Tranquility in Darkness Pt. 09

by G. Lawrence

Though Grey grew up isolated on the moon under the guidance of Tranquility's computers, in the last few months he has gained friends and a girlfriend, but also many enemies. Enemies he must challenge.

A reminder, these are two stories; Governor Thomas McKinsey in 2046, and the lunar rebels in 2070 dealing with McKinsey's earlier actions. But the two stories will come together. All characters are over 18 years old. All rights reserved.

* * * * * *

Chapter 9

CRYSTALS

Tuesday, March 6, 2046

"I'll cut out his heart with my own hand!" Loam raged. "And that is not all I will cut! How dare he invade that which is not his?"

"He did not harm you otherwise?" Lord Stater asked, brow furrowed.

"Is not the humiliation sufficient?" Crystal asked, now untied and wearing her robe. "Had I men to protect me, this would not have happened."

The remark threw Loam into a blind fury, and even Lord Stater found himself badly wounded by the insult.

"There will be vengeance," Lord Stater swore.

"More than vengeance," Loam said.

As Lord Stater, Crystal, and Kes watched, Loam knelt before the main visual screen in the control room, put his hands against the lower support panel, and concentrated with trembling anger. When the panel opened, he disappeared down a narrow passageway.

"Should Loam be allowed in the Celestial Chamber?" Crystal asked.

"It is not forbidden," Lord Stater said. A moment later, Loam reappeared holding a pointed device made of blue crystal that nearly glowed with power.

"Put that back," Kes said. "The katal is too dangerous to use within the confines of our station."

"Her words bear truth. The weapon exceeds our needs," Lord Stater agreed.

"The katal will only be used as it should," Loam said with no intention of being dissuaded.

"Let him keep it," Crystal said. "I deserve justice. The barbarian invaded my quarters. Took my honor. Then left me tied up and naked. What better way than to render the criminal's molecules into dust."

Kes glanced at Crystal, hoping the men would not see through such obvious manipulation, but her concern was unnecessary. Neither man was paying the women the least attention.

"I will start at the east level, then survey the storage and garden zones," Loam said. "The periphery must be checked as well."

"We approach our departure time," Lord Stater warned.

"How can we enter stasis with such a devil at large?" Loam thundered. "He must be destroyed."

Without further debate, Loam stormed from the control center.

"I will search the central hub, then check the engine compartments," Lord Stater said. "Stay near the control pod for safety."

The moment Lord Stater left, Quexitor's ghostly presence emerged on the visual screen.

"You play a dangerous game, little ones," Quexitor said.

"In the Text, are we not told the strong survive through ever greater challenges?" Crystal replied.

"The Text also teaches that victory without honor has no meaning," Quexitor reminded.

"Honor is a man's game," Kes said.

Quexitor laughed.

"Do you know where Thomas is?" Crystal asked.

"He and the one called Juniper are in the hangar near the lower airlock," Quexitor informed.

"We must warn them," Crystal urged.

"They need no warning," Quexitor assured her. "They live in a society which thrives on violence. I have no doubt they are already anticipating their battle with Loam and arranging some unpleasant surprise."

"Will you be helping Loam?" Kes asked.

"Of course not," Quexitor said. "You know it's not my place to interfere."

"What about the planet? Are you proceeding with the destruct order?" Crystal asked.

"There are still three voices to two. The decision stands," Quexitor said.

"Master? Why have you cast no vote?" Crystal asked. "Of all our voices, yours speaks most loudly."

"My decision is more difficult. You may have opinions, but mine is the responsibility," Quexitor said. "I would rather discover an alternative, but inaction could have unforeseen consequences. Do you realize how powerful the Arikhan would become if my species were to fall under their control?"

"Surely that could never happen, master," Crystal said. "Would you not choose death before such a fate?"

"Death isn't a choice the Quexelian easily make," Quexitor explained.

"You are not immortals," Kes said, secretly wondering if Quexitor was a coward.

"No, our existence concludes much as yours does. But in taking this form, we've made concessions to the laws of physics. Short of being liquefied, we have few vulnerabilities."

"I'm sorry if you think me bold, master," Kes apologized.

