The last five kilometers into Proctar was mostly downhill and much easier to hike. It was still more exertion than Violet had experienced in a long time. Dak walked beside her, chatting constantly about his journeys before and while serving on the Krim Sprinter. It was infuriating how effortless he made the hike seem. Especially since he didn't even use the oxygen supplementation mask.
They were about two kilometers from Proctar when Kublai called a halt. "We are being followed," he said. Like Dak, Kublai was also breathing the planet's atmosphere without any aid. "Something, or someone, is up on the ridge above."
"How many?" Mitch asked, removing his oxygen mask.
"Unsure. Might only be one creature," Kublai replied. "It's been with us since we entered the canyon a kilometer ago."
"Maybe it's only curious—whatever it is," Dak offered.
"We're not taking any chances," Mitch said. "Weapons out, safeties off."
Dak took point as they continued through the canyon. He proceeded cautiously with his blaster rifle raised, leading the way and constantly scanning the ridges above and the canyon ahead.
It was slow going, and now that everyone was alert, they could hear the scurrying feet above. They were a hundred meters from the end of the canyon when the creature pounced.
The beast charged down the canyon walls in an avalanche of rocks and small boulders. It came to a stop twenty meters in front of them. It resembled a huge spider. The creature stood on six black, jointed legs like a spider and had two wavy arms that resembled tentacles. The body, if you could call it that, was orange and appeared to be made up almost entirely of a huge mouth and one large eye.
The creature danced back and forth, growling with a sound surprisingly similar to a guard dog. It completely blocked the canyon.
"Should I blast it, Captain?" Dak asked.
Before Mitch could answer, the creature lunged forward with a bark. Dak opened fire, knocking the creature backward. Each shot pushed the creature back, but did no other apparent damage. As soon as he stopped firing, the creature started barking—it was definitely very dog-like in nature.
The creature barked incessantly for a moment then shook its head and growled. An instant later, it jumped forward with a yelp and Dak shot it repeatedly, again. The phaser blasts didn't hurt the animal in any way.
The process repeated several times. Dak was able to keep the creature away, but they weren’t any closer to getting past it.
Memories of her childhood suddenly flooded back to her. "He's playing," Violet said, putting her hand on Dak's rifle, forcing it down. "Just like a puppy."
Violet walked toward the creature with her hand extended. Please be friendly, just like a puppy.
The creature stopped barking as Violet approached and stared at her curiously. "You don't want to hurt us, do you, boy?" Violet asked in a playful voice.
As she approached, Violet could see the razor sharp teeth inside the creature's huge mouth. Definitely a meat-eater, she thought as she stopped just a couple meters away with her hand outstretched.
The creature suddenly jumped forward, knocking her to the ground. Violet fought for her life, pushing the creature back with both hands. As the creature opened its mouth, she closed her eyes and screamed. She could smell its breath as the monster's mouth descended toward her face…then licked her with a big, wet tongue.
She opened her eyes and looked up at the creature. Its large tongue was hanging out of its mouth and it was panting. "Just like a puppy," she muttered. "A big, scary, man-eating puppy."
The creature suddenly jumped off her and started growling. Violet looked over and saw that the rest of the crew had raced to her rescue—a lot of good it would have done—and were standing a few meters away with their phasers aimed at the creature. She stood up cautiously, not wanting to spook the creature, and approached it. When she reached its side, she gently put her hand on it. "It's okay," she said, both to the crew and the creature. "He just wants to play, don't ya, boy?"
Violet's heart was still racing, and she wasn't positive the creature wouldn't eat them the minute they turned around, but the creature definitely acted more like a pet than a dangerous animal. She stroked its head and spoke gently, "You're not going to hurt us, are ya?"
The creature looked from Violet to the crew then back to Violet. It leaned into her. As she stroked its leathery orange skin, the creature started to glow.
"I think you made a friend," Dak said, lowering his rifle as he stepped toward the creature.
The entire crew eventually lowered their weapons and approached too. The more attention they paid to it, the brighter it glowed.
"Well, this is certainly one of the most unusual creatures I have ever seen," the captain said. "But we still have to get to Proctar. Let's see what this creature does if we keep walking."
One by one, the crew stepped away from it and started walking toward the end of the canyon. As Dak disengaged and started walking away, the creature turned to follow and jumped right into him, almost knocking him to the ground.
"He wants to play," Violet said with a laugh.
"Okay," Dak said. He raised is blaster casually and shot the creature half a dozen times, which started it growling and barking again.
“What are you doing?” Violet demanded.
“Playing with it.”
“Well, stop it!”
The captain turned back with a disapproving glare. "Violet, make sure that thing doesn't try to eat us or something."
"How do I do that?"
"I don't know," Mitch said, "but he's your responsibility now."
Dak and Violet walked at the rear of the group, keeping the creature occupied. The creature continued to bark and growl at them and Dak would occasionally shoot it with his blaster, much to Violet’s chagrin. She had to admit that the creature seemed to enjoy it so she didn’t say anything further.
By the time they exited the canyon, Dak and Violet were a hundred meters behind the rest of the group. The creature suddenly stopped and started barking at them incessantly. "We have to go into the city," Violet told the creature. "Good-bye." The creature barked one more time then ran away.
