Third Don: Ardulum, #3

by J. S. Fields

  “No.” Ekimet grimaced after taking a sip of the cool water. The image of Savath persisted in zir mind. It was so easy to delete the filament hair and replace it with a thin braid. So easy to see the hand that held Ekimet’s so tightly as they dashed across the palace grounds together.

  “Ekimet?” the priest prodded again.

  “Check on Eld Atalant. She may be in a different state.”

  The priest nodded but did not respond.

  “What the hell was that about?” Nicholas demanded as Emn tried to soothe Atalant’s trembling. Trembling. Ekimet shook zir head. It was zir…friend that the andal had decided to impersonate. Not Emn. Not Atalant’s dead mother. What did she have to be trembling about?

  “Just…just some really old andal,” Atalant muttered. She smiled at Emn as the tremors subsided. “I’m fine, really. I just need a minute to recover.”

  “Yes, I suppose so.” When Atalant looked confusedly at Ekimet, zie sighed and walked to her. It wasn’t her decision how the andal represented itself. Maybe she hadn’t even seen Savath. Maybe she had seen her dead mother. What did Ekimet know about the andal, really, other than that it had a really poor sense of tact sometimes?

  “We have approval, I think,” Atalant said and then shuddered. “I’m definitely not tired anymore.”

  Are we in agreement, then? Arik asked.

  Ekimet offered Atalant a hand up, which she took. Her stuk was thin and slippery, but zie kept hold.

  “Yes,” Atalant said, both out loud and telepathically. “I need you all to step outside with me for a few minutes. After that, assemble the Heaven Guard and have them stand by. Nicholas and I will go to the Lucidity, and then I will send him back to the Guard. Miketh will go with Emn. She knows the right site.” Atalant moved to Emn’s side. She reached out a hand to touch Emn’s shoulder, but then pulled away. “And you’ll stay safe, right?”

  “As long as you do, Atalant,” Emn said. Her voice was strained.

  Atalant tugged on her sash, and Ekimet caught her desire to rip it and the robes off and toss them to the floor. She would still have her flightsuit underneath, no doubt, probably reeking of campfire. But, Atalant didn’t remove the robes. Instead she set her jaw and turned to the balcony. “Let’s save Neek,” she said as she moved towards the doors. Nicholas followed.

  “You mean Ardulum?” Miketh asked as Emn rose as well. “Neek and Ardulum, right?”

  Ekimet shook zir head as Emn walked out the door and motioned for them to follow. “No, Miketh,” Ekimet said under zir breath. “I don’t think she meant that at all.”

  Chapter 20: N’lln Outskirts, Neek

  If you’re going to be with an eld, then use your position. Learn about your abilities. Temper your reactions. In this, you can’t make mistakes. You must be perfect. You must be the example the Eld, and all the Ardulans, use for what a flare can be.

  —Communication from Advisor Corccinth to Emn, first month of Squinth 1_16

  JANUARY 27TH, 2061 CE

  “There are still live trees here,” Miketh said as Emn stopped the land skiff in a small clearing. It was predawn, but the stars and the ships above were obscured by the thick smoke trapped in the atmosphere. Closer to the ground, Emn could see well into the forest, especially with the track lighting on. It was pretty, despite the haze, but the view didn’t settle the fluttering in Emn’s chest, nor the tightness in her stomach. Maybe it was a good thing she couldn’t see into the morning sky. That meant she couldn’t see the ships—the pods, the skiffs, the…the Risalian cutters. It meant she could pretend, for a few extra, precious seconds, that she wasn’t about to walk back into a nightmare.

  “Are we looking for something?” Miketh asked as she looked skyward through the viewscreen. “Can’t see a thing with all the smoke.”

  Emn shook her head. “Visibility doesn’t much matter. The ship coming for us has been given coordinates.”

  Miketh gave her a sharp look. “Ship?”

  Emn shrugged and kicked at the floor. “Eld Atalant’s orders.”

  Miketh shifted uncomfortably, but did not respond. Emn continued to stare at the forest. This patch of untouched old-growth andal was covered in thick moss. The trees were spaced widely apart, and the ground plants did not look scorched. Atalant’s family’s land, perhaps? That…should have been comforting, but it wasn’t.

