THE KANEN EXPEDITION - PART TWO
"A LOST CIVILIZATION"
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C H A P T E R S E V E N
Captain Sans withdrew to the solitude of his command seat aboard the lead recovery ship, Canter. He and his crew were one of the six ships dispatched to retrieve the remains of the Selet III Task Force. The same Task Force originally sent to find Universe and her crew.
Three days had passed since they had begun their cleanup of the area that lay just outside the Deltous sector. The crews of all six ships were exhausted, not only as a result of the long hours of arduous work required, but also due to the emotional strain of the mission. After three days, a total of sixty-five bodies had been found. Under normal conditions, the remains would have been scattered with little hope of retrieval. On this detail, the majority of the bodies were discovered on the ships' escape pods, which were still operating on emergency thrusters when the recovery ships arrived.
Captain Sans fidgeted with an electronic log book as his science officer completed his final scans of the area.
"Captain, I've finished the report. I believe that's all we'll find out here, sir." Commander Edwin Radonson handed Sans the report, then left the bridge.
Placing the long, narrow, rectangular disk in the computer terminal on the side of his command chair, Captain Sans studied the register. Listed were many names familiar to him, including that of his wife, Sara. The captain was relieved to know her body would be laid to rest as she would have wanted - in a communal vault rather than lost in frozen suspense among the stars.
He finished his review of the account, then gave his communications officer an order to signal the other ships to prepare for their return voyage home. A weary Captain Sans arose slowly from his seat, as if to prolong his current position. He left the bridge, each step in painful contemplation of the task before him. Once below in the ship's cargo hold, he formally identified his wife's body.
HAVEN
"It's perfect!" Jantz handed Contanella a remarkably aromatic soil sample from one of Haven's gardens.
"Not bad, Jantz," Contanella agreed, as she surveyed several individuals laboring intensively over the lush plot of ground. "These vegetables are growing amazingly fast. I'd estimate about four to five weeks and we'll have enough for storage."
The site they chose on their new world provided unexpected advantages for the new colonists. Besides the perfect climate nearly year round, Haven's soil offered astonishing biochemical assistance for crops. A common vegetable taking several months to reach maturity on their home planet of Selet III would yield its fruit in only four weeks in Haven's environment.
Natural resources were abundant as well. Building materials were plentiful and of superior quality. The colonists quickly began construction of small homes and community shelters. Within eight months of landing on Haven, the work crews had developed a square kilometer of land.
After testing was completed and the water found safe for consumption, Shaanon, Camon and Katala organized construction of a water and waste disposal system. Katala's father supervised a crew of engineers who built a series of planetary defense outposts surrounding the colony base.
Dava Garson, Nathon Taparr and Chapath spent weeks aboard Universe II, learning the capabilities of the large vessel. Upon locating several additional computer records aboard the Beast, Nathon was better able to understand the complexity of operating the ship. Further modifications were made, and Universe II became not only a much needed defensive vessel, but also a luxury cruise ship.
One of the first enclosures completed within the central colonists' base was the Medical Center. Doctor Dexon Kandell and Hannah Livingston, placed in charge of the center, enlisted the aid of Universe's medical personnel. Together they created a facility which met any needs the colonists might encounter.
These first few months were exhausting, but rewarding, to all the new inhabitants of Haven. Friendships and relationships were established or strengthened as the colony developed into an accommodating republic. Tranquility and the community spirit they each sought fell smoothly into place. Each had a specialty that supported the demands of the young commune. Each fulfilled his task with the utmost care and precision, as a parent might nurture its offspring. The young idealists were motivated by their history to assure its success.
"Canton Boyds, please be seated."
The review board convened in an underground office. Those in attendance were of various positions in the Forneptus government, including several military officials. Canton took the seat to which he was directed and awaited the questioning that was to follow. He sat motionless, avoiding the faces of the surrounding officials, chosing instead to stare at the oblong, wooden table before him; its hand-rubbed surface providing a stark contrast to the shiny flooring and walls of the austere room.
Canton had warily returned to Forneptus IV. This petty weapon's officer and personal aide was unprepared for the excitement that had greeted him upon his arrival. His wife Tana had met him at the spaceport, then guided him to a small, private party. He had found it difficult, however, to enjoy himself while anticipating the review board now confronting him. As the room quieted, the Space Administration President began the agenda.
"For the record, your full name and position please?" "Canton Boyds, formerly yeoman first class aboard the cruise ship, Wing, prior to its destruction." A slight trace of regret laced his voice as he asked himself what damnedable fate had placed him with a psychotic commander.
"Mister Boyds, according to your own account, you mutinied against Captain William Samuel Brannon. Would you explain to this board the rationale behind this insubordinate behavior?"
Canton sat silently for a moment, collecting his thoughts before explaining the events leading to his departure from the Wing. The President listened intently to the story.
"Why didn't you discuss your concerns with other members of the crew, Mister Boyds?" The elder statesman stared intently at the trim young officer, noting his neat, regulation attire. Scribbling notes on a pad, he waited for Canton's reply.
"The crew was loyal to Brannon, Mister President. The captain gave orders to locate and, I presume, to kill me. I overheard him on the ship-wide comm-system just before I boarded the escape pod." He chose his words carefully, never taking his gaze from the President's eyes. "My court martial seemed inconsequential when compared to a possible war with Selet III. So, I left the ship."
"And I assume," the President continued, "that's when you met with Colonel Richardson."
"That's correct, sir. The colonel had left Selet III in order to join his daughter and her crew mates."
"Tell me, Mr. Boyds, where was their final destination?"
Canton maintained his control. "As I've stated, I left Universe while she was in the vicinity of Kanen-5. From there, I have no idea as to where they were headed. Officer Garson and Chapath, the being I mentioned earlier, loaded my shuttle with the items you saw earlier. I left unaccompanied."
The assembly adjourned after a few more questions. Canton left the meeting room and rode the elevator from the basement level to meet his wife on the upper floor. Noticing the worry in his face, Tana took his hands and squeezed them gently.
"That certainly went well." A hint of sarcasm surfaced, then faded as he anxiously appealed to his wife. "Tana, you believe me, don't you?"
"Of course I do, Canton." Tana wrapped her arms around him in a reassuring hug, brushing back his brown hair in a gesture of devotion. "I'm still understandably curious about that last scan you took, but you know I believe your story."
"Then you're probably the only one. That review board is looking for any reason to retire me." Canton looked around the busy lobby where they stood, then directed his wife toward the exit.
"How 'bout lunch, Tana?"
"I've already taken care of that. Follow me." Tana led the way to a quiet restaurant in an adjoining building where several companions were waiting. Canton was surprised to see his closest friend, Edwin Radonson, sitting at a nearby table.
Edwin stood as Canton approached him. "Canton, you galactic nut, you. How're ya doing?" They shook hands vigorously, Edwin grabbing Canton in a solid embrace.
"Edwin, it's great to see you. I'm okay." Canton looked over the table at the others present.
"Carroll, Raton, Aron . . . it's good to see you all!" The group nodded and smiled in agreement. Edwin, Canton and Tana sat opposite their friends.
"So, Edwin, what brings you into these parts?" Canton asked.
"Well, we've all read your final report on Wing's mission, and there are some things you should know, Canton." Edwin removed some papers from his briefcase. "The Beast you went to destroy matches the description of a ship we discovered on Forneptus IV. It seems the military has apparently duplicated the design and produced thirty of these ships."
Dava stood patiently trying to take in every word Contanella was using to explain her cloak screen, but it was obvious he was lost.
"Explain this to me, Contanella. I still don't see how this'll work when they take the ship into orbit?"
Contanella smiled at Dava as she initiated the last of the parameters on the planetary cloak screen.
"Dava, I think you keep forgetting that this device operates independently of the ship's power supply. We've only had it coupled to the ship's engines to save on energy while we were building the generator. I switched it over to self-generating power last night."
"Well, it's your contraption. I guess you should know how it works." Dava scratched the top of his head. "Anyway, we'll find out for sure after liftoff. I just hope they can find the planet again once they leave the system."
"Dava." Contanella studied Dava in mock anger, then smiled mischievously. "Shut up. You worry too much." She flipped one of her tools at him.
Jantz caught the wrench in mid air as he walked up to the two, Lesdy by his side holding his hand. "Everything all set, Conts?" he asked.
"Whenever they are." Contanella turned to address Lesdy.
"Well Lesdy, how do you like your new home so far?"
"My mother helped me redesign my room. It's really nice. Do you want to see it, Miss Napes?"
"I suggest you do, Napes," Jantz coaxed. "Lesdy just gave me the royal tour. You know, I think this kid's got a future in construction work. It's really something."
"How can I refuse such an offer? Lead on, young Miss." Contanella and Lesdy left Jantz and Dava at the control station and walked over to Hannah's shelter, passing Camon and Shaanon as they loaded supplies onto the nearby Universe II.
Shaanon and Camon commanded an exploratory team about to leave Haven aboard the new, improved ship. Included in the team were Chapath and Lorn, a medical technician from the original Universe mission. The consequences of Kanen-5's destruction were to be studied, as well as the effectiveness of Contanella's planetary cloak screen. Shaanon thought it would be beneficial to set up a satellite system just beyond the border of the Deltous sector as well, enabling them to monitor any incoming traffic or communications.
"Katala will monitor communications. Dava and Contanella will monitor the cloak screen during liftoff and reentry," Shaanon directed as he joined Katala at the communications board inside the control center.
"Katie, your father's satellite relay system won't be functioning for three more days, so keep your ears open just in case."
"No problem, Shaanon. Please be careful."
"Don't worry, we'll be back before you even know we've left. Once out of Haven's orbit, I'll give you a call just to make sure everything's working. See you soon, Katie," Shaanon turned and kissed Katala.
She embraced him warmly and whispered, "Goodbye . . . and good luck."
Universe II left the confines of Haven for its first mission. Once out of the planet's atmosphere, Nathon set a course for the area where Kanen-5 once orbited the dying star, Kanen. Since the star was estimated to nova within ten centuries, Chapath thought it wise to study the possible effects the great explosion would produce on Haven. Though Kanen was some distance from Haven, everyone on board agreed that this was a wise precaution.
"Haven, this is Universe II. Katala, are you picking me up?"
After a moment of static, Haven responded. "Loud and clear, Universe II. How's everything going, Shaanon?"
"All's fine so far. We've decided to extend our trip by a few hours and fly by Kanen."
Overhearing the two, Jantz joined Katala at the communications board.
"Shaanon, Jantz here. Finding anything interesting out there?"
"Not yet. Chapath is eager to share his experience in studying the solar effects on orbiting planets. Everything is quiet so far. We just want to make sure Haven is far enough away from Kanen to avoid being affected by the nova. Just a precaution."
"Good idea. Since you're going to be near Kanen, why don't you give us a call. Contanella's pretty proud of her improved communications system. Let's see how it performs with competition from those solar flares."
"You got it, Jantz. We should be in touch within three hours."
Katala recovered the device from Jantz. "We'll be waiting, Shaanon," she hoped he wouldn't notice how anxious she sounded. "By the way, do you have a preliminary report, yet, on the cloaking screen?"
"Camon's still testing, but so far, so good. Haven is completely imperceptible to normal scanning systems, as well as to the comm-screens. We'll give you a full report when we call back in three hours. Universe II out."
Universe II sped on course toward the red sun. Using estimated graphs and charts, Camon roughly determined the position Kanen-5 would now rest in orbit . . . if anything of the shattered planet still existed.
"SHAANON," Chapath thought across the bridge of the ship, "I AM PICKING UP INDICATIONS OF ANOTHER VESSEL ENTERING THE DELTOUS SECTOR."
"Confirmed, Chapath. I see it on my scanner, also," Camon verified. "It looks to be at least the size of this ship."
"Continue monitoring, Chapath," Shaanon requested. "Advise upon reaching five hundred kilometers, if indeed we do."
The aged Chapath persisted in joining this exploration. Although somewhat frail, his mathematical expertise and special abilities did prove invaluable. Keeping occupied also helped to ease the pain within him. The emptiness Chapath felt was unfathomable to his comrads. His cells echoed violently with the loss of his people. He knew he had little time remaining. Without the collective spirit of his race, he was going to be unable to sustain his own life. Chapath would impart as much wisdom and knowledge as he could to these young patriots, for he knew their destiny would be fraught with grief in spite of their present idyllic existence.
"I BELIEVE WE SHALL INDEED ATTAIN THAT RANGE. THE SCANNER SHOWS WE ARE ON AN INADVERTENT INTERCEPT COURSE WITH THE VESSEL."
Shaanon opened a comm-channel to Haven. "Haven, this is Universe II. Come in please."
After waiting a minute, he tried again.
"Haven, do you read . . . this is Universe II. Come in please."
Still no response. Chapath and Camon looked over at Shaanon worriedly.
"Haven. Katala, please respond."
Two hours and many more attempts later, there was still no response from Katala or Haven.
"It's no good Conts, I can't reach them."
"Let me see if I can boost the power just a little bit more." Contanella attempted to enhance the communications board by adding some of the energy from the cloak-screen. Katala was troubled. Something must have gone wrong on Universe II, and there was no way of knowing what that might be. There also wasn't any means of sending help.
C H A P T E R E I G H T
"This can't be right!" Canton, astonished
by what he had read, directed his attention toward Edwin.
"We couldn't believe it either, Canton." Edwin searched his briefcase for other documents which verified Forneptus IV's involvement with the Beast-ship production.
"A few of us just returned from a joint mission with Selet III."
"A joint mission?" Canton was surprised with the news.
"Yes . . . well you see . . . by working with Selet III in this sector, the President is attempting to secure positive relations. It's nothing much, but I think it's a good idea. After all, the relationship between our two governments hasn't been on exactly the best of terms. Anyway, I served with Captain Sans aboard Canter, helping with cleanup details of the Selet III Task Force."
"I'll bet you didn't find much. When I saw the ruins, they were partially intact. You guys went out there almost a week later."
"We found plenty, Canton. The escape pods were nearby and still had a little juice left in them. For the most part, the crews were all trapped in the bellies of the pods. All the pods were in station-keeping position." Edwin looked about curiously, " We're not sure why."
Canton looked at his wife for a moment in silence. The implications of the information wove an insidious pattern of hostile deceit. His breath came in shallow bursts as he sifted through the details set before him.
"It was easy to determine the cause of their destruction as spontaneous neutron misalignment in the engines," Edwin continued. "At first I couldn't understand how all the ships would develop the same problem at the same time."
Aron, another member of the rescue team on Canter, handed Canton a report file showing various diagrams and calculations.
"The only way all the ships could've gone at the same time would be because of the influence of an outside force. Since we couldn't find logs from any of the ships, we don't know if they even acknowledged their attacker. However, we were able to determine the force that triggered the engine implosions. By checking some records in Forneptus IV's Space Administration files, we determined that a Polter-Beam was used, similar to the one you saw aboard the Beast. A little more digging in the archives revealed the whole story."
"This Polter-Beam," Canton asked, "was designed by us and I assume made standard equipment on these Beast ships?" He already knew the answer. Canton pushed down hard with flattened hands and raised himself from the chair.
Edwin recognized his friend's distress and rose to meet him, planting his hand firmly on Canton's shoulder. "Something like that. From these records, it's been replicated from another source. So you see, our government, while it pretends to establish peaceful relations with Selet III, is also trying to destroy them . . . along with the rest of the galaxy it would seem."
"What's the matter, Katie?" Lesdy asked, finding Katala sitting alone in the maintenance room. Startled by the young girl's quiet approach, Katala stood abruptly and turned toward the child.
"Lesdy! You startled me. I didn't hear you coming."
"What were you thinking about?"
"Oh, I'm just a little worried about Shaanon and the rest of the crew out there." Katala managed a smile, but moist eyes betrayed her.
Lesdy moved next to her friend's side and put an arm around the taller woman in a reassuring embrace. "Don't worry. My mother says that Shaanon's the best, and everything will be all right."
"Your mother's right, Lesdy. Shaanon is the best. But I'd feel a lot better if I could hear the crew tell me that over the transmitter right now." She was pleased to have the company and a diversion from her troubled thoughts.
"Sometimes, in the tunnel on Kanen-5, it would be awfully hard waiting and never hearing from anybody. I'm so glad you found us."
"I'm glad we found you, too. You especially, Lesdy, help to brighten our otherwise pretty dull lives. You bring out the good in all of us. Still having those nightmares?"
"Nope. They're all gone, now. Contanella says it's because of the good luck charm she gave me. See?"
Katala scrunched her eyes and twisted her nose in mock seriousness as she scrutinized the tiny silver medallion hanging on a delicate chain about the child's neck. The distraction succeeded in easing the anxiety she felt - until Lesdy changed the subject once again.
"You love him, don't you?"
"How did such a young child become so wise?"
"Mom says it's because I've been around so many grown ups. Dexon used to tell me so many stories when we were on Kanen. All the stories he learned in instruction and from his grandfather. And he used to make me write my own stories."
Katala looked fondly at the young girl as she smoothed out the collar of her tan jumpsuit. "Well, I guess I do love Shaanon."
As her mind drifted again, Katala was oblivious to the sounds of broken static mixed with voices emanating from the nearby communications board. Lesdy tapped Katala on the arm a couple of times but the young woman remained lost in thought. Finally, Lesdy chose a more reliable means of breaking the trance into which Katala had fallen. She screamed.
"KATALA!"
"I'm sorry Lesdy, what were you saying?"
Lesdy pointed at the communications board.
". . . Haven . . . is Universe . . . if you . . . please respond"
Lesdy followed Katala as she seized the head set at the comm-board.
"It's Shaanon!" Lesdy proclaimed through a broad smile. Katala stabbed the comm-button excitedly and established the channel. The static began to ease and Shaanon's voice became clearer.
"What's going on out there, Shaanon?"
"Our transmissions were being jammed by another vessel that just entered the Deltous sector a few hours ago. Camon was finally able to block the jamming, but that's the least of our problems right now."
Katala sat at the communications table. "What's wrong, Shaanon?"
"We're under attack by a vessel. It's the same configuration as this Beast ship. Our shields are holding up and Camon has ascertained that we have more fire power than the attacker. If we want to, we can destroy them."
"What do you mean, 'if you want to?' Why haven't you?" Katala asked.
"We want to know who's attacking us, and their origin. It can't be a derelict from Kanen-5. It's heading parallel to a course similar to the one on which we entered the Deltous sector. Camon's been trying to establish communications, but they won't respond. We're going to attempt to disable their main thrusters and weapon banks, then board their ship."
"Are you sure that's such a good idea? Can't you try establishing communications for a while longer before you do something like that?"
"Katie, don't worry. Chapath is going to board them alone. They'll never even know he's there. Chapath informs us that if we're close enough to their ship, he doesn't need a shuttle to get over there. He can travel in a vacuum for short distances."
"I should have guessed as much." Katala said, somewhat unconvinced, and frustrated by the discouraging turn of events. "Will you please keep me informed every step of the way?"
"You know it. As soon as Camon makes a few more attempts at contacting them, we'll be moving in. When we do, I'll give you a shout."
Further attempts at contacting Universe II's attacker failed, and Shaanon gave orders to return fire on the other Beast-like ship. The volley ceased within minutes. Their opponent was disabled, but intact. Universe II moved to within five kilometers of the vessel and came to a full stop.
The small crew gathered for a quick briefing before Chapath was to make his way to the paralyzed enemy ship. No one was able to dissuade the alien, and the strategy had merit. Despite his age, Chapath was determined to help his friends. Given a few instructions, he vanished from the safe confines of Universe II and entered the black vacuum of space.
There would be no communication with the being until after he had returned to the ship. His thoughts would be totally engulfed with surviving the vacuum of space. Though remaining apprehensive about the idea of his going, the crew yielded to the argument that this was the only way they could learn their adversary's identity without first engaging them in full battle. A battle which might lead to the destruction of Universe II.
As Chapath approached the enemy vessel's stern, he felt as though he was no longer alone in the emptiness just outside the ship. The feeling intensified as meter upon meter he neared the foreign vessel's outer hull. With only twenty meters remaining before he'd reach the ship, he suddenly realized what was happening around him . . . though he would have never thought it possible.
Before he could consider his next move, a sharp pain rippled suddenly through his mind. He wouldn't be able to fight the distress and continue in this invisible form for much longer. Chapath fought persistently to maintain his concentration, but his age made the task impossible. The pain was just too intense. Turning away from the enemy vessel, he attempted to return to Universe II.
If not for the distracting photon torpedo fired from Universe II at that moment, his light form would have materialized into open space within seconds, immediately killing him as he did. But Shaanon had thought a distraction, even for an invisible being, might be useful. The torment ceased instantly, and Chapath moved quickly away from the ship, returning as fast as he could to his own vessel.
