Tag: short-story

The Grand Yefrtil Administrative Center (Caveman Chronicles)

~ I. Graham Smith ~ Leave a comment

The Index -|-

“This… is so annoying.” Zara frowned and reached for Qon the way she usually did when things were not going her way. The silky warmth of the golden thread caressed her small digits. She directed a needle at the library bank in front of her and mentally willed the system to produce something useful.

It was no use. The ancient Xi glyphs that were projected above the library twitched at her continued disruption, but the results did not change. There were no revelations or flashes of light, just data… and not the data she was looking for. She realized that Qon might be able to alter the flow of aji as well as some surrounding matter and energy, but she had desperately hoped that Qon could tease something out from the immutable data within the Xi library.

She sighed. [Maybe I’ve become too reliant on shortcuts. Of course the records won’t change. If Qon did that, the last Ixant would have rewritten Xi history. Yet somehow the records have changed. Surely there were star maps pointing the way to Nidix at some point in the past. Nidix might have been the first Xi orb, their ancestral home or perhaps an important religious site. Maybe they hid it to protect the Predominant.]

“Viinox?” She said quietly. “Have there been civil wars within the Xi people?”

Viinox looked up from the data grid that it was studying and after a quick moment, tilted its chin downward. “No, Zara. The Xi have always been united. This is why we have become so powerful in a short amount of time.”

“Hmm. I- that doesn’t sound right. What society can be free of conflict throughout their whole history?”

“I can only repeat information I have. Speculation about the past is fruitless because I cannot know the past I did not witness.” Viinox watched her emotionlessly as it spoke, and its neck slits fluttered gently.

Zara nodded. “I understand this, but empires grow on the basis of their past success and failure. The past is recorded and become the foundation of the future – at least for wise rulers.”

“You prove my point,” said Viinox. “The records give us no evidence of civil war, and the Xi empire has grown in a manner consistent with unity. Should I assume the worst of my people against the evidence I have?”

With a smile, Zara patted Viinox’s shoulder. “Not at all. I’m just trying to find reasons why Nidix would be missing from the records. If not hidden out of internal conflict, then perhaps this is a simple mechanism to protect the Predominant. In effect, letting them rule from the shadows.”

“We see the Predominant every Ko during the tide of Eshtar. We see them transmitted of course, but they transmit from Nidix. It is quite a spectacle.” Viinox lifted its chin. “They pass down the changes to Xi law, bless the Xi, and if there are new orbs, they announce the new Iteek. It is a logical and simple conclusion that Nidix is not easily identified on a star map to provide protection for the Predominant.”

“But are they transmitting from Nidix? How would we even know?” Zara sighed and paused to offer a more conciliatory tone. “You’re probably right. I’ve searched the star maps, military database, social records, literature, and even children’s stories. There are references to Nidix of course, but nothing that pinpoints a location. Nidix would have visiting dignitaries and military patrols, but when I narrow down the search area to only include the paths of Xi vessels, there are no obvious waypoints that appear without a destination orb.”

“You assume all vessels are tracked within your records.”

“As you said, I have no choice but to operate within the information that is available.” Zara raised her hands. “What’s worse is that for all the secrecy, Nidix is still more accessible than the Xih. Of the Xih I find nothing. No records, no poems, no art. Nothing at all.”

“The Xih are different than the Xi, but they blend in. Perhaps your search for Nidix is intertwined with the Xih. If a Xih vessel is not tracked, there could be constant traffic between Nidix and another orb, and you would never know.”

“But isn’t the Hsstak a Xih vessel? I can see our tracks in the Xi records once they have been integrated at a functional Xi communication hub.”

Viinox tilted its chin up. “Hsstak is Xih, but I suspect that the tracking system can be switched off. There were surprise visits when I served under Mangas that make me believe this.” Viinox hesitated. “Under Mangas I was a mere Xi analyst and not privy to anything beyond my immediate assignment. Perhaps Tiirw would know.”

“I will ask Tiiwr because this is something that may help find Nidix.” Zara fell silent and considered her relationship with Viinox. After a long moment, she decided to be bold. “Are you embarrassed?”

Viinox’s neck slits twitched and it looked at her. “Not exactly. I-” it folded its three-fingered hands on its lap. “I have always done what I could to be the best servant, but it seemed to be never enough. I volunteered for the special assignments group in the Lutairu Academy and ended up serving on the Hsstak. This was a mistake because under the Xih I am nothing.”

Zara nodded slowly. “I know the Xih look down on the Xi. It must be difficult to achieve any rank as a Xi with them.”

