Somehow, the respites were crueler than the experiments. Terror for Anneliese tormented Nex more than the brutal sample collections the Monsuda subjected him to. Salno had forced her out of the portal chamber during the drones’ attack, but had she escaped? His eternal fighter would have gone to her death for him. The way she’d screamed his name, the way she’d stared at him, knowing she was about to lose him—it had been obvious she loved him in that instant. As awful as the moment had been, Nex treasured it for that reason.
Now he feared she too was somewhere in the hive, made to suffer through the Monsuda’s inhumane research. He evaluated every scream that reached his ears, terrified he might recognize it as being Anneliese’s. He’d not been able to identify any sounds as her, which gave him hope. Maybe she’d gotten away. Maybe the drones hadn’t been able to access Cas as they had the hive.
Countless maybes. In this world of horrors, Nex found his optimism dwindling that anything good could exist. He forced himself to not scream for Anneliese’s sake, in case she was being held in a nearby lab. He kept the memory of his last look at his warrior woman in his mind. It was that glimpse of her horror that kept him quiet, so that she wouldn’t know he suffered. So she wouldn’t hurt for him any more than she had already.
He’d gotten so much wrong when it came to her. It hurt his soul every bit as much as the experiments hurt his body. Maybe more.
The drill had finished filling the latest vial. It buzzed to life, moving toward him once again. Before Nex’s jaw clenched, readying for the next round of hellish torment, he whispered, “I love you, Anneliese. I’m sorry.”
* * *
Jape had gone out, leaving Anneliese under the watchful gazes of his men. Maybe they were justified in eyeing her so closely. If given the chance, she’d attempt the impossible. She’d go after Nex. On her own. Not because of her overactive hero complex, but because there was nothing else for her to do. After losing the battle that mattered, the battle she’d had no business fighting in the first place, Anneliese might as well finish out life in a lost cause. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with her failures anymore.
The officers were more concerned with her state of mind than any worry she’d break for it. The youngest, a spring-green, brown-striped sweetie named Selduk, kept trying to tempt her to eat. Orange and white Insaf muttered sage advice he’d apparently memorized, like “Hope is never lost, but only hidden when the heart has closed.” Toust opined a nap would help her feel better.
When Jape returned an hour after he’d left, he gave her the once-over. Anneliese remained as she’d been when he’d departed, seated on the floor, leaning against the wall, not talking. Jape said nothing, going to a computer podium and working. She appreciated him respecting her silent mourning.
Salno arrived about ten minutes later. Jape went to her and they spoke in low tones, glancing at Anneliese. After their brief conversation, they came over. Salno crouched to look Anneliese in the eyes.
“Of all times to give up your love for the fight, this is not it.”
Anneliese sighed. Her spirits had lifted a notch at her friend’s presence, enough that she could summon the will to talk to her. “I didn’t give it up when I should have. I lost Nex twice because I wouldn’t stop fighting.”
“The moment has come to find out if we can rescue him.” Salno took out a medical injector.
Anneliese frowned as the Risnarish woman gave her whatever was in it. “How do you propose we get Nex?”
“I have studied the portal records we gathered when we were in control over it. I have found the various Earth destinations it has used in the last five years. One in particular stood out because it had a strange power signature—one similar to the portal access in our hive.”
“Talk in layman’s terms, Salno. I’m a fighter, not the brainy scientific whiz kid you are.” Anneliese noted the throbbing in her knee, hip, and back were easing.
“It looks to me as if there is another portal access ring on Earth itself. I was sure I’d find one when the pod left on its own, and when it and the second one came back.”
Anneliese recalled something Nex had told her. “The interstellar portal can’t be used to go from place to place on Risnar only. Leaving from Risnar, the pod can only access Earth. From Earth, it has to return to Risnar.”
“And only to its originating point, unless it’s coming from a controlled access window.”
Anneliese went cold. “Earth’s portal access is in a military installation. That’s why I saw those officers.”
“By tracing destination records, it appears the Monsuda have used it in the past as a way station to move from the Cas area to the hive near Yitrow.”
Anneliese asked, “But the drones who did that short-hop thing that didn’t involve the portal ring? I was under the impression they moved straight from one hive to ours.”
“Not from another hive, because it’s too far away. Somewhere closer. They moved within range without our noting it. Then they used the short-hop, which is a different technology.”
“In what way?”
“The portal between worlds is a naturally-occurring phenomenon through space. The short-range teleporting science, which we Risnarish have not perfected, is a construct of the Monsuda, not natural.”
“So different methods, different rules.”
“Some parameters remain the same, but for the sake of time, you are mostly correct.”
Jape frowned hard as if angry, but determination lit his eyes. “Cas’s portal would give us a back door into the Yitrow hive.”
Salno cautioned him, “If my theory of an Earth portal access is correct. I have no real proof.”
Anneliese thought about apprising Jape about the trouble an entire Earth military installation could bring, especially if it was operating on behalf of the Monsuda.
One thing at a time. Fight the battle, not the whole damned war.