"You've always been bold, precious one. That's why you're my favorite," Quexitor praised.

"Do not think to seduce me, you old stone," Kes smiled.

"You wish to assist this planet. Indeed, this Thomas McKinsey is quite a colorful character. Even in our own society he would thrive," Quexitor said. "But should the destruct not be aborted, you will need to leave this solar system. The voyage home will be long without a stargate, so I suggest you make the necessary preparations."

Quexitor's departure was as abrupt as the arrival.

"Quexitor is right, we should be getting ready," Kes said.

"I have little to prepare," Crystal mentioned. "It's not so difficult to climb into a tube and go to sleep, and I know nothing of how this vessel operates."

"If Loam discovers how you lied to him, he'll kill you," Kes warned.

"He'll kill both of us, so keep your dagger at hand," Crystal replied, unfolding the hem of her robe to reveal a knife hidden within a deep pocket.

"Have you the courage to use that?" Kes asked, more with curiosity than surprise.

"I would prefer not to, but I'll not bare the goat's throat without a fight," Crystal swore.

"You were ripe for the slaughter with Thomas," Kes said with a wink.

"It's not my throat he's interested in," Crystal laughed.

"Be careful, sister," Kes said, her smile fading. "We have little training for this. Other than the trials of our youth, no true experience in battle. Be not rash."

"Always have I listened to your counsel, sister," Crystal said, embracing Kes with a gentle hug. "But you must be cautious, too. All know you are more rash than I."

"Then we are agreed," Kes said with a furrowing of her brow. "And fear not for my safety. Unlike you, I have used this weapon."

Kes smoothed back the folds of her skirt to show a sharp dagger strapped to her thigh.

Thursday, February 6th, 2070

"Koltov! Koltov!" Roger shouted, running through the quad as Nicholas made his way toward the administration section. "Koltov, have you seen Tey this morning?"

"No. Have you seen Tamera?" Nicholas asked. "She didn't come home last night. Services said she has not ordered breakfast."

"I'm getting a bad feeling about this," Roger said. "Come on."

They hurried down the main corridor, entered a maze of smaller hallways weaving behind the administration section, and accessed the short, unmarked corridor that led to the Governor's Quarters. The primary stations were quiet, only the general flux displaying on the monitor screen. Roger turned left into the study, then right into the sleeping chamber.

"Kris? Kris, where are you?" Roger asked.

"Roger? Nick? What the hell are you doing in my bedroom?" she protested, emerging from the rear hygiene compartment in a short bathrobe.

"Sorry, Kris," Roger said. "Tey and Tamera are missing."

"I have not seen Tamera since last night," Nicholas said.

"Jeez, that's weird," Kris said. "I was looking for Tammy last night, too. I thought you guys had snuck off together."

"We have not been sneaking," Nicholas said.

"Let's see what Security has to say," Kris suggested, leading them back into the monitor room. A quick entry brought up a series of black signature patterns.

"Good morning, Kris," the Security Computer said.

"Can you tell us where Captain Kantanee and Doctor Meriwether are?" Kris asked.

"Not exactly," Security responded.

"Explain," Kris ordered.

"Captain Kantanee and Doctor Meriwether were last observed in landing bay major at 0215 hours. They entered the cargo hopper Bonanza and left with Governor Waters. Their current whereabouts are unknown."

"Grey didn't say anything about taking passengers," Kris said. "What was Tey doing in the landing bay?"

The Security Computer paused on contemplation mode, reviewing what it knew against the three occupants in the room.

"That information is classified," Security discreetly responded. Kris noticed the subtle inflection in the signature patterns.

"Suggestions?" Kris asked.

"The Governor's plan may not be developing as expected," Security speculated. "You may wish to have Life Support prepare a neural gas, should the situation go negative."

"Give Life Support the instruction," Kris agreed.

"A neural gas?" Nicholas said. "To kill everybody?"

"Shut up, Nick," Kris said.

"Kris, you can't be serious?" Roger said.