  “I understand the often convoluted logic of a Mind Talent as much as anyone, but wouldn’t it be better to use the remains of the burned andal?” Miketh prodded. “All I see out here are living trees.”

  “We won’t be here for long,” Emn responded.

  “But what about—” Miketh frowned and turned to look out the viewscreen.

  “I’ll be using the cellulose from the downed trees, I promise. We just… This is a good spot for right now. Lots of cover. Put your faith in the Eld. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?”

  Miketh sighed. “More than a cursory discussion of this plan of Eld Atalant’s would help with that.”

  Emn gave her a half smile and tapped a series of commands into the computer, preparing the encrypted message for the Ttynn Atalant had given her before they parted ways.

  “We’re almost ready. Just have to wait now while I send this message. I don’t think it will be too long, not with Yorden coordinating with the Risalians.”

  Miketh folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. “That still doesn’t tell me very much.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Emn ran a hand through her short hair and leaned against the bulkhead. She briefly considered sending a message to Atalant while they waited, but decided against it. Atalant had enough beings talking to her right now. Besides, they’d already spoken about this step. Emn had to deal with her past as much as Atalant did, whether that meant listening to the Risalians and telling them to fuck off or maybe working with them. Emn just had to keep reminding herself that she wouldn’t be facing them alone. Miketh was coming with her and Yorden was on the Ttynn, which would be stationed right next to the Kelm. Help would be close, if she needed it, and the Kelm still had cellulosic components.

  Miketh cleared her throat.

  “Anxious?” Emn asked, trying to infuse some humor into her tone.

  Miketh snorted. “Terrified, if we’re being honest. I wish you’d just tell me what is going on.”

  More amused by Miketh’s persistence than anything else, Emn smiled. “I will, in a minute. Let me finish the message first, and then we will have time to talk.” She traced her hand across the console and mentally queried the computer, ensuring her message had gone through. Miketh leaned against the console at the same moment and saw the text before Emn had a chance to clear it from the screen.

  We’re at the agreed-upon coordinates and ready for Mmnnuggl pickup.

  Miketh spun on her heels and grabbed Emn’s hands. “What are you doing?” she demanded as her fingernails dug into Emn’s skin. “Mmnnuggls? I thought we were talking about Risalians! Do you know what those spheres are capable of?”

  Emn didn’t pull away. There wasn’t anything Miketh could do at this point. Everything was in motion, as much as she didn’t want it to be. Risalians. Andal help her, why had she agreed to this?

  “We’re far enough from any homes or cities, and the Heaven Guard are all occupied. A small Nugel pod will be here shortly to pick us up.” Emn kept her voice as even as possible, even though her mind screamed for her to turn around and go back to the temple, find some other way to help in the attack. “It’s Eld Atalant’s plan, Miketh. I have to be with the Risalians when everything happens. There can be no suspicion.”

  Miketh’s eyebrows knitted together, but she dropped Emn’s hands. “This part of the plan could have been clarified further, especially since you and Eld Atalant both know Eld Ekimet would not have approved. Eld Atalant didn’t… She didn’t trade you, did she?” Her tone was thick with confusion. “Trade us?”

  The console chirped. Emn quickly confirmed the pod’s identifier and then lowered the sh
ip’s ramp and stepped down into the damp forest.

  “Hey!” Miketh called, running down the ramp after her. “Kill switch operator or sacrifice? I deserve to know.”

  Emn looked up into the night sky. There was a lingering smoke cloud just above the canopy of the forest, making the descending black sphere seem more ominous. Air pushed against Emn’s face and tossed her short hair about as the pod began its landing sequence.

  “Your job hasn’t changed. The location has. Atalant didn’t have time to argue the specifics with the other elds. Just come with me and let me do the talking. I still have to pull the andal—I just have to do it remotely. For right now, we’re Nugel prisoners.”

  The dark pod landed and slowly split in two, revealing a green interior. From the seam, a clumsily constructed stairway tumbled down. Emn grabbed Miketh by her sash and pulled her up the stairs and into the pod. Mercifully, Miketh stayed quiet.

  The usual lime lighting in the pod interior was fainter than normal, but the ceilings were just as low. Watch your head, Emn advised right before Miketh tried to stand to full height and banged her head against the ceiling.

