Annals of the Keepers - Rage Page 14

  Upon landing, all of them got off and assembled.

  The sergeant came forward. “Lead the way, director.”

  Shawna walked toward the gates and the inner walled complex.

  The security personnel had their weapons drawn.

  They came to the lift of the now-empty landing pad from which the transport had taken off.

  Fresh smoke still lingered in the air.

  Everyone got on the lift and ascended towards the top.

  “Come in, Captain Ronclar,” Shawna broadcast over her comms. “Come in. Please respond.”

  “Sergeant, contact the orbital station. Have them track down and contact the captain. Make sure they don’t target–”

  Shawna gasped.

  The shock on her face signaled to the group what she was looking at.

  At the far end of the platform was the prone body of Captain Ronclar.

  The group of four ran over.

  Shawna slipped and fell as she got to the captain.

  There was a pool of blood under the body that ran a few feet to the edge of the landing pad.

  The sergeant grabbed Shawna’s arm to help her back to her feet, then moved and knelt to inspect the wrist of the captain for a pulse, as the throat of the victim was torn out.

  “He’s gone,” he declared.

  Tears welled up in Shawna’s eyes. “What happened here?”

  The sergeant looked around, noticing footprints in the blood leading to a side stairwell. “Wolves.”

  “What?” She approached the edge of the platform, looking down over the stairs. “I thought they wouldn’t attack Humans?”

  “Unless they were threatened,” the sergeant said, pointing to a sidearm next to the body. “He didn’t know, director. They startled him.”

  Shawna looked up to the sky. “Then who’s on that ship?”

  “I’ll contact delta station, director. I need you back at camp. We’re losing light fast and I don’t want anyone out here until we figure out what’s going on.”

  “What about the captain?”

  “I’ll have my men attend to the body.”

  She shook her head, understanding but still in shock, Shawna turned away from the sergeant, not wanting to break down at the situation before her.

  “Are you alright, director?” the sergeant inquired.

  “I’m fine. All of this is sudden and confusing.”

  “I understand, but I need you back at base camp.”

  “Yes, sergeant. Of course.”

  Shawna glanced away from the platform to the tree line in the distance.

  The daylight was waning and twilight was taking hold over the terrain.

  Before she turned to leave, she spotted the alpha wolf, which was standing near the forest’s edge just as before.

  She looked on, making eye contact before seeing the wolf recede into the foliage.

  It was the same look it gave her when she first encountered the large creature.

  Why did it spare her and kill the captain? Did he try and shot it?

  And what was the captain doing with the cargo ship in the first place?

  It was all so puzzling, she thought.

  All these and many more questions crossed Shawna’s mind.

  What was going on here?

  She needed to contact the Ordinance and let them know what transpired here.

  She turned, not looking at her friend’s body when she exited the platform, heading back to base instead wanting to remember him as he lay dead.

  Data Cell 22

  The blinking moths exploded.

  Whatever Yren had given us was working.

  Mistuuk’s mouth still hung open, his eyes wide and staring in awe at the dancing decorated lights.

  Kayasa looked like she was about to pass out, eyes heavy and head swaying.

  The smoking colored pots above the fire swirled together around the room.

  The image of the Earth, during the time of the Gashnee visit, appeared.

  This I knew from the recovered Annals from the Adytum that Parejas declassified, but I was getting a firsthand account of it thanks to our new friends.

  I could hear Yren speak above the painted imagery in the air, her voice resonant.

  “The Gashnee Emissaries visited your planet, giving you the technology that allowed your kind to escape the Kryth Mahr’s invasion ten years later. This was not by chance.”

  I could also see the Gashnee.

  Through the smoke, the mysterious race emerged for the first time.

  They were around two meters tall.

  Their bodies were covered in flowing garments, but I could see their wide chests and broad shoulders.

  The heads and faces were harder to see through the haze, but I could make out elongated and tapered faces. The eyes were angled, going up away from the cheek bones, and were wide and large. They were an incandescent blue with wisps of white swirls around the pupil.

  The Gashnee were strange to say the least.

  The nose was almost flat, just outlined enough to recognize the common feature among most bipeds.

  The smoke flashed to another scene.

  A massive wormhole opened, with what looked to be a Gashnee fleet entering through it, thousands upon thousands of ships joined, and then it closed.

  Yren continued her story, “The Gashnee fled their galaxy of origin, based on the prophecy of stardust, as it has been told throughout time and space. Their choice was to trust the prophecy handed down to them by the Ancients, or to be no more. Their race was dying out, again foretold in the stars.”

  The smoke churned and formed a double helix, a DNA strand hanging in the center of the room. Yren spoke, “Even their advanced technology could not cure them from the genetic degradation that was occurring within their ancient bodies. Over the centuries, the Gashnee’s cells were breaking down, generation by generation, they were ceasing to exist.”

  Appearing behind the strand were twenty-four bi-pedal races.

  There were Kryth Mahr, Cuukzen, Vrae, Mertiklask, and others.

  I could see my own race. People standing around.

  As each being came through the colored smoke, the double helix broke apart and swarmed towards each representative, meshing with their bodies until they glowed, then vanished.