He appeared from a streak of light on the main bridge. Looking around just long enough to confirm his surroundings, the Latician fell limply to the floor, exhausted from his endeavor.
Canton sat next to his wife on the sofa of their small living unit. Cradling a hot beverage in his hands, he offered the drink to her, which she eagerly accepted.
"It's been quite a week, Tana," Canton said as his wife sipped the soothing liquid. "I just get back from a mission sponsored by our government, only to find out that they're the cause for this whole mess in the first place."
"I'm just grateful you made it back home safely, Canton. I still think there's more we don't know about all this super warship construction our government's been covering up. Somehow you were to play a part in it while aboard Wing. Do you think Forneptus IV is working with Selet III on these warships?"
Canton considered the question briefly before responding. "It certainly seems possible, but I wouldn't expect that Shaanon would be unaware of it, if that were the case. Nor do I believe he would hide it, if he knew that to be true. He's got a lot of the rebel in him." Canton smiled to himself, thinking of his own youth and similar accusations.
"As I recall, he had high-level clearance within Selet III's government. As a matter of fact, I believe the main purpose for their mission into the Deltous sector was prompted by what he had learned through government channels."
"Governments can deceive even high ranking officials, Canton. You know that. But the way you've spoken of Shaanon, I believe you're probably right. He probably doesn't know anything either. Maybe we should try to find out if indeed our two governments are collaborating in secret."
"You think that perhaps this new, open awareness that Forneptus IV's council has been displaying is a facade, Tana? While the council portends its intention to establish peaceful relations with Selet III, behind our backs they've been peacefully relating for years?"
"Certainly a possibility," Tana nodded, "and a strong one at that."
An orange blanket of sand covered the plateau, producing a brilliant glow without the aid of sunlight. Tanett was a spectacular planet in many respects. The atmosphere was friendly, and there were plenty of natural resources available. Its location was far from other populated planets; and, Tanett provided the ideal seclusion for Selet III and Forneptus IV's military Committee to meet.
Without question, the greatest advantage the two governments had while on Tanett was the ability to keep an eye on Tanett-Prime, Tanett's sister planet. It was there that a small population of beings dwelt unknown to the rest of the galaxy. They were all that remained of a civilization which once populated the planet Laticia before its destruction. Now living in slavery, the three hundred remaining Laticians were fast becoming an extinct race. Only one Latician was able to escape the destruction of their planet and the soon to follow confinement on Tanett-Prime. Chapath.
It required seven days of travel to reach Tanett from either Forneptus IV or Selet III, after which members from each respective government rested in synchronous orbit above the planet's only continent. Before landing the larger vessels, each ship sent a shuttle carrying a small security force to the planet's surface.
Having received the "All Secure" message from Selet III's team, General Profis gave the order to land at the designated coordinates. Forneptus IV's ship followed soon afterward.
Major Levandi stepped out of the Forneptus military space vessel and onto the bright sands of Tanett. In the distance he watched as General Profis, surrounded by several security officers, walked toward him.
"Good day, Major." The General's voice was just audible against a gusty wind. Rarely felt on Tanett, he waved his hand to shield his face from the dust flying about.
"Greetings General Profis. I trust your travel was free of incident?"
"Yes. Everything was quiet aboard ship."
"That's good to hear. Have you looked in on our friends next door since entering the quadrant?"
General Profis shifted uneasily for a moment, then looked in the direction of Tanett's sister planet, barely visible in the evening sky.
"Our Security Team scanned Tanett-Prime before landing here. According to their report, everything is quiet. I assume you've checked it out as well, Major."
"Out of habit, more than anything else. There has never been any unusual activity on the planet since the Laticians have been there. Only when we need to visit them do we even remember how many there actually are."
Major Levandi paused and stared at the General. "Is there something bothering you about Tanett-Prime, General?"
The General let out a sigh. "I believe it's time we learn more about these creatures . . . these Laticians. I'm convinced that this alien that one of your military yeoman . . . er, Boyds I believe is his name . . . I'm sure that the alien he met is also one of these Laticians."
The Major immediately fended the query. "I can assure you, General, there's absolutely no possibility of that. There were no survivors other than those we brought to Tanett-Prime."
"Hell, you don't know that, Major. You had over three hundred of them in your ship. Without the mental screen, you and your crew were vulnerable to any mental suggestions they may have given you. You didn't even have such a screening device until four days after you had already been in contact with them."
"That's true, except that they're benevolent creatures by nature. They don't use their mind control for force unless there's a good reason. When we took the Laticians aboard our ship, they thought that we were coming to their aid. They trusted us and welcomed our help. They never knew that it was our ships that destroyed their planet."
General Profis reached in his coat and removed a small notepad.
"According to the log records, your ships returned to the area three days after the planet was destroyed."
"Yes, that's correct. And our scans of the planet's remains showed no life signs."
"Major, you're assuming that none of these creatures can stay in their transparent state for prolonged periods. I don't think that's a wise assumption. We don't know very much about them or what their capabilities might be . . . benevolent or not."
General Profis shook his head and walked over to join the rest of his crewmen - now gathered with the Major's crew near the Forneptus vessel. As he watched the General leave, Major Levandi considered the words he had just heard. The Laticians had only been on Tanett-Prime slightly more than a year. During that time, little had been learned of the race . . . other than their ability to serve the purposes of the rebel alliance between Selet III and Forneptus IV.
C H A P T E R N I N E
Like its neighboring planet, Tanett-Prime claimed vast expanses of orange incandescent sand. The atmosphere was favorable, but the planet's ability to produce sufficient food resources was minimal. Without the regular delivery of supplies from the Committee patrol ships, the Laticians could not survive. Routine deliveries were abating, for the captors wearied of this nonproductive task, seeking instead to handle more pressing problems. The resulting disinterest left many of the beings in poor health; and not a few were near death.
No one had studied the Laticians to any great degree, providing a scant record of the race. Their ability to disappear made observation difficult and somewhat unnerving. They lacked any substantial degree of muscular strength, but made up for it with powerful mental proficiency.
The Forneptus IV battle ships learned of these abilities shortly after they destroyed their home planet of Laticia. The planet's defenses couldn't withstand the attack which ended just minutes after it began. Only a few hundred, seeking shelter in a vault far beneath the planet's surface, were spared from the total destruction.
As the Forneptus battle ships orbited the devastated planet, they scanned for survivors. It was then they discovered the Latician's ability to become invisible. While scans could not detect the beings in their metaphysical state, the Laticians only maintained it for a few hours, sometimes as long as a day. It was presumed, after careful monitoring, that this was the maximum time before they must rematerialize in human form. The Committee Fleet Commander thought these beings might prove useful in future missions and decided to apprehend the remaining few.
A small scout ship was sent to the planet's surface with a "rescue team" aboard. The soldiers managed to convince the Laticians that they had fought off the ships responsible for the attack and had come to offer aid. Since nothing was left of their once rich culture, the surface in blackened ruins, the Laticians graciously accepted the offer to leave and return with the soldiers to the Forneptus battle ships.
Once aboard the bigger vessels, the beings were brought to a large holding area where they were promised food and medical attention. The facade continued until one of the Laticians appeared out of nowhere on the main bridge. Security personnel killed him without hesitation. Officers subsequently ordered the storage area sealed.
Unaware of the beings' mental abilities, several security guards were found trying to set the Laticians free. It wasn't until the commander of the lead Committee ship was discovered attempting to liberate the beings that anyone realized they were being subconsciously persuaded. The science team quickly designed a small screening device, worn concealed behind the ear, that effectively protected the crew from any further neuropathic invasions.
Defenseless, the Laticians were taken to the remote planet Tanett-Prime. There they struggle to survive with the limited amount of supplies given to them by the dissident Selet III and Forneptus IV coterie. On occasion, several of the Laticians are forced to accompany the military on an unknown mission to another world. Slavery has become the only life the beings now know.
Chapath awoke surrounded by a group of concerned onlookers. Lorn had been able to do little to help him as he laid unconscious on the sickbay bed. Although a finely trained medical doctor, Lorn's education had never included any background with an alien such as this. As Chapath attempted to sit up, Lorn assisted him.
"How do you feel, Chapath?" the doctor asked.
Chapath's head hurt, residual evidence from the encounter he had experienced a few hours earlier outside the enemy vessel. Suddenly, the being's eyes widened as he began to communicate.
"WE MUST CONTACT THE ENEMY VESSEL IMMEDIATELY."
Shaanon glanced at Lorn in a curious expression, knowing that Chapath knew the enemy was not responding to communications. "Why?" Shaanon asked. "What happened out there?"
Chapath turned to address the young captain.
"I WAS PREVENTED ACCESS TO THE ENEMY VESSEL BY OTHER LATICIANS. I DID NOT KNOW OTHERS HAD SURVIVED THE ATTACK ON MY PLANET. I HAD THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY SURVIVOR FROM LATICIA, BUT I AM INCORRECT."
"I don't understand," Shaanon reacted with confusion. "Someone from your own race is responsible for practically killing you? I would think they'd be happy to see another survivor from their home world."
"IT IS UNLIKE OUR KIND TO USE LETHAL FORCE AGAINST ANOTHER BEING, WHETHER NATIVE OR ALIEN. WE ARE A WEAK PEOPLE. OUR STRENGTH IS IN THE MIND, WHICH SOMETIMES PROVES DEADLY. HOWEVER, OUR RACE WOULD NOT PERMIT FATAL HARM TO ANOTHER. YET I HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO SUCH AN ATTACK. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO FURTHER ATTEMPT COMMUNICATION WITH THE OTHER VESSEL. I MUST KNOW WHICH OF MY PEOPLE HAS DONE THIS."
"That's what we've been trying to do, Chapath," Camon insisted. "If you think they'll respond now, then let's give it another try. I'll speak for you, but are you strong enough to make it to the bridge?"
"I AM UNHARMED. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE PRECISE TIMING OF YOUR PHOTON TORPEDO UPON THE ENEMY VESSEL, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT SAME CLAIM."
On the bridge, Chapath made several attempts to contact the enemy vessel, Camon providing the necessary vocal tones. Twenty minutes later Shaanon advised them to abandon the effort. But as Chapath attempted one final time, he was rewarded with a reply. He immediately switched on the viewscreen enabling visual contact. The screen focused in on a tall woman wearing what they all immediately recognized as the uniform worn by Forneptus IV military personnel.
HAVEN
The ex-Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Gantor Richardson pulled himself to the top of the large satellite dish which sat five kilometers west of the colonists' encampment. The dish was one of the six that surrounded their small city on Haven. The Colonel took the responsibility upon himself for securing the base. He was almost prepared to activate the new security system; just a few final adjustments before it would be operational.
As he knelt within the boundaries of the large dish, the Colonel glanced up as a reflection interrupted his field of vision. About two kilometers further west from his position, he could see the faint outline of a peculiarly shaped structure. Curious, he climbed down from the satellite dish and tried to locate where he had seen the structure, but it was no longer visible.
The Colonel walked over to the shuttle craft he had been piloting during the construction of the security system and turned on the communications board.
"Colony Base, this is Richardson."
Almost immediately, Katala's voice came through the speaker. "Yes father, this is Katie. How's everything coming along with the security system?"
The Colonel sat in the pilot's chair, content with the days progress, yet eager to validate his efforts.
"Hello Katie. I'm cleaning up. Everything's ready to go. Inform Contanella that I'll need her assistance with power-up."
"She heard. She's standing not a meter away from me, and she's ready whenever you are. Is there anything else?"
"As a matter of fact, yes." The Colonel looked through the craft's port in the direction where he had seen the structure. "I'm going to check out an area about two kilometers west of here. It may be nothing; but I thought I saw some sort of building over there. I'm going to take a closer look. I'll pick up Jantz first. He's at the next dish sight. And before you say it, don't worry, we'll be careful."
Katala smiled. "You'd just better be. Let us know what you find, okay?"
"I will. By the way, any more news from Shaanon?"
"Yes. Chapath is fine, just a little weak. Shaanon said that Chapath is trying to contact their attacker - something about other survivors from his home world being aboard the other vessel. I'll know more soon. I'm going to check up on them at the top of the hour."
"All right then. We'll see you back at base soon. Out."
The Colonel gathered up his equipment from the dish sight then flew the shuttle craft to where Jantz was working. As he approached, Jantz was nowhere to be seen. He climbed out of the vehicle and walked around the area looking for the young engineer.
"Jantz! Where are you?"
"'That you, Colonel?" Jantz called in a tired voice.
"Who'd you expect? Is there a girlfriend you're not telling us about?"
Jantz's head poked over the edge of the satellite dish. "None that I'm aware of. I must have fallen asleep up here. Just a minute, I'll be right down."
The two walked to the Colonel's shuttle craft. It wasn't until they were ready to board the craft that Jantz noticed his own shuttle was nowhere to be found. He looked over at the Colonel, believing it was probably a joke. "All right, what gives?"
"What do you mean?"
Jantz didn't answer, instead turning in all directions in search of his vessel.
The Colonel directed the question again. "What do you mean, 'what gives'?"
"Where's my shuttle?" Jantz asked the Colonel.
"Where'd you park it?" The Colonel asked seriously.
"Very funny. C'mon, where'd you put it?"
Colonel Richardson looked at Jantz, bewildered. "Are you telling me it's been stolen?"
Jantz returned the same incredulous expression.
"Jantz, how long were you asleep?"
Glancing at his watch, Jantz looked up at the Colonel. "I'm not sure . . . but not any longer than twenty minutes or so. Do you think one of the colonists came out here and took it? That maybe they didn't know I was here and thought it was left by mistake?"
A call to the colony base quickly ruled out the possibility of anyone there taking the shuttle from the dish site. Jantz followed the Colonel into his shuttle. Before returning to base, they headed to the area where the Colonel had earlier noticed the odd structure.
"There it is," the Colonel pointed excitedly. As they approached the building, evidence of other beings living on the planet became apparent. The most obvious was a narrow trail of smoke which rose from a small fire, enclosed in an object resembling a crude furnace. The outer walls were rife with discarded containers measuring about two meters in diameter and three meters tall. Jantz used the shuttle's scanners to look for any life signs, but only trees and the familiar fowl, insect and small animal life registered. They agreed that a closer look was needed and landed the shuttle about one hundred meters from the sight, preferring to walk the remaining distance.
"It looks like a giant quinfruit," Jantz said as they neared what looked to be the only enclosure in the area.
"A quinfruit?" The Colonel questioned.
"Yeah. It's a small, seedless delight native to Forneptus IV. I used to bring back tons of them when I was doing my graduate work there. They're not very popular. Most people say they're like eating mushy rocks. Not me though. Once you get past the skins, they become addicting really fast. Makes my mouth water just thinking about them."
Colonel Richardson shook his head. "Great. I'll order out as soon as we get back to base."
"Would you? Fantastic! What a pal."
A glimmer caught the Colonel's eye. He put his hand to his forehead to shade the sun. From the farthest side of the structure he thought he could see something that resembled a shuttle craft. Richardson directed Jantz's attention to the object. As they approached the site, they could clearly see the shuttle craft hidden partially behind some tall grass.
The Colonel looked at Jantz with a grin. "You know, when I put up that security system, I didn't think we'd require its use against our own planet's inhabitants. Looks like I was wrong."
"What inhabitants?" Jantz asked. "According to the orbital scans we took before landing here, this planet was supposedly uninhabited."
Canton Boyds walked a few steps behind his wife as they neared the spaceport. Beside him, Edwin Radonson discussed flight plans with Aron, who would fill the role of navigator on the flight they were about to take. Canton's wife Tana was helping her friend Raton carry a lightweight but bulky instrument that would be most valuable on the trip.
Once inside the spaceport, the group headed for Edwin's private shuttle bay, not stopping to talk with anyone along the way. Since it was late, the spaceport was quiet; they were greeted by very little activity. Arriving at his shuttle bay entrance, Edwin entered the private code into the wall lock.
"This is it. Everybody sure they still want to come along?" Edwin glanced at each member of the group. "There's no turning back once we leave, so if you have any second thoughts, now is the time."
"No second thoughts, Edwin." Aron said. "Let's go."
"We'd better hurry, too," Tana cautioned. "It's going to take at least an hour for you to install this cloak screen. That doesn't leave us much of a safety margin if you run into any problems. In two hours, the regular morning backlog will start, and we'll be lucky to get out of here before noon."
Canton smiled assuredly. "Don't worry Tana, there won't be any problems. But, let's get a move on anyway."
Fifty minutes later the small group left the spaceport in Edwin's shuttle craft, completely unnoticed by the spaceport's ground crew. Although it was perfectly legitimate for Edwin and Raton to come and go as they wished, since they were visitors on Forneptus IV, they preferred nobody knew they were leaving. Within two weeks they would arrive at the planet Tanett and begin their investigation.
Thanks to Aron, they now had strong evidence of a subversive movement meeting on that planet. If their suspicions were correct, they would soon discover the truth about the Beast warships. With solid evidence, they would return to their respective governments: Canton, Tana and Aron to Forneptus IV, Edwin and Raton to Selet III. There they would expose the operation and put an end to the long-lived legends of "The Beast."
C H A P T E R T E N
The bridge crew aboard Universe II, stunned at their discovery, stared motionless at the viewscreen. Not only had they learned that there were other survivors from Chapath's home planet, but a very familiar space ship lay only a few short kilometers before them. A ship which held a striking resemblance to their own, including a Forneptus IV military officer at the other end of the communications screen.
Chapath continued the communications connection process, then turned to address Shaanon.
"HER UNIFORM SEEMS SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO THAT WHICH THE YEOMAN, CANTON BOYDS, WAS WEARING. IS THIS A MILITARY VESSEL?"
Shaanon turned toward the being, his expression betraying this moment of frustration. "Chapath, this officer is from Forneptus IV. The same planet as Brannon's crew . . . you know, the one's you destroyed. It looks like they've come to finish the job Brannon failed to accomplish."
Camon approached the two. "Shaanon, they have no power to operate their weapons any longer. Even if they did, we've outgunned them ten-to-one from the start. I'm reading no ESE weaponry, just what we've already seen."
Suddenly, the Forneptus officer spoke. "Where did you people get that ship? I demand to know."
Shaanon turned towards the comm-screen to answer. "Who wants to know? Who are you, and why did you attack us?"
The officer hesitated before answering, looking behind her at someone not visible on the viewscreen. When she finally spoke again, it wasn't to answer Shaanon's question.
"I have my orders. That ship is stolen property, and I'm under orders to confiscate it." As the Forneptus IV officer spoke, her eyes never left Chapath. Her face was covered with a look of familiarity. Chapath noticed it immediately.
"What's with you people, anyway?" Shaanon questioned the woman. "First your Captain Brannon hunts us down and tries to kill us. Now the gauntlet falls to you, I suppose. Well, let me put it to you this way: either identify yourself and the reason for your attack, or in one minute you'll be as one with the universe."
The officer smiled. "I don't think you want to do that."
"Now what would ever make you think I wouldn't? I've had enough of you Forneptus military types. I realize that your 'shoot-first' policy saves a lot of time. It eliminates getting acquainted with whomever it is you're about to destroy. But I think your adversaries would appreciate this small act of kindness, don't you?"
"I don't think you'll want to exert any further firepower on this ship once you learn of its cargo." Again the officer looked at someone not visible on the viewscreen. "I'd like you to meet my cargo."
Three beings resembling Chapath appeared on Universe II's viewscreen. Shaanon and Camon looked in astonishment at the screen, then at Chapath.
"Chapath," Camon asked, "do you know them?"
"NO. BUT IF YOU COULD SEVER COMMUNICATIONS FOR A MOMENT, I CAN EXPLAIN THEIR PRESENCE ON THAT VESSEL."
Shaanon motioned for Camon to cut communications.
"Okay, they can't see or hear us." Camon said.
"I HAVE LEARNED THAT THOSE WE NOW SEE ARE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF LATICIAN SURVIVORS WHO ARE BEING HELD AGAINST THEIR WILL ON THE PLANET, TANETT-PRIME. A FACTION COMPRISED OF BOTH SELET III AND FORNEPTUS IV MILITARY PERSONNEL HAVE TAKEN THE SURVIVORS AND HAVE CONFINED THEM TO THIS PLANET."
"How did you learn all this?" Camon questioned the being. "He's a telepath, remember?" Shaanon answered.
"I HAVE BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE THREE LATICIANS ON THAT VESSEL SINCE THE COMM-SCREEN FIRST RESPONDED. HOWEVER, THE COMMUNICATION IS VERY WEAK, AS THOUGH BEING SUPPRESSED."
"Are you sure about all this, Chapath?" Shaanon asked.