“Impossible to become anything as a Xi. We are only a tool. The Xih disregard our value and as a result, our loss is inconsequential. Yet,” Viinox raise its eyes to meet Zara’s gaze, “with you I am valued.”

“It’s true,” said Zara. “You are probably my closest friend.” She gently grasped its hand. “I never expected to become a rescuer to anyone, the Hkkli, Rog, but especially not you. The course of our path is very surprising to me.”

Viinox bared its teeth momentarily before speaking. “Your valued support calms my essence. I must add that not every vessel in the Builder’s fleet is of Xih design.”

“Huh?”

“Speaking of the Xih vessel tracking mechanisms. The Xi war vessels cannot be hidden in the same way.”

“True,” Zara was surprised at the quick change of topic, “but we could split the Xih ships out into a separate fleet and gain surprise with them. I will ask Tiiwr if they know how to turn off the tracking. In the meantime, we need to find and categorize every star map, especially the older maps. There could be differences that will point the way.”

She gestured a few times and pulled up a map of the Xi empire. “When the map is overlaid with terminal and vessel traffic, I can see a few areas where an orb could be easily hidden yet still reasonably accessible. In fact, I assume that the Nidix is somewhere in the Xi core because empire growth would naturally consume space evenly outward except where there is resistance… and we know that history shows no outside conflict.”

Viinox gazed at the star map. “You have already analyzed images with stars in them to identify the location from a third-person viewer’s perspective.”

“Yes, quadrillions of images in the Xi library and then cross-referenced the date and location with known Xi worlds, terminals, and travel lanes. The search continues, but every location found so far has had a valid source.” A thought struck Zara’s mind. “Wait! What about the annual Predominant transmissions? Is this done with a night sky behind them?”

Viinox tilted its head down. “The Predominant transmit from inside the lantern that is never extinguished, the palace of light. Anyway, if you are searching within all available records, those would be included.”

“Aww,” said Zara weakly. “Well, it was worth a try. Maybe we’ll find something, but I am focusing on the map areas that are most likely.”

###

When they jumped to Yefrtil, there were four small Xi vessels that unleashed a wicked hail of projectiles immediately. The battle was quickly over despite the surprise, though two of Kpleeb’s ships were destroyed along with a dozen Ganix and Hkkli crew. The subsequent landing at Yefrtil’s city center went as expected, and now, Kpleeb was in a bad mood.

“Since the Xi cannot predict where we will jump, they seem to be spreading out their fleet to cover all options,” Zara said quietly. She stood with her Da in the grand plaza of Yefrtil’s Iteek which was surrounded by silvery, soaring spires and an oddly simple stone box in its center. The stone was a mottled grey and its sides were uneven in a way that led Zara to believe it might have been carved by hand a long time ago. The pavement was covered with a light-brown, woven reed that muffled all footsteps.

Kpleeb nodded and spoke gruffly, and Zara could tell that he was annoyed. “They can afford to lose more ships and warriors than we can.” He pointed with his knuckle at the decoratively robed figure that stood before him. “Iteek, we came here as friends, but your ships were waiting for us. This angers me.”

The tall, thin Iteek washed its three-fingered hands in a slow, rotating motion. “These vessels were not of my people, your, uh- highness. Nevertheless, we ask your forgiveness and-”

Kpleeb raised his hand to stop the speech. “If these Xi ships were not yours, why would you ask forgiveness? And whose ships might they be? Xi are united, are you not?”

Neck slits fluttered quickly on every one of the hundreds of Xi in sight. There was a shifting in several figures standing on the outskirts, and out of nowhere a lightning spear blast struck down one Xi.

“You see, Iteek? I’m not looking for excuses, just leadership. From you.” Kpleeb climbed onto the stone box and turned slowly to take in the crowd. He touched his necklace and then spoke in a booming, amplified voice. “We come to gain information and supplies. These we will obtain even if you resist.” He looked down at the Iteek. “You will bring me to your command center and give me what I need.”

Unceremoniously, Kpleeb climbed down and bowed to the Iteek. “Lead the way.” Looking back at Zara, he winked. “See how patient I am?”

Zara followed Kpleeb who followed the Iteek and its retinue. The Ganix warriors stalked after Zara like a pack of menacing wolves.

###

Later that day, after Kpleeb had sufficiently proven his willingness and ability to maintain control, Zara and Viinox entered the grand Yefrtil administrative center. High above, the ceilings emitted a soothing, green glow, and intricate patterns covered the entire surface. The hall stretched for such a distance that the air itself seemed to obscure visibility.