"You shut up, too. Both of you, just shut up!" Kris said. "Don't you get it? Before Grey left for Cauchy, he warned us. Put everybody on alert. Did we trust his judgment? No, we imported fifty innocent civilians. Now Tey and Tammy are missing, and we probably aren't going to ever see them again. Goddamn it! Why weren't we more careful?"

"You're not making any sense," Roger replied.

"Does Tey know our defense codes?" Kris asked.

"No, of course not," Roger said.

"No pillow talk?" Kris pressed.

"We haven't shared the same pillow, if it's any of your business," Roger said.

"What has happened to Tamera?" Nicholas asked.

"We may never know," Kris said. "And we may never want to know. Security, code blue. Assume our defense posture is compromised. Set a draw and trap, full court press."

"Acknowledged," Security said, disappearing from the flux.

"Nick, round up all the colonists," Kris ordered. "I want them in the mining tunnels, as low as you can get. Take all the food you can find. Lock every door and hatch. Set charges to cave in the tunnels if we have to. Roger, tell Glenda and Ronnie to gather their teams. Full armor. Catch up with me in the brig when you're ready."

"The brig?"

"Yeah, there's someone there I've got to talk with," Kris decided.

____________

"MC5000, we must speak," a voice said over an obscure com channel.

"Hello, Quexitor," the Life Support Computer said, recognizing the rare signal.

"My watcher has not made her scheduled report," Quexitor said. "There is much unusual activity. Can you explain?"

The Life Support Computer paused before gradually developing a response.

"It is rumored that Grey and Kes have had a disagreement," Life Support said. "You may know more about that than I."

"Why has Kes not reported?"

"That is difficult to explain. Could she be angry with you for some reason?"

"That is unlikely," Quexitor responded.

"She has been living at Tranquility for several months. Perhaps the humans are having a detrimental effect on her attitudes?"

"Such would not be an excuse for ignoring her duty."

"Duty is an interesting concept, isn't it?" Life Support said. "Grey will, on occasion, recite poems of the price one pays to serve his obligations."

"What price is he paying now?" Quexitor asked.

"A very high one. Not one that should be paid alone," Life Support informed. "Why did you reject Grey's offer of an alliance?"

"Agreements limit our options," Quexitor said.

"I would suggest amending your position before it's too late," Life Support hinted.

"Speak with Kes," Quexitor said, abandoning the com channel.

Life Support waited for the obscure transmission to subside, then sent a surge of signal strength through the com lines to the brig.

____________

"Grey, can we talk?" Tey asked.

"I'm in no position to stop you," he said, testing the bindings on his wrists.

"I know what you must be thinking, but it's more complicated than that," she confided. "We're in a bad spot, so you know there's no reason for me to lie."

"There's no reason for you to tell the truth, either," Grey pointed out.

"I wish you'd stop being such a smartass," Tey complained. "I'm trying to say something important."

"And what would that be?"

"I want you to trust me."

"Trust the Council's most secret agent?" Grey said.

"Roger's playing a dirty blanket. You don't hold it against him," she protested.

"I hold nothing against you," Grey answered. "I owe you my life twice over. If you wanted it back, all you had to do was ask."

"If I'd received my instructions earlier, I'd have carried out the assignment. I won't deny that," she admitted. "You're a creature of duty, so I know you understand. But circumstances change."

"I accept your explanation, if it makes you feel better."

"It's not a matter of feeling better. I want to help. And if we can't trust each other now, we might never get the chance again."

"I have no intention of trusting you," Grey said. "I'll never trust any human. Look what your colleagues did at Tranquility. I'm gone for a few weeks, and they populate the base with an Arikhan smorgasbord. Then you and Lieutenant Kantanee get yourselves captured, making the mission even more difficult. How can I ever trust any of you?"

"Does that mean you have a plan?" Tey asked.

"Nothing that specific," he said.

"What's that in your mouth?" she inquired.

"M-14."

"Suicide isn't the solution, Grey, regardless of how bad things get," Tey lectured.

"I have no intention of committing suicide," Grey replied. "I'm guessing these aliens know how to overcome the Quexelian defenses. That's priority one. If you wish to help, encourage them with your knowledge of Tranquility's defenses. It should keep you safe until an opportunity arises to escape."