Dak and Violet were halfway to the rest of the crew when the creature came running back toward them. It stopped twenty meters away and barked at them then turned and ran away again.
"I think he wants us to follow him," Violet said, reminded of a twentieth century television show she had once watched about a dog and a little boy.
"We don't have time for that."
Violet was intrigued by the creature's behavior, but knew Dak was right so they continued toward Proctar and the rest of the crew. The creature continued to follow them, barking constantly.
"What does that thing want?" Mitch asked as Violet and Dak joined the main group.
"I think he wants us to follow him," Violet said.
"I don't think that's wise, Captain," Kublai said, suddenly appearing at the captain's shoulder.
"And that's precisely why we're going to see what he wants," the captain said with a smile as Kublai frowned at him. "You take the rest of the crew into Proctar. I'm going to go with Lieutenant Ramirez and Science Officer Maciera and see what this thing wants to show us."
"Captain, I must protest."
"Don't worry, my friend, everything will be just fine," Mitch assured him. "That thing seems harmless. Besides, I have your best security officer and the dog whisperer with me."
Kublai glared at Violet for a minute, as if it was her fault the captain was being impulsive. "Very well," he finally said and stomped back to the rest of the crew.
"Let's go see if there’s a child in a well," Mitch said. Apparently, he had seen the same television show Violet had.
THE TERRAIN WAS HILLY and the creature set a demanding pace, stopping at every hill to bark at them until they picked up the pace again. Mitch and Violet were forced to put their oxygen masks back on, which effectively put an end to all conversation. Violet couldn't help but notice that Dak
was far less talkative in the company of the captain.
After several kilometers, the creature led them to a large rock formation and sat down in the shade.
"Now what?" Dak asked.
"I'm not sure," Violet answered, taking off her mask. "Is there something around here he wants us to find?"
Dak and Violet began exploring the area, but Mitch stood there studying the wall. After a few minutes, they returned to his side.
"What's wrong?" Violet asked.
"I'm not sure," Mitch answered. "Something doesn't seem right about this wall. It's too perfect. Even the imperfections in the rock are perfect."
The creature suddenly jumped to its feet and started barking and running around in a circle. A moment later, a section of the wall slid open with a swoosh and revealed three androids, all with blasters pointed directly at them. Behind the androids stood an old man with a well-groomed white beard. A pair of goggles hung around his neck and there were faint lines around his eyes where the goggles had recently resided.
The old man looked at them then looked at the creature standing next to Violet, nuzzling her playfully. "What have I told you about bringing home strays, George?" he asked, crossing his arms as he spoke to the creature playfully.
He turned his attention back to the crew, losing all trace of good humor. "So why are you here?"
"Well, sir, we followed your—George?—here," Violet said, petting the creature.
"But why are you here?" he asked again, motioning to the desert that surrounded them. "IMF officers have no business out here that I am aware of."
"We are investigating an attack on the Proctar settlement," Mitch said, stepping forward. "We came across your...pet as we approached the city."
"That explains why you are on Promethius, but why are you at my front door? Surely you have better things to do than explore the desert outside of a remote settlement."
"Call it a hunch," Mitch said with a smile.
The creature chose that moment to break away from Violet and hop over to Mitch. It reared up on it's hind four legs and wrapped its tentacles around him. It opened its mouth wide and prepared to swallow him whole.
Mitch remained calm and stared into the huge, sharp-toothed mouth. Hoping he wasn't making a terrible mistake, he barked at the beast.
The beast—George— responded with a low growl...then it licked his face and left him dripping saliva.
"You are an intriguing man, Captain Mitch Cooper," the old man laughed, motioning for the androids to lower their weapons.
"How did you know his name?" Violet asked, suddenly on edge.
"I know many things, Miss Maciera," the old man answered. "If you care to join me inside, I will share some of those things with you."
The old man turned and walked into the rock structure. He didn't look back to see if they followed. George bounded after him.
"Well, I'm intrigued," Mitch said as he followed him.
Once inside, the door slammed shut, sealing them inside. They followed the old man as the dimly lit tunnel twisted and descended into the ground.
The tunnel abruptly ended after several hundred meters. The old man stopped in a huge, well lit cavern and turned toward them. "Welcome to Intuor," he said, spreading his arms wide. "Introductions are in order. I already know who you are. I am known by many names, but you can call me Corbin Sotar."
It was a name that Violet hadn't heard since she was a small child. Could this be the Corbin Sotar? She glanced at Mitch and Dak and neither one of them seemed impressed—or concerned— by their host's name. Of course, it was unlikely that anyone outside her family would know of the man her grandfather had thought was the most brilliant man to ever live. Besides, that Corbin Sotar had disappeared seventy years ago so it was virtually impossible that this man was him.
"Are you okay, dear?"
"What's that?" Violet asked, shaking herself from her thoughts.
"I asked if you would like a tour of my facility."
"Oh, yes, that would be wonderful."
"Are you sure you are okay?" Corbin asked.
"I was just thinking of my grandfather. You remind me of him," she said, studying his reaction, but the man gave no indication he knew him.