“This is such a beautiful place,” said Zara in an awestruck voice as she looked slowly around her.

“It is. This structure is one of the oldest in the core,” said Viinox quietly. “The decor and architecture is said to be one of the rarest forms of Xi culture.” It waved toward the yawning, empty space that stretched beyond them. “Hundreds of Ko in the past, before the Xi were capable of such data storage efficiency, this space was lined with the library, the Iteek center, schools, and most everything else. It must have been a busy place.”

Along one of the walls, many triangular structures were spaced out against the ancient walls. They were clearly not part of the original design, and Viinox led the way to one that was nearby. When Zara entered, she noticed that the smaller structure had no roof and that banks of devices were set against the walls.

“This is where we will work while we are on Yefrtil.”

Zara approached one of the large library devices that we now familiar to her. “I suppose we should begin again.”

Over the next few days, Zara and Viinox repeated their previous searches. She had hoped that somehow this significantly older Xi orb would have improved access to data. Finally, Zara’s frustration grew and she began to feel a sense of desperation. “I’m going for a walk,” she said to Viinox, standing up in a huff.

“Should I accompany you?”

“I can protect myself… but thank you for offering.”

She set off down the long hall. The small structures were the same. She entered several of them, and the same open roof and library devices were there in each. Her wanderings continued for quite a long time, and just as she was going to give up, she saw in the distance a change in the decor.

[I’ll turn back once I get there. It’s not that far.]

After another ten minutes of walking, she finally arrived at what appeared to be a cross-section. The pavement was the same but now it went in four directions. The opposite of where she had come from was the same as it had been. It stretched into the distance with a boring sameness. The two paths that intersected each other were much shorter and she could see the ends of them from where she stood. Each one appeared to end in a formation unlike she had ever seen within a Xi structure.

She made a mental note of the direction from which she had come and then turned left.

The floor began to sparkle as she walked. The large tiles that were the same as the main hall began to be interspersed with new tiles at an increasing rate. Zara smiled to herself.

It’s like walking on a rainbow road!

She walked slowly and looked up. Ahead of her, the hall ended at a large, curved wall. On each side of the wall, two intricately carved columns stretched to the height of a modest tree. The wall itself was painted with a mural. A tremendously majestic Xi stood with back straight and angled with piercing blue eyes up and out as if it was admiring a new land. Its bright green cloak draped smartly over uncharacteristically broad shoulders. On its back, a stout wooden staff appeared to be fastened, and the night sky beyond was emblazoned with bright stars.

Zara let out her breath in a long sigh of disbelief.

I have never seen anything so pretty anywhere on any Xi orb!

She stepped forward and put her hand on the wall. It was perfectly smooth and the image was highly detailed, even up close. She made her way first to the left and then to the right but there were no apparent doors or windows anywhere within the alcove. After gazing at the painting for a few minutes, Zara turned and walked away. From far back, she produced her Xi scanner and turned to capture a full-sized image.

Viinox is going to be thrilled – unless he already knows. But how could he?

Visiting Wiag (Caveman Chronicles)

~ I. Graham Smith ~ Leave a comment

The Index -|-

Kpleeb paced in his room. The wall showed Niot below them, lines of fire, smoke, and ash spreading quickly across its surface. His hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly.

[I’ve done it again.] He sighed and closed his eyes [But they deserved it. They took my Thoka from me. They stole me from my home. They kidnapped my daughter and tried to kill her as well. They rejected my attempts to play nice. Obviously, they are entirely evil.]

Despite reminding himself of all the reasons he had to take revenge on the Xi, his words sounded hollow. He forced the doubts from his head. [I need to discuss with Zara the next jump.] Just then, his console blooped at him.

“Da,” Zara said, appearing on his wall in place of Noit. Her eyes were wet and teary. “Da, you can’t keep doing this.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

Kpleeb knew the answer but decided to ask anyway. He shrugged half-heartedly. “Doing what?”

Zara scowled. “You know what! Bombing whole orbs full of Xi into oblivion.”

Kpleeb grimaced and felt frustration well up inside him. His voice rose with a growl. “They’ve taken or killed or tried to kill everything I love! What am I supposed to do, forgive? Forget?” He slammed his wall with his palm.

“I know, Da, but– we need them, and many of these Xi are innocent. They’re just Xi and don’t make the decisions.”

“There are no innocent Xi, Zara! Their riiat is on the Predominant’s hands, not mine. They made this choice and need I remind you that they did the same to countless other peoples. The tough decisions I make are a message to the Predominant.” He paused and shoved his fingers through his shaggy hair. “But believe it or not, I feel bad about it.”