  Yren was humming or chanting an unknown song as this scene played out before us.

  “M-Ty Mor-ee K-yan Osor-ta. M-Ty Mor-ee K-yan Osor-ta. M-Ty Mor-ee K-yan Osor-ta.”

  Her eyes opened.

  “The Gashnee’s genetic composition would be dispersed among these twenty-four known interconnected races. They hoped the prophecies spoke true as to a way of a cure for their race. Each strand would serve each race’s growth throughout the millennia. Once the Osor-ta finalized in one of the twenty-four races, the Gashnee would return to become the host race and continue the prophecy of the stardust as promised to them by the Ancients.”

  She looked at me. “Your race, Rels, is the one the Osor-ta has chosen. Your race is to become the Gashnee from the one in the time, many.”

  It was at this point that Mistuuk’s big head slumped against my shoulder.

  My eyelids were heavy.

  I understood, I thought, what Yren was saying.

  The blinking moths exploded into DNA strands.

  My head hurt as it swirled around the room.

  I could see Kayasa leaning against the wall near the corner.

  She was attractive, for a Vrae, even with the drool running out her mouth.

  Why am I noticing this now?

  I felt a warming surge go through my body.

  The room turned upside down.

  Everything was a blur.

  My mouth was dry.

  I’ve been here before.

  Damn Kentucky whiskey.

  That feeling of passing out.

  Why does this keep happening to–

  ∞∞∞

  “Hey, Rels. Wake up.”

  Well, that wasn’t the dream I wa
s having.

  Mistuuk’s voice came in like a pack of mopas; rough and annoying.

  He was right in my ear.

  “Can you hear me, Rels?”

  “Yeah…yeah. Back up, you little pudge.” I swooshed my arm towards him, shooing him away. “I’m up. What’s going on?”

  My head was pounding.

  Yren’s elixir was strong. I need to remember to ask her for some. You never know when stuff like that could come in handy.

  “This is your fault, Human,” the Vrae said.

  I opened my eyes, trying to make out the face of our charming traveling companion.

  Swirling colors, then blinding light. I closed them again. “Wow, that’s bright.”

  I opened them once more to see flashing lights right in front of me. “Hey. Get the bot out of my face.”

  “She just wanted to say hello, Rels. Blink hasn’t seen you since she was powered down.”

  “I wish I could say the feeling was mutual. Hello, Blink. Go away.”

  The bot moved back.

  I turned to Kayasa. “What do you mean it’s my fault?”

  “The Xty female said your race will be part of the Gashnee when they return, Human. That’s why it’s your fault.”

  “Oh, that makes sense. But do you have to call me ‘Human’ every time? Can’t you just call me Rels already?”

  Kayasa just crossed her arms at me.

  I guess that’s a no.

  “Yeah, Rels. You’re connected to the Gashnee. That’s not good,” Mistuuk chimed in.

  “Thanks, buddy.”

  Now our Xty guest entered the small room we were in.

  “We don’t have much time. We need to move you as soon as we can,” Yren said.

  “Why? What’s going on?”

  Yren seemed on edge. “We found one of our sentries dead about an hour ago, along with some tracks. It looks like the stone giants and the honor guard are searching for you.”

  “Who’s the honor guard?” I asked.

  “They’re Xty loyalists to the Ancients. They still think that I am part of that loyalty. I can’t be found out, for the safety of the resistance. Your destiny lies on the other side of the galaxy, Rels, not here. You must make it back to help your people fight the coming Gashnee incursion.”

  I stood up. All of this was moving way too fast for my liking. “Okay, wait. I understand what I saw in the smoke, the Gashnee returning to reclaim what was promised to them by some ancient prophecy, but why me?”

  Yren stepped up closer to me.

  Her eyes pierced mine with purpose and finality, “Because you searched us out. This was not by chance. The prophecies state that the host race is the Osor-ta, the everlasting life for the Gashnee; or, everlasting sleep if the time of stardust is not met. Your race can stop the Gashnee, Rels. The prophecy can end and the galaxy can be spared from this eternal darkness which now approaches us all.”

  Well, that was a little overwhelming. “Yren, why are the Gashnee–”

  “We’ll have time to speak later. We must get you all to a safer place. Come, follow me. It will be star-rise soon. We need to move before then.” Yren turned and left the small hovel under the tree.

  We all followed her out of the subterranean passage we had come down hours before.

  ∞∞∞

  I could see more of the forest as we exited from Yren’s tree haven.

  The soft light of dawn pushed against the darkness along the horizon. The brighter stars still twinkled overhead through the tree canopy as the night phase of the planet was giving way to morning.

  “Looks like everyone’s up,” I said.

  The warriors, led by Yrontik, approached.

  Yren and Yrontik began a private conversation in their own strange language.

  Mistuuk stepped up to my side. “So what are you thinking, Rels?”

  “I’m thinking of a stronteg beef sandwich right now.”

  The little guy was perplexed by my answer.

  “I don’t think they have strontegs around this place…” Mistuuk put his hand to his chin. “Oh, I see. You’re not really thinking of sandwiches right now, are you, Rels?”

