truth.”
“Father’s right, my Brothers,” Ruki’ returned, “I happen to know it has been one hundred generations.”
“So you’ve all been here for, um, just about three thousand years?”
Artemis corrected Race, “If the Antarian generation is counted the same as humans, then you would be correct, Race Jennings. However, Antarian generations span closer to one hundred and fifty years, am I correct, Mister
Thelix?”
“The Eridonian is correct,” Akua answered before Thelix had a chance.
“We’ve been here for fifteen thousand Earth years,” Ruki’ announced.
“Ruki’!”
“You said it was all right, my Mother.”
Akua interrupted, “You are quite right, my bright child. You are the one hundredth generation since our arrival.”
“Antarian generations are five times than those of human,” Artemis smiled. “The Antarian life span is quite impressive, but holds nothing to Eridonian.”
Race turned to Artemis, “Oh really? And how long are your generations?”
“We are nine times that of Earth generations and nearly twice that of Antarians.”
“You said that with pride, Artemis?”
“There is nothing wrong with being prideful of one’s own heritage, Race Jennings.”
“Only I thought Eridonians were void of emotion?”
“We have emotion, Race Jennings, we simply express them differently.”
“So, you’re saying that Sasquatch, or Antarians, or whatever, have been here for fifteen thousand years?”
“That is correct, Race,” Ruki’ proudly smiled.
“The Ma’Getch clan is just up ahead,” Naryah pointed.
The group struggled to see a dim light a hundred meters away.
“I will run ahead, my Father,” Ruki’ said, trotting ahead of the group, “I will let Mor’relock know of our arrival.”
“Yes, a wise daughter we have, Naryah,” Akua smiled.
“She is more than wise, my Husband, and more than a handful to raise properly, to be sure.”
Akua laughed, “Yes, she has been more than enough. That is certain.”
The group came upon an older Antarian near the edge of their underground city. Ruki’ introduced the group.
“Mor’relock, may I present to you Danielle Cooper, Empress of the Rising Star Antares and her entourage, Race Jennings, Lord Darnash and Mister Thelix of Antares, and Artemis, an Eridonian. We come before you through my Father, Akua Grey’con, and one leader of above-lands.”
Mor’relock lowered to one knee before Danielle, “My Empress, I submit to you and you only.”
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