“You don’t sound like it.”

“I really do feel bad. I do, but I also feel like it is necessary to make the Xi pay.”

Zara sighed. “Da, we need to change the approach. We need the Xi.”

Kpleeb was skeptical. “How do we need them?”

“We need to find the Predominant, and we have no idea where Nidix is located. I want to find out where the Xih come from and what kind of technology they have. I also want to know more about Qon. None of this information is going to come upon us without the Xi. They have such a large civilization and so many orbs. Surely there are records and other clues stored on their orbs.” Zara stopped and looked earnestly at Kpleeb. “Da, if you bomb every orb, we will never, ever find answers. We will never find the Predominant.”

Kpleeb pondered his daughter’s words. He tried hard to keep emotions from corrupting his thought processes. After a few long moments, he nodded. “You have a good point, Zara. We need to use Xi communications and records to find Nidix. We can always destroy the orbs after we search, unless we find an orb that builds Xi vessels.”

“No! Da, we will search and leave. We have some advantages, and we do not need to destroy everything we encounter! If we do that, it will come back to haunt us later. You need to promise me that you’ll only destroy the Predominant, and the ships and Xi that fight with us. Surely, revenge on the leaders who made these decisions will be enough satisfaction.”

Kpleeb finally nodded in agreement. “Okay Zara. Let me do the fighting and you do the searching. We will push toward the core together. First, we have to go to Wiag and see if there is a ship building facility there.”

“I’m ready when you are, Da.”

###

In an hour, Kpleeb’s fleet coalesced near the terminal at Wiag. Two small Xi ships were detected moving at a high rate of speed toward them from the Wiag’s orbit. Kpleeb sighed and tapped the nearest red-tiered console. “Xi vessel, we have come to meet your Iteek. If you attack us, we will destroy you.”

There was no response.

“Oiitr, prepare to fire, but hold off unless they shoot first. Let me know if you see any change in their status. Let’s approach Wiag quickly.”

Oiitr lifted its chin slightly and rapidly issued commands to the Greki.

In a few minutes, the two Xi ships became close and communicated a simple message. “The Iteek will see you on the platform.” The Xi ships slowed and began to follow them as they approached Wiag.

“What is this platform?” asked Kpleeb.

“It is the structure orbiting Wiag. Perhaps the Iteek wishes to risk only the platform and not the orb if you decide to ambush them.”

“Yes, I suppose every Xi has heard of me by now.” Kpleeb scratched his beard and remembered his conversation with Zara. “The fear it has instilled will be useful.”

Oiitr glanced at him and said nothing.

Kpleeb contacted Zara. “We are going to meet the Iteek on Wiag’s orbital platform. You will need to analyze everything there for ship building and conduct the searches we talked about.”

“I’m ready, Da. I’ll bring Viinox with me to assist.”

“Oiitr, the Greki and the Hsstak will dock with this platform. Instruct the remaining ships to remain nearby as guards.” He pointed at the platform. “Let’s go.”

###

Kpleeb was impressed. The platform was the largest structure he had ever seen. It was reminiscent of the Xi ships in its design, yet on a far larger scale. The walls were lightly textured and colored in a muted tan, and its ceilings were more than to arm’s length above his head. He stepped out of the doorway and saw many Xi standing at various distances. Clouds peppering the surface of Wiag were visible through a large viewport. The Iteek and his attendants stood closer in a small group, and they started toward Kpleeb immediately as a half-dozen Ganix warriors filed in behind Zara.

“Greetings,” said Kpleeb carefully. He knew that Zara held them in a shield that would probably protect them from attacks. “I am Kpleeb, also called The Builder. This is Zara,” he said gesturing. “And this is Viinox.”

“Hello Kpleeb. I am Iteek Oliat.” The Xi that stepped forward was much like the other Xi Kpleeb had met. It gazed at the group with emotionless, blue eyes that analyzed the visitors and finally rested on Kpleeb’s face. “Why have you come to Wiag? We are but an insignificant orb. We have no quarrel with you.”

Kpleeb smiled and spread his hands. “I have come to use this facility to repair my ships and to obtain organic supplies. We mean you no harm unless you attack us first.”

There was a short pause while the Iteek slowly looked around as if considering its options. Its long, grey robes shifted and Kpleeb caught a tinge of green embedded within the fabric. “While we have no quarrel with you, use of this facility is not allowed. We are loyal Xi, and we cannot aid the enemy.”

With a sigh, Kpleeb turned to Viinox. “Is this true?”

Viinox lifted its chin slightly. “This statement rings true. I believe so.”

