A New Threat

by Aaron DeMott

  Tomed laughed as he left the captain’s office. He sent a thought to Bast, Rrrark, and Hrrarr to meet Nilre and him in the conference room.

  Nilre closed her eyes and powered the NTO up to full output. She took a deep breath and expanded her mind outward. Hundreds of minds crashed against her, and she winced. This was always the worst part. It was like walking into a crowded room at a party with hundreds of people yelling.

  As usual, the first distinct mental voice she heard was Tomed. She let it drown the others out. His thoughts were on plans to retrieve the SeQish ambassador. She took a mental step back. Captain Trenton was near him. She scanned forward and came to the minds of the bridge crew, some worried about current political situation, others concentrated on their duties and tried not to think about it.

  Nilre sent her mind farther, out away from the ship, until she felt the mental echoes of minds unfamiliar to her. All of them tended to blend together. That happened when she tried to spread her mental ear wide enough to not hear a single voice. She let herself drift across the ship and tried to get a feel for each individual. Like the roar of a crowd at a party, it was easier to pick out a friend’s voice.

  The problem with pirates was that each and every one of them was a no-good slimeball. That made getting to know their distinct mental voices somewhat difficult. She drifted along and listened for mental chatter about the ambassador.

  Most of the pirates thought about whatever task occupied them at the moment, or what they were going to steal next, or some act of extreme violence they wanted to commit against someone who had done them some perceived wrong. Nilre shuddered and lost her concentration for a moment. Disgust coated her tongue. She took a big breath and tried again.

  One of the pirates’ minds briefly flashed to the moon base Tomed and the others had raided. She stopped and concentrated on his mind more closely. She searched through his memories and found he had been one of those who had helped to load Ambassador Kclntc onto the shuttle and transported off the moon.

  But this pirate had transferred to the von Braun before the shuttle had off-loaded the ambassador. Nilre started with the date and time of that pirate’s transfer and looked for pirates who had come on board after him. One of the minds held images of the ambassador being unloaded from the shuttle, but no coordinates or any other indicator of location. She widened her search to look for memories of that pirate in other minds.

  Tomed cracked open the door to the conference room and peeked in. Nilre sat at the table, with her back to him. Tomed waited and watched her for a moment before he entered. He didn’t want to disturb her if she was still probing minds aboard the von Braun.

  “Come on in, Tomed. I’m finished for now,” Nilre said without turning around.

  Tomed stepped in and closed the door behind him. He pulled out a chair and sat next to her. Exhaustion etched lines around Nilre’s eyes. Even with the NTO, it was a lot of minds to probe for a very specific piece of information.

  He went over to the counter at the far end of the room and poured her a cup of tea.

  “Thanks.” Nilre smiled as she took a long sip.

  He waited for her to finish the cup before he said anything. “Bast and the other Meskka are on the way here.”

  “Okay.” She nodded and laid her head down on her arms. “I’m going to take a quick nap. Wake me when they arrive, please.”

  Nilre sat up a second before the Meskka filed into the conference room.

  “What’s going on?” Bast asked.

  Tomed waited for everyone to be seated. “Nilre’s been probing the minds of various people aboard the von Braun. We’re trying to find out where the SeQish ambassador is. Nilre?”

  “As you know, the pirates have been very careful to make sure no one person knows the whole of their plan. I’ve spent the past several hours sifting through information, trying to piece together the location of Ambassador Kclntc.” Nilre pressed a button and a holographic map of UGAL space rose out of the table. “This is our current location—” A blue light lit up near the top right of the map. “—and this is the location where I believe the ambassador is held.” A yellow light blinked on a few centimeters above the map.

  “I’ve checked SatNet, and we don’t have any information on the location.” Tomed leaned closer to the hologram. “We don’t know if there’s a planet, a space station, or anything there. Also, UGAL is negotiating with the pirates for a political solution, so they can’t get involved in a military operation to rescue the ambassador.”