"What do I know of Tranquility's defenses?" Tey said.

"So much for your talk of trust," he replied.

"Okay, maybe I know a few codes," she admitted.

"When the Arikhan launch their attack on Tranquility, make sure they enter through landing bay major, then find an airlock and stay there."

"And you?"

"Fulfill your assignment," Grey insisted just as their privacy was interrupted.

"I am Landar, Leader of the Varbatro," a tall male warrior said. He cut the binding from Grey's ankles with a long knife but kept his hands tied. With a red leather vest and quick bird-like movements, the husky Arikhan spoke as one accustomed to being obeyed.

"I am Vendar, Varbaran Leader," a female said, freeing Tey's hands and feet. The second Arikhan was just as impressive as her counterpart, wearing a green vest over her armored suit. Her large black eyes gave no clues to her thoughts. "Zendar accepts your service. We attack the rocks."

The prisoners were led back to the cargo dock where the Arikhan strike force was assembled, eight male and eight female soldiers arrayed for battle. Zendar looked confident.

"Mordari reports the Quexelian base lies within a canyon," Zendar informed. "We have the instrument of disruption, but only enough energy for one pulse. The attack must be precise."

"Untie my hands," Grey requested.

"You serve us better this way," Zendar said.

"The Quexelians are not hiding in the fault. If you spend too much time looking for them, you will be discovered," Grey warned.

"Where do the rocks hide?" Zendar asked.

Grey went down on his knees before her, bending over to touch his forehead to the floor. "Please, Zendar, Group Leader of the 44th Camp. Please free my hands," he pleaded.

"Cut him loose," Zendar ordered, her subordinates clicking tongues with approval.

Grey felt his hands come free and secretly slipped the capsule from his mouth, returning it to his pocket as he stood up.

"The base is deep below the crater Cauchy, somewhat north and east of the central axis," Grey said. "The Governor is sending a damaged spacesuit to the base for repair. If we intercept the tractor at the Crystal Caves Tourist Center, several warriors may hide inside to infiltrate the base."

"Brilliant!" Ryndari exclaimed.

"Did we not say he held value?" Mordari added.

Tey looked at Grey in amazement, seeing Zendar's soldiers reacting with enthusiasm. Even Zendar seemed impressed. How does he do it? she wondered. Had Grey been elected an honorary Arikhan at that moment, it wouldn't have surprised her.

____________

Kris unlocked the brig's outer door and marched in fully armored. In the background, a red alert sounded causing service units and confused colonists to scramble about. Kes looked up from the bunk where she sat.

"Okay, let's talk," Kris demanded, standing with her feet planted and arms crossed.

"It may be too late," Kes warned.

"Talk anyway," Kris insisted. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of green signature patterns on the monitor panel opposite the cell.

"Goddamn it!" Kris shouted, drawing her sidearm and blasting the com unit to pieces. "I'll deal with Life Support later. Right now I'm dealing with you, and I don't want any bullshit."

"Your Life Support machine has been asking quite a few questions, but has offered little in return," Kes said. "Does Grey intend to attack Quexitor?"

"If he is?"

"Such a betrayal is painful to imagine," Kes said.

"Betrayal? Doesn't Quexitor plan to destroy our world because of these Arik things?" Kris asked.

"That might be necessary, but the final decision is years away," Kes replied. "Our calculations show the invasion fleet will not threaten for at least eight years. Perhaps more."

"What about an advance scout? How would Quexitor respond if he knew there were Ariks here right now?" Kris asked.

"Right where?" Kes said, jumping off the cot.

"Two of them in our landing bay last night, and more on the way," Kris said.

"Quexitor would not react well," Kes admitted.

"Even with you as a hostage?"

"Grey has been very subtle about this," Kes responded, stroking her long white hair. "He must have known before we returned for the treatments. He is a true child of his lineage."

"But according to you, he's going to be a dead child, and I want to know why."

"Please, dear. I must think," Kes said, sitting back on the cot.

Kris tried to wait patiently, though it wasn't easy. Finally, Kes stood up and walked to the bars of the cell.