She said, “First things first. What does this have to do with Nex?”
Salno answered. “We have to take Cas hive, which means recovering Nex.”
As Anneliese felt a spark of hope, Jape’s tone lifted as well. “Then we can use the portal to assist in the defense of Yitrow. I will return after I speak to some people.”
“Not the council.” Salno’s eyes narrowed. “Things must move quickly as soon as we’re committed to the strike.”
A half-smile tugged at the corner of Jape’s mouth. “No, not the council. Not in the state they’re in. The last thing we need is prayer and reflection.”
“Not to mention a sudden urge toward isolation.”
Jape didn’t respond. He hurried out of the dome.
“Rebellion?” Anneliese smirked at Salno. “You came here to start a fight. How very revolutionary of you.”
She didn’t miss the troubled look that came and went on her friend’s face. “I find it unfortunate I am compelled to circumvent my elders. Even more to place myself in the conflict.”
“Salno, you’re not trained for war.” Anneliese scowled at her, hoping the Risnarish woman wasn’t contemplating such a thing.
“I have skills that must be utilized. I will be needed to operate the Cas portal access as well as any we might discover on Earth. Nex is the only male fully trained on the system, and I doubt any of the other women would dare to put themselves in such danger.”
Salno left it unsaid that when Nex was found, he might not be in any shape to help with the portal. “You get high marks for bravery, my friend, even if you don’t have to charge in until after we secure the portal. You’ve seen how awful it is when shots are fired. I’m impressed you’re going in at all.”
Salno’s smile was tight. “In order to re-establish the peace and equilibrium I prefer, I must face chaos first. I will not be hanging back from the danger.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will pilot t
he collection pod. On board, in person.”
Anneliese stared at her for a few beats. All at once, she laughed. “You are an amazing, courageous woman. Not to mention conniving, to help Jape work this up behind the elders’ backs. I knew there had to be a reason I liked you so much.”
“I’m glad—and admittedly a little concerned—that you approve.”
Jape came in as Anneliese stood on a pain-free leg. He tossed a containment belt to her. “Your new, enhanced belt. It will take three times as long to drain and twice as many hits before power loss.”
“I don’t have to kick your ass to come along to the party?”
“Who else is going to help me cope with hostile Earthlings on our mission?”
Jape’s men had come close, their eyes wide with excitement. Selduk asked, “Does this mean we’re returning for our people?”
“That and more,” Jape said. “I have already contacted the head of Yitrow’s enforcement to coordinate. If we can regain the portal here, we will instigate a two-front attack on that hive right away.”
Anneliese asked, “They’ve gathered enough warriors from the other villages to overcome the extra drones?”
“Let’s hope so.”
Anneliese wasn’t enthralled with the answer, but she was desperate to do what it took to find Nex. She didn’t want Jape to think twice about letting her be a part of that, but she felt it her duty to point out, “Not everyone from Cas will be happy to have me along for the fight. They may tip the council off.”
“Which is why I only invited those I can count on. I noted those who looked at you with suspicion.”
“Do we have the numbers?” She had no intention of being deterred, but she wanted to know what to expect.
“It will be a close fight. A dangerous fight.”
Affirmation-spouting Insaf drew himself up with grim pride. “A good fight. We are not our women, Anneliese. We do not have their calm or love for perfect quiet. We are warriors, and this is what we live for.”
Toust added, “These last weeks of combat have been hard. Especially the last two battles, when it came to watching our fellow Risnarish die. All the same, never have many of us felt so alive. I am ready to risk my life for a worthy fight and a worthy cause.”
Jape didn’t sound quite as avid, but his tone was firm. “To get rid of the Monsuda once and for all. To rescue our planet from their destruction. We will do what it takes.”
Anneliese identified with their attitudes. At least these Risnarish knew a significant fight from the meaningless ones. They were miles ahead of her on that account.
She caught the look Salno gave them and chuckled at her friend. “We’re hopeless, right?”
Salno touched her chest. “You are warriors. You have your place, and I for one, am glad you are here.”
The men grinned and returned the salute, greeting her respect with their own.
The door to the enforcement dome opened. Risnarish warriors came in, a steady stream. Anneliese recognized a few color combinations, more quickly identified than facial features. She saw no one who had spoken against her in any way, with the exception of Mirtan. He touched his hand to his chest just as readily as those who greeted her. She saw no sign of rancor from anyone, which was a relief.
“Anyone need a weapons charge? Exchange? I want everyone double checking the boom cannons, make sure they are ready for all-out fighting.” Jape consulted with a few of the captains.
Insaf handed Anneliese a shooter and several cartridges of plasma shot. “Jape assigned these to you.” He caught her avaricious gaze on his cannon. “Impressed with the weapon I carry?” he teased.
Anneliese offered a grim smile. “I am, but we have a saying on Earth. It’s not the size, it’s how you use it.”
Insaf bellowed laughter. “I like that one. Hey, I thought you preferred being on the front lines?”