  “Not to mention that it would only make the situation worse if the ambassador isn’t there after all,” added Rrrark

  “Exactly. Which is where we come in. The Psygens aren’t officially affiliated with UGAL until we can do some damage control after the accusations. The Meskka don’t have a formal relationship yet, either, so Nilre and I would like to ask you to assist us.”

  Bast jumped to her feet. “Count me in!”

  Rrrark raised a paw to her shoulder and pushed her back into her chair. “As much as I would like to help the ambassador, as well as settle the unfinished business that started back in our hotel, there is the greater situation to consider. This could have repercussions for all our people, perhaps even get us involved in a war between us and the humans.”

  “But—” Bast shrugged off Rrrark’s paw and jumped to her feet again, “—that’s not possible! We’d be helping them!”

  Rrrark looked her in the eyes for several moments before he spoke. “I don’t disagree with you. What I am saying is we can’t rush into this. And, it isn’t our decision.” Rrrark turned to look past her at Hrrarr, who flicked an ear.

  “Oh.” Bast sank slowly back to her seat and lowered her head. “I apologize, Ranger. I should have let you answer.”

  Hrrarr briefly dipped his head her direction and turned to Tomed. “Rrrark is right in saying we don’t know enough about each other’s laws and cultures to know if helping you will be best for both our peoples in the long run. However, it is the duty of the rangers and scouts of all clans of Meskka to bring justice to those who deserve it and to help those in need.”

  Hrrarr turned to Bast before he continued. “Bast is young and inexperienced. She needs to think a situation out before speaking. But she has the heart of a ranger and is correct that we should help the ambassador.”

  Bast’s ears flattened in confusion. She wasn’t sure if that had been a reprimand, a compliment, or both. She stared at Hrrarr. He calmly examined his claws. She met eyes with Tomed. He had a grin on his face she couldn’t quite interpret. Bast took a deep breath and turned to Rrrark. Would her senior scout reprimand her in front of everyone, or later in private? To her surprise, he smiled.

  You have the right attitude, he told her, you just have to learn patience. There was never any doubt we would help the Psygens rescue the ambassador if they really wanted us to. But first we had to ensure that we were all on the same branch, and we had discussed all the consequences to our actions.

  Oh.

  Bast didn’t know what to say. Fortunately Tomed stood to lead the way out of the conference room.

  Chapter 17

  Bast woke when the shuttle dropped out of hyperspace with a jolt. She stretched and yawned. Rrrark and Hrrarr were still asleep. Nilre wasn’t there. She was probably in the cockpit with Tomed. Bast blinked her bleary eyes and wandered over to the food dispenser for a snack.

  They’d been in hyperspace around two days with nothing to do. On the bright side, she felt fully rested for the first time since she had joined the humans. They seemed to have very little concept of the term “nap.”

  She finished her snack and again searched for something to do. Yup, still nothing. Bast sighed and started to lie back down when the door to the cockpit opened. Nilre stepped out and smiled before she turned to the food dispenser and prepared a meal packet.

  “Nilre, I hate to sound like a kitten on a long journey, but are we there yet?” Bast asked.

  “Almost,” Nilre answe
red over her shoulder. “We’re two days out from our destination now. Tomed wanted to get some rest before we arrive. Even with the NTO he’s pushing himself hard to keep this shuttle in hyperspace.”

  “Oh. I thought you were taking turns?”

  Nilre frowned slightly. “Unfortunately, it’s not one of my talents.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to complain.”

  “It’s all right.” Nilre’s smile returned. “I’ve got to get this to Tomed. Thanks for your concern.”

  Bast cocked an ear at Nilre as the Psygen returned to the cockpit. Inadvertent insults were bound to happen when meeting a new culture. She felt ashamed of herself now, complaining when it obviously hurt Nilre to not be able to help Tomed pilot the shuttle. She’d expected Nilre to be angry with her for her thoughtless comment. Come to think of it, she’d rarely seen Nilre angry with anyone. Nilre seemed different than most of the other humans, or even the other Psygens. Bast shrugged and lay back down for another nap.