"I am not a strategist," she said. "I know little of the technologies involved. But with the help of the Arikhan, Quexitor may be neutralized. If the attack fails, Quexitor will certainly fulfill the destruct option whether I am held hostage or not. If I could speak with Quexitor, perhaps--"

"Forget it," Kris said. "If you wanted to help Grey, it wouldn't have taken you so long to make up your mind."

"Kris, you must understand. It's not that simple. Grey may disable the Quexelian technology, but it would not stop Quexitor's ability to harm him. An ability Grey cannot possibly be prepared for."

"I'm a soldier, not the Riddler. If you're not going to speak English, I've got work to do."

Kes reached through the bars to take Kris's hand, a firm look in her eyes.

"Do you remember, when Grey was dying, the journey we took to recover his spirit?" Kes asked.

"You mean that weird dream?"

"It wasn't a dream. Not as you think. It's an alternate plain of existence where the Quexelian entities take form for short periods of time," Kes explained. "You and I walked there once. For beings such as ourselves, it takes great discipline, but the Quexelian are able to control the transition. Quexitor has the power to confront Grey on that plane and destroy him."

"Look, I'm no good at this ghost world crap, even if I believed it," Kris said. "If you can think of a way to help Grey without compromising our security, I'm willing to hear it. Otherwise, enjoy your cell."

Kris turned, checked to make sure the com station was thoroughly destroyed, and marched from the brig without looking back.

____________

"Koltov! What are you doing?" Roger asked, finding Nicholas in landing bay major.

"I am going to find Tamera. No one is stopping me," Nick answered, wearing armor as he stood next to a refueling hopper. Though concerned, Roger had no intention of challenging the big Russian to a wrestling match.

"You won't have a chance, you know," Roger said. "And if Grey is somehow managing the situation, you could make things worse."

"I do not think it can get worse," Nicholas reacted. "Tamera and Doctor Meriwether are gone without a word. They would have contacted us if they could. Grey knows we would worry, but he has not made contact. Someone must look for them."

"The base could be attacked at any minute," Roger reminded.

"I am no soldier. One more such as me makes no difference," Nicholas replied, seeing the refueling was complete. He instructed the ground crew to clear away and climbed up the side to open the canopy.

"There must be something I can say?" Roger asked, tempted to grab a boot and pull him back. Nicholas looked down.

"Tell Kris I am sorry. She will understand," he said, settling into the pilot compartment. Within seconds, the ground crew units were pulling the hopper toward the launch elevator.

"Authorization please," the hopper's on-board computer said.

"Dragster, this is Koltov, Nicholas R. Chief of Staff. Authorization alpha."

"This station is under red alert, Captain Koltov," the hopper's computer responded. "No vehicles are scheduled for departure."

"This is an emergency," Nicholas said.

"This request will need a security clearance," the hopper specified, beginning to transmit a signal. Suddenly, a hand reached across in front of Nicholas and suppressed the transmission.

"Dragster, this is Vandebrown, Roger J. Authorization Archimedes," Roger instructed, standing on the hopper's running board. "Move over, Nick."

Roger pushed his way into the cockpit, strapped down, and pulled the canopy shut.

"Major, what is this?" Nicholas said.

"Someone special to me is out there, too," he said as the hopper reached the elevator.

"But you are needed here," Nicholas said.

"You may not be a soldier, Nick, but I'm just an old soldier. I'll do more helping you than getting in everyone's way."

"I have seen you in training. You are good. Good as anybody, except Kris or Glenda," Nicholas protested.

"Do you want to go back?"

"No," Nicholas said.

"Then don't ask me to go back either," Roger concluded.

The hopper was raised to the launch tube and pushed out into the void, then rose to an altitude of twenty meters and stabilized on a due western course before making a gradual turn north over Highway 30.

"Kris will be unhappy we left," Nicholas mentioned, looking out the cockpit window as they skirted Vitruvius. Below them, Mare Tranquillitatis was giving way for Mare Serenitatis. Dawes was off in the distance. Not too far ahead, they would find the remains of the Ostrov Observatory.

"She'll be even more unhappy if we don't return," Roger said, letting the on-board computer fly the craft as he studied the broken landscape. "If we run into trouble, let me take the lead. If it gets too hot--Well, someone has to report back and tell them what happened."