She told him, “I’m a soldier. I do as I’m ordered, and I hope to do it well. Besides, I’m better off staying light and mobile.”
It took only minutes for the large group to ready themselves. Before they headed out, Jape spoke to Anneliese. “You’ve had time to reflect on what we’re up against. Any concerns you want to share as it pertains to going to Earth?”
She nodded. “If there is another portal there, it’s likely to be in a military installation. That would hold true even if we hadn’t identified the Monsuda’s visitors as officers. It’s going to be guarded. They may be instructed to open fire on any unannounced portal usage.”
“How will that affect the pod, Salno?”
Salno was busy working on her personal computer device, which reminded Anneliese of a smart phone. She said, “There will be about a three-second lag between arrival at Earth and departure for the Yitrow hive. Analysis of the pod’s metal used says it should withstand a shooter-grade attack. But something with boom cannon strength would breach the hull.”
Anneliese said, “I doubt they’d have something that lethal aimed at the portal. Especially if it’s open and they don’t want to be blown to hell.”
Jape scowled. “There is that, isn’t there? Anything emitting energy that hits the portal will devastate the immediate area. What kind of ammunition will they fire at us, Anneliese?”
“Nothing that produces its own power. Simple ballistics, projectiles fired at a strength designed to penetrate some metals.”
“Not a threat to the portal itself, then. What about ten to twenty seconds of that kind of firing on the pod, Salno?”
The scientist consulted her computer device again. “Theoretically, there would be minor damage, but no penetration. Ballistics tests have been tried on similar materials, but a lot depends on the Earthlings’ specific ammunition.”
“Understood.” Jape addressed everyone. “A large portion of our mission is going to be unknown, then. We’ll pause long enough for Anneliese to take a good look at the Earthling facility we might touch down in. Maybe get a feel for how far into collaboration the Earthlings have gone.”
Mirtan’s eyes narrowed. “Then it is suspected something is going on?”
Anneliese answered. “If there is, it would be because of the actions of those in power. Everyday soldiers, men and women like me, might have been told the Risnarish are the enemy. They would operate under that assumption, not realizing the truth.”
She was relieved at the many nods. They understood the situation.
Jape went to his next order of concern. “Salno, you’re still insisting on piloting us?”
“Nex and I are the only ones I would trust with such a mission. You need me.”
That brought a tide of muttering among the men. Jape scowled. “It was hard enough adjusting to an Earthling female warrior. Placing my own women in danger is worse.”
“If I do not go, your mission will be in jeopardy. We will not know the extent of the Earthling involvement with the Monsuda.”
Her calm assessment of the situation quieted the men, though no one looked happy. Jape shot a glare at Anneliese. “You are a terrible influence.”
“Thank you.”
He made a rude noise and spoke to the Risnarish scientist again. “Exactly as we discussed, Salno. Do not deviate from the plan. You will remain on the saucer the entire time. You are not to put yourself in active danger.”
She blinked at him. Her voice held a tinge of frost as she said, “You need not tell me my part, Jape Bolep. I am well aware of what I’m doing and where I belong.”
Anneliese smothered a laugh. Salno was a power unto herself, able to shut a person down with a sentence or two. Perhaps she should aspire to fighting the way her friend did.
Jape looked the group over. “All right, you know what we’re about to do. Let’s move out, zip-and-loop formations with the dartwings. I don’t want a single one of you shot out of the sky. Insaf, will you take Anneliese?”
&nb
sp; “Yes.”
“Salno, you’re with me.”
Seconds later, they were in the sky and racing to the hive—and Anneliese prayed, to Nex.
Chapter Twenty-One
Anneliese found she was not a fan of the zip-and-loop formation. Moving quickly, the dartwings swooped in wide arcs through the air, dived at random intervals, and dipped as if the pilots had all been chewing broadleaf for hours on end. Anneliese credited herself with having a strong stomach, but Insaf seemed determined to show her the error of her assumptions. She clenched her teeth together and concentrated on not barfing.
Nothing fired on them as they neared the hive. After a few minutes of plunging and twisting, Jape’s voice came over the helmet speakers. “Set down in a circle pattern around the entrance. Use your craft as defense.”
The instant the dartwing settled on the ground, Anneliese lunged out of the cockpit. She got out of the way so Insaf could yank himself free. They both took up defensive positions behind the vehicle, putting the craft between themselves and the hive opening several yards distant.
The first time she’d ridden in a dartwing, she and Nex had ended up sheltering behind it as drones fired on them. It wasn’t the most sentimental of memories, but it brought a lump to her throat just the same.
Please be alive, Nex. I’m coming.
She saw no sign of any enemies at the hole in the ground that served as the hive entrance. She kept a close eye on the dark cavity, her shooter at the ready as Jape and a couple of his men moved forward.
Insaf whispered, “The drones didn’t put their containment barriers up. They’ve learned we can overcome them.”
Anneliese frowned. “It would still have slowed us down, allowing them to get set for us. This doesn’t feel right.”
Worlds Apart (Warriors of Risnar) Page 26