"He sounds like a wonderful man." Corbin smiled.
"He was," she agreed. "I miss him dearly."
Corbin went on to show them around the central room of his compound. He pointed out several of his robotic creations, some were mounted to tables while others roamed the chamber freely. When they had nearly completed a circuit of the room, Corbin stopped at a doorway opposite the one they had entered through. An android stood motionless next to the door.
"This is C-9," Corbin said. "He will show you two around the rest of the complex while the captain and I speak."
"But..."
"Come on, Violet," Dak said, grabbing her by the arm. "Let's go see what other cool things Mr. Sotar has down here."
"C-9, have them back in an hour for dinner," the old scientist directed.
"Of course, sir," the android replied, suddenly coming to life. "This way, Miss Maciera, Mister Ramirez."
Violet reluctantly followed the robot from the room, glancing back at the captain and the mysterious scientist who were already in quiet conversation.
VIOLET COULDN'T STOP THINKING about Corbin Sotar as she followed the android through the underground settlement. She didn't see any people, but there were dozens of humanoid robots performing all manner of tasks, including tending to a litter of creatures that looked like the creature that had led them to Intuor. It looked like George was a...father?
By the time C-9 led them back to where they started, Violet and Dak were ready for a good meal. Mitch and Corbin were already sitting at a dining table in one of the rooms off of the main chamber.
"Think about what I said, Captain Cooper," Corbin said. "I can't stress how important it is."
"I will consider it," Mitch said, "but we've got bigger problems right now."
"It's all related," Corbin nodded, "but we can talk more about that particular problem over dinner."
Violet and Dak joined them at the table just as three serving robots floated into the room with trays full of food and drink. Violet had learned in her short time around Mitch Cooper that it was best not to ask what was being served and just enjoy the unknown. Given how hungry she was, that wasn't going to be a problem.
"So how did you two like my facility?"
"It was amazing," Dak answered enthusiastically. "I have always loved robots. My fifteen-year-old self dreamed about places like this...and I have done my best to never lose my inner child."
"I am glad you enjoyed the tour," Corbin smiled. "How about you, Miss Maciera?"
"I didn't see any other people," she said. "Doesn't it get lonely?"
"I have my robots...and George," he said. "And now there's a whole new batch of Georges. Did you see the nursery?"
Violet nodded. "So what exactly is George?"
"I don't really know," Corbin admitted. "About ten years ago, a ship crashed into the desert. The entire ship was destroyed, but George survived. He's impervious to just about anything. In fact, I haven't seen anything that can hurt him."
"Even with a super pet, it still seems lonely."
"That's the price of the decisions I have made in my life," Corbin said sadly. "Now, enough about me, let's eat."
The meal was as good as any Violet had eaten. Apparently, the robotic chefs were very skillful. When they had finished the main course, a serving robot floated into the room and cleared the table. A second robot offered them desserts.
"I hope you enjoyed your visit," Corbin said as they finished dessert. "I would like to help you on your mission."
"I haven't accepted your mission," the captain pointed out.
"War is coming, Captain," Corbin said seriously. "Despite what your superiors are willing to admit, there will be no avoiding this conflict. Ultimately, that means my mission and yours will almost certainly inters
ect."
"I am afraid you might be right," Mitch admitted. "And I would be grateful for any help you can give."
"Take C-9 with you," Corbin offered. "I have installed technology that will allow my C-series robots to communicate from anywhere in the galaxy. Instantly."
Just like the transponder great-uncle gave me, Violet thought to herself. "How is that possible?" she asked him.
"It is something recovered from an alien shipwreck," Corbin said. "I haven't figured out how it works, but I have figured out how to replicate it."
The implications were staggering if these devices could actually be reproduced, despite what Violet’s great-uncle thought. Being able to communicate from anywhere in the galaxy without having to be near a galactic communications tower could change everything. And some other civilization already had this technology.
"So, is this just a way to spy on us?" Mitch asked with a smile that showed he wasn't entirely amused.
"Let's just say I think it's in both or best interests to keep an open line of communication."
After a moment of thought, Mitch realized the benefits of having the technologically advanced robot with them outweighed the downside so he agreed to bring C-9. "We best be going, though," he said. "I will consider your request when this whole thing is over."
"Thank you," Corbin said. "But I do think you will see I am right sooner rather than later."
"Let's hope not."
The newest member of their crew, the C-9 robot, led them back up the tunnel to the surface. Somewhere on the trip, Corbin disappeared and they soon found themselves outside in the sun with the door to facility closed again. They had only made it about thirty meters when the door slid open again and Corbin came racing out.
"Miss Maciera," the scientist shouted. "I have a gift for you too."
He was carrying one of the creatures from the nursery. "I think George would want you to have one of the pups."
"I'm not sure I will have time to take care of a...puppy," Violet said, hesitantly. The idea of having a pet, especially one that was so unique, was appealing, but she definitely didn't have time to take care of a puppy.
"Don't worry, he's genetically engineered to be self-sufficient," Corbin said proudly. "And he will be full grown within a month."
Discovery (The Niakrim War Book 1) Page 6