  They had landed in a jungle several kilometers away from the only compound on the planet. Bast followed closely behind Rrrark as they crept down the shuttle’s landing ramp. This had to be the place, as it was not only the sole structure on the planet, but also the only trace of the alloy humans used for construction in the entire star system. The ambassador was either here, or they were about to walk into a well-planned trap.

  Strange birds called in the trees above them. It was full dark on a moonless night—or the planet didn’t have a moon, Bast wasn’t sure which—but enough starlight filtered down through the trees to let her see clearly. The ground was soft and squishy, but not wet, under her paws. Strange scents filled the air. She wasn’t sure if she liked it or not.

  After twenty-three minutes they reached a clearing in the jungle. Tomed stopped in front of them and raised a fist in the air. Bast wasn’t quite sure what that meant.

  This looks like the place, Tomed said with mind-speak. Approach slowly and we’ll see what we can learn from here.

  Bast crept up behind a tree to the left of Rrrark and slowly slid forward until she could see around the tree. A single light shone above the door in the center of the plain gray structure.

  Bast sniffed the air cautiously. An unidentifiable acrid smell lingered. The overpowering scents from the jungle foliage made it difficult to discern.

  See anything unusual? Tomed asked.

  Bast quickly filled the others in on what she had observed.

  Hmm. It might be a force field or something, Tomed said.

  He picked up a small stick and threw it toward the building. Nothing happened.

  They know we’re here. Hrrarr’s mental voice was a low growl.

  Bast looked over at him, then back to Tomed. He shrugged and walked out into the clearing. Bast waited a second or two before she followed. There had to be an alarm—but nothing happened.

  Tomed stood and stared at the door with a frown when Bast reached him. He waited for the rest of them to arrive, then reached out, and turned the doorknob. Bast jumped when the door opened. She had expected it to be locked. She slunk down in embarrassment at the look Rrrark shot her.

  “They definitely know we’re here,” Tomed muttered.

  Bast let Nilre and Rrrark slip inside the building behind Tomed before she entered. Her eyes squinted in the harsh lighting—she had expected it to be dark. Tomed and Nilre’s footsteps echoed down the hallway. The effect was rather spooky. Bast was glad for the soft pads on the bottom of her feet that muffled her own footsteps. She hurried to stay close to the others.

  They had stopped as soon as they rounded a corner in the corridor. She crept up and peered past Tomed. The largest human she’d ever seen stood in their way.

  He stood stooped over in the hallway—and his head still brushed the ceiling. Muscles bulged out from under the brown jumpsuit he wore. In physical appearance, his face looked much like any other human’s face. But the way his mouth was curled up into a snarl, and the wild, hungry look in his eyes, didn’t even look sentient to Bast.

  “Tomed…” Nilre murmured.

  Tomed stared at the giant, every muscle in his body tense. Nilre cleared her throat a few times before the psygen acknowledged her with a grunt—he never took his eyes off the giant.

  “Tomed, I can’t sense him.”

  “Lovely. Looks like someone’s been illegally tinkering with human DNA again.” Tomed spared a quick glance at the group. “Anybody happen to bring a really big gun with them?”

  Hrrarr stepped forward and stood next to Tomed. “Am I to understand the methods of fighting you used in our forest won’t work on this opponent?”

  “Probably not,” Tomed said.

  “Then I will defeat him.” Hrrarr took a step forward. Run past as quickly as you can when I first attack. Find the ambassador. I will catch up to you when I am finished here, he added mentally.

  Hrrarr stretched. His claws scraped against the metal floor. His fur bristled all over and he let out a deafening roar.

  The giant charged him at the same time Hrrarr hurled himself forward. As they slammed into the wall Tomed raced past and called for the rest of them to follow. Bast glanced backward, but could only see Rrrark behind her.

  “Don’t worry about him. He’s a ranger, he’ll be fine. Now run!” Rrrark told her.

  Eight strides later, Bast skidded to a stop at a fork in the hallway.