"I AM QUITE SURE, SHAANON. THE ATTACK ON MYSELF WAS NOT INTENTIONAL. IT WAS FOCUSED AT THE OFFICERS AND CREW ABOARD THAT VESSEL. BUT THEY SEEM TO HAVE FOUND A WAY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST OUR MINDS. THE MENTAL ENERGY FROM ALL THREE LATICIANS WAS WHAT I FELT AS I APPROACHED THEIR SHIP."
"So they didn't even know you were out there?"
Before Chapath could answer Shaanon, a loud signal blared from the comm-panel, and an angry face peered from the forward viewscreen. Shaanon nodded for Camon to restore communication again.
"You haven't answered my question, gentlemen." The officer continued smiling, but now with a bit more certainty. "That vessel belongs to the Forneptus IV government."
The smile rapidly straightened as the woman continued. "I demand you surrender immediately and prepare to be boarded. If you do not comply within five minutes, there'll be three bodies waiting here for you." Again, the smile returned. "I guess the rumors are true . . . there is another Latician who survived the attack." The woman's image on the viewscreen was unexpectedly replaced with that of the stars.
"Now what do we do?" Camon asked.
"We give them the ship of course." Shaanon answered. "Lorn's scan indicates that there's only ten passengers aboard that vessel, and three of them are Laticians. Come on, Camon . . . let's go prepare the docking bay for our guests."
Camon smiled perceptively and followed Shaanon off the bridge.
Below in the docking bay, Camon rushed to connect the appropriate hoses and tanks together. The tanks were filled with nitrous oxide, which would normally be used for the ship's sickbay and medical labs. Once everything was connected, Shaanon returned to the bridge of Universe II. From there, he secured all but one of the doorways leading to the docking bay, then waited for the shuttle that would bring the half dozen or so Forneptus soldiers aboard.
Lorn left the bridge to take his position hidden inside the docking bay with Camon. Once in position, they slipped on protective masks. When the soldiers arrived, they would be overcome by the heavy concentration of gas within seconds after exiting their shuttle. Lorn and Camon had to work fast. One of the soldiers had to be protected from becoming too overcome by the vapors. They needed to disarm him, and remove him from the docking bay. Then it was just a matter of using a simple injection, one that would make the soldier extremely vulnerable to suggestion.
From the bridge, Shaanon would try to keep the Forneptus IV officer and his three Latician prisoners on the viewscreen so that Chapath could further communicate with the Laticians aboard the Forneptus vessel. Within a few minutes, the viewscreen displayed the small image of a shuttle craft emerging from their adversary's ship.
HAVEN
Jantz followed closely behind the Colonel as they explored the borders of the structure they had discovered. Signs of life were abundantly evident. Discarded clothing, foodstuffs and books were only a few of the items Jantz collected and placed in a carry pouch for later examination.
They approached the stolen shuttle craft cautiously. Jantz repeated his scan of the area, still finding no intelligent signs of life other than the Colonel and himself. As far as they could tell, the shuttle craft's exterior was undamaged. Jantz opened the craft's hatch slowly, looking within as he did. He climbed through the opening and quickly searched the interior of the shuttle - or what was left of it.
Most of the instruments were missing. Not ripped out carelessly, but neatly removed from their housings. The pilot's seat remained intact but all other seating was gone. Also not found were the food dispenser and related provisions.
The Colonel remained outside the craft standing watch against whoever might be responsible for its theft. As he continued to investigate the area, a peculiar odor grabbed his attention.
"Hey Jantz, do you smell something odd?"
When Jantz didn't answer, the Colonel walked closer to the shuttle. He reached the craft's bow and peered through the ship's front window, rapping loudly on it.
"Jantz, you in there?"
"Yeah, I'm here," Jantz replied. "Do you wanna step inside for a moment, Colonel? You gotta see this for yourself."
Colonel Richardson climbed aboard and observed the modifications to the craft's interior.
"Jantz, you really should take better care of your things. It'd probably be easier to ask, what's not missing?"
"Uh, Colonel . . . I think we'd better get back to your shuttle before it winds up looking like this one. Whoever did this might already be there, or have already been and left."
"'Whoever' is the part that's got me puzzled. You're right. We'd better go. I'll call the base and get some people out here to take care of your shuttle. By the way, did you smell anything peculiar a few minutes ago?"
Jantz sniffed the air. "Not that I recall. Why do you ask?"
"Just before I came in here, I smelled something really strange. Just for a moment, though. Wondered if you got a whiff of it, too."
"Nope. Gee, I hope this planet's not trying to get rid of us already. After you, Colonel."
The two men exited through the hatch and returned to the Colonel's shuttle. Upon entering, they both breathed a sigh of relief as they examined the ship and found it completely intact. Colonel Richardson contacted Haven's base to explain what had happened and to arrange a pickup of Jantz's scavenged craft.
Katala and Nathon were both running to the communication's board as they arrived at the base.
"Haven, this is Universe II. Come in please."
Colonel Richardson and Jantz reached the comm-board just as Nathon opened the channel and set up visual transmission.
"Go ahead Universe II, this is Haven. We read you loud and clear." The screen lit up seconds later as the visual was established. Shaanon's image came to life.
"Good morning, Nathon . . . it is morning there, isn't it?" Shaanon asked.
"Well actually, it's evening. But I was taught never to argue with the Captain, so if you say it's morning, it's morning."
"Right, Nathon, whatever . . . Hi Katala, Colonel, Jantz. You guys all bored or something? Just hangin' 'round the radio tonight, eh?"
"Shaanon, what's the story up there? Are you guys okay?" Katala asked.
"Couldn't be better. We're on our way home right now. Should make planetfall by tonight. Oh, right, I forgot. Nathon says it's already evening on Haven, so make that tomorrow morning."
Colonel Richardson moved closer to the comm-screen.
"What's the situation with the Latician survivors aboard the Forneptus ship, Shaanon?"
"Colonel, they're coming home with us. Thanks to Chapath's resourcefulness, they're on board right now. I have a lot to tell you, and so do our new friends. We'll debrief right after we land."
"Looking forward to it, Shaanon. We have a lot to tell you as well, right Jantz?"
Jantz blushed. "What are you looking at me for, Colonel? Could I help it if this planet's not as user-friendly as we all thought it was?"
Camon appeared on the screen next to Shaanon. "Trouble little brother?" he asked.
"I don't know, but it sure is strange. We'll fill you in at the debriefing."
"How are your new friends making out, Shaanon?" Katala asked. "Chapath must be euphoric!"
"He is," Shaanon answered, "and I don't blame him. For the last year, he thought he was the only living Latician. Now he's discovered a few hundred others survived. You can well imagine how he must feel."
"I'm happy for him too," Katala continued, "but where are all the survivors living now?"
Shaanon's face took on a more serious look. "I need to talk to you all regarding just that subject. I'll give you more details tomorrow, but for now, let me just say that we've got a civilization to liberate. Colonel, are you familiar with a certain government alliance between Selet III and Forneptus IV? A covert alliance?"
Colonel Richardson nodded assent. His former position in Selet III's United Provinces kept him aware of all such associations.
"I know of three Shaanon, but I believe you're referring to the Military Committee, or 'The Committee' as they call themselves. We had been trying to abolish the group from its inception without success."
"The Latician survivors are being held and used against their will by this 'Committee.' They're living in slavery on the planet Tanett-Prime. I don't know about you, but I plan to rectify that situation as soon as possible. The crew is behind me as well, but that isn't enough manpower. We'll need your insight regarding this Committee's makeup. Tomorrow at the debriefing, I'd appreciate whatever information you can give me about them."
"You'll have it, Shaanon. I'm sure we can strengthen your crew by several more hands as well."
"Good. We'll need all the support we can get. Until tomorrow morning then, Colonel."
Katala remained at the viewscreen as the others departed. She saw Camon pat Shaanon on the arm then exit the bridge.
"I've missed you, Shaanon."
"I've missed you too, Katie. I didn't realize just how much I would until I left."
Katala smiled. "You're not leaving Haven again without me, do you hear me?"
"Don't worry, I have no desire to do that. I want you to come along to Tanett-Prime, too. Your skills as a navigator almost equal those of your character."
"Flatterer. Shaanon, I don't want to wait until tomorrow's debriefing. How did Chapath rescue the Laticians?"
Shaanon laughed. "I wish I could tell you it was some ingenious plan I came up with that led to their rescue, but alas - the Laticians deserve all the credit. They rescued themselves.
"We were all set up and waiting for the Forneptus crew to board us. I was to distract their commander by keeping a comm-channel open to her. Chapath was then able to communicate telepathically with the three Laticians aboard her vessel. Camon and Aron stayed below in the docking bay ready to douse the boarding party with nitrous oxide and an injection of themtathine. You know, that stuff Aron - shall we say 'acquired' - from some friends back on Rinoltt. It causes extreme mental susceptibility in the victim.
"Everything was going as planned. Then Chapath convinced the Commander to remove a device she was wearing behind her ear. It protected her crew against mental suggestions from the Laticians. What she and the rest of these Committee people didn't take into consideration is that when they first came into contact with the Laticians, the beings were in a pretty unhealthy state, far beyond how Chapath was when we first met him. Their planet had just been destroyed. Since then, their health has only gotten worse. Although Chapath isn't as spry as he used to be, he's presently much stronger at sending thought than the rest of them . . . mentally speaking.
"He 'suggested' that the Commander order her crew to remove the protective devices. The three Laticians were then able to subdue their minds. They even brought the crew and their Commander with them over here. They're all in the brig right now ."
Katala started laughing. "Don't worry Shaanon. You'll get another chance to be a hero." She continued laughing until she heard the sound of voices singing the most beautiful song she had ever heard.
"Shaanon, what's that? Who's singing?"
Shaanon looked around the bridge. "I don't know. It sounds fantastic though, doesn't it?"
Aron entered the bridge.
"I hope you don't mind, Captain. The Latician's said it'd be alright to broadcast their singing over the ship's intercom. I thought everyone would like to hear this. They're singing a song for their lost planet . . . a song for Laticia."
"But how can they sing if . . ." Shaanon stopped abruptly as the music overcame him.
The ship filled with the sounds of sorrow and hope, heard through Haven's communications board as well. Shaanon sat down before the screen and closed his eyes. Katala did the same as they both became lost in the aura of the music. Though they were thousands of kilometers apart, the feeling of closeness overwhelmed them. As the song faded, Shaanon opened his eyes.
"I'll be home soon, Katala." It was all Shaanon found the ability to say before closing the comm-channel.
C H A P T E R E L E V E N
The wind had lightened considerably since the Committee first landed. Tanett's binary suns were beginning to descend below the horizon, producing a breathtaking glow on the planet's crystaline orange sands.
In a secluded enclosure hidden at the bottom of a mineral-rich mesa, General Profis stood at the head of a long table directly facing thirty-five seated Committee members. A mixture of individuals representing both Forneptus IV and Selet III. Without ceremony, the General called the meeting to order.
"Before I brief you on Selet III's latest contentions regarding this Committee," the room filled with suppressed spurts of laughter as the group watched Profis fein innocence with a broad gesture before he continued, ". . .Colonel Satch will update us on Tanett-Prime and our friends who inhabit that world. Colonel?" The General took his seat as Colonel Mark Satch made his way to the head of the table. Laying the note pad he carried on the table before him, he began to address the Committee.
"I have some concerns regarding Tanett-Prime that I'd like to bring to your attention. First and foremost is a situation that cannot continue. Both yours and our patrols have been neglecting to deliver shipments of normal supplies to the planet. Our last visit found quite a few of the Laticians ill and unable to serve us. Please advise your patrols to correct this irregularity immediately.
"We have also learned that the Laticians are resistant to most of our medications. We can do little for those who are sick. Since they refuse to cooperate with us, we're going to have to do our own investigations into their physiology."
"You mean dissect one of them, don't you?" The General asked.
"I know of no other way, General. If we want to keep them healthy and able to serve, we'll have to learn how that's accomplished. At twenty-three-thirty hours tonight, dusk on Tanett-Prime, I'll be leading a small party to that planet to evaluate the situation first hand. I'll have more to report then."
Colonel Satch brought up a few other items before turning the meeting back over to General Profis. After discussing the Committee's perspective regarding the disposition of the Laticians, the meeting ended. The General followed Colonel Satch outside the enclosure and caught up to him.
"Mark, wait up a minute," The General called. "I need to talk to you. Can I tempt you to join me for a drink?"
"Sure, General. What do you want to talk about?" Satch eyed Profis carefully, his expression not revealing the contempt he felt toward this virtuous antagonist.
General Profis looked around at the dispersing group. "Not here. Can you join me aboard my ship in about ten minutes?" "Yes General, I'll be there."
"Fine. I'll have one of my crew meet you and show you to my quarters." General Profis saluted the Colonel then walked away towards his vessel.
A young soldier startled Colonel Satch with her quiet approach.
"What was that all about, Mark?"
"I'd appreciate it if you'd address me by rank when we're in public, soldier. And what are you doing here? This meeting was for officers only."
HAVEN
With the cataloging of the new supply of donor blood completed, Hannah readied to leave Haven's new medical facility just as Dexon knocked at her office door.
"Anybody home?" he asked.
"Come in, Dexon."
When Dexon opened the door, Lesdy ran through it into the office, followed by Contanella.
"I brought you a present. These two were hanging around outside, peeking through the windows," the doctor explained.
"We were not!" Contanella protested. "I just haven't gotten around to donating any of my blood, yet, and I was checking to see if anyone was here so that I could. That's all."
Dexon mischievously kept at her. "Then why didn't you come inside and check? Afraid someone might see you?"
"Hannah, tell him to clam up or I'll do it for him."
Hannah sighed. "Behave yourselves, children. Excuse me Lesdy, I was talking to them." She encircled her daughter with her arm and held her close as Lesdy watched the exchange between her friends. "Conts, I'll be more than happy to drain you right now," she continued with a wry expression. "Follow me. Dexon, why don't you get back to work on those cultures. Lesdy, you can stay here and play one of those video games Shaanon gave us, if you like."
Contanella looked at Lesdy. "You need any help Lesdy? I can donate another time."
Lesdy was already familiar with the cowardice routine. She had watched her mother while many of the other colonists had donated. The child was prepared.
"Thank you anyway, Miss Napes, but I'd rather play by myself. You have important things to do. Let me know when you're done, okay?"
Contanella mumbled under her breath, "The little traitor. After the great day we shared together, she abandons me like so much refuse."
"What was that, Conts?" Dexon asked.
"Nothing. Let's go, Hannah."
Contanella petulantly followed Hannah to a nearby couch where she was directed to lay. Looking around at the various medical furnishings that laced the table tops, she swallowed hard before speaking.
"You're not going to hurt me, are you Hannah?"
Hannah smiled, her face reassuring. Contanella relaxed only slightly as she watched Hannah assemble bags and needles in preparation for the draw. She then sought conversation to help conquer her fear.
"Lesdy and I found the most gorgeous lake today while we were walking. The water is transparent blue. Lake Haven, as Lesdy dubbed it, is over two kilometers across and there's a small island smack dab in the middle of it."
"It sounds beautiful," Hannah said as she continued prepping her volunteer. "Did you go to the island?"
"Not today. We were on foot. We had planned to take a shuttle over to it tomorrow. Care to join us? That is, if the doctor will let you out of here for a few hours."
"Don't worry about Dexon. I'd love to come. I heard Jantz and Nathon talking about nearby lakes, and I just love the water. You've made sure it's safe I presume?"
"Yes, the scanner read as clear as the water looks. Well, you might as well get this over with. Go ahead and let me have it." Contanella closed her eyes in preparation for the initial invasion of the needle into her vein.
"All done, Contanella. Thank you very much. Just stay there for a few moments while I go rustle up the latest batch of my flatcakes."
Contanella slowly opened her eyes. "What do ya' mean, 'all done?' I didn't feel anything."
"What did you want to feel?"
"Pain! No, I mean I didn't want to feel it, I expected to feel it."
Hannah chuckled softly. "Maybe you'd like me to try it again, Hhmm? I think I can produce some pain."
A short time later, Contanella escorted Lesdy and her mother to Haven's community shelter where they ate dinner together. Dava Garson sat alone at one of the shelter's corner tables, writing in a notebook while taking intermittent sips from a steaming beverage. He was so absorbed in thought that he didn't notice the small child walk up to his table. He gradually looked up from his notes and was greeted by Lesdy's grinning face.
"Come and sit with us, Dava. Okay?"
Dava playfully stared sternly at the girl, watching the child's grin resolve to one of concern. The teasing accomplished, he returned the smile as he gently tickled her chin.
"I'd love to, Lesdy." Dava followed the girl to where Contanella and Hannah sat, leaving his notebook behind at the table.
"Good evening, ladies," Dava said as he approached Hannah and Contanella. "I was just going over the print out from the scanner report on Lake Haven. It's fascinating. Hope you don't mind my coming along when you return tomorrow."
"Not at all," Contanella replied earnestly. "Hannah's coming, too."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sounds of numerous voices shouting from outside the shelter. Without hesitation, they hurried outside to find numerous colonists encircling the area where the comm-board was set up. As the four made their way through the crowd, Contanella noticed the comm-screen was no longer attached to the top of the board. Instead, it lay on the ground, with Jantz and the Colonel standing directly beside the disassembled panel.
Katala's voice penetrated the chaotic roar. "SHUT UP!" The group turned in her direction.
"For twenty-some-odd people, you sure can crank up the decibels. Jantz, Father, what's going on?" she asked.
The crowd shifted slightly, allowing Katala to approach. As she neared, she saw the cause of the disorder. A small humanoid sat on the ground behind Jantz. Slowing her pace, Katala looked at her father in disbelief.
"Katie," the Colonel announced, "meet Caet. A native to Haven. He was attempting to steal our comm-board when Jantz surprised him."
Katala's attention shifted downward towards the little, perfectly proportioned being. Their eyes met and the creature smiled broadly.
"I Caet. You Caet, too?" The words were said matter-of-factly, without pretense, in sharply defined syllables.
Katala, dumbfounded, stuttered a return greeting. "I'm Katie, er, Katala."
"Sound like Caet. 'Ca-et-ie' good name. Ca-et-ie."
Katala returned her father's bewildered expression.
Universe II adjusted its course as she approached Haven. In tow was the Forneptus military vessel that had earlier tried to destroy her. The Beast-like military warship Ventar was deserted. In Universe II's brig, Ventar's crew were being securely held until a decision could be made as to their future disposition.
Shaanon and Camon circled the corridor leading to Chapath's quarters.
"How are our new friends making out, Shaanon?" Camon asked.
"The Laticians?" Shaanon brushed back his hair with his fingers, his stride quick and confident. He was feeling very satisfied with this recent coup. But there was no arrogance in his heart, and his conversation was warm and sincere.
"Yeah. Are they alright? They weren't in the best of shape when they boarded."
"Lorn's report indicates they're doing fine," Shaanon assured him. "I'm pretty sure they're all in Chapath's quarters now, so we can see for ourselves."
Upon reaching Chapath's access, Camon pressed the call button. The door opened instantly.
"PLEASE COME IN." Chapath stood at the entrance, the folds of his white robe rustling softly with every gesture, creating a rhythmic background to the greeting. "I UNDERSTAND WE ARE ON FINAL APPROACH TO HAVEN."
"We'll be home within the hour," Camon submitted.
"I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH YOU REGARDING THAT VERY ISSUE. HOME. DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT?"
"Sure. We just came down to see how everyone's doing; and to find out if there's anything you're companions needed." Shaanon informally surveyed the three new Laticians. "Let's talk."
The Laticians, Shaanon and Camon sat at a table in front of a large viewing port. The red sun Kanen glowed dimly outside, providing a colorful, serene setting against the darkness it surrounded. It's radiance shimmered against the blue, red and gold cotumes of the strangers before them, reflecting against their pale gray bodies with surreal opalescence. Shaanon was moved by the scene, and slipped silently onto one of Chapath's recliners, unable to move his gaze from the three newcomers.
"YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORMALLY INTRODUCED TO MY BRETHREN. ALLOW ME TO DO SO NOW." Chapath motioned to the being seated next to him. "THIS IS CAPRICIA, AN EDUCATOR ON LATICIA. I AM TOLD THAT SHE IS THE YOUNGEST SURVIVOR OF OUR RACE.
"SEATED BESIDE YOU, SHAANON, IS GANTHUS, AND TO HIS LEFT IS GANTHUS' PARENT, SHONDATH." The two Laticians gave a slight nod. "THEY TOO ARE EDUCATORS ON LATICIA. THEY HAVE CONTINUED THEIR INSTRUCTION WHILE IMPRISONED ON TANETT-PRIME. OUR RACE WILL PERSEVERE IN THEIR DISCIPLINES UNTIL DEATH PREVENTS SUCH." Capricia addressed Shaanon. Though much younger than Chapath, the gestures of her arms and hands mimicked the elder - slow and deliberate. They interpreted her words in a graceful dance as they widened and narrowed while she spoke. "WE ARE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT AND WISH TO THANK YOU AND YOUR CREW FOR THIS SANCTUARY, HOWEVER TEMPORARY IT MAY BE."