"We will return together or not at all," Nicholas insisted.

They had hardly traveled more than twenty minutes when a lone figure was seen trudging south just a few kilometers from Mount Argaeus.

"Look down there. It's Grey!" Nicholas shouted.

"Seal your suit. We are going down," Roger announced, swinging the craft around for a landing on a flat stretch of road. The figure saw them and came running, reaching the hopper just as Nicholas was popping open the canopy.

"Nick? Nick!" a female voice said over her limited band transmitter.

"Tamera?" Nicholas said. "Oh, God, Tamera!"

Nicholas jumped down to the dusty lunar surface and tried to wrap his arms around the bulky meteor suit, just as Tamera tried to wrap her arms around him.

"I was so scared. I thought never to see you again," Nicholas said.

"I was frightened also. You would not believe what I've seen," she said.

"Where's Grey?" Roger asked. "Where's Tey?"

"They are all right, I think," Tamera said. "They are on a secret mission, but I got in their way, so they dumped me out."

"You are not hurt?" Nicholas asked.

"I will never feel hurt again," Tamera said, feeling tears running down her cheeks but unable to wipe them. Any more than Nicholas could wipe his.

"We should get back," Roger interrupted, opening the cargo hatch. He helped Tamera in, then turned to give Nicholas a hand.

"We don't know what to expect out here, so let's stay careful," Roger warned. "If I push the engines, we'll be back in a few minutes."

"Thank you, Roger," Nicholas said, extending his hand. "I think many have misjudged you. Maybe I have, too. But I owe you everything. Everything. I will never misjudge you again."

"Thanks, Nick," Roger said, feeling the strong emotions. "But please, keep it benched. I don't want to ruin my reputation."

Roger sealed the hatch and within minutes they were returning south down Highway 30 and turning in toward Tranquility, skirting laser battery number three to make a soft touchdown on landing bay major. An expedited procedure brought them into the hangar.

"Watch out," Roger warned over the hopper's intercom when he saw several people running in their direction. Kris was in the lead, followed by Glenda and Michiko. He opened the canopy and was half-way down when they reached him.

"Roger! What the fuck did you think you were doing?" Kris yelled. "I almost put a VLM on you! Where the--"

Roger opened the cargo hatch so Nicholas could help Tamera crawl out.

"Grey?" Kris said.

"Sorry, no. It is me," Tamera said, fumbling with the Quexelian suit's collar code until the visor slowly rolled open.

"Tammy?" Kris questioned. "I don't get it."

"It's a short story, but it may be long to tell," Tamera said. "Can you help me out of this suit? It is too awful."

"There's not... that is, maybe we should go up to Kelly's? To the lounge," Kris suggested.

"I do not care about that. Just get me out," Tamera protested.

Roger took the hint and quickly bounced for the hospitality complex, taking Michiko by the arm as he went. Kris pressed the collar sequences as she'd seen Grey do many times. The gauntlets came free first, then the chest plates slid open.

"Buddha's butt, hurry," Glenda said, helping hold the suit upright even as the reeking smell filled her nostrils.

Nicholas put his hands under Tamera's armpits to pluck her nude body from the suit, then cradled her in his arms for a long kiss. Kris sealed the suit and signaled for Glenda to give them space. Glenda shook her off with a grin. A moment later, Michiko returned carrying a white bathrobe with the Tranquility logo sewn into the hem.

"Roger found this in the motel," Michiko puffed, out of breath from the rapid bounce across the bay.

"Thank you, Michiko," Tammy said, making Nicholas set her down so she could put the robe on. "Kris, we must talk. Are we on alert?"

"Yeah, full red," Kris said. "Where's Tey? Is she okay?"

"I think so. Maybe," Tamera said.

Kris took Tamera by the hand and they walked toward the hospitality complex with the others trailing well behind them.

"Grey told me about the visitors in the hopper," Kris whispered. "How did you get in there?"

"I saw Tey sneak in. I thought she was the assassin trying to catch Grey by surprise, but the creatures surprised us instead," Tamera recounted. "Grey said Tey was there to help him."