Zara turned away.

Kpleeb turned and lifted his lightning spear. “Alright.” With a whine and a sharp crack, the spear bucked in Kpleeb’s grip. The Iteek was blasted backward and fell in a crumpled heap.

Kpleeb shook his head slowly and opened his eyes again. “I don’t know who the Iteek will be now, but the terms of surrender have changed. I will take this platform and all the vessels in the Wiag system.” He raised his voice slightly. “You will not fight me. In return, you will live in peace on Wiag.” He turned to Viinox. “Make it happen and destroy anyone who resists.”

The Xi on the platform stood silent until Kpleeb commanded them to board shuttles back to the surface. Viinox selected a technical representative to remain and then worked with the Ganix warriors to start the evacuation. After the shuttles departed, Kpleeb and Zara took a tour of the facility with Viinox and the Xi named Foawii.

If Foawii was offended, Kpleeb could not say. It strolled stiffly through the ship building section pointing out the various pieces and systems that transformed the stockpiled materials into functional vessels. There were three ships in partially assembled state, and Foawii explained the Xi personnel that conducted the work and the amount of time needed for each one. Zara remained alert but silent during the tour.

###

Hours later, Kpleeb stretched out on the floor in his room aboard the Greki and smiled.

[I guess today went well. Better than expected really. Zara was right. She was so right! There is no need to punish entire orbs full of Xi just because of what their leadership has done. I got everything I wanted from Wiag and only had to turn the Iteek into riiat. It’s a good day.]

[She turned away when I jolted it with the lightning. I’m surprised. I haven’t really noticed how sensitive she is? She is so young, but in a way, she seems so much older and wiser. She is certainly wiser. It’s a good sign that she is concerned about harming others. I’m proud of her for that… but what does that say about me?]

Kpleeb sighed. [Am I heartless? Maybe I am callous, but the Xi have really hurt me. They deserve payback. Yeah, I am a little cold-blooded. Far too callous.]

Liret (Caveman Chronicles)

~ I. Graham Smith ~ Leave a comment

The Index -|-

The Hsstak quivered slightly, and as the door to her cabin slid closed, there was a faint high-pitched laugh followed by a quickly fading wail.

Zara woke abruptly and sat straight up in her sling causing it to sway gently. The room was dark, with only the glow of a slowly-pulsing icon on the side of her red-tiered device that acted as a beacon.

“Lights.”

The ambient light increased in a linear fashion until it reached a soothing luminosity. Zara reached out and tapped her device a few times causing cascading data points to slide through the air in front of her. The report was momentary and it revealed nothing unexpected.

[Bad dream… again.]

She sighed and reached out for Qon. The silky, golden thread instantly coating her fingers like an old friend. As if it read her mind, the thread slipped into the red device and activated her sensor net. An explosion of light expanded as the data cloud grew larger and encompassed more and more space in Zara’s room.

She took it all in. There were miniscule threads of Qon in every piece of aji, and her palms glowed with a sheen that would be invisible to anyone else. The colors wriggled as it curved around her palm. Zara turned her hand and directed a thread at the silvery triangle on the floor. She had found a way to activate the Xih device using only Qon. The thread wended its way forward and touched the shiny surface as it had done many times before. The silver flickered as it always did in an erratic way. It was as if it fought Qon’s caress.

The Xih silvery triangle began to glow but did not activate. The golden thread blunted and Zara responded by applying more force. The thread quivered, resisting her pressure and seemingly malforming itself to avoid penetrating the Xih triangle.

Zara growled slightly under her breath. “What is the problem here?” With an extra, momentary exertion, the silvery triangle activated and the column of shimmering light appeared. The center dot representing the Hsstak was slowly approaching a pale blue dot indicating the Xi controlled orb named Liret.

[Just another few hours until we arrive. Perhaps I should go check on the crew.]

She clambered to her feet and tousled her hair with her hands to shake it into place. In a few more moments she stepped into the Hsstak’s command center.

“How is everything going?”

Kanta’s helmet water sloshed as she answered. “The builder’s fleet is almost to Liret. Estimated time, 2 hours and thirty-five minutes until orbit. The Builder wishes to have a conference with you before arrival.” Her fins tapped the console, and a standard view of the Hsstak’s place in the void appeared. All ten of Kpleeb’s ships appeared on the view. Each was tagged with its name.

Zara nodded. “I will speak to Da. Please let me know when we approach Liret.”

###

Later, Zara looked down on Liret as the Hsstak descended. The orb’s oceans carried a ruddy tinge that made the orb glow in a way she had never seen. She spoke her curiosity. “Viinox, what makes Liret so orange?”