  Titha dung! Miketh swore across their link. I hate Mmnnuggl ships. Nothing about them is intuitive.

  Not for a biped, anyway. Since there was no one to greet them and the stairway had already retracted, Emn led Miketh through the curving corridor towards a wedge of bright-green light. The metal was cool under Emn’s bare feet. She tried not to think about the last time she’d been on a Mmnnuggl pod. At least she didn’t have to fly this one.

  The pod shuddered once, and Emn caught the telltale sounds of the engine engaging. The rush of pressure from the artificial gravity drive came next. Emn’s ears popped, and she looked back to see Miketh stretching her jaw. The ascension sequence had almost finished. In another few moments, they’d be in space. There’s cellulose on the Risalian ship, Emn repeated to herself as they walked. Risalians burn easily. I’m not a captive. I’m not their captive. Ran is dead.

  They rounded the corner to a wide, brightly lit room. Inside, two spheres, both lilac, rolled in tight circles on the floor. Emn stepped into the room and sat down with her back against the wall, trying to ignore how coarse the floor felt through her flight suit. Miketh remained in the doorway, staring at the spheres with a perplexed expression, until Emn tugged her down.

  “We are in your custody,” Emn said once Miketh had settled. The Mmnnuggls stopped their movements, rose, and stacked on top of one another.

  “The Conqueror commands even the strongest of Ardulans,” the sphere with the red-tipped ears said.

  “The Risalians will remove the threat!” the other said in a jubilant tone. “Ardulans will threaten the Mmnnuggl species no longer!”

  “You think we’re a threat to you?” Miketh started to stand, but Emn pulled her back down. There was no cellulose on this ship. If the Mmnnuggls changed their minds about the Risalian delivery, Emn and Miketh would be trapped.

  It’s all right, Miketh, she sent, trying to soothe. Try to play along. We’re prisoners, remember? Do not make them think otherwise.

  Prisoners can still be outraged, Miketh argued. She sat back down, but continued to speak. “You trapped Ekimet and me on Ggllot and held us ransom. You had every intention of killing us. You slaughtered hundreds of Ardulans only two weeks ago. We are not a threat. You, conversely, are paranoid and idiotic.”

  The Mmnnuggl with the red ears chittered angrily, while the other landed back on the floor and began to rock back and forth. Emn put a hand on Miketh’s shoulder. Now isn’t the time for anger. Save it for later.

  For when I have to shoot you? Not a good idea.

  There was a sudden rolling sensation, and then the engines cut off.

  “Stand!” the Mmnnuggls commanded in unison.

  Emn stood, nodding at Miketh to do the same.

  No commands followed, but they weren’t needed. Emn could already hear the distinctive shuffling gait of Risalian claws picking across the jagged pod floor. Stay calm, she told herself as her heart pounded. You’re not a little girl. Ran is dead. You killed hir. The old Markin are dead. There is cellulose on the Risalian ship. You don’t have to be afraid.

  The footsteps got louder. Closer. Emn’s heart raced.

  A markin stepped into the room. Hir blue tunic fit loosely over hir standard Risalian musculature. Hir hair was bound in a bun atop hir head. Emn unconsciously took a step back and landed on Miketh’s foot.

  Is your terror part of the plan? Miketh asked. It’s very convincing.

  “I am Markin Pihn. Come. Now.” The markin snapped hir fingers and looked at Emn expectantly. When she didn’t immediately come forward, xe tilted hir head, looked questioningly at Emn, and grabbed her by the arm.

  “Now!” Xe wrenched her forward, straining her shoulder. Emn stumbled as Pihn pulled her from the room. Miketh’s confusion leaked into Emn’s mind, and she tried to assuage her. Just have to play along, she said, both for Miketh’s benefit and her own. It has to be convincing.

  It’s working, Miketh said dryly as she followed them into the pod’s hallway and down the boarding ramp. Emn squinted in the brighter lighting of the Risalian cutter’s docking bay.

  Are you always this scared of Risalians? Miketh sent.

  I’m not fond of the ones in blue or yellow. Emn tripped on the transition from the boarding ramp to the ground, but Pihn’s grip kept her from smashing her face into the floor. Another Risalian might have let her fall, she reminded herself. Pihn was here to help. Pihn was working with Yorden. Pihn was not Ran.

