by Kevin Gordon
had already been re-fitted with weaponry and enhanced shielding, and those features were now enabled. He had been planning for just such a contingency, and the work was proceeding smoothly and quickly.
Of greater difficulty was the relocation of all remaining Iganinagi. There were many who wanted to remain on Novan, who felt leaving was a final surrender. Theia could convince some of them, but he had to be involved to show them and explain to them how and where they were needed, that the fight would continue, but not in the underground, not in the shadows. That the time had come to be bold, and stand up to the TELREC.
He also had Ellore on his mind. He had not forgotten what Aeolle told him about Uld’s desires, and had assigned several agents of his to monitor Uld, to shadow his movements. What they reported back to him confirmed the strong desires of Uld. He was getting close, but never quite had the correct intelligence he needed to capture her.
It will only be a matter of time. I must get her off Novan.
Reaching her was also a difficult task. She learned well from Ksilte and the fall of the Iganinagi. Ellore was never in one place for more than a roa, and her cells were constantly relocating. The fact that most of them led ordinary lives deepened their cover. They only met to worship together, to plan and train. Uld would find remains showing they had been there, but that was all.
Aeolle grasped Suld’s arm, and intertwined hers with his as they walked.
^I know you don’t care for me like that Suld, but I am a long way from home, and I need some of your strength,^ she cast softly. He smiled at her, running his hand over hers.
^What do you think of Gan-Elldon?^
She looked around at the silver and white structures that almost touched the top of the shield dome. It was a sight to see such buildings of light framed against the blackness of the void. Around her people laughed and walked casually, their eyes meeting one another, actually seeing each other. Grass and trees co-existed with the concrete and steel, with large fields breaking up the space. Great arches linked the buildings, spanning several ticks. Everywhere they went, people nodded to Suld and smiled, acknowledging Aeolle’s presence.
^I feel as a queen here!^ she cried with joy. ^It is beautiful. It has a perfection that is quite peaceful, not arrogant or challenging. You said some find this place cold and sterile?^
^Yes.^
She beamed, wanting to whirl in his arms. ^To me, it seems to be full of life! Not only with the flowers and trees, but the people themselves are alive in a way not possible on Novan. I often thought Rell would be a place like this.^
^Someroa, I would like to visit Rell. I admire some of their qualities.^
^Where are we headed?^
^To meet Theia. She has come with the last of her people, relocated from Novan. It will take a while to assimilate them, to train them on our crafts and teach them how to live here, but I am convinced that together we will be a formidable force against the TELREC.^
^You are lying,^ she cast, flatly. He stopped, and stared at her. ^Suld, I told you before—I know you! I can sense your thoughts, even if you don’t want me to. You feel pity towards Theia, maybe even something akin to love. You know a couple of thousand people will make no difference in a conflict between the TELREC and OLMAC. It will be a war decided more by meta than souman. I’m not a jealous woman. I’m just happy to be here, away from Uld.^
He broke down in a quick laugh, giving her a long hug. ^I have never known someone that understood me as well as you! Not even my wife saw through my thoughts as you do. Yes, I guess I do feel pity towards the Iganinagi. Aiella, their former leader, was a great friend of mine. I pledged much time and resources to helping her, and I feel I owe that to Theia also. Love?^ he queried, with doubt on his face. ^It’s still too early.^ He glanced down at Aeolle, and saw the same wry look in her eyes. ^Alright. Yes, I guess I love her. I haven’t fully accepted it myself, but I will admit that I care for her.^
^But I sense, not as a lover?^
^No, more as a sister.^ Suld’s gaze hardened, as he thought on all the faults of Theia. ^She is still young, and needs much guidance. Come on, enough of this probing into my emotions.^
A large ship descended slowly into the dome of Gan-Elldon, passing through several dozen defensive emdec batteries which slowly tracked its every movement. Four of its thrusters fired, casting yellow reflections along its bluish hull. Suld noticed it was newly damaged by emdec fire—several indentations could be seen along its length, and its rear section trailed thin black smoke. Suld mentally accessed the ship’s log, finding the TELREC attacked it soon after it broke the atmosphere of Novan. Hundreds of technicians paused in their work to examine the ship, and Suld could glean their worried casts.