Viinox’s response came back after a short moment. “The warm waters of Liret in combination with the natural algae make the oceans appear in shades of red and orange. The land masses on Liret consist primarily of island chains covering only 15 percent of Liret’s surface. The village we are approaching is named Cizriwn and it contains roughly one-point-seven-two million Xi.”

“Thank you, Viinox. I love learning this new information.”

Her Da’s plan was simple, and though Zara did not know exactly why, she knew that he was testing new ways of conquering. [He needs time and experience to fully become the Builder. He will make mistakes, but he is a good and noble caveman that wishes the best for everyone. I just need to protect him while he learns.]

The seven XF configuration ships in the fleet would land in the center of the largest village. It was here that Viinox and Oiitr had identified the Iteek’s office in a large Xi structure. The ships would disgorge the warriors and conquer the local authorities. Any Xi that resisted would naturally be captured or killed. Then the hubs facilitating communication between Liret and the rest of the Xi empire would be destroyed. Kpleeb’s monitoring devices would be scattered throughout the villages on the orb so as to provide a warning in the event the Xi reestablished communications or decided to rise up against his rule.

“Prepare to land,” came Kpleeb’s voice over the comms.

The Hsstak settled to the ground with a sigh and a gentle bump. The exit door ahead of Zara jolted open revealing a brightly-lit hard surface. Her eight Ganix warriors led by Tiv sprinted out and created a semi-circle around the entrance with their lightning spears at the ready. Zara activated her personal shield and stepped outside.

The area where they had landed was huge. Impossibly tall structures with a lak-like sheen struck into the sky above her, and she felt terribly small. It was dusk. The light from Liret’s star was tinged with blue and shone through the horizon at an angle. Dozens, perhaps hundreds of Xi stood in small groups all over the open area and more approached from all directions. There was a stampede of Hkkli footfall from across the open space and many of the Xi turned to stare at the many strangers.

Zara turned as a small group of figures from the nearest structure began to walk toward them. Her Da and a group of Hkkli also approached from her left. Zara stepped to her Da’s side as the group of Xi stopped a dozen paces from them.

Viinox’s voice spoke quietly from her side. “The Iteek is there, and they have not yet activated a distress signal.”

[Viinox must be nervous, but its job is to create uncertainty long enough for us to take control.]

“The Iteek is named Oliit. It asks about our purpose here.”

Her Da raised his hand and then spoke loudly. “I am Kpleeb, also known as the Builder. I wish to speak to the Iteek, I believe its name is Oliit.” He smiled fiercely. “Identify yourself.”

One Xi dressed in long, blue robes stepped out from the group. “I am Oliit,” it called.

Kpleeb and Nairo stepped forward confidently until they were face to face with Oliit.

“Oliit wishes to know why I do not respond,” said Viinox.

“Tell it that the Builder speaks for this group.” Zara smiled slightly. “I trust you, Viinox. We do not wish to kill these Xi.”

Oliit’s head tilted sideways slightly as if considering. “What does the Builder desire from our poor outpost on Liret?”

Kpleeb smiled calmly. “I wish to visit your office, high- uh, eminence. Will you invite us in and speak with me about an alliance?”

Oliit’s neck slits fluttered momentarily as it appeared to consider the request. Finally, it lifted its chin in a regal manner and turned toward the nearby structure. “Come.” Without waiting, the Iteek and its large group of consorts moved gently forward.

Zara watched the whole exchange with interest. [What must it be thinking? Doesn’t it feel suspicious? Perhaps they are confident in their power, though surely this is the first non-Xi that has approached them in this manner.]

Her Da motioned for her to follow, and within another ten minutes they had entered into a large triangle room within the large structure. There was a small dais at one end of the room and next to the dais was suspended a single, ornate sling. Oliit sat silently in the sling and then gestured to Kpleeb. “Please describe this alliance you seek.”

Kpleeb smiled grandly and raised his arms. “The Xi have harmed me and my family greatly. I am here to become the ruler of Liret.” He looked at Oliit seriously now. “If you submit to my leadership, you and your people will live and flourish.”

Zara felt Viinox tense at her side, and she grasped Qon quickly.

Two of the Xi attendants next to Oliit dropped to their knees and pulled flat, oval objects out of their pale robes. A pair of the closest Hkkli fell immediately as if struck by an invisible hand.

As Zara reacted, her Da stepped forward and back handed one of the Xi. Its head whipped back and the recoil threw its body into Oliit who was just beginning to cower away from the attacks. The other Xi began to respond but was struck in the chest with a lightning bolt. By the time the second attacker hit the floor, the first Xi began to dissolve into dust.