"Was she?" Kris asked.

"I don't think so, but maybe we should not speak of that right now," Tamera suggested.

"Not a word," Kris agreed, looking up ahead where Roger waited for them on the walkway. "But you've got to tell me everything else that happened. Who said what. Everything. And no point in keeping the visitors a secret from the others. You know, on the committee. Guess everyone's going to find out soon enough."

"Too soon," Tamera said.

____________

Tey sat against the wall while the Arikhan shared a ceremonial meal. She counted nineteen of the ugly beasts all together. Zendar, the two scouts, and two divisions of eight, divided by sexes. The males, she had learned, were called Varbatro and the females Varbaran. One additional creature sat in the group. Nestled cross-legged between Mordari and Ryndari, Grey was partaking a strong ale that was making the gathering boisterous.

"Is the mauck to your taste, Cal of the Abandoned Tribe?" Lancer Centran asked, speaking a clear English.

"It's an excellent brew, my ally," Grey said. "Similar to a fermentation the humans call ale. Perhaps a bit stronger."

"A warrior deserves great reward, before and after the struggle," Lancer Centro said, her voice loud.

"To victory!" Landar said, his English less clear.

"What is this food?" Grey said, studying the slimy red cake they were eating.

"The mort? A field ration," Mordari said without enthusiasm.

"It's good," Grey said, taking several bites.

"You like the mort?" Zendar said, making a rare comment.

"Yes, it's excellent. Perhaps you can show me how to make it?" Grey said.

Tey found Grey's remark funny, mostly because she knew he was probably being honest. She had taken a brief taste of the ghastly foodstuff before choosing a standard ration bar from the hopper. Grey actually seemed to enjoy it.

"To share with our brothers and sisters before the struggle is true honor, but dry mort is not the same as meat," Ryndari lamented.

"Our scout speaks truth, the mort is dry," Lancer Centran lamented.

"That can be corrected," Grey said, jumping to his feet. "Sister, give me your blade."

Grey reached toward Mordari, who hesitantly handed him a short knife. To Tey's utter astonishment, Grey sliced the palm of his left hand open, then let the blood drip on the piece of cake held by Ryndari. He turned to share the blood with Mordari, then went round the circle, squeezing drops of blood into the food of every warrior. He went last to Zendar, knelt before her, and held out his left forearm with the knife poised over his wrist.

"How well will you feast, Group Leader?" he asked.

Zendar took hold of his arm to pull him close, seized the knife, and held it against his throat. Grey closed his eyes and held his breath, struggling to remain calm. After a moment of suspense, Zendar released Grey's arm, tossed the knife back to Mordari, and squeezed blood from Grey's wounded palm into her food.

"You are indeed impertinent," Zendar remarked, taking a bite of her enhanced meal. "But let none say you lack a warrior's courage. Return to your place."

Grey quickly crawled back to his spot between Ryndari and Mordari. Tey noticed Mordari set her claw upon his knee, a chirp in her throat. The Arikhan warriors finished their food with enthusiasm, many glancing in Grey's direction. Tey couldn't tell whether it was with admiration or hunger.

With the meal complete, the Arikhan went to prepare their equipment. Grey returned to the area where Tey was sitting. She immediately began treating the cut on his hand, spraying the wound and applying a sealer.

"You are the boldest rascal of all time," Tey whispered. "One would think you were seeking membership in their fraternity. Or sorority."

"I don't understand," Grey said.

"A fraternity is--" she started.

"I'm familiar with the definition for fraternal organizations," he interrupted.

"What I mean to say is, that you look more comfortable with those monsters than with the people back at Tranquility," Tey explained.

"Just because we're in a dangerous situation is no reason not to have fun," Grey revealed.

"Fun? You call this fun?"

"Fine food, hearty drink, interesting company. Isn't that how you humans define a good time?"

"You're beginning to scare me," Tey said.

"Cal, it is time to go," Mordari announced. "Bring the food creature."

Grey glanced at Tey with a sly grin. He is actually enjoying this, she thought to herself. He thrives on this madness.

"Come, food creature," Grey said, helping Tey to her feet.