"Capricia, you're welcome to stay with us on Haven for as long as you need or wish to." Camon gave Shaanon a confirming nod.
"One of the reasons I came down to visit you was so I could tell you that this crew, along with several more who are on Haven right now, will be leaving for Tanett-Prime shortly. We want to free your people.
"Chapath saved our lives when an enemy attacked us. He also freed four captives who were being held on Kanen-5 and who now live with us on Haven. Your people need our help now, and we'll do everything we can to provide it."
Shondath raised his hand in a signal of silence. "WE CANNOT ALLOW YOU AND YOUR CREW TO RISK YOUR LIVES IN THIS MANNER. THE ODDS WOULD BE AGAINST YOUR SUCCESS. THERE ARE MANY SOLDIERS."
"Hear me out, Shondath." Shaanon's remained relaxed but determined. "I realize we wouldn't have a chance against the military powers of both Forneptus IV and Selet III, but there are alternative methods of gaining one's independence other than through battle, are there not?"
Shondath continued his challenge. "WHAT ALTERNATIVE METHOD HAVE YOU CONSIDERED, CAPTAIN SHAANON?"
Camon laughed, knowing what was coming. "We have the crew of Ventar in our brig right now, and they will be quite instrumental in this plan."
Shaanon went on to explain his proposal.
"IT MAY INDEED PROVE SUCCESSFUL, BUT IT IS STILL A DANGEROUS PLAN," Shondath countered.
Chapath interrupted. "BUT IT IS WORTH THE RISK." The three remaining Laticians sat in lengthly, unspoken contemplation, gradually nodding their ascent.
"Good. Then it's all set." Shaanon began to stand but quickly changed his mind. "Chapath, there's so little we know about your people . . . about Laticia. What was Laticia like before its destruction?"
"I HAD WANTED TO SPEAK WITH YOU ABOUT THIS EARLIER, BUT WE HAVE BEEN PREOCCUPIED SINCE VENTAR FIRST APPEARED ON OUR SENSORS. LATICIA HAS BEEN THE ONLY HOME WE HAVE KNOWN. YOUR KINDNESS HAS ALLOWED FOR MY RESIDENCE NOW WITH YOU ON YOUR NEW HAVEN, BUT I COULD NOT MAKE THAT OFFER TO SHONDATH, CAPRICIA AND GATHUS WITHOUT FIRST SPEAKING WITH YOU.
"LATICIA WAS PEACEFUL. WE HAD NOT LEARNED OF WAR UNTIL IT CAME IN THE SKY FROM ANOTHER WORLD. OUR PREVIOUS BATTLES WERE FOUGHT AGAINST OUR OWN PLANET'S ENVIRONMENT, WHICH PROVED TO BE A MOST AGGRESSIVE ENEMY. LATICIA WAS RICH IN THICK OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS FOUND IN POCKETED AREAS BENEATH THE SURFACE. OUR WORLD WAS ALSO PRONE TO TREMENDOUS ATMOSPHERIC INSTABILITY. DURING THE STORM SEASON, UNPREDICTABLE AND DEVASATING DISTURBANCES COULD ERUPT FROM THE COMBINATION.
"IT WAS CONCEIVABLE THAT OUR WORLD COULD HAVE DESTROYED ITSELF WITHOUT THE AID OF AN OFF-WORLD ATTACK. RAPID METEORIC INVASION HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TRIGGER A SEQUENCE OF OXYGEN RICH DISCHARGES FROM BENEATH THE SURFACE, PRODUCING CATACLYSMIC AFFECTS. FORTUNATELY, WE HAD DEVELOPED A MEANS OF SOME PROTECTION BY THE USE OF METEOR DEFLECTOR LOCATED AT VARYING POSITIONS WITHIN LATICIA'S ORBIT. IT WAS WHILE I WAS MONITORING AND PERFORMING MAINTENANCE TO ONE SUCH DEFLECTOR OUTPOST THAT LATICIA WAS ATTACKED."
Capricia interrupted the explaination. "THE IMPACT OF THE WEAPONS FROM THE ATTACKING VESSELS RESULTED IN CONTINUAL EXPLOSIVE REACTIONS ON THE PLANET. IF THE VESSEL HAD SCANNED OUR PLANET PRIOR TO THE ATTACK, THEY THEN KNEW IN ADVANCE WHAT EFFECTS THEIR WEAPONS WOULD HAVE.
"ONLY A FEW OF US WERE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE NO VOLATILE, UNDERGROUND OXYGEN POCKETS WERE FOUND. SEVERAL SUBTERRANEAN VAULTS WERE AVAILABLE WHERE WE SOUGHT SHELTER. THE REST OF LATICIA'S INHABITANTS WERE UNPROTECTED AND DESTROYED IN THE ATTACK."
Shaanon choked on the words he was hearing, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and pinched his nose in a display of anger. His hand slammed to the table in frustration. "What did they have to gain by destroying the planet. If they wanted its race, why did they murder the majority of it?"
Shondath continued, "IT WASN'T UNTIL TWO DAYS AFTER THE ATTACK THAT THE ASSAILANTS REALIZED THERE WERE ANY SURVIVORS. AT THAT TIME, WE WERE VULNERABLE TO THEIR DECEIT. ASSURANCES OF ASSISTANCE WERE DIFFICULT TO REFUSE."
"You know," said Camon, "something's always bothered me about Forneptus IV and the story of how the Beast attacked them." "You mean the account that's in all their historical documents?" Shaanon asked.
"Yeah. Seems that ever since we left Selet III, we've been running into Forneptus military ships. One of them looks like an addition to our ship . . . the Beast-ship, as everyone's so fond of calling it."
"Go on."
"I don't know. Did our ship and the ship we have in tow have the same builders? Or does Forneptus IV really believe the Beast is a living entitiy? Did they build a decoy . . . a female Beast or something like that . . . trying to lure the real Beast out of hiding?"
"You lost me, Camon," Shaanon smiled at the caricature.
"Listen, for one thing, I doubt anyone really believes the celebrated account of the attack still being circulated on Forneptus IV. I never have. Too many descrepancies. I believe there was indeed an attack of some kind; there's plenty of evidence to support that. But, I think Forneptus IV's military knows damn well exactly who the assailant was, and it wasn't no mysterious Beast creature."
"Who then?" Camon asked.
"How would I know? Their military isn't exactly known for being open and honest with their own people. So, they're sure not gonna tell Selet III's military anything. Remember, I had access to a lot of records, too. Never saw anything much about the Forneptus military or any of their missions."
Camon gestured toward the door. "You think we'd get anywhere with that crew in the brig?"
"I doubt it," Shaanon conceeded, "but it's worth a shot. We'll have to pay Captain Shela Gibbins a visit."
Shondath, Capricia and Gathus approached the two, thanking them again for the offer of refuge on Haven.
"SENSELESS DESTRUCTIVENESS IS AN UNKNOWN CONCEPT TO US," Shondath added. "THOUGH COUNTLESS LIVES WERE TAKEN FROM LATICIA, THE LOSS OF ITS CULTURE IS ALSO UNCONSOLEABLE. HOWEVER, I FEEL THERE IS NOW HOPE IN REGAINING A PORTION OF OUR CIVILIZATION."
"I hope so, Shondath, I hope so," Shaanon took Shondath's outstretched hand and held it firmly. His flesh felt warm and tangible despite it's delicate and fragile appearance. "We appreciate your telling us of Laticia. I know it isn't easy for you to discuss the carnage which took place, but hopefully we'll be able to prevent any further damage to your race." With that, Shaanon and Camon exited Chapath's quarters and headed for Universe II's brig.
Aron turned in his seat aboard the shuttle to announce their position. "We've just entered the Cossel Sector. Tanett is in the next quadrant. Estimating three hours until we reach orbital velocity."
"Edwin," Canton lifted his head from the science scanner, "I'm picking up traces of hydrogen and carbon straight ahead of us. Spent fuel. Someone's been by this way recently."
Edwin joined Canton and verified the readout on the scanner. "We should've expected it. I sure hope this cloaking screen functions. I'll check it out one more time before activating."
After making a final inspection of the cloak screen that Tana and Raton had carried aboard the shuttle, Edwin brought the device on line and watched as the small ship's computer analysis indicated they were concealed from outside scans. The crew was understandably anxious as they approached Tanett approximately two hours later. Canton scanned the planet for signs of life and was quickly rewarded. Not only did the scan report dozens of humanoids on the surface, but several small vessels registered in orbit around the planet.
The limited crew agreed it would be best to keep some distance between their chosen landing site and the life signs they had scanned. They directed their shuttle's descent to a position five kilometers south of the populated coordinates. The cloak screen would keep their craft's position hidden. However, once the occupants left its boundaries, they would no longer have that protection.
Tana and Raton stayed with the shuttle as Aron, Canton and Edwin took various supplies from the cargo hold and began the trek to the inhabited encampment. One of Tanett's twin suns was just visible over a nearby hill; its dimished luminance barely producing shadows as the three men neared the community.
Canton removed the comm-pack from his belt. "Team One to base, do you read me?"
"Go ahead Canton, this is Tana."
"We're closing in on the coordinates, about another kilometer or so." As Canton spoke he surveyed the surrounding area.
"Definitely both Forneptus and Selet involvement on this planet. There's two large ships from each planet, plus several small scout ships . . . the same type we scanned on our approach. Edwin's recording already but we'll still need to get in closer and make some positive identifications."
Tana's voice returned. "Any signs that they may have noticed us? Any security patrols?"
"Not a thing. We can't see any warships up ahead, but I wouldn't expect them to be stored out in the open. If they're like the others, they should read as life forms as well. After we get in a little closer, we might have a better idea as to where to start looking. Since Tanett's day is only four hours long, we'll all feel safer when both suns have set before getting too close. I'll call back then."
Canton signed off and returned the comm-pack to his belt. The trio continued walking until they were within a half-kilometer of a Selet III vessel - stopping at a small, dense chaparral near an open clearing which adequately concealed their location. Edwin continued to record the surroundings onto video discs while they waited for Tanett's second sun to appear, only to fade three hours later with its companion. Patiently they watched as the small scout ships continuously landed, refueled and returned to the sky.
"I have this strange feeling that we're being watched," Aron noted. "It was awfully easy getting this far, don't you think? With all these scout ships buzzing about, it seems hard to believe we weren't picked up on someone's scanners."
"Relax, Aron," Edwin assured him. "That cloak screen outperforms any scanning devices Forneptus IV's military has developed. And I know we have nothing that even comes close to breaking through its cover on Selet III. Nobody saw us land here, I'm sure of it."
Canton watched as two scout ships rushed skyward together after refueling. "I wonder what they're doing up there. I wish our scanners had a farther range so we could see if their activity has anything to do with Tanett-Prime. Maybe they're using both planets."
"We should follow one of their scout ships when we're done here," Edwin suggested. "We have enough fuel on board. Plus there seems to be an abundance right here on Tanett."
"Have you ever been to Tanett-Prime, Edwin?" Canton asked. "No. I didn't even know it existed until recently. It's not mapped on any star charts Selet III distributes."
"It's not on any Forneptus charts, either. We only discovered it through Aron's handiwork with the computers at the Space Administrations Building on Forneptus. No information is given about the planet other than it exists. I'd like to visit there, since we're so close. I know Tana wants to see it, too."
The three sat back and watched the beautiful suns disappear behind the distant hills. Canton called Tana to inform her they were about to move in closer. As they stepped out from the concealment the brush had offered, a bright beam of light covered them. They quickly headed for cover as several weapons were fired in their direction.
Canton grabbed the back of his shoulder as the projectile struck him. He cried out in pain and closed his eyes tightly. To his left, he heard two other similar gasps. He could feel the warm blood running through his fingers now, a small object protruded from his jacket just beyond arms reach. Canton stumbled and fell on his back, pushing the projectile farther into his body. The onrush of pain overcame him, and he lost consciousness.
"Pick them up and bring them to our ship," General David Profis ordered. "No one from Forneptus IV is to know of this, understand?"
The five Selet III soldiers affirmed the order and proceeded to carry the three bodies to the waiting patrol shuttle.
"Put them in Medical Bay Four and alert the medical officer on duty to meet me in my quarters immediately. They didn't walk here, so after you deliver them, go find their ship."
The soldiers did as the General instructed, then returned to their patrol shuttle and began the search for whatever vehicle had brought the three men to Tanett.
General Profis returned to his quarters and waited for the medical officer. The door buzzer signaled his arrival.
"Reporting as ordered, sir," the medical officer announced.
"Come in, Doctor. I didn't realize you were on duty tonight, Sandy, but I'm glad you are. I wasn't going to bother the Chief Medical Officer with this until later, but you've saved me the extra trip. Please sit down."
The General remained standing. "I want you to make sure no one knows the contents of Medical Bay Four. One of the men just brought in there is from Selet III. The other two from Forneptus IV. They've been shot with narkoun weapons and should be coming out of it in about an hour. Patch them up and keep them there until I can come down and talk to them. Any problems?"
"No problem, David. Is there anything else?"
"Yes." The General now sat behind his desk. "I met a little earlier with Colonel Satch. He's leaving for Tanett-Prime within the hour to observe the conditions on that planet, and I'm going with him. However, his observations include the murder of another Latician - a murder I want prevented. I'm going to arrange to have the Latician first brought here for psychological study. After he's delivered, I'd like you to look him over . . . see if he's healthy. Give him whatever he needs. Alright Sandy?"
"You're serious, I hope. You know how I feel about those Forneptus bastards. And yes, I know . . . they want to test the weapons on live targets. What the hell . . . " The doctor sighed deeply. "I'm not in the mood to get into that argument again. Don't worry about a thing, General. You just let me know if there's anything else you'll need."
"Thanks, Doctor. I'll let you know." The conversation concluded, Chief Medical Officer Sandy Royce returned to sick bay while General Profis left the ship to join Colonel Satch for the flight to Tanett-Prime.
The General considered his involvement in the covert alliance between the two worlds as he walked under Tanett's night sky towards the Forneptus ships. He found Selet III's attitude on defense unacceptably weak, which is what brought him into alliance with Forneptus IV's Committee to begin with. Selet III was progressing militarily, but at too slow a rate for his liking.
The Committee offered advanced weaponry and added protection against alien attack. It would take time to train Selet III's military in the use of these new, superior weapons. At least the rebel group offered a means of defense if Selet III's military was not yet ready to defend themselves. A big brother.
This delegation had spent years testing the warships it had accumulated throughout the universe. The Beast-ships were uniquely designed and difficult to reproduce. Every available mechanic and space sciences technician was approached by the Committee for recruitment in hopes of learning and duplicating the design. And though the list of technicians was quite impressive by the day's standards, replication remained unachievable. Only limited success was attained with mediocre, far less powerful warships.
Throughout the explored universe, five such Beast-ships had been discovered and confiscated by the Committee. Recently, a message had been sent from Kanen-5 with an offer of thirty more ships. The Committee dispatched one of the duplicated warships, Ventar, to the area. Their arrival came too late.
After arriving in the Deltous sector, the crew aboard Ventar reported the destruction of Kanen-5. Then the problems began. Suddenly, Ventar lost fifty percent of her defensive power supply without warning or explanation. Then her weapons began to malfunction. Already plagued with problems, a Beast-ship suddenly appeared on Ventar's scanners. A ship with full power both offensively and defensively.
Universe II presented no challenge - or so the Committee assured Ventar's crew. Orders were given to capture the vessel and those aboard. Ventar's captain, Shela Gibbons, knew of Shaanon and his passive convictions. A bluff might possibly suffice in the current situation. Having three Laticians aboard might have also proven beneficial. Instead it worked against her.
The majority of Committee members believed that Kanen-5 was originally the home of the Beast-ship's creator and that this creator was responsible for the Forneptus IV attack over one hundred years ago. But there were others who believed differently. Perhaps the ancestors of the colonist who now occupy Selet III where responsible. Hearing of the enigmatic Shaanon's presence aboard such a vessel only helped to substantiate their beliefs. And after all, Selet III wasn't granted colonial settlement privileges until nearly fifty years after Forneptus IV was colonized, a fact that some believed embittered the would-be Selet III inhabitants into forming an aggressive coalition against both Rinoltt and Forneptus IV.
As the years advanced and recorded accounts became less clear (or otherwise altered by fictitious additions to the text), the truth behind the Beast's origin had become more difficult to substantiate. Until Kanen-5 was destroyed, there was an accurate record of the truth. The sole remaining assistant to the creator kept his consort's records intact, unchanged. And as a tribute to his superior, the assistant had proudly transferred all these records to the computer aboard the original construction; the same design that has proved unreproducable by the Committee, or anyone else for that matter. The very same ship that now roamed the stars with "Universe II" etched across it's bow.
C H A P T E R T W E L V E
Dava Garson left the circle of colonists gathered around the comm-board and returned to Haven's community shelter to retrieve a scanner. As he approached the building, hushed voices were discernible from within. Quietly opening the door, he prepared to enter, then stopped abruptly. Seated at a corner table were two small beings similar to the one Jantz discovered. They were studying Dexon's notebook with conspicuous amusement.
"Excuse me," Dava's voice boomed over the flagrant laughter as he strode toward the two. "May I have that book?"
The Minotians were startled by Dava's unseen entry, causing the journal to slide to the floor with a sharp thud. Quickly regaining their faculties, the larger of the two summarily swept up the fallen book into his hand and offered it to Dava.
"Thank you. Now, who might you two be?"
The two beings exchanged glances.
"I might be Ret."
The being then addressed his companion. "How bout you, you still be called Loga?"
The other being nodded hesitantly.
"We both sure, not might be. I be called Ret and she be Loga."
"I see," Dava said.
"We ask others later when we see them to make sure."
"I'm sure that won't be necessary," Dava grinned, unable to hide his amusement. "Let me try this again. Where do you live? What part of the planet are you from?"
Both Minotians were as perfectly proportioned as the colonists but stood only about one meter in height. They looked almost identical with the exception of the color of their hair. The luxurious tresses covered their entire trunk and part of their limbs in a medium-thick coat which was quite long on the head and back. Immediately about the face it was intricately braided, though how it was held in place was unknown, for their were no adornments apparent, just the silky sheen of its coloring. Ret's hair was bright silver. As he moved, the shelter's lights produced dazzling colours within it. Loga's hair was a much darker, dull gray.
"We live here," Loga said.
"I think he know that, Loga," Ret admonished. "He just not know how to speak right words."
"Oh." Loga selected one of the spoons lying on the table and twirled it in her exposed palm.
Dava began again. "Where did you live yesterday?"
"Yesterday we live here, too. We live here always," Loga stated with resolve.
Ret continued, "You live here only short time. We watch you come and make changes. We share our home with you. You share playthings with Minotians."
"You mean you populate the whole planet?" Dava asked. "We thought this world was uninhabited; at least, our ship's scanners thought so."
"Only here. We live underneath." Ret pointed at the ground. Loga nodded in agreement.
"Under this settlement? Oh boy, did we screw up. Why haven't we seen you until now? We've been here nearly a year. Where've you been all this time?"
"Ret, he ask same question again. Why?"
"I don't know, Loga. Maybe he slow to understand. We here for very long time. You not see us until now because we no want to bother you. Caet said we not bother you before, but now okay to bother you."
The small creature neatly tucked his legs beneath him with complete abandon, making himself comfortably at home in the colonist's surroundings.
Dexon walked past the community shelter's door whistling loudly and taking a quick glance inside through the windows as he passed. The two Minotians looked at him while Dava just smiled. Dexon waved a greeting to the three, then stopped abruptly. He turned around, slithered back up to the doorway and discreetly peeked in.
"Where've you been all night, Dexon?" Dava inquired. "You're missing all the excitement around here."
Dexon took a long look at Ret, then at Loga. "I've been working." He spoke very slowly. "Dava, who are your two friends? I don't remember their being part of the colony." He smiled. "You'd think I'd remember something like that, too."
"Doctor, I'd like you to meet Ret and Loga. They live here."
"See, Loga," Ret interrupted, "he not slow to understand. Now he know we live here."
T A N E T T - P R I M E
The sand was beginning to cool after the second of Tanett and Tanett-Prime's two suns vanished from the sky. Though never reaching critical temperatures, it was still uncomfortably warm at times to sandaled feet. With both suns now behind the planet, Tanett-Prime's small satellites produced a beautiful hue. The Laticians found this seeminly insignificant gift of nature comforting.
Without the warmth of the suns, small fires were necessary and could be found throughout the Latician camp. Each sunset, Denlar would see to each fire, making sure it was prepared and maintained. This particular sunset was the first he was not to be found performing the task.