  “Which way?” Tomed asked.

  Nilre leaned against the wall for a moment, then straightened, and closed her eyes.

  “That one.” Nilre pointed to the right.

  Tomed started down the hallway at a more cautious pace. Bast sniffed the air. Human scent was everywhere, but she still couldn’t smell the ambassador. A few moments later they stopped again in front of three large doors. Everyone looked to Nilre.

  The female Psygen smiled slightly and nodded at the middle door. Tomed reached out and shoved on the door. It rattled but didn’t open. He waved his hand at the door and then grabbed the handle.

  “Ow!” Tomed jumped back from the door.

  Bast padded up to him and peered at his right arm where he rubbed it.

  “It’s fine. Ara’s gonna give it to me when we get back though.” Tomed said.

  Bast heard a high-pitched whine as Tomed’s NTO powered up. He shook his arm a few times while he waited. Bast squinted against the bright glare that flared up as Tomed kicked the door open.

  “There. That did it,” he said.

  Bast stepped over the threshold after him. Smoke hung in the air of the room beyond and stung her nostrils. Several charred spots covered the walls. A single doorway sat at the opposite end of the room.

  Tomed walked up to it and held his palm against it.

  “No traps in this one. But there is an alarm.”

  “The ambassador is in there,” Nilre said.

  “Go in and grab him quick. Bast and I will cover you here.” Rrrark turned around and faced the doorway.

  Tomed nodded as he and Nilre ducked into the room. As soon as the door opened a loud alarm rang out. Red lights flashed up and down the hallway. A moment later the Psygens returned. Tomed carried the SeQish ambassador over his shoulder.

  “Bast, take point. I’ll cover the rear! Everyone run!” Rrrark roared.

  Bast took off down the hallway. Whoever designed the building’s layout hadn’t done a very good job. It was hard to find anything going in, but there weren’t any forked hallways on the way out.

  It was only a short run before they approached the first turn in the corridor where they had left Hrrarr to face the giant. Bast skidded to a stop as she rounded the corner.

  The walls and floor were covered in blood. Hrrarr sat in the middle of the hallway and licked his paw. There was no sign of the giant.

  Hrrarr looked up as soon as Bast rounded the corner.

  “We have to hurry—footsteps approach from every direction.” Hrrarr stood and darted for the door without waiting for a reply.

&nbs
p; Bast raced after him. She glanced over her shoulder as soon as she left the building. Everyone was still behind her.

  She caught up to Hrrarr and found he slightly favored his right front paw. “Are you okay?”

  “A mere scratch. I’ll be fine. There are soldiers in the jungle ahead, only two so far. Take the one on the right, and then run straight for the shuttle.”

  Bast dipped her tail in acknowledgment as she sniffed the air and caught the pirate’s scent. She leaped over the bush he hid behind and slammed a paw into his head before he had time to aim his blaster.

  The shuttle was still free of pirate scent when Bast reached it. Because she was the first to arrive, she opened the hatch and bounded into the shuttle’s cockpit.

  A myriad of controls faced her. Humans sure liked to make things more complicated than they needed to be. How had Tomed started the engines? She’d seen him do it several times. She was sure Master SarrOw would scold her for not knowing how to do something she’d seen done once. She’d lost count of the times he’d told her that a scout’s life sometimes depended on being able to learn new skills quickly.

  Laser fire sounded closer. Bast mewed nervously, closed her eyes, and focused. After she muttered a prayer, she punched a sequence of buttons on the console. Most of them she knew she got right—she just wasn’t sure about the last two.

  The shuttles engines roared to life as several figures burst into the small clearing. A moment later, Nilre jumped into the pilot seat, and the shuttle lurched off the ground.

  Bast ducked her head back into the passenger compartment. Tomed stood in the open hatch and deflected plasma bolts. Fewer and fewer hit as they gained altitude. Finally Tomed shut the hatch and slumped against it.

  “Now the fun starts,” he murmured.

  “But we got away, didn’t we?” Bast asked.