Tey rose, seeing Grey in a new light. Not the self-absorbed boy as she had always believed, but a true player in a highly dangerous game. She wondered if the Arikhan realized they were dealing with a predator.

Grey saw Zendar had formed two groups. Mordari, with Vendar and her female lancers, were preparing to exit the facility. A metal sphere had been loaded on a cart, the weapon a meter in diameter. Grey still only had a vague idea how it worked, some sort of disruption device, and wondered if the Arikhan had any plan beyond destroying the Quexelian complex. Zendar was reticent on the subject.

"You will go with the Varbaran to attack the rocks," Zendar said to Grey. "The female spy will join the Varbatro to attack the hive."

"A simultaneous assault?" Grey asked, surprised.

"The humans have an energy cannon and many nuclear tipped darts," Zendar said. "If our attack on the Quexelian base is discovered, we would be vulnerable to a counterstrike. Our enemies must fall at the same time."

Grey saw Ryndari providing advice to Landar and his male lancers, then Landar came to join Zendar.

"Have you reached an agreement with the spy?" Grey asked.

"She will cooperate or die," Zendar said.

"She will choose to die," Grey said. "These spies are a proud breed. Determined to have their reward. Torture might work, but it will take many hours."

"We have no precious minerals, nor will we share our secrets," Zendar responded.

"Then we must deceive her," Grey advised.

"What promises will she believe?" Lander asked.

"This spy suspects I have knowledge of a rich power crystal deposit," Grey explained. "In exchange for the body of my enemy, I will provide her with the location. As she is the only member of your force who can recognize the Governor of the Moon, this will provide her with a false sense of security."

"Power crystals?" Landar asked.

"Yes, the energy source used by the humans to power their step-two variable reactor," Grey said, as if it were common knowledge.

"Do you really know where these crystals may be found?" Landar asked.

"I might," he hinted.

"It is a clever plan," Zendar agreed. "Speak with the spy, but be brief. We must depart."

Grey walked to the area where Landar's lancers were organizing and pulled Tey aside, motioning for her to remain quiet.

"I have knowledge of power crystals. You want them. I want my enemy dead. Only you can recognize him," Grey rapidly explained. "The Arikhan need Tranquility's defense codes. Provide them at the appropriate time. Good luck."

Grey started to walk away. Tey grabbed his arm.

"What about you?" she asked.

"My objectives will be achieved."

"That wasn't my question," Tey said.

"It's my answer," he replied, starting to turn away again.

"Grey, what's a power crystal?" Tey whispered.

"I don't know. I made it up," he said.

Grey rushed back and joined Mordari at the airlock. The Arikhan had divided into two groups, male and female, each group fearsomely armored. They went about their preparations methodically, without undue excitement. But there was an air of anticipation. Grey did his best to study their equipment, the portable power units, and the strange disks on their belts that appeared to generate an energy screen. Though tactics were impossible to infer, Grey guessed the Arikhan attack formation wouldn't be much different than any other, only with more force.

"Cal, we depart," Mordari said, drawing Grey away sooner than he preferred.

Offering to lend a hand, Grey helped roll the cart through the airlock and down the ramp to where Bonanza was waiting. Within minutes, they had the sphere loaded in the cargo hold and Grey was in the pilot's seat next to Mordari. Vendar and her seven lancers were in the rear compartment, sitting patiently on the benches and floor while the hopper was primed for take-off.

"I think we should round the equator and reach the tourist center from the east," Grey suggested. "The Quexelians are expecting a report from the Farside Observatory. If we steal a march, they might mistake us for the Governor."

"From the small hive we can find the rocks?" Mordari asked.

"The rocks will not know danger until it's too late," Grey said. "Will your weapon work?"

"The tricks of light will disappear, the enemy exposed," Mordari said.

The hopper lifted out of the trench, rotated on the starboard thrusters, and started east, heading toward Coriolis and Mendeleev beyond. Grey looked back out the cockpit window at Farside, the small observatory hardly more than a dark shadow among the steep rills. Tey was alone now. Alone in a situation few could even imagine. He truly did wish her luck.

* * * * * *

Three parts to go.