  Of course, it didn’t feel like help when the lilac Mmnnuggls bobbed into the open slit of their ship, watching, and Pihn tossed her to the porous metal floor. It didn’t feel like help when Pihn swept Miketh’s legs out from under her and she landed on top of Emn in a surprised heap. It didn’t feel like help when Pihn thanked the Mmnnuggls, handed them a bag of what looked like sapphires, and promised to send Emn over once the battle subsided.

  A little warning that we were going to be tossed around would have been helpful. Miketh pushed herself up and offered a hand to Emn. Emn stayed down until the Mmnnuggls turned back inside their pod, brought the ramp back up, and the ship closed. Only after the pod left the docking bay did Emn take Miketh’s hand and move to her knees.

  “Can we stand yet?” Miketh whispered in Emn’s ear.

  “I don’t know.” Emn looked around the hangar. A Risalian honor guard of some twenty seconds and thirds lined the walls, looking stiff and childish in their wrinkled tunics. Some fidgeted, and one near Emn yawned.

  Markin Pihn left the console xe had moved to, knelt down, and offered her a hand up. “My apologies, Emn. Miketh.” Emn stood without taking hir hand. She felt Miketh’s presence in her mind turn to a question, but did not acknowledge her. “Captain Yorden is standing by over an encrypted line if you would like to speak with him?”

  “I’m fine,” Emn said curtly. “We don’t have time. Atalant and the Guard are in their ships and waiting.” She took a more critical look around. “This space will work for my needs, unless you had another in mind?”

  “Anywhere you like is fine,” Pihn responded. Emn caught the slight blush of purple on hir skin. She had a sudden, very irrational desire to punch Pihn in the neck. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t accomplish anything.

  It would be counterproductive for the time being, Miketh said. Emn hadn’t realized she was broadcasting. Might be cathartic later. Let me know if you want help.

  Emn snorted and gently pushed Miketh from her mind. To calm herself, she reached back to the place where Atalant’s consciousness resided and nudged the area. Set, Atalant? she asked. I’m onboard the Kelm. I will need several minutes to gather a sufficient mass of cellulose and another minute to break the flotsam into appropriate pieces. I don’t know if I’ll be able to talk to you while I’m coordinating everything so…five minutes to start?

  Atalant’s voice, when it responded, was distant. Emn caught the ec
hoes of the andal and the other elds in the periphery. Five minutes, she confirmed. We will play the recording now. Be safe, Emn. Don’t take on more than you can handle up there.

  Emn cut their connection without responding. There wasn’t time, and there was nothing to say that hadn’t already been said. They’d stolen a few moments together right before Emn and Miketh had departed, precious moments they’d had far too few of. This time, Atalant had been the one desperate to find the places that made Emn squirm. Atalant’s hands under her shirt, cupping her breasts. Atalant’s mouth on hers, insistent and demanding. Emn telling Atalant that she loved her, that they would see each other again. That, after all of this—the exiles and the battles and whole planets going to war—nothing would keep them apart.

  Emn really hoped that was true.

  “The message is about to start,” she said to Pihn. “Miketh, would you come with me?” Miketh nodded, and the two walked to the nearest console. It took Emn a moment to reorient herself to the Risalian technology, but after a few taps, she was able to open the comm. She set the receiver to the Neek open broadcast signal that could be seen by any of the orbital fleets and turned the volume up as high as it could go.

  Get ready, she told Miketh. Emn spared only a moment to nod at Pihn. Xe handed Emn a fistful of andal segments, which she shoved into her mouth.

  What, specifically, do you want me to do if you start tearing this ship apart?

  Get in contact with Atalant. If that doesn’t work, shoot me.

  Miketh took a step back and nodded, her mouth a grim line. The prerecorded message began a heartbeat later. On the interface screen, and across all the interface screens in the hangar, an image of Ekimet and Atalant appeared. They were standing on a balcony of wood, set against the night sky. Interior lighting spilled from the left, leaving the elds partially in shadow. Their golden robes were uniform, perfectly fitted, and their sashes were tied with ceremonial knots around the buckles. Atalant was the taller of the two, and even though Emn knew that they’d staged this, she couldn’t help the shiver that ran down her back.