Tonath reached out his mind in search of a reply from Denlar. If he was within five kilometers, Tonath would know. However, there was no response. He continued to search a little longer before accepting Denlar's departure on the Committee scout ship which recently visited Tanett-Prime. Denlar had been taken back to Tanett, and he would probably never see him again.
Tonath mourned within. Denlar was the last of Tonath's family that had been either killed in the attack on Laticia, or taken by the soldiers and murdered while in their service. His family was once one of the largest Laticia had known. Now it was all but gone, save for him.
Discerning the sorrow touching their minds, the whole Latician camp shared in Tonath's grief. One by one, each offered condolences in their own way. As the next surviving family member, Tonath was obligated to fulfill Denlar's duties. But the other Laticians released him from the custom and began to each build their own fires, allowing Tonath to return to his shelter and meditate in solitude.
Tonath was well respected among the Latician community. His family had once been filled with great inventors and scientists. Two of his uncles had developed and installed the deflector screens that had protected Laticia from meteoric invasion. He hadn't seen either relative since the planet's destruction but never gave up hope that they might still be alive. Tonath knew both were off-world at the time of the attack, but that didn't guarantee immunity, since they were still in the planet 's orbit.
He had heard rumors suggesting his Uncle Chapath had escaped to a distant planet in the Deltous sector known as Kanen-5. Later he had learned of Kanen-5's destruction and found it difficult to sustain hope that Chapath had survived the loss of both worlds. But now Tonath began to resurrect the faith he once had. Perhaps the spirits would prevail, and he would be spared the isolation of being the last living member of his family.
Recalling his youth, Tonath thought of the years he and his brother Denlar had spent with Chapath and his brother Jitath. They were among the best remembered years of his life. Both he and Denlar had become very close to Chapath and Jitath and had officially adopted them as parents. Tonath's memories of his mother and father seemed brief and remote. Both were killed during a meteor storm when he was very small. Denlar was but an infant in those days and both were taken in by Jitath's family.
He yearned for a way to visit Tanett and see where the soldiers had imprisoned his brother. Maybe he could recover him before it was too late. Maybe there was yet time. Tonath extinguished the lighting in his shelter and walked outside to watch the multicolored moon rise higher into the night sky.
H A V E N
Dawn brought the return of Universe II to Haven's colony base. Everyone came to welcome home the sojourners and the new Latician guests. The Colonel assembled a security team and went below to the ship's brig to interrogate the prisoners.
Shaanon stepped through the ship's hatch and down a make-shift landing platform towards the ground. Universe II was never designed to be landed, only docked in orbit. The addition of the Beast-ship made this now possible.
Katala ran to meet him as he stepped off the landing ramp. They hugged briefly before she removed Shaanon's pack and helped carry some belongings to his shelter.
"Boy, Shaanon, you're not going to believe what's been going on around here lately," Katala began.
"Oh? For instance?"
"For instance..." Katala's voice trailed as she listened intently to the faint sound of bells ringing. "Do you hear that?"
Shaanon stopped walking and listened. "Sounds like bells. Where'd you find bells around here?"
"We haven't."
"Then who did?"
Katala smiled. "Could be our friends, the Minotians. Maybe they're welcoming you home."
Shaanon gave Katala a blank stare. "The Minotians? Do I know them?"
"You will. They live here."
"Since when?"
"Since well before we landed on Haven. And they're not the only ones who've been living here a while . . . the Great Ones live here, too.
"The Great Ones. The Great Ones?"
Katala laughed. "We haven't met them yet, but we've seen evidence of their existance here. The Minotians call them that because I guess they're quite tall. Of course, everyone's quite tall from a Minotian point of view."
"Not everyone, Ca-et-ie." The small Minotian walked out in the open from behind a nearby thicket. "You only a little 'quite tall'. Not like Great Ones."
Shaanon struck a defensive pose out of instinct, ready to battle with the alien should it be necessary.
"Take it easy, Shaanon. It's only Caet. He won't hurt you," Katala reassured with a smile.
Shaanon noted each detail as he slowly approached the little creature. "Minotian, I presume?"
"I Caet. You be Shaanon, correct? Ca-et-ie tell me all about Shaanon."
"Ca-et-ie?" Shaanon wondered aloud.
"Me. Caet calls me Ca-et-ie. He's infatuated with syllables," Katala reassured a confused Shaanon.
"What she say, Shaanon?" Caet asked.
"I'm not sure, but it's not important. Where do you Minotians live?"
"Don't get him started," Katala cautioned firmly. "They live underground, beneath us. They have other homes, too. Jantz and Dava are trying to discover why we didn't pick them up on our scans when we landed here. Jantz is stumped, but Dava thinks he may have some answers."
"What you mean, Ca-et-ie, 'don't get him started'?" Caet interrupted.
"Never mind, Caet. Are your friends ringing those bells?" Katala asked.
"Great Ones ring bells when star glows red like that," Caet answered, pointing upwards.
Katala and Shaanon looked at the star through shaded eyes. Kanen was indeed quite red in appearance, much more than it had ever appeared to them before.
"Great Ones ring 'bells of despair' and hope star will change back to orange. They build devices to help star, but I think it not work."
"What kind of devices, uh, Caet?" Shaanon ask as he stumbled to remember the creature's name.
"You have to see. Maybe they explain to you. You come meet Great Ones later. I take you to their city and you see."
"Yes, I'd like to see. Unfortunately, we have other business to attend to first. Katie, will you spread the word that Chapath and I are going to hold a debriefing in the main community shelter at twelve hundred hours? And I'd like everyone to be there if possible."
Katala nodded confirmation then turned to face Caet. "Want to help me spread the word, Caet?"
"What mean 'debriefing', Ca-et-ie?"
"We're going to have a meeting and talk about all the wonderful things that we've discovered here and among the stars." "Can Caet come to debriefing too?"
"Why sure. You and whoever else you want to bring. Maybe you could talk to all of us so we can get to know the Minotians better."
"Caet like to talk. We go tell others now."
The community shelter was filled to capacity for the analysis of the events taking place, the Minotians representing the majority in attendance. Shaanon began by detailing the events leading up to Universe II's return to Haven earlier in the morning. He turned the discussion over to Chapath who introduced Capricia, Shondath and Gathus to the colonists. The Minotians were frightened by the Latician's as they arrived in an animated light source and materialized before them. But the fear was soon replaced by avid excitement as they became acquainted with each other.
Colonel Richardson addressed the group, providing additional information regarding the soldiers held in Universe II's brig, and their subversive organization. A strategy was discussed, and a team selected for the mission to Tanett-Prime. The colonists were surprised by the persistent eagerness of the Minotians offering their aid. Shaanon responded with mock enthusiasm, and would seriously consider the offer before leaving the next evening.
Dexon shared his theory as to why no life was scanned from orbit when the colonists first arrived at Haven, referring to Contanella for further explanations. Her findings produced mixed blessings for the colonists.
"Our previous estimates of Kanen's remaining life span may be grossly in error, if what we now understand is true." Contanella waved a computer disc before the group. "I've been over this data three times since Dexon first brought it to me. His examination of some of our Minotian friends was the tip off. Even during the short time we've been on Haven, there's been a measurable increase of cellular electrolyte levels in all of us that nearly matches Minotian levels. He's at a loss to explain it but assures there's no danger in this finding. Dexon couldn't understand why potassium levels haven't been affected while chloride, sodium and carbon dioxide have. I think I do though.
"It's Kanen. We've learned that the Great Ones observe the star's flare up every ninety days or so. When that happens, Haven is showered in gamma rays unlike those I've ever seen before. The flare ups generally last for approximately twelve hours. These modified gamma rays affect our cells in a peculiar manner, and our
electrolyte balance is shifted. The alterations taking place in our cells is currently to our benefit, as I see it. If Kanen were our primary star, we'd probably be getting sick soon. But since we receive the majority of our sunlight from 'Conts', we're getting additional rays that keep the cellular electrolytes within safe limits."
"Wait a minute," Shaanon interrupted, "you lost me. Our sun is called 'Conts?'"
"It is now." Jantz offered. "Contanella named it after herself."
"Oh, I see. Nice choice, Cont's. Real nice."
Contanella smiled. "It's such a beautiful star and all, well, I thought it should have a classy name."
"To continue," Contanella referred to the disc, "the combination of occasional modified gamma rays, and the rays from our sun, have produced a subtle change in body chemistry that confuses standard scanning sensors. Nobody on this planet exists according to conventional instruments. The downside of all of this is that Kanen seems to have accelerated its degeneration since Kanen-5's departure from its orbit. We aren't in any danger from the nova, but Dexon's not sure how the discontinuance of these modified gamma rays will affect Haven's inhabitants. I'm sure that in time we'll learn more, but for now, I think we should consider this to be to our benefit.
"I also think that it might be wise for us to try and locate these 'Great Ones' the Minotians are referring to. Maybe between all of us, we'll come up with something."
The meeting continued for three hours before adjourning. Shaanon, Colonel Richardson, Jantz and Katala spent the next several hours refitting Universe II for her next mission. They were later joined by Chapath, Gathus, Dava and several Minotians, who Jantz kept insisting were more in the way than anything else. Shaanon listened patiently to the complaints and promised Jantz he'd only let them stay aboard for a little while.
Contanella, and Lesdy loaded a back pack with provisions and waited in the community shelter for the others who were to join them in their return to Lake Haven. Dexon decided to fill in for Dava, who was busy with the refit of Universe II. Two other colonists would also be joining the exploratory team, functioning as security.
"Do you have a swimsuit under your clothes, Lesdy?" Contanella asked.
"No. I don't have a swimsuit."
"Yes you do," Hannah countered as she entered the shelter. "I couldn't let you go to the lake without one, could I?"
Hannah handed Lesdy a silver pouch which she eagerly opened.
"A swimsuit!" Lesdy's eyes became animated and her mouth curled up into a wide grin. "Where did you get it?"
"I made it, dear. Remember your bed covering back on Kanen- 5? The one you used to wear when you played the 'captor game'? This is it. I stayed up late last night and made it for you." Hannah raised the bottom of her blouse to reveal an identical swimsuit under her clothing. "See? Plenty of material for the both of us. Now go into the other room and put it on."
Lesdy ran off to change into the swimsuit. At that moment Dexon entered the shelter with two security officers.
"Ready to roll?" Dexon asked. "We've got a shuttle craft all ready to go.
"We'll be with you in a moment, doctor," Contanella replied. Lesdy emerged a few moments later modeling her new swim wear. Anxious to depart, the group left the shelter, boarded the shuttle, then traveled the short distance to Lake Haven and its lone island.
T A N E T T
Tana was becoming restless and worried. Canton should have reported his progress by now. She wondered how Raton could sleep at a time like this, but an occasional unobtrusive snore from the shuttle's stern confirmed that she was oblivious to her surroundings. She decided to wait ten minutes longer before calling the team. Then she'd just send a brief signal in the event Canton and the others were close to the military ships.
"Two minutes." The countdown seemed to last forever. Tana recalled the reception Canton received upon returning to Forneptus IV after Wing's fatal mission. None of it made any sense. Canton brought back proof of the Beast's demise, but it was totally ignored by the Space Administration. 'We don't need proof' was hardly a sufficient response to shield information and prohibit further discussions regarding the artifacts.
"One minute."
"Who you talking to, Tana?" Raton emerged from the back of the shuttle completely unnoticed. She walked to the seat opposite Tana and plopped herself down.
"Well, look at you. I was wondering how long you'd sleep back there." Tana was relieved to have some company to share her vigil. "I was just about to call the team. They haven't checked in for almost two hours."
"That's not like Edwin." Raton looked alarmed. "He's very stringent about that sort of thing. Something must be wrong."
"Here goes. Sure hope they're alone."
Tana pressed the call button on the comm-panel, sending a brief signal to Canton's comm-pack. They waited for a response but none came. Five minutes later Tana tried sending the signal again, but like the previous attempt, no response was received.
"Now what do we do?" Tana asked.
"I don't know. Should we go try and find . . . "
"Look!" Tana pointed at the patrol shuttle only fifty meters in front of them. "Why didn't the damn perimeter alarm sound?"
It's not functional when the cloak screen's enabled," Raton observed.
"Great. We gotta get out of here, Raton. They're bound to read our energy output sooner or later."
"Where are we gonna go?"
"Tanett-Prime. There's too many scout ships orbiting this planet to stay nearby. The team's comm-packs are strong enough to reach us there. If they somehow get back here, Canton will know that's where we went."
"How?"
"We were talking about Tanett-Prime on the way here. I told him I wanted to see it, since we'll be nearby. He'll know, Raton, he'll know. But just to be sure, I'll leave a note."
"That scout ship's going to hear our engines the minute we enable them," Raton protested.
"Hear, but not see. We'll be gone before they have a chance to scan any precise energy readings."
Through the shuttle's front view port, Raton watched the patrol ship nearing. She knew there were no alternative but couldn't bear to leave her spouse behind - without his ship and without her.
"Lets do it," Raton asserted. "I'll go prime the thrusters, while you leave your 'note'. Make it quick, and please keep out of sight!"
"Okay, Raton. First, I'll prepare a course." Tana reached for the woman's hand to hold it. "They'll be okay. We have to believe it." Raton managed a small smile of faith between the fresh tears clouding her eyes.
Soon, the shuttle ascended through Tanett's cloudless environment and set course for Tanett-Prime. The scanners showed they were not yet being followed, but there were at least a dozen scout ships in synchronous orbit not far away.
C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N
Tanett was beginning to see the first light from its closest sun and already the air was purging itself of the night chill. The Committee encampment was quiet at this hour but would become activite as soon as dawn arrived. It was a reluctant Colonel Satch who finally approved the transfer of the Latician to General Profis' care. The Colonel sternly insisted he be returned within forty-eight hours.
Bound by the wrists and ankles, two security officers led the Latician across the compound to the Selet III vessel. Once inside, General Profis dismissed the Forneptus guards. The two staunchly refused to leave, stating they were under orders to stay with the being until his return to Colonel Satch.
"This is my ship. Satch doesn't give the orders here. Either leave immediately, or I'll throw you in the brig!" The General summoned his own security team in the event he would have to enforce his threat, but as he expected, the two officers left. His own security team waited for further orders.
"Unbind him, then leave us."
The security officers did as instructed, leaving the General in his quarters alone with the Latician.
"Please sit."
The Latician remained standing, a far off look in his eyes.
"Look. I know you guys are pretty pissed; you have every right to be." The General moved directly in front of the being. "Look at my ears. Do you see any protection?"
The Latician stopped his blank stare, curiosity betraying him. He looked at the General and felt his thoughts. A bewildered look fell across his face before turning his gaze elsewhere.
"I'm unprotected. That gives you a lot of power, doesn't it? I suppose you could convince me to kill myself if you wanted to. And you would be justified in doing so."
The Latician did not speak.
"I had you brought here to save your life. You could at least grant the courtesy of speaking to me." The being remained silent. General Profis walked behind his desk and sat. He understood the Latician's reluctance and sympathized with him.
"You will not be returning to Tanett-Prime. Do you understand? You are free to go wherever you wish. I'll even help you get there if I can." The General waited, hoping that the being would respond to the favorable news. Maybe he'd feel his mind being addressed. He realized that the Latician may no longer even be in the room . . . that perhaps his mind had been convinced to believe what he really didn't see. He quickly rose from his chair and walked over to the view port, looking out at the now busy encampment. He wondered why he hadn't heard from his patrol squad yet, and if there were many others who had come to Tanett with those he had already captured.
"I KNOW NO OTHER HOME OTHER THAN TANETT-PRIME. LATICIA IS NO LONGER HABITABLE. WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST I GO, GENERAL?"
The words resounded warmly in the General's mind. He had never before communicated with a Latician but knew they were telepathic. There was no fear of the being's invasion, but rather a comfortable, almost euphoric sensation.
"AND WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVE FOR RELEASING ME?"
"There are no motives. I just want to save your life."
"FOR WHAT REASON, GENERAL? IF YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH THEN WHY DID YOU FIRST END SO MANY LIVES? WHY WAS LATICIA DESTROYED?
The General sighed. "There's no acceptable answer I can give you. I didn't order Laticia's destruction, nor was I in the area when it occurred. However, I'm part of the Committee responsible for the attack and am not without guilt."
"THIS COMMITTEE YOU SPEAK OF. IS IT NOT THE SAME COMMITTEE THAT TAKES US AGAINST OUR WILL TO SERVE ON THEIR SHIPS; MISSIONS THAT NO LATICIAN HAS EVER RETURNED FROM ALIVE?"
"Yes. It's the very same Committee. But not all of us agree with the methods chosen to fulfill these missions."
"AND YOU, GENERAL? WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED METHOD?"
"I have none, er . . . do you have a name?"
"I AM DENLAR."
"Denlar, the members of this Committee who represent Selet III have joined with only one intent . . . to obtain defensive strength. Our world isn't strong, and we are vulnerable to the same fate as Laticia if we don't correct this. Selet III's council agrees with this general attitude but is slow to conform to it. The Committee offers us a rapid means to obtain what we lack. Unfortunately, the Forneptus IV members have other ideas besides just providing military defense systems. They create them as well, then test their creations on the innocent. We've had to turn our heads and overlook this in order to obtain what we've needed."
"HOW DOES ONE OVERLOOK MURDER, GENERAL?"
"You don't, Denlar. At least, I can't. Laticia was only one of many planets the Committee has destroyed. But it's the first while I've been a member. We are now meeting to discuss other locations for testing an improved fleet of battleships. The Forneptus members insist these be populated sites. They believe their testing is invalid without casualties by which to judge the effectiveness of the weapons."
"AND YOU GENERAL? YOU DO NOT FEEL THIS IS A VALID ANALYSIS?"
"I'm not alone in my disapproval, Denlar. Only a few Selet III members have no conviction either way. The majority of us are considering leaving the Committee unless changes are made. But we fear that as soon as we do, Selet III will become the Committee's next test site."
"WILL YOU THEN CONTINUE TO BE PART OF THE DEVASTATING FORCE YOUR COMMITTEE IMPLEMENTS?"
"No." General Profis paced between the viewport and his desk. Denlar moved to the seat previously offered him, seated himself, then addressed the General.
"WE ARE NOT A RACE OF WARRIORS. OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN SPENT IN THE PROMOTION OF KNOWLEDGE AND GROWTH, NOT FOR THEIR RUIN. BUT WE ARE NOT AN INDECISIVE RACE. YOU WERE CORRECT IN PRESUMING IT POSSIBLE FOR MY SUGGESTIONS OF DEATH TO MANIFEST WITHIN YOU."
The General glared at the being. "You mean, your race really can mentally suggest suicide?"
"YES. IT IS FORBIDDEN HOWEVER. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS."
"Denlar, the Laticians may be the only power that can stop the Committee before they wipe out the entire universe. Isn't that worth considering some amendment to your morals? If not for your own lives, consider the lives of all those the Committee will squander on dozens of other worlds throughout the universe - without remorse ."
"I HAVE ALREADY CONSIDERED THIS, GENERAL. YOUR ARGUMENT IS WELL TAKEN. HOWEVER, WE SUFFER FROM POOR HEALTH, GREATLY REDUCING OUR ABILITIES TO FUNCTION. IF WE WERE STRONGER, THERE MIGHT BE A POSSIBILITY OF DEFEATING THE MIND PROTECTORS WORN BY THE COMMITTEE. BUT AS LONG AS YOUR PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN MAINTAINING OUR WEAKENED CONDITION, WE ARE HELPLESS. IS THIS NOT WHAT YOU HAD HOPED?"
"Yes. The Committee fears you. Your race is a mystery to us. It is in our nature to fear the unknown. But they have found your mental skills and invisibility of value to them. The Committee is already experimenting with a substance which will give them more control over you. Supplies to Tanett-Prime have been increased in an attempt to deceive your people into believing the Committee isn't without compassion.
"But I've learned that the food stuffs have been tainted. Selet III members are being deceived as well. We are told half truths regarding these missions. They need us in membership but we don't know why. This gives us a little leverage, but only a little. I'm sure our departure from membership wouldn't be of any real consequence to the Committee."
"YOU HAVE BEEN MOST OPEN WITH ME, GENERAL. WHY?"
"I'm tired, Denlar, and I don't like what's happening here. But I don't know how to stop it either."
"YOU ARE THE FIRST SOLDIER WHO HAS SPOKEN TO US TRUTHFULLY."
"How do you know I'm being truthful with you?"
"SURELY YOU REALIZE I COMPREHEND WHAT THE MIND HIDES BEHIND THE WORDS YOU SPEAK?"
"Then you know my heart, Denlar. I want the Committee stopped at any cost."
"AND YOUR DEFENSIVE WEAPONS, HOW WILL YOU THEN ACQUIRE THEM?"
"We'll find other, more peaceful means. With the Committee gone, perhaps we wouldn't need to hurry in building our defenses."