Zara clenched her fists and pulled the aji out of the walls with thick tendrils of Qon. In her ears there was a ripping sound as the room plunged into darkness. Pulses of lightning flashed, and then she felt her shield flex with a strong hit. Her breath was forced from her chest momentarily and she released her grip. The lights in the space flickered on and Zara saw Oliit lifting a crystal glove toward her.

Qon leapt ahead of her in anticipation. “Da!” she cried and lifted her hand toward Oliit. An invisible golden spear shot out and impaled its body. “No! I need to question it!” Zara shouted. Qon lashed out again, and Zara tightened her grip and pulled. It was too late.

With a flurry of kicks, Nairo and two other Hkkli finished off the remaining Xi. Zara’s Da knelt next to Oliit’s body as its neck slits ceased to move. He shook his head and looked up at her. “I was hoping it would help us run this orb.”

“I’m sorry, Da,” said Zara looking down at her feet. “Things got out of hand.” At that moment, she remembered the communication hub.

“Viinox, take Kanta and go disable the hub quickly.” Viinox began to move toward the door.

“Nairo, take one of your warriors and make sure Viinox is protected.” Her Da stood and looked again at Zara. “It seems like no matter how much I try, the Xi insist on testing my patience. Let’s go outside.”

Zara and her Da soon stepped out and stopped where the group of Hkkli and Ganix warriors cautiously watched the still growing number of Xi that stood outside.

Her Da touched his necklace and raised his right hand. His voice echoed with power. “People of Liret, I am your new supreme ruler. I come to rule peacefully. If you resist me, I will throw your riaat into the red ocean.”

There was a ripple in the crowd at his offensive words.

“I gave Oliit a chance, and it chose poorly. I have disabled Liret’s connection to the core. There will be no Xi vessels visiting your world for a long time. Now, I give you the same choice. Choose a new Iteek. Live in peace, flourish, and treat the other intelligent races around you with respect. If you do this, I will leave you in peace.”

Zara looked around at the crowd. There were more individual beings in the open space than she had ever seen in one spot, and she remembered that this was a small world on the outskirts of Xi space. Liret was a speck in the Predominant’s empire, easily discarded and soon forgotten.

Viinox and Kanta appeared from the doorway, and her Da’s hand rested on her shoulder. “We must leave. There other communications hubs have been destroyed.”

Zara nodded silently and took another look at the many Xi.

[There are so many- too many to count. Endless Xi. Is there any safe place?]

The River Bend

~ I. Graham Smith ~ Leave a comment

“Meet me tomorrow at our spot on the river,” she said. It was the simplest request whispered softly in my ear. Delicate fingers barely brushed my shoulder in her familiar manner as she turned away. The hair on my neck stood, and a chill wended its way under my collar.

I turned and watched her go, her long hair swaying gently. She wore one of my favorite dresses: light material for the Oklahoma heat, colored pale yellow reflecting her sunny personality, with light-blue flowers like her eyes.

My breath quickened, and my eyes rose to look at the sun. Tomorrow could not come soon enough.

I began my chores. My hands mucked out the barn on muscle-memory. The pitchfork restocked hay without thought. Daydreams played in my mind the rest of the afternoon, circling the same debate over and over. Every angle tested and dwelt on.

[I can find a ring, even if it is temporary. Is it too soon? Will she agree?]

Time seemed to flash by, but somehow when I stepped outside, the sun had not moved. The chores continued, watering, mucking, feeding. At last, I began to repair the fence near the gate. This was my last task, perhaps leaving enough time to find a ring.

[I’ll give her a birch bark ring if I have to!]

“Ma, I’m going to ride into town to pick up some things,” I said as I leaned against the door frame. “Should be no time at all.”

My Ma smiled at me. She was wise as ever and the kindest soul one could meet. “Alright. Try to be back for dinner. I’ll let Pa know.” She crossed the room and gave me a quick squeeze. Her short frame fit under my arms.

“Thanks, Ma,” I said. “I’ll make it quick.” My stomach twisted, conforming with my excited mind.

Upstairs, I leafed through the small wooden box that I kept under my bed. There was not much in it, a few trinkets and slips of paper. I took the few bills and coins and the two nuggets that Gramp had given me. In no time I was on Badger’s back bending low over the saddle.

The dusty streets were mostly bare when I arrived in Harington. I hurried into the general store to speak to William.

“Jake, there is some kind of trouble down by the mill,” William said before I could speak.