^I don’t think your world will ever be the same,^ cast Aeolle, holding Suld’s arm a little tighter.
^You may be right about that.^ He steered her quickly through the small crowds, into the voidport. They made it just in time to salute Theia as she and her four remaining Coss disembarked. Suld strode to her, and grasped her hand, glancing at those with her.
^It is good to see you again. Welcome to Gan-Elldon, my friends.^
^Mechle, this is Euis, Omana, Triss, and Curhuls,^ cast Theia with great pride on her face. Omana stepped forward, a tall woman possessed with strong muscles. She towered over Suld, yet exhibited a courteous deference to Suld.
^Suld, we are honored to stand with you, and thank you for your hospitality.^
^Manners, from the Iganinagi?^ ventured Aeolle. ^Looks like much has changed.^
^What’s she doing here?^ angrily demanded Theia.
^Oh well,^ drawled Aeolle. ^Maybe I spoke too soon.^
^I don’t question your associates, never question mine.^ Suld took a moment to stand before each of her Coss and grasp their hand, look them squarely in their eyes. For a moment he thought of how strong the Iganinagi were, of the twelve Coss who stood with Theia as the TELREC invaded. She seemed smaller now, and he could feel resentment at needing his help, his shelter. The four in front of him also showed a little defiance, yet were obviously humbled, understanding the necessity of being there. Suld stood for a moment watching the many ships land carrying the last of the Iganinagi.
^We have much work to do,^ he continued, ^now that all of your people have finally made it to safety. We must get all of you trained on our fighters, on our weaponry. We will provide you with extensive void training, as I am told none of you have combat experience in the void. All of you are focused warriors, but the battle will not take place in the close quarters you are used to. Each of you eventually will be given a battalion of meta to command, and will work alongside my generals should conflict occur. For now, Theia, you will be in command of a squadron of dromons—quick, powerful ships that you find will suit your method of combat. Your Coss will each be trained on one of those ships. It is imperative you start battle simulations as soon as possible. I need you and your Coss battle-ready in three roas. We will upload the necessary information into your minds—it is up to you to develop the experience necessary to take advantage of that knowledge. I fear the TELREC will not waste time in attacking OLMAC. For now,^ Suld motioned to four men standing nearby, ^these men will give you a tour of Gan-Elldon, going over our basic defenses, and show you to your quarters. We will assemble tomorrow morning to begin training. Understood?^
^Understood,^ they all cast. The Coss were led off by Suld’s people into a waiting trans. He turned to Theia, nodding approvingly.
^They seem to be quite focused.^
^They are the best of the best,^ Theia cast. ^They will learn quickly, and teach others quickly, and soon, they will not be a hindrance to your forces.^
^That’s good. Any word on Ellore?^
Theia nodded. ^I have it on good word that Denged was able to capture a few of her people. This happened less than four roas ago. He has met with Uld, and now Uld is proceeding with his forces into province ten, moving with great speed.^
Aeolle turned to Suld. ^What are you going t
o do?^
^Break Uld in two,^ he cast grimly. ^Are you coming?^
She gripped tightly onto Suld’s arm. ^Try and stop me. ^
Theia looked at the two of them, a little perturbed. ^I will come with you,^ she ventured, stepping forward.
^Theia, you are needed here,^ cast Suld, gently pushing Aeolle aside. ^Your people need you at this time of transition. Uld is mine, and Aeolle’s concern. General Ruggert will give you a personal tour of our defenses.^
^How are you going to deal with Uld, and all his forces, with just the two of you?^
Suld smiled. ^I have a little surprise for Uld.^
10
The first orbiting platform was completed in the cas 2679. Spanning three miles in diameter, it was hailed as a magnificent achievement of the roa. Built in low orbit, then gradually lowered into the upper atmosphere, it was the first of hundreds of platforms to be built to accommodate the growing population. Many were destroyed in the great Novan/Rell war, but as the Rell began their great migration, they were constructed with a vengeance. In the cas 3998, in advance of the fourth millennia celebrations, twelve were linked, and lowered close to the orbit that Topside would reside in. That grouping, which covered merely a hundredth of the planet’s surface, was the beginning of ExterNovan. By 4800, one-third of the planet’s surface was covered by what was called the Second Foundation. Over the following