"Maybe General, but we're not going anywhere soon." Four Forneptus IV security officers burst through the door, surrounding the Latician and the General, weapons at the ready. Colonel Satch strolled casually past the officers and approached the General.
"You're a fool, General. Do you really think you can stop the Committee?"
General Profis stood mute hoping that Denlar was still reading his thoughts.
"You must think me a fool as well. Did you think I'd let you keep this Latician on a Selet ship without monitoring his activity? You're too ignorant and too emotional for membership in the Committee. But that doesn't mean you still can't serve it." The Colonel nodded to his security team who then put restraints on the General and Denlar.
General Profis tried to mentally contact Denlar. He had only spoken aloud to him in the past and was unsure if Denlar would hear his thoughts when not combined with spoken words.
'I AM HERE, GENERAL.' Denlar returned the answer within the General's mind before he had even been aware he had sent the question.
'Denlar, the security officer at the door . . . he's not wearing a protector. Can you reach his mind?'
'I HAVE ALREADY DONE SO.'
'And . . . ?' The General waited, wondering what Denlar was doing with the officer's mind.
'WAIT FIVE SECONDS, THEN FALL TO THE FLOOR GENERAL.'
'Huh?'
'4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . NOW!'
The two dropped simultaneously as the security guard at the door moved in, firing his weapon wildly across the room.
The General slowly raised his head and looked at the scene. A lone security officer stood a meter from the doorway, a blank look on his face.
"Are they dead?"
"THEY ARE UNCONSCIOUS. THE SECURITY OFFICER'S WEAPON IS NOT SET TO A LETHAL POWER LEVEL. FORGIVE ME GENERAL, BUT I MUST CONCENTRATE WITHOUT DISTRACTION."
Denlar convinced the security officer to disarm and unbind them. General Profis rose quickly and collected the weapons that had scattered about the floor as the officers fell. After calling in his own security team to hold the Forneptus Committee members, the General escorted Denlar to sickbay.
"Canton? You okay?" Edwin called quietly across the medical bay's recovery ward.
"Edwin?"
"Yeah, it's Edwin. You've been out longer than Aron and me. Didn't know if you were hurt bad."
Canton took his time reaching a sitting position in the sickbay bed. He winced a little, feeling the newly healed tissue on his back stretching beyond it's tolerable limits.
"I ain't hurt good. What'd they hit us with?"
"Narkoun guns," Aron declared. "You fell on the daroth and wedged it in deeper. It did more damage to you than us."
"Next question - where are we?"
"We're in a Selet III battleship's sickbay," Edwin replied.
"Ah, your side of the family, eh Edwin? Any idea how long we've been in here?"
"About six hours or so, I think. I haven't seen a clock anywhere around."
Canton sat on the edge of the bed, facing Aron and Edwin on the two opposite bunks. Aron had already confirmed the locked door. Each having only a hospital gown in their possession soon realized they weren't going anywhere without outside aid. The loud click of the lock mechanism caused all eyes to focus on the door.
Two men entered, one wearing physician's apparal, the other man attired in a Selet III military uniform. The officer looked vaguely familiar to Edwin, but he couldn't place him. Then a third 'being' entered the room, altogether unknown to Edwin and Aron.
"Chapath?" Canton eyed the alien who resembled so intensely another such entity he admired. Denlar's face brightened instantly at the mention of his relative.
"Chapath," Canton echoed, "is that you?"
"I AM DENLAR. HOW DO YOU KNOW CHAPATH?"
"Denlar?" Canton repeated. "Sorry. You look like someone I once met in the Deltous sector."
"Denlar," the General interrupted, "this is Canton Boyds, a yeoman and weapon's expert who served aboard a doomed ship. He was the only survivor and was rescued by a vessel of mixed citizenry. One of these rescuers he's described is a being like yourself. A Latician called Chapath."
"Have we met, General?" Canton asked. "You seem to know an awful lot about me."
"I know of you. You two," the General motioned towards Aron and Edwin, "I don't know."
"Mind if we keep it that way?" Aron replied.
"For the time being, I suppose."
"PLEASE TELL ME OF CHAPATH. IS HE UNHARMED?" Denlar inquired.
"Unharmed?" Canton wondered. "He was fine the last time I saw him."
"WHERE WAS THIS?"
"In the Deltous sector, near where Kanen-5 used to reside."
"Excuse me, Denlar," the General interrupted, "but I need some other information from these three as well . . . like, why they're here? Gentlemen, do you mind?"
"Of course, General," Edwin agreed, "you did capture us fair and square. You win the game. The least we can do is tell you why we're here."
"Edwin! Are you nuts?"
"What's the matter Canton? Don't you think we can trust the General? He's a very upstanding man, which is what makes his presence here kind of difficult for me to understand - but I'm sure he's got a terrific explanation. My mother always said that my uncle David would be there for me if I ever decided to join the military services. Of course, I always told her the same way . .
'Ma, he probably doesn't remember me - he hasn't seen me since I was a little squirt.'"
"Edjie Radonson?" the General blurted.
"I'm married. Got a new name in the deal. Boy, I haven't been called 'Edjie' in a while."
"Edwin, this is your uncle?" Canton pointed an accusing finger at the General.
"I thought he looked familiar," Edwin continued, "but I haven't seen him in over twenty years . . . just pictures. When my father died, the family sort of drifted pretty far apart. Mother never liked anyone in the military after what they did to my father. So, I never really got to know my uncle David."
"Edwin, we must discuss that incident," General Profis added, "but it must wait. The timing of your arrival here may be very advantageous. Will you trust me, son? I know it's difficult to accept anything I say other than at face value, but you must. You've come to Tanett at a very bad time."
"I think we came here at the perfect time, General," Canton countered. "Looks to me like we have a little social affair in progress. Perhaps a little subterfuge?"
The General explained briefly of the Committee's operation and Selet III's connection with it, suspecting his involvement would soon be severed beyond restoration once Colonel Satch was released from security. What difference would it make now?
Edwin explained why they had come to Tanett and told the General of the two who remained in the shuttle. Wondering why he hadn't heard a progress report yet from his patrol shuttle, the General contacted them. Having been thus far unsuccessful in the search, the General ordered the patrol back. 'There's no reason anyone else has to know about Edjie and his friends' he thought as he left to board his shuttle; Canton, Edwin, Aron and Denlar accompanying him.
"Great!" Edwin hammered his fist into the arm cushion of his seat aboard the General's shuttle. "They're gone."
"Gone?" Aron repeated. "Where would they go?"
"Perhaps the Forneptus ships had a patrol of their own out here," the General concluded. "I'll call the ship and see if they spotted any other patrols while they were searching for your shuttle."
"Wait a minute, General." Canton moved up closer to the shuttle's forward view screen and motioned at a small outcropping of rocks near where Edwin's shuttle had previously been waiting. "Pull over next to those rocks. There's something written on one of them."
Canton stopped the shuttle near the rocky terrain and exited. Walking over to the minerals, he noticed several which where small and lightweight. On the surface of one of the smaller stones, two letters had been etched in green chalk:
"C-B"
Canton turned the stone over and found more writing: "You promised we could go. T-B"
He recalled instantly. "Oh no."
"What is it, Canton?" The General joined Canton.
"They've gone to Tanett-Prime."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." Canton handed Profis the message.
The General took a deep breath. "Tanett-Prime. My God. The security patrol must have scared them away. Can't you contact them on your comm-pack?"
"The Committee's jamming communications beyond orbital limits."
"Damn, I forgot about that. Well, we'll just have to exceed orbital altitude. Come on."
The group left Tanett in the General's shuttle, but found they were still unable to clear the jamming constraints emitted from Tanett. They were far past the expected, effective limits. Choosing their only alternative, they proceeded to Tanett-Prime.
C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N
Universe II was nearly ready for the recovery mission to Tanett-Prime. Two hours before lift off, Shaanon called a final briefing in the ship's recreation lounge, then joined Jantz in making final preparations on the bridge. He listened with amusement as his friend continued to complain about the Minotians aboard ship. Lifting a control panel cover away from the communication's station, Jantz gave a loud yell. Shaanon raced across the bridge in an instant to investigate.
"What happened, Jantz?"
His chief engineer gave a disgusted look and pointed at the cavity beneath the console.
"What in the world are you doing in there?" Shaanon bent down to address the red-haired Minotian who was seemingly undistracted by the intrusion.
"I fix for you."
Jantz was furious. "It wasn't broken . . . yet."
"Not good," The Minotian reasoned. "Not be able to speak very far away. I fix so it will."
"Jantz, check it out. See if anything's been compromised."
Shaanon offered his hand to the small being. "Come on, climb on out of there now."
The Minotian carefully abandoned the space under the communications console, taking great care so as not to disturb any of the delicate wiring.
"You shouldn't be messing with these things," Shaanon admonished sternly but warmly. He found it difficult to think of the miniature beings as anything but children - even though they were fully mature. Their simple speech and innocent deportment were not synonymous with his concept of adulthood.
"What things?"
"Any things. If Contanella would have seen you in there, you'd probably be pulling splinters out of your behind right about now."
"I fix for you."
"I'm sure you did. Now promise you'll stay away from these instruments, okay?"
"If you say, I no fix others."
Shaanon turned to his companion in the compartment. "Well Jantz, anything wrecked?"
Jantz mumbled something inaudible to Shaanon from within the console's access opening before crawling out himself. He stood and looked at Shaanon, then the Minotian.
"Well?" Shaanon persisted.
"The comm-relay is picking up transmissions from over five hundred thousand parsecs away."
"What? That's impossible," Shaanon said. "What makes you say that?"
"We're five hundred and FIFTY thousand parsecs from the star, Repa, a 'Class A' pulsar. I'm reading it loud and clear." Jantz returned his gaze to the Minotian. "How'd you do that?"
"I fix like other one I find."
"Other one you found . . . ?" Jantz thought a moment. "You're the one who stole my shuttle from the security dish site and ripped it apart, right?"
"I just playing. I like playing."
"You did the same thing with the communications system aboard that shuttle?" Shaanon asked. "Increased it's range?"
"Not far like this one. Shuttle one not as good as this one."
Further conversation with the red-haired Minotian revealed that he was called Dobid, a Minotian word which translated as 'odor,' due to his proclivity to emit a slightly foul odor when anxious or excited. Jantz recalled Colonel Richardson remarking about an odor in the vicinity where they had found the stolen shuttle.
They also learned that the Minotians were very imitative and resourceful beings, with a natural aptitude toward radically enhancing what others had created. Until now, Jantz never accepted Caet's explanation - trying to fix Haven's central comm-board rather than attempting to steal it. Now that he had witnessed first hand what the Minotians were capable of, he made a sincere oath to himself to apologize to Caet.
Jantz then asked Dobid about the structure he and the Colonel had discovered near the shuttle. Dobin explained that it was an abandoned dwelling once belonging to The Great Ones. Jantz showed the Minotian the articles he had collected at the site. The books were written in a script unknown to the colonists, but Dobid described them as technical references and religious manuscripts.
Jantz took Dobid on a tour of Universe II, showing him the various instruments and devices used to control and maintain the ship. The two became inseparable companions, Jantz now insisting the Minotians who volunteered for the mission be allowed to stay onboard. Through a mishap in the engine room, Jantz also discovered that the Minotians were much stronger than their appearance would indicate. A large and heavy strip of conduit had fallen from a storage shelf on the engineering deck. While Jantz looked for an available lift truck so he could return the conduit to its rightful position on the shelf, Dobid casually picked up the hefty metal tubing and carried it with him as he followed behind Jantz.
Lesdy jumped from the shuttle the moment it landed on the island. It was an alien scene if ever she had seen one. Lake Haven appeared a much more brilliant blue than it had from shore. The island's flora was a bizzare combination of bright yellow, orange, purple and green vegetation. Against the water, the colors took on even stranger and more vibrant hues.
Hannah stepped down from the craft and gasped as she beheld the beautiful foliage. Dexon and the two-member security team followed behind her, stepping carefully so as to disturb the grounds as little as possible.
"Hurry up, Contanella," Hannah called in her usual motherly tone, "you've got to see this in person. The electronic viewscreen doesn't show it." Indeed it couldn't. Many of the colors that surrounded the colonists were those not programmed into the viewscreens of Selet III vessels. They hadn't existed on their home world.
"Here I is, Hann . . . Oh, wow! You're right. This is magnificent. Dexon, you getting all this recorded?" Contenella stood motionless as she surveyed the surroundings.
"We're recording, Conts." Dexon assured.
"Lesdy," Hannah called, "wait for us. Don't go wondering off by yourself."
"Alright, but hurry up." Lesdy noticed a rustling in the tree branch just above where Dexon was standing. A moment later, a squawk sounded from the same spot and something small fell from the tree.
"Doctor, look out!" Lesdy warned.
"Look out where, Les . . . " Before he could protect himself, Dexon felt the small Minotian land on his shoulders, then jump to the ground using the doctor's chest as a kick-off board.
"I sorry. I fall." The Minotian got up off the ground, wobbling as she tried to balance her stance. Lesdy ran over to the being, the smallest Minotian any of them had seen thus far.
"Who are you?" Lesdy asked.
"I Lea. Who are you?"
"I'm Lesdy."
"Lez-tee . . . " Lea repeated slowly.
Lea was a Minotian child, perhaps half Lesdy's age. She was covered with light brown and gold hair except for her face. There, a border of jet black braids made her an easy target to spot in their brilliant surroundings.
Hannah and Contanella sat on the ground next to Lea, not wanting to frighten her by their height.
"Do you live on this island, Lea?" Hannah asked.
"Just play on island. Live with you."
"How did you get here then?"
"In passage. How else?"
"The tunnels underground," Dexon offered. "Ret and Loga showed me how they get to their dwelling. A network of tunnels run underground for kilometers in each direction."
"The lake isn't very deep, is it Contanella?" Hannah asked.
"Not at all. Deepest point was . . . let me see . . . I think it may have been about three or four meters. Dava still has all the notes from my scan, but I'm pretty sure that's what it was."
Tana and Raton left the shuttle shortly after landing on Tanett-Prime. Their scan had revealed life forms clustered in one location on the planet's surface, but it wasn't anything human. Neither Raton nor Tana were science specialists, so interpreting the data from the scan wasn't easy. They could read the obvious parameters: average size, body weight and environmental conditions, but not much more.
The two made their way toward the unknown inhabitants, stopping when they were close enough to see them. Tana lowered herself behind a short, thick bush, calling for Raton to join her. From there they observed a network of shelters, each with a fire burning brightly in front of it. The beings looked to be humanoid, though only a handful could be seen from where the women were hiding.
"The scanner indicated a couple hundred of them were here." Tana said. "They must all be in the shelters."
"They seem pretty peaceful to me," Raton observed.
"Yes, they do. But I don't think it's a good idea to judge them by appearance alone."
While the women discussed approaching the beings, they were interrupted by a peculiar 'whoosh' sound directly behind them. They immediately turned around and watched in awe as three humanoid forms took shape before them. Raton jumped to her feet, preparing to run - but Tana grabbed her arm and halted her retreat.
"Come on! Let's get out of here!" Raton screamed.
"Wait. I think I know what they are." Tana was by no means sure of herself. She remembered Canton's descriptions of Chapath well, and the episode now taking place appeared to resemble his explanations.
The three Laticians promptly materialized from their light form; two female and one male. Raton swallowed hard and stood
perfectly still, as though confronted by a wild animal.
"GREETINGS." The taller of the two female Laticians bowed slightly in salute. "I AM VETACIA." The Latician nodded at her companions.
"MY SISTER, LECIA AND HER MATE, CHATUS."
Tana felt the words radiate from within her head. She spoke cautiously. "I . . . I'm Tana, and this is my friend, Raton. I apologize for the intrusion, but we had nowhere else to go."
"YOU ARE RUNNING?" Vetacia asked.
"Yes, how did you know?"
"YOU WEAR NO PROTECTIVE DEVICES. YOUR THOUGHTS HAVE SPOKEN FOR YOU."
Raton was puzzled by the Latician's explanation but remained silent. Tana, on the other hand, knew exactly what the being had meant by acknowledging their thoughts, but was unsure of the reference to protective devices.
"We mean no harm. As soon as we receive word from the rest of our party, we'll be out of your way."
"YOU HAVE NOT CAUSED ANY HARM, TANA, AND YOU ARE NOT IN OUR WAY. YOUR PRESENCE PUZZLES US THOUGH. WE KNOW YOU ARE SINCERE AND DO NOT WISH TO HARM US, BUT FROM WHAT DO YOU RUN?"
Tana explained to the Laticians their need to be on Tanett-Prime. The beings would not deliberately seek answers by forcing themselves upon another's mind; only such thoughts that pertain to the general nature of one's semblance were unavoidably detected. But these were enough to assure the Laticians there was no threat from Tana or Raton.
Vetacia described the situation that had brought them to Tanett-Prime. Piecing together fragments of Canton's comments about Chapath, and combining the two accounts, Tana had been given a pretty clear picture of what was going on.
The three entities invited the women to return to their nearby camp and wait for those who would be signaling. As they continued to learn more of the Laticians and why they were there, Tana and Raton became horrified and promised to do what they could to help. In their present circumstances however, that was absolutely nothing.
Raton immediately regretted asking Vetacia why no children were found among the inhabitants. The response caused visible distress on the faces of the beings as they recalled the endless accounts of lifeless children found among the ruins of Laticia. Yet Tana's acknowledgement of Chapath seemed to have comforting effects on many of the them. She later learned that Chapath was well known and loved among the race. The news was quickly made known to Tonath, who had recently become very ill. His conditioned worsened swiftly. The healers were unable to stablize him. Healing among the Laticians required that a family member be present. Only the bond established between relations could strengthen the spirit to full recovery. Tonath was alone.
C H A P T E R F I F T E E N
The rec room aboard Universe II overflowed its capacity, spilling out into the ship's corridors as the pre-liftoff briefing got underway. A monitor was set up in the ship's brig allowing Captain Gibbons' and her crew to overhear the proceedings and realize the approaching task to be fulfilled on Tanett-Prime. For the captured Forneptus soldiers would play an instrumental role, in this fete accompli.
Recognizing the potentially dangerous nature of this journey, the majority of Haven's colonists remaining behind attended the briefing as well. If the crew were to fail, the odds against their return would be great. No one believed the Committee would be a forgiving bunch.
Shaanon assigned Katala as his First Officer and Navigator. Dava Garson was teamed with Chapath to fill the role of Science Officer since Contanella would remain on Haven. Contanella's additional duty as Communications Officer was assigned to Colonel Richardson, who also acted as Chief of Security. These two duties would perhaps prove to be the most critical during the mission as exchanges between Committee soldiers and Universe II took place.
Gathus and his parent, Shondath, were to rest during the three-week journey to Tanett-Prime, strengthening their minds for the extensive control needed over the Forneptus prisoners in the brig. Capricia, remaining on Haven, reflected on the likelyhood that, should disaster befall the mission, she potentially could be the only remaining Latician.
Doctor Dexon Kandell spent time working with Universe II's medical personnel, familiarizing them with advanced emergency techniques should the knowledge become necessary. He and Hannah would remain on Haven as well.
Jantz Taparr would resume his duty as Chief Engineering Officer; his two brothers, Camon and Nathon, serving as his primary crew. Each duty officer was further assigned several Minotian volunteers. Universe II's complement neared one hundred by the time she was prepared to leave Haven.
With well-wishes and a final community dinner accomplished, the delegated crew boarded the ship and left Haven's peaceful habitat. One hour after lift-off, Contanella switched the comm-board to 'stand-by' mode after receiving word from Shaanon of Universe II's departure from the Deltous sector. The colonists spent the remaining twilight hours together, sharing their hopes and calming their fears.
The grating shrill from the destroyed navigation's instrument panel brought Canton back to consciousness. He lay still a moment before opening his eyes, attempting to recall what had brought him to the floor of the shuttle to begin with. The emergency lighting provided a bright red glow over the small ship's dismantled interior. Directly across from him, General Profis knelt next to Edwin, who appeared unconscious and seriously injured.
The General's shuttle had escaped Tanett's atmosphere unseen by any Committee scout ships. As Edwin adjusted their course towards Tanett-Prime, a single renegade patrol had spotted them. After ignoring the patrol's request to identify themselves, a phaser blast had ripped across the bow of the shuttle. Canton and Aron immediately manned the weapons consoles and returned the assault. Minutes later, the patrol ship was destroyed, but not before sending a guided photon torpedo after the General's shuttle. The small ship rocked violently upon impact, but the shielding maintained the hull's integrity.
The crew, however, was not as lucky. Canton, though strapped in, was literally torn from his seat. The padded bulkhead spared him from any serious damage as he bounced from wall to wall before finally landing on the floor. An unexpected lurch knocked his head against one of the steel chair legs, leaving him unconscious.