  “Gooood. You’re getting the hang of sarcasm now; and, no, I’m not thinking of sandwiches. Well, a little now, but no.”

  “He’s thinking how he got us into this predicament,” the Vrae pitched in.

  “Oh. Still blaming me for all this, huh?” I approached her. “We didn’t drag you down that tube or shove you through that one-way door now did we? If I remember correctly, you followed us. You should be thanking me, if anything, for saving your life.” I turned away from her.

  “I should be thanking you, Human?”

  I sighed.

  Can she at least curse my name? Just once? Is that too much to ask for?

  “Yes.” I turned back to face her. “Thanking me. I could have left you with those tree creatures and the squid-darts instead of dragging your unconscious body around.” I got close to her, my face centimeters from hers. “You Vrae are not the brightest beings by any means.”

  Her eyes blazed with rage.

  I’ve seen that look plenty of times before, followed by a good slap to the face.

  Good thing customs are different among alien rac–

  She backhanded me.

  Okay, maybe not all customs.

  That one hurt more than most.

  Mistuuk’s mouth parted as he stood between us watching.

  Before I could counterattack with my charm, I felt a presence; as if the eyes of the whole forest were upon us.

  Because they were.

  I turned to look.

  Every Xty was watching.

  “Nothing here. Just normal sentient greetings from one race to another,” I said.

  “Rels, Yrontik is going to get all of you to a secure location,” Yren said. “We just had to make sure the route was clear as to not jeopardize the resistance enclave there.”

  Yrontik nodded.

  “He will give you weapons to take along your journey.”

  “How long will it take, Yren?”

  “Half a day to cross from here to the Twin Tears.”

  “Twin Tears?” I asked.

  “Waterfalls. Near the great drop-off of the river that feeds the ancient temple of Gnotok to the south,” Yren responded before gesturing to Yrontik.

  Yrontik put a wooden whistle up to his lips and blew.

  No sound came from the instrument.

  A few moments later, the ground began to tremble and three large quadruped creatures lumbered up the path to our location.

  They weren’t as large as the horned riding beasts, but were still big and looked like nothing I’d ever seen.

  At least, nothing I’d ever seen from my side of the galaxy.

  Their fur was the first thing that stood out.

  It was rough, almost rigid, and colored like the bark of a tree.

  Nice camouflage.

  It seemed every creature we encountered had some connection to the jungle, in some form or fashion.

  Their front legs were longer than the back legs.

  On each front paw, there were two large, hooked claws. Each about as thick as my arm.

  The other claws were large, but not rounded at the ends like these two were.

  Their heads were small and round for the size of their bodies.

  Their eyes were round and dark, blending in with their fur.

  Despite all that, they looked docile.

  One’s pink tongue flicked out.

  Yren approached. “These galony will take you to our encampment.”

  It was then that I noticed the strange saddle on the backs of these wooded fur-beasts.

  “How do I ride them?” I asked.

  “You ride prone, tight to their back,” Yren said moving towards the creatures. “Your arms will insert into the saddle slots on either side, as will your legs. This keeps you close to the creature as it swings through the trees.”

  “E
xcuse me?”

  “That’s how they move. They’re tree swingers.”

  “Tree swingers? Like, swing high above the ground, from tree to tree?”

  “That’s what she said, Rels. I can’t wait.” Mistuuk beamed, his eyes wide. He was bouncing with excitement.

  “You’re not afraid of heights are you, Human?” Kayasa said with ease, strolling up to my side.

  “Did you see me have any issues with the ore buckets?”

  She smirked.

  I knew the game she was playing.

  It was getting on my nerves.

  I saw Yrontik speak to Yren.

  Yren nodded to her warrior before turning back to us.

  “You three need to go now. There isn’t much time. The galony know the way to the enclave. They will get you there safe.”

  “Not enough time for what, Yren?” I asked.

  My answer came.

  An explosion echoed through the dense foliage of the jungle.

  Everyone turned in the direction.

  “They’re coming. Now go,” Yren said.

  “What about you, Yren?” Mistuuk asked.

  “We will stay behind with Yrontik and his warriors. We will hold them off until you escape.”

  “We can help, Yren,” I offered.

  “No. You must go now.” She approached me. “We will meet again, Advocate.”

  The explosions drew much closer now.

  Yrontik’s men ran past us, heading into the dense jungle leaves with staffs, spears, and bows ready.

  We each climbed onto our galony creatures.

  The saddle was what Yren had said, it held tight to the body and was made for the rider to lie down on their belly.

  My hands held onto handles deep within the leather arm coverings.

  My legs found the leather leg holsters which came up to the knee. I buckled them closer to a snug fit.

  I couldn’t get any closer to this animal if I tried, and I just discovered a new smell as well.

  Chalk that one up as one of the best I’ve inhaled.

  I’d rather sleep with a pack of wild rontok mud-suckers than to inhale this foul stench. The mud-suckers urinate through their skin and they still smelled better than this thing.

  I imagined putting up with the arid smell for a day’s journey as I saw the looks on my companion’s faces.

  Mistuuk’s eyes were watering as he tried strapping Blink to the back of the galony, keeping his head up and away from the animal as far as possible, almost toppling over due to his extended stretch.