Denlar, too, was sprawled unconscious across the shuttle's floor. There were no detectable injuries, but his alien form made it difficult to assess his condition with any certainty.
Edwin was not as fortunate. He was not strapped in when the shuttle began spinning aimlessly as a result of the blast and had suffered severe internal injuries, requiring immediate medical attention.
Aron never saw the end come. He had just taken position at one of the weapons consoles when the photon torpedo hit the shuttle. The impact caused the console to explode, killing him instantly.
General Profis was unharmed by the assault. When he saw the others lying about the shuttle, he did what he could to aid them. He was grateful to see Canton regaining consciousness. It had seemed like he was alone for hours after the attack, though it had been only minutes.
"General, is everybody alright?" Canton was still dizzy, but fought against the vertigo as he stood. "How is Edwin?"
"Not good. He needs medical attention immediately." The General tried to make Edwin more comfortable, but the resulting clutter from the buffeting made it difficult. "Aron is dead, Canton."
"Oh, no." Canton glanced where Aron now lie on one of the bunks at the rear of the shuttle. "What about Denlar?"
"I think he'll be alright when he comes to. I don't see any injuries, but I know nothing about Latician physiology."
"Does the ship have any power?"
"Everything's out except emergency back-up power. No engines, no weapons, no communications."
'We're slightly better off than Aron,' Canton thought to himself. He looked out the forward view screen where Tanett-Prime hung in the distance.
"We seem to be drifting at a rather high velocity," Canton observed.
"We are, and our trajectory is unchanged. We're still headed straight for Tanett-Prime. I haven't had a chance to compute ETA, but I've been doing some thinking. I'm pretty sure we can rig the shuttle's emergency batteries through the landing thrusters."
"That sounds reasonable. What's Tanett-Prime's gravity?"
The General thought a moment. "Zero-point-eight g's. The batteries should be able to handle that."
Edwin moaned softly and opened his eyes.
"Lie still, Edjie."
"Wh - what happened?" Edwin's voice was weak.
Canton joined the General and knelt on the opposite side of Edwin.
"They got us with a guided torpedo when we weren't looking." Canton smiled reassuringly as he spoke. "We're drifting towards Tanett-Prime and should be there in a few hours."
"Good. Wake me up when we land." Edwin looked at the two kneeling beside him, then slipped back into unconsciousness.
"I'll go take a look at those batteries, General. You stay with 'Edjie.'"
The shuttle continued to drift towards Tanett-Prime. Scanners were inoperative, so they had no way of detecting other Committee patrol ships that might be pursuing them. Once in Tanett-Prime's orbit, there would be no way of finding Edwin's shuttle on the surface, nor even distinguishing the Latician encampment. All information would have to be gathered visually, General Profis relying on the memory of his previous visit to the planet with Colonel Satch. He had hoped Denlar would be of assistance, but the being's condition hadn't changed since the attack. Edwin was becoming noticeably worse.
Canton constructed a solar sail, attempting to hasten the journey, but this only decreased the travel time by a few short minutes. Two hours after becoming disabled, the shuttle reached Tanett-Prime. The emergency backup batteries proved sufficient, providing enough power for the landing thrusters and a smooth descent to the planet's surface.
The slight jolt upon touchdown awoke Denlar. He sat up abruptly, looking as though nothing had ever happened to him. He glanced at Aron's body and closed his eyes briefly, acknowledging the absence of thought. Sensing Edwin's subconscious psyche, Denlar recognized the urgent need for medical assistance.
After burying Aron's body, the four started off in the direction of the Latician camp, carrying Edwin on a stretcher. This area of the planet was familiar to Denlar. News of their arrival was quickly made known when Denlar reached out in thought to the other Laticians four kilometers away. Tana and Raton urgently ran to retrieve her shuttle and went to meet them.
HAVEN
Lesdy and Lea had developed an unusually close friendship during the days ahead. The young Minotian had adopted Lesdy as her older sister, and Lesdy did her best to play up to the responsibility. Lea often appeared apprehensive at Haven Lake's island. Lesdy, feeling it was her sole duty in life to protect Lea from harm, would soothe the tiny creature and engage her in play.
Hannah visited the Minotians often in their underground dwelling, finding the race extraordinarily gifted in many areas. Lea's family, over two hundred in all, was the largest living Minotian family on the planet.
Her first visit to the underground homes was met with wonder. She had expected to see the trappings one would usually associate with primitive cultures. Instead, she saw technology beyond anything the colonists were familiar with. The Minotians had perfected communications. A minute crystal worn in the outer ear carried audio and video signals from one Minotian to another instantly; whether they were one meter apart, or one thousand kilometers apart.
The Charter mission had interfered with Hannah's academic endeavors, but the opportunity to serve alongside her husband aboard such a distinguished vessel justified the diversion. She was proud to offer her nursing skills. After the mission, she'd simply return to medical school and complete her undergraduate work. Nursing was Hannah's first love, but it was less than her capabilities. Far more interesting were the hours spent in the research labs, where she first met Doctor Dexon Kandell .
Of anyone, Dexon had been the most supportive with her studies. He had often suggested she broaden her education and follow through with the entire biochemical research program. But when her husband was assigned to Charter's security division - and a mission that would separate them for nine months - she signed aboard as well, vowing to return to her academic pursuits immediately upon the mission's completion. Dexon had already signed aboard as Chief Medical Officer.
Like all the other colonists, Hannah had been deceived by the Minotian's inarticulate speech patterns. According to Dexon's examinations of the beings, the race was fortunate to be able to speak at all. A short, narrow tongue was their natural genetic make up, hardly providing the ability to produce anything more than grunts. Yet the Minotians could form compound words very well.
On Hannah's last visit to the Minotian underground dwelling beneath the colonist's camp, she had taken a complete diagnostic medical kit along with her. Dexon's examinations were extensive but not complete. Hannah wanted to learn all she could about this fascinating race and its culture. When she later returned to the medical complex with dozens of specimens and samples, she worked straight through the night testing and retesting them. What she learned caused her great distress.
The Minotian race was dying. A slow-acting biochemical imbalance was destroying them. Hannah tried to tie her findings with Dexon and Contanella's explanation of the Kanen effect, but there was no correlation between the two. She detected no bacteriological involvement; no environmental causes; no nutritional depravity. She knew of no cure.
UNIVERSE II
Universe II entered the Cossell sector during the ship's night cycle - the First Officer's watch. Katala put down her book for a moment and looked out at the stars now displayed on the forward view screen. She had never been in this sector of space, but then she had never journeyed to most others, either. Textbook video disks and holographs were poor replacements for actually traveling among the stars.
In slightly less than four hours, the Forneptus soldiers would be escorted back to their ship, Ventar, currently in tow. Gathus and Shondath would accompany the soldiers along with a security team led by Katala's father. The Minotian volunteers had already gone aboard Ventar to extensively search for mental screening protection devices and anything else that might compromise the success of their mission. Tanett-Prime would soon be visited by the Committee, but these Committee members would not have a mind of their own.
"Good evening, beautiful."
Katala turned around at the distraction to see her father enter the bridge.
"That's me?" Katala laughed. "How was dinner, father?"
"You know, Katie, those Latician's may be one hell of a 'thoughtful' race, but they don't know a damn thing about barbecuing."
"You didn't . . . "
"What? I was just trying to enrich their culture a bit more."
"I don't believe you," Katala insisted.
"Oh come on. They'll be a better people for knowing my fine
culinary arts. I just wish they'd take it easy on the hot sauce. I'm glad they're leaving for Ventar in a couple of hours. When that sauce kicks in, whew boy, it's gonna be . . . "
"Okay, okay. I get the picture. And what are you so smug about? You're going with them, aren't you?"
"Not now I'm not! Not after all those explosives they've consumed."
"FATHER!" Katala slammed herself back against the command chair.
"Oh come on, Katala. When did you get so serious all of a sudden. You used to be so much fun to tease."
"I grew up when I left Selet III. So did you."
Colonel Richardson sighed. "Not quite in the same manner, but I guess you're right. We both grew when we bucked the system. Tell me, small one, are you afraid of what's to come?"
"Terrified. Shouldn't I be?"
"You'd be a fool not to be. I must admit though, I'm proud to be serving with Shaanon on this mission . . . not just him, but all of you. Bet you never thought you'd hear me say that, did you Katie?"
"I don't know. I mean, you used to always come around to my way of thinking sooner or later. It just took you a while this time."
"I see."
"No, you don't. I'm sorry." Katala put a hand on her father's arm.
"Thank you, Father. He would never tell you either, but Shaanon also respects you. You made a crucial decision when you left Selet III and joined us. We all know that wasn't easy for you, but I can't say I regret your choice."
"I don't either, Katie. I love you very much. I would've missed you terribly if I had not been able to see you again." The Colonel kissed his daughter's cheek as they embraced. The awareness of their fateful objective obvious in the strength with which they held one another.
Chapath moved through the ship's corridors towards the brig. He had not yet met the Forneptus soldiers, except for the brief encounter earlier when contact was first established. But even then, he didn't communicate directly with them; his projected thoughts were spoken by Camon.
Shaanon had no success learning anything from the Committee soldiers. The Colonel gained a small amount of insight with respect to their setup on Tanett-Prime, but little else. No one asked the Latician's to interrogate them. Chapath was sure they weren't asked because of the Latician's strict adherence to respectfulness of privacy.
Invading one's mind against his will could produce grave results as well. Though if performed carefully, this wasn't a consideration. A Latician knew when the victim could no longer sustain the invasion; the point where the mind would collapse.
Controlling another's mind was altogether different than communicating with it. Physical virility, as well as subconscious discipline, was required in all but the youngest subjects; whereas communicating was a natural impulse for all Laticians. The majority of the race had never attempted to use their ability to control others. It was hardly necessary on Laticia.
Prior to his sojourn to Kanen-5, Chapath had only once before attempted to control the mind of another being. A particularly large animal had wandered onto his property and threatened to harm the two young nephews in he and his brother's care. Chapath had made the animal believe the children were four times its size. The creature fled, pursued by Denlar, the older of the two nephews, a wooden paddle swinging wildly in hand until the animal was out of sight.
There were times when controlling another might be considered justifiable outside Latician borders. Kanen-5 was one of them. Tanett-Prime, another. Chapath had no regard for the Committee members. How could he forgive them the devastation they had brought upon his people. Within hours, he and the rest of Universe II's crew would endeavor to amend some of the damage, but it wouldn't be easily accomplished. The soldiers in the brig had information that would be helpful in achieving their objective; he was sure of it. He would spare Shaanon the embarrassment of requesting the Latician's services and would learn of the Committee's defenses himself.
TANETT-PRIME
Denlar had found Tonath near death upon his return to Tanett- Prime. The healers had performed all the necessary treatments they were able to without a family member present to complete the healing process. Two healers remained at Tonath's bedside in the unlikely event his condition should improve.
The Latician's believed the cause for Tonath's affliction was due to the rations brought by the last Committee patrol ship. He was the only Latician who had drank a hot beverage that wasn't part of previous supply shipments. Tonath was poisoned.
After learning of Tonath's condition, Denlar dismissed the two remaining healers. He sat beside the bed and laid a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I HAVE RETURNED, MY BROTHER."
"DENLAR. I HAD LOST HOPE IN EVER SEEING YOU AGAIN. BUT, HOW DID YOU . . . "
"ONE OF THE SOLDIERS HELPED ME. BUT I MUST GET YOU WELL BEFORE WE DISCUSS IT. ARE YOU PREPARED TO RECEIVE ME?"
Tonath groaned softly, "I AM PREPARED."
Denlar closed his eyes and concentrated on his brother's body. The healing process would bring distress to his own form while it transpired. A cognitive intrusion linked Tonath's degenerative body tissues with the regenerative solidity of his brother's healthy tissues. The transfer of strength lasted several minutes before both brothers were once again restored.
The arrival of General Profis, Canton Boyds and Edwin Radonson was met with varied amounts of consternation among the Laticians. Having been deceived so readily after Laticia's destruction, the race no longer trusted their own intuition. The General represented a threat by his uniformed appearance, yet his mind transmitted honesty. Denlar's support of the General helped convince most of the Laticians that he could be trusted, yet a few refused to believe their own perceptions of the man and stayed in hiding.
The healers attempted to restore Edwin's health, but not being familiar with his alien anatomy, the regenerative thoughts had no effect on him. His condition continued to deteriorate, and he slipped in and out of consciousness as Raton maintained a vigil by his side.
General Profis waited outside the healer's tent where Edwin rested, not wanting to intrude unless asked. He and Canton met with many of the Latician slaves, discussing a course of action for freeing them. Having only one operative shuttle was a disadvantage, but not an impossibility. Once they filled the craft to capacity and returned to Selet III, a bigger ship could return to Tanett-Prime for the remaining hostages.
"Raton . . . where are we?" Edwin's words were hardly audible as he strained to release them.
"We're on Tanett-Prime, in one of the Latician's shelters."
"Are you alright?"
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine."
"What about my shuttle?"
"It's fine, Edwin. General Profis is going to take as many Laticians that will fit inside and return to Selet III. When they get within communication's range, he'll call for a bigger ship to return with emergency medical techs."
"I'd like to go with him, Raton. Would you tell him to . . "
"You're not going anywhere! You'd never survive the trip. You're gonna stay here and rest, and I'm staying here with you. Just Canton and the General are going."
"What about Aron?"
Raton bit her tongue. "I forgot, he's going too."
Edwin and Aron were perfect examples of the trusting relationship Selet III and Forneptus IV inhabitants could enjoy together. They had been long-time friends, living on two different worlds. Raton wanted to tell Edwin what had happened, but couldn't.
"I'm so tired."
"Then rest, Edwin. I'll be right here for you." Edwin never heard Raton's last words as he reentered the unconscious universe once again. Raton held his hand in hers and wept.
TANETT
"I suppose I should get one of those ridiculous medals or something, right, Mark? You'd still be locked up if it weren't for me."
The young girl walked a step behind Colonel Satch as he entered the comfortable surroundings of his own ship.
"Gibbons, will you please quit addressing me by my first name! I'm your commanding officer. I'd appreciate it if you'd address me as such."
The Colonel was still very angry about his forced retention aboard General Profis' ship. The last thing he wanted now was an argument from a nineteen-year-old child.
"You're also my lover, Mark. How come you don't treat me like it?"
"Look, Darlett, there's a time and a place for everything. Right now, I have other things on my mind."
"Always the busy Colonel. You give me such little time."
Colonel Satch held the young woman by the shoulders. "Haven't you noticed what's going on? Selet III is backing out of our agreement and I'm not gonna let them."
"Who cares . . . let them go."
"We need them."
"For what?" Darlett laughed. "All they do is whine about everything the Committee does."
"I've explained it to you a dozen times. Ask your sister. The gods know you don't listen to a word I say."
"If she's not dead yet."
"She's alright, don't worry."
"Who said I was worried? She's a big girl. She can look after herself."
"Yeah, that's right. Now, would you do me a favor?"
"Sure Mar . . . er, Colonel. What do you need?"
"Find Levandi and have him get his ass to my quarters on the double."
"Anything you say, Colonel Satch. But later, I get to bring 'my' ass to your quarters for a double. Alright?"
Colonel Satch watched the young lady leave the ship, then turned and continued through the corridors towards his quarters. He wanted to tell Darlett that the only reason she was allowed to partake in any Committee activities was at her sister's insistence. Shela was one of his best captains, and he didn't want to loose her; he had fallen in love with her. So he put up with Darlett's adolescent behavior while Shela was away on Committee missions.
Major Robert Levandi reported to the Colonel within minutes and waited by the doorway until Satch was finished speaking to whoever was on the other end of the comm-phone.
"Come in, Bob."
"Thank you, Colonel." Major Levandi sat in the seat he was directed to.
"Know where I've been the last four hours? I'll tell you where - locked up in that Selet III ship across the way."
"Locked up, Colonel?"
"General Profis made off with our alien. My guess is he's returning the creature to Tanett-Prime, but who knows? In any case, I want you to organize a patrol squad and get over there; find him and bring him back."
"Yes sir."
"Take anything you need . . . ten ships if you need them, but bring him back here."
"We'll get him, Colonel. I'll have the orbit patrols start looking now while I gather my squads."
"Good. Oh yes, one other thing . . . " Colonel Satch was interrupted by the signal from his comm- board.
The Colonel switched on the comm-board and to his surprise, Captain Shela Gibbons appeared on the viewscreen.
"Captain Gibbons reporting in."
"Captain," the Colonel's smile betrayed his stern exterior, "I must admit, I wasn't expecting you back so soon."
"We've completed our mission, sir. The prototype battleship is a day behind us, piloted by my finest officers."
"You brought back the Beast-ship?"
"As you hoped, sir. She'll reach Tanett at thirteen- thirty hours tomorrow."
"Very good, Captain, very good indeed. How far out are you still?"
"Fifteen parsecs, Colonel. We'll arrive in six hours at our present speed. After we drop off the Latician's on Tanett-Prime, we'll dock."
"They're still alive?" The Colonel was even more surprised at this latest bit of news.
"Yes sir. They're unharmed."
Something wasn't right, but he couldn't place it. Shela was unusually severe - not the exhilarating woman he had fallen in love with.
"Very well. Report to me after you've docked."
"Yes sir. Gibbons out."
Colonel Satch stared at the blank screen for a few moments before returning his thoughts to Major Levandi.
"Good news, Colonel."
"I suppose so. We have the prototype . . . the very first Beast-ship."
"That's good news indeed."
"Go get your squad together and get over to Tanett-Prime. Report to me when you find the General."
"Yes, sir."
A quick salute and Major Levandi left the room.
"Perfect." Colonel Richardson's broad smile reflected his approval. "Good job, Gathus."
"I AM NOT SO SURE, COLONEL. I SENSED DOUBT IN THE COLONEL'S BEHAVIOR. WE ARE TOO FAR AWAY FOR ME TO BE CERTAIN, BUT I BELIEVE HE MAY HAVE MISGIVINGS TOWARDS THE CAPTAIN."
"But how could he know the Captain wasn't really speaking to him?"
"THEY ARE LOVERS. WOULD NOT THE AFFECTION THEY SHARE TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER PRODUCE AN ENRICHED AWARENESS?"
"Ah, a point well taken. But lovers often quarrel. Chapath didn't pry far enough into the Captain's mind for any specific details of their relationship. Gibbons could be pissed off about any given number of things. I'll bet Satch thinks that."
"PERHAPS YOU ARE RIGHT. A LATICIAN MATE DOES NOT ARGUE WITHIN THE UNION THAT JOINS THEM. IN THIS MATTER, I WILL ASSUME YOUR EXPERTISE ON THE SUBJECT."
"You'll see. Why don't we get the Captain back to her quarters now? I don't want to see her when she realizes what she's just done."
"ON THIS SUBJECT, I READILY AGREE WITH YOU."
Colonel Richardson and Gathus escorted the dazed Captain Gibbons back to her quarters aboard Ventar. They locked the door behind her then returned to the bridge.
Universe II followed a mere two kilometers behind, not a day behind as the Captain had reported to her commander. The crew aboard Ventar was to arrive at Tanett-Prime first, orbiting the planet while a shuttle was dispatched to the surface and contact was made with the Latician encampment. Once accomplished, Shaanon would set Universe II on the surface and begin evacuation. The sick and elderly are to be brought aboard first, while Laticians strong enough to hide themselves in their alternate form would follow.
Thirty armed security officers, assigned to encircle the shelters, would watch for the arrival of Committee soldiers. Once evacuated, the Forneptus IV prisoners were to be transferred to Tanett-Prime, subsisting on whatever supplies the Laticians had left behind until the routine patrol ships would find them. The plan was simple. Nothing could go wrong if all was followed and dispatched quickly and properly.
Colonel Richardson leaped from the contact shuttle before it fully landed on the orange, sandy surface of Tanett-Prime. The civilian craft, docked near one of the smaller shelters, wasn't what he expected to see, but he preferred this over a Committee patrol shuttle. He saw no one, yet the encampment was hardly unoccupied. In front of each tent, a carefully contained fire burned radiantly. Less noticeable were dozens of cooking pots, some actively in use.
Colonel Richardson waited as his security team exited the craft followed by Shondath, a respected senior among the Laticians. Shondath promptly began to relay their arrival, and the reason for it, throughout the camp. Immediately, scores of Laticians began to materialize before them in a shower of light.
It was impossible not to react to the display. Richardson remained transfixed as he approached Edwin's shuttle. Regaining his composure, he signaled two of his security team to join him. The craft was partially loaded with supplies as though it had just arrived or was about to leave. The Laticians standing nearby didn't attempt to explain its presence on the planet, but continued to watch as the Colonel rapped at the flimsy door of the nearest tent.
"Well, Richardson. It's about time you showed up." General Profis opened the doorway while the Colonel was still tapping at it. Not aware of the General's involvement, the security officers followed the Colonel's lead and drew their weapons.
"At ease, Richardson. I'm on your side, I think."
"Which side is that, General?"
"Their side." The General stretched his arm out towards the circle of shelters surrounding them.
"If you'll step inside this lodging, I believe I can convince you."
Colonel Richardson nodded to his security team - the message 'stay sharp' implied - then entered the tent.
"Welcome to Tanett-Prime, Colonel." Canton Boyds smiled his widest smile.
"Canton? Canton Boyds, right?" The Colonel attempted to fit the puzzle together but failed miserably.
"None other."
"What's going on around here?"
"We might ask you the same, Colonel." General Profis knew Colonel Richardson had left Selet III in search of his daughter. Katala was his only family on Selet III and he wouldn't just let her walk away from his life forever.
"Colonel, General," Canton addressed the two, "I think we can discuss matters of trust and other military guidelines at a later time. Edwin needs medical attention right away."
"Edjie?" Colonel Richardson asked.
"How do you know Edwin, Colonel?" Raton stood in the corner of the tent, looking at the Colonel from behind a wall made from blankets.
"The General had mentioned his nephew to me many years ago. Are you his spouse?"
"Yes. My name is Raton. Edwin is dying, Colonel. General Profis and Canton were about to leave for Selet III and get help. These people are here against their wishes. They're prisoners on this planet." Raton's voice was replete with conviction. "I don't know what your involvement is in all of this, but we're going to free them."
Colonel Richardson looked at Raton with compassion, then smiled. He removed the comm-pack from his belt and opened a channel to Universe II.
"Universe II, this is Richardson. Come in please."
"This is Universe II, go ahead Colonel," Shaanon replied.
"Have an emergency medical team ready and get down here now. The Laticians have been contacted and are preparing for evacuation."
"We're on our way. What happened, Colonel?"
The Colonel filled Shaanon in on what had transpired thus far then broke off the communication.
"Looks like our goals are the same, Colonel," General Profis admitted. "You're just much better equipped to fulfill them than we are."
"Let's just hope we're equipped well enough to outwit the rest of the Committee."
UNIVERSE II
"Engineering, give me full speed to Tanett-Prime," Shaanon ordered from the command chair of Universe II's bridge.
"Yes sir," Nathon's voice acknowledged the order with a note of triumph.
"Captain, six Forneptus IV Committee patrol ships have just entered the quadrant," Dava reported from the science station console.
"Confirmed," Nathon added. "They're on a direct interceopt heading with us. Their weapons will come to bear in eight minutes.."
"No doubt Colonel Satch thought an escort was in order."
Shaanon stabbed at the communications button on the arm of the command chair. "Weapons room, acknowledge."
"Weapons room, aye. Go ahead Captain."
"Prepare everything we've got. I want no delays should we need to use it, understood?"
"Yes sir. Weapon systems build up underway." Shaanon closed the channel, hoping they could pull this off without too much bloodshed.
"Chapath, I think you better get those two Committee soldiers out here on the bridge now. We'll probably be getting a call in a few moments."
"I WILL HAVE THEM BROUGHT HERE NOW."
Chapath left the bridge momentarily, returning with two Committee soldiers who weren't transferred to Ventar with Colonel Richardson.
As expected, Universe II soon received a communications transmission from the advancing patrol ships. Chapath's control of the soldiers was so impeccable that Universe II's bridge crew found themselves believing the prisoner's story. When the communication ended, a round of applause enthusiastically awaited the being.
"Real nice, Chapath," Dava commented. "How did you get them to smile so convincingly?"
"I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING, DAVA."
"Really. Who'd of thought."
Chapath's message, spoken through the Committee soldiers, advised the patrol ships to keep their distance; that the ship was somehow booby trapped by those they had confiscated it from and may react to scans by self-destructing, destroying the patrol ships in the process. Loyalty not one of their virtues, the patrol ships opted to disregard their prior orders and keep their distance.
"They're leaving!" Dava laughed. "Now that's what I call a devoted crew."
"You all beat them hands down," Shaanon assured. "Thank you, Chapath. We managed to avoid any further destruction. I'm glad you suggested keeping a couple of these soldiers aboard."
"YOU ARE WELCOME. IF YOU WILL EXCUSE ME, I SHALL SEE TO THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIERS TO THEIR CELL."
The remaining few minutes of travel met without incident. Universe II landed on Tanett-Prime one hundred meters from the Latician encampment. The medical technicians piloted a shuttle the short distance to where Edwin lie. They stabilized him, then returned him to the ship's extensive medical facilities.
Tonath denied himself the pleasure of his uncle's arrival until he could see him face to face. Denlar, on the other hand, didn't wait for Chapath to exit Universe II, but boarded the ship the instant he recognized his uncle's thoughts. They then both left to meet Tonath, who still waited in his tent. Reunited after so many months, they remained together until the evacuation signal sounded.
As planned, the older and weaker Laticians were evacuated first and escorted to Universe II's rec room, now converted to an auxiliary medical ward. The Minotian volunteers provided nourishing meals, clean clothing and other provisions to all who entered the ward. One hundred and ten Laticians were now on board. The remaining beings sustained their invisibility until they could be safely brought aboard ship.
Canton and Tana brought Edwin's shuttle into Universe II's docking bay, then Tana went to join Raton in sickbay. Canton joined General Profis and Colonel Richardson while they retrieved Captain Gibbons and the rest of her crew, escorting them down to the planet's surface.
"Everyone aboard, Katie?" Shaanon asked, looking over the Latician's emptied camp.
"Chapath hasn't boarded yet. He's still in the far tent with his two nephews and my father."
"Why?"
"Some kind of ritual or something. My father's trying to hurry them along."
"I'd better go see if I can hurry them, too." Shaanon raised the comm-pack he had been carrying since leaving the ship.
"Security, report back to the ship. We're getting out of here."
"Acknowledged," the voice on the other end of the comm-pack replied.
"Katala, you get back to the ship too. I'll go get your father and Chapath. Who'd you say those other two were . . . his nephews?"
"Yeah. That's what he called them."
"Interesting."
"Hurry," Katala said softly.
"I will."
Katala ran off in the direction of the ship, while Shaanon started walking towards Denlar and Tonath's tent. The incoming security officers passed him as they returned to Universe II. Shaanon raised his arm in victory, smiling at the officers as they passed, each returning the gesture.
He didn't recognize from which direction the sound came; there wasn't time for analysis. Two nearby shelters exploded in a deafening thunder, knocking Shaanon to the ground. Overhead, six Committee patrol ships swooped across the encampment and were circling back upon reaching its border. Shaanon lifted himself off the ground and looked back towards his own ship. Katala had not yet reached the ramp, and four security officers were running to her aid. The others were now returning to the encampment.
Shaanon looked for the comm-pack that was knocked out of his hand when he fell. Spotting it a few meters away, he ran to retrieve it. Suddenly, another blast jolted the ground nearby. Deciding to abandon the device, Shaanon ran to Colonel Richardson, who was now hunched between two adjoining shelters.
As Shaanon joined Richardson, the Colonel handed him one of the phaser rifles he was carrying.
"Where's Chapath and the others?" Shaanon asked.
"Invisible. He assured me they would get back to the ship right away."
"It's a hell of a defense, but invisible or not, those laser canons kill just the same," Shaanon countered.
The Colonel pointed at the patrol ships now coming back for a third pass. The two aimed at the same ship - the lead ship - and fired simultaneous blasts as it passed overhead. Both shots met their target, causing a fireball to erupt above their heads. The patrol ship spiraled out of the sky and crashed just beyond the farthest tent.
The five other patrol ships veered off, but not before several shots from the security team's phaser rifles sent another of the attacking ships into oblivion. The Colonel, recharging his weapon while looking for an escape route, heard the familiar tone of his comm-pack signaling an incoming call.
"Richardson," he said calmly.
"Colonel, this is Jantz. I'm launching two shuttles right now, fully armed. Hang on, we'll get you out of there."
"That would seem fitting, since I don't know if we're gonna get out of this on our own."
"We? Who else is out there?" Jantz asked.
"Me! Shaanon!" Shaanon yelled over the roar of the patrol ship engines. "Jantz, did Chapath and his nephews get back to the ship?"
"His nephews are here, but I don't see Chapath around."
"What about Katala, is she alright?"
"Yes. Security brought her in right after the attack started." Jantz paused a moment. "Here they come."
"We see them."
While the two shuttle's released from Universe II distracted the patrol ships, Shaanon and Colonel Richardson inched their way back towards the ship's entrance ramp. They rendezvoused with the remaining security officers behind one of the shelters. The route back to the ramp provided no cover for them beyond this point. The bright orange sand was a perfect backdrop for the targeting enemy patrols. One hundred meters away was a steel fortress, if only they could make it there.
One by one, each of them shot across the barren strip of sand, running as fast as he or she could. Thus far, the combination of phaser rifle fire and the distraction from the shuttles had proved successful. Only the Colonel and Shaanon had yet to cross the distance back to the ship.
"Ready Colonel?" Shaanon asked.
"You go ahead, Shaanon. I'll take up the rear."
"No. I'd like you there first. Get those Committee soldiers out of our ship. They're still confined in one of the shuttle craft in the docking bay. Just boot them out the rear bay door and seal it shut after them. I'll be right behind you." The Colonel eyed Shaanon with admiration.
Before turning to make his run, he straightened solemnly, then saluted the young Captain. Shaanon returned the salute with equal respect.
"Good luck, Colonel."
"You too, Captain."
Shaanon watched anxiously as Colonel Richardson neared the entrance ramp. Two of the Committee patrol ships had separated from the group and were buffeting Universe II's outer hull, so far with no effect.
Shaanon waited for an opportune time to start his run, then darted across the brilliant sand. The grim sounds of the patrol ships were getting closer as he passed the midway point. Without turning to look, he continued to run as swiftly as possible. Thirty meters . . . twenty meters . . . ten meters. The steel ramp was a godsend beneath his feet. Then - a blast from the patrol ship sent the riser flying into the air, carrying Shaanon on its base.
He landed thirty meters away, hitting the ground hard. Unconscious, he didn't feel the impact. Exacting revenge, a precise phaser blast from one of Universe II's shuttles left the patrol ship doomed.
Suddenly, the sky filled with two dozen auxiliary Committee fighters and patrol ships in response to a call for assistance. The colonists shuttles were vastly outnumbered and returned to the ship in retreat. Shaanon lay alone, spread out on his back as dozens of Committee ships closed in on the battle-scarred area.
Camon, escorted by a group of security officers, ran to the ship's entrance, stopping abruptly where the ramp had been ripped from the vessel's hull. One of the officers fashioned a makeshift ladder from a length of chain and tossed it over the side of the ship. A loud gasp halted Camon's retreat down the chain. Everyone had their eyes fixed on Shaanon, who was now proceeding in their direction in a most peculiar fashion.
His legs in the air, Shaanon moved swiftly through the sand on his back. His arms dragged lifelessly behind his head as he slowly approached the ship. Camon proceeded down the chain ladder, reaching the ground as Shaanon arrived. He turned around in time to see Shaanon's legs carefully lower themselves to the ground.
"HE IS UNCONSCIOUS," Chapath said as he materialized beside Shaanon. "I DO NOT BELIEVE HE HAS SUFFERED ANY FATAL INJURIES. NEVERTHELESS, WE SHOULD EXPEDITE HIS ARRIVAL TO SICKBAY."
"I'll get him the rest of the way. Thank you, Chapath."
"HE IS MY CAPTAIN, TOO," Chapath said as he vanished again.
"That's right. Come on, let's get inside the ship."
Camon lifted Shaanon off the ground and layed him across his shoulder, then climbed the chain ladder to the ship's entrance. A fast approaching fighter ship riddled Universe II's hull with laser blasts. The security officers circled behind Camon, and quickly ushered him into the ship.
"Seal the hatch," Camon ordered. "Wait a second, is Chapath in here?" Camon looked around the corridor. "Chapath, you in here?"
There was no reply.
"Get him to sickbay." Camon carefully removed Shaanon from his shoulder while the waiting medical technicians lowered him onto a stretcher.
Walking toward the entraceway, Camon stopped within a meter before he reached it. He looked through the opening and quickly turned away. The sight was unbearable for him. He swelled in anger and sobbed.
"You goddamn bastards! YOU GODDAMN BASTARDS!"
Chapath's body was literally torn apart by the laser's barrage. As the defeated life fled from his body, he materialized in a twisted mass just outside the ship's entrance.
"Take us home, Katala, take us home." Colonel Richardson leaned against the back of the command chair.
Universe II easily outran the Committee patrol ships. She left Tanett-Prime and the shattered remains of her visit. The Laticians were once again free and en route to Haven. From there, it would be their decision whether to remain with the colonists, or to seek out their own future on a different world.
Katala offered General Profis a shuttle craft if he desired to return to Selet III. They would pass by the planet in a couple of days, so he could make a decision during that time.
Canton had received a second chance to leave the hostile environment of Forneptus IV. He would miss his son, but he rarely spent time with him. Risar had a life of his own to live. Tana disliked the difficulties of life on Forneptus IV, and stood by Canton's decision to join the Haven colony.
The crew gathered for a memorial service the day following their departure from Tanett-Prime. Because of the great number of passengers aboard ship, the service was limited to one hundred and fifty. The engineers had labored through the previous night to make certain all ship's quarters had a functioning view-screen for those who were not able to attend.
Canton found his way to Raton seated at the center of the room. Together, they stood and addressed the crew on Edwin's behalf.
"Everyone here", Raton began, "has given their best effort on this mission. Without the support of each, there's no question - we would have failed.
"There can be no greater injustice than the loss of the personal freedom which we should all be born into. Aron gave his life in an attempt to protect that freedom which was taken from our Latician friends. Though he never realized the eventuality of his involvement, he understood that malignant powers, such as the Committee, must be abolished. His contributions will not be forgotten, and we shall miss him dearly."
Katala approached the two and embraced them. Then turning to the assemblage, she spoke for the colonists. The room remained still. Katala faced the unique combination of races with sadness in her eyes.
"Though Chapath was highly respected and loved throughout the Latician race, he had also befriended and touched the lives of many of the colonists as well.
"One night, not long ago, I heard a song that I'll never forget. I'd never heard anything so beautiful before in all my life. It was a song of mourning, sung by Chapath, Shondath, Gathus and Capricia. I later learned that this was a song dedicated to those lost during the assault on Laticia.
"I asked Chapath if he would teach it to me and he did. Not in the same manner, of course. My thoughts can't produce musical notes like the Laticians do with the betacleff. I have to sing with my mouth.
"Denlar and Tonath have told me a lot about Chapath; a Chapath I've never known. I only knew the final results, the end-product of a lifetime of growth and knowledge. And with that, I can honestly say that I'll miss him dearly. His death came while he was trying to save another life, and that's what I admired most in him . . . his simple, pure and selfless motives. My heart grieves in his loss with those he's left behind.
"Even though I can't create the same sounds, I'd like to sing the song Chapath taught me, in his honor." Katala lowered her head and spoke softly, "This one's for you, my dear friend."
Katala began to sing. Though not resulting in the same sounds Latician's accomplish with the aid of the betaclef, the song was equally beautiful in every respect. Chapath's friends were visibly moved by her performance.
Denlar raised a small, black box before him. Quietly, he began to sing with Katala. Gradually, the Laticians attending the service, and those watching from their quarters, joined Katala in the song. The ship resounded with indescribable warmth and peace, touching the hearts of all aboard her.
HAVEN
"Good morning, Haven," Katala greeted her friends from several hundred parsecs across the universe.
"Good morning, Universe II," Contanella's voice returned the greeting. "How are you, Katie?"
"Tired, Conts. Real tired. I'll be happy to get home tomorrow and take a few days visiting that island you keep telling me about."
"You sound like you need it. So how's everyone else today?"
"Shaanon's supposed to be released from sickbay sometime today. He's doing much better. I'm still stuck with the center seat until we land. The doctors won't let him return to duty for at least a week."
"Stuck, huh? I'll bet you're lovin' every minute of it."
"Well, it's okay," Katala laughed. "If all goes well, Edwin will be released from sickbay tomorrow. He and his wife are looking forward to meeting you all."
"Well, I should think so."
"I told them how you named our sun after yourself. You better be ready, Conts, they're expecting to meet a goddess."
"I won't let them down, Katala, I promise."
"I know you won't. How are the shelters coming?"
"Slow, but it'd be a lot slower without the Minotians helping out. If there's three hundred and seven new colonists to accommodate, we've got a lot more to do than just provide shelters for them."
"Help is on the way, Conts . . . except for me, that is. I'm gonna hide on the island while you guys tend to it."
Katala readied the ship's log-tape for transmission so that Haven would have a detailed account of Universe II's daily activities and progress. She sent the log then bid farewell to her friend back on Haven. Communications had never been better thanks to a little Minotian named Dobid. Katala lifted herself from the command chair to begin her routine, but always eventful, stroll around the ship.
Captain Gibbons stood at attention as she waited for Colonel Satch to recognize her. Her fellow shipmates ignored her conscientious behavior, glaring at her as they waited in the Colonel's quarters.
"I've read the report, Captain Gibbons," the Colonel said, "anything else you want to add to it?"
"No sir, it's all there." Captain Gibbons gave no indication that she was neither happy to see the Colonel, nor upset with him. That's what she wanted. The perfect soldier - no emotions. Just answer the questions and carry on with one's duty.
"Very well. You're all dismissed, except you, Captain."
The Committee soldiers gave a tenous salute, then abandoned their captain to Colonel Satch.
"Shela?" He searched her eyes, expecting an immediate explanation for the uncertainty she was conveying towards him.
"Yes, Colonel?"
"What's wrong, Shela?" Now he was certain of her anger, but its cause was still a mystery.
"You really don't know, do you?"
"Know what? What is it I'm supposed to know?"
Shela collected her thoughts, not wanting to reveal her love for him. "They made a fool of me, Mark. The least you could have done was allow me the dignity to exact my revenge."
"You mean go back to the Deltous sector? You can't be serious!"
"You're damn right I'm serious! If I have to take a leave of absence to fly out there alone, then that's what I'll do."
"You'll get your revenge, Shela. I've got two ships following right be . . . "
Shela held up her hand and interrupted him. "So why am I not on one of them?"
"Because I need you here, that's why."
"Need me, or want me?"
"Both. Dammit, I've missed you, Shela. Now you want to go traipsing off again on another mission. I thought we had something." The Colonel looked away. "I thought you loved me."
"I thought you loved me, too."
"I do," he turned back to face her, "and I want to keep you."
"Then let me go. We can both go. Your ship has the same cloak screen as the two that are out there now," she pleaded with all the determination she could muster. It was a reasonable request. After all, Mark would be with her the whole time.
Colonel Satch thought over her proposal. There was really no reason why he couldn't go with her in search of the renegade colonists who had humiliated not only her, but the entire Committee. If anything, the time together would be of benefit to their teetering relationship. And besides, he had wanted to keep his distance from Shela's sister as well. Darlett was little more than a bother, he thought. The affair wasn't worth the distress she put him through.
"Alright. We'll go. First thing in the morning."
"Thank you, Mark. Thank you for caring enough about me to see my point of view."
"I do care, Shela." He held her as if he would never let her leave his side.
The following morning, Colonel Satch selected a crew to serve aboard his ship, then left Tanett to meet with the two preceding ships already on their way to the Deltous sector. His was one of five in the Committee's fleet equipped with an impenetrable cloaking screen, acquired by an unknown designer. The screen was created in such a way that it enabled the detection of other cloaked vessels or planetoids, while it kept the user completely invisible. In operation, the cloaking screen was beyond their understanding; but it was enough that it performed flawlessly.
Universe II glided into the Deltous sector, then home to Haven. Five thousand kilometers behind, a mere stone's throw in the cosmos, two Committee battleships watched their scanners closely, pinpointing her exact landing coordinates.
Haven was an invisible world to the vast majority of vessels that might happen upon that sector of the galaxy. Contanella Napes had seen to that. Her planetary cloak screen had been tested against every conceivable scanning device known to Selet III, Forneptus IV, and their mother world, Rinoltt. Unfortunately, many other races of beings existed throughout the universe, some with technologies far advanced from any Contanella could imagine. It made no difference if some of these races had been extinct for hundreds of years; their devices were still occasionally discovered scattered about on isolated planets.
The Committee was indeed fortunate to acquire certain of these advanced technologies. The secrecy of these discoveries was perhaps their greatest weapon. Absolutely no one would know of the two battleships hovering just minutes away from Haven. There they kept a watchful eye on the colonist's world until Colonel Satch would arrive, one week later.