[That’s where everyone is…] The news skittered off my thoughts, barely putting a dent in my momentum. “None of my business,” I said. “I’m looking for a ring. Got anything you want to part with?”

William’s eyebrows raised, but he left his question unasked. “I have one or two.” He disappeared into the back room and came out moments later with a small box.

The rings were different. The largest was a gaudy pink and gold monstrosity. The other two were thin and delicate. The silver ring had a small topaz stone, and the gold ring had no stone at all, but its head was flattened and carved with an intricate circular knot pattern.

“How about this one?” I asked pointing at the plain gold band.

“Twenty-seven dollars,” William said.

I nodded slowly. It was a fortune. I fished everything I had out of my pockets and counted out the money. “Five and eighty-five cents,” I said as I dropped the gold nuggets on the counter. “The gold should be enough, right?”

William picked up one of the nuggets. Then he put it down and tapped each one with the blade of his knife. Once he saw the marks that had been created, he dropped the pieces onto his scale. The counterweights slid, and balance was achieved.

“That’s twenty dollars in gold. Still short by a dollar fifteen.”

With my heart in my throat, I looked up at him and opened my mouth in anguish. “I-“

“It’s enough, son.” William’s face cracked into a rare smile that disappeared quickly like the sun behind a cloud. He tore a page out of the day’s paper and then wrapped the ring up and handed me the packet. “Good luck, Jake.”

As I stepped out the door, I heard two distant shots ring out. I recognized them as pistol caliber, but when I turned to look down the street, but could see nothing. On any normal day, I would have ridden Badger over to see the commotion, no doubt part of the ruckus that William had mentioned. Today, however, I was giddy and very eager to run home to dinner.

It was dark when I arrived, and I was grateful for the lantern that Ma had left burning in the kitchen window. The smell of stew hit me as I opened the door, and Ma turned from the table.

“I was wondering when you’d be back. Here, come get some supper.” She eyed me with curiosity. “How’s everything in town?”

I shrugged and then realized that my errand was strange without some other purchase. I had not even brought home a paper or any news. It hit me. “William said there was some kinda ruckus out toward the mill. I heard a couple of shots as I left, but I don’t know nothing else about it.”

“Didn’t go take a look?”

“I knew it was getting to be dinner time, and I was hungry…” I let my excuse trail off as it rang hollow in my ears.

Ma let it go. “Well, eat up, you’re getting skinny.” she said, patting me on my shoulder. “I’m washing tomorrow, make sure you leave this shirt out for me.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said.

I slept fitfully, my dreams consisting of rocky rapids, and a recurring run through a wood ending with a branch repeatedly knocking me off my feet. It was early when I awoke in earnest. The sun had not yet begun to peek above the pines. I rose and pulled on a clean shirt and britches. In a few moments, I draped the dirty shirt over the chair back in the kitchen, grabbed my boots, and stepped outside. It was quiet except for a cheerful robin singing in the apple tree near the barn. I quietly slid on my boots.

[Soon.] I sighed happily.

Taking off at a brisk walk, I followed the tree-line southward. The morning dawn lit only the first part of the horizon, and it was still very dark in the shadows. I spent my entire childhood here and easily knew my way through the familiar paths. After a few minutes, I began to hear the sound of water. The river eventually opened up before me. I turned right along the bank and followed the trail.

Soon, I reached the river’s bend. The water sluggishly turned around and made a large ‘S’ shape. The natural peninsula there was sandy. Across the bend a large tree hung low over the deep pool that had been created by the flow of water and time. I knew from experience that many fish lived in that deep shade.

Turning, I looked for a place to rest. She would not be here yet, I was certain. I patted my pocket for the fiftieth time to ensure that the ring was with me. I sat on the boulder that rested at the top of the sand. The sun rose slowly, driving away the morning chill with fingers of dawn light.

Time passed slowly, or so I thought. I had no time piece to confirm. Only the sun and my well-honed experience.

[She should be here soon. I can’t wait to see her.]

I was restless. I paced. I skipped stones across the river. My spirits sank until sometime after the noon sun reached its peak, they crawled in the gutter. Anger rose, then denial and hope warred with each other through my heart and mind.

[Does she not feel the way I feel about her?]

I stood with hands clenched and screamed hoarsely at the treetops.

[What a fool. I’ve made such a mistake.]

The journey back home was slow and painful. I over-analyzed and prodded every moment I had spent with her. I wept bitterly for my own loss.

Finally, I walked through the yard toward the house. Ma must have seen me from the window. She came to the porch and wrapped her arms around me. I had no idea why, but like any son, I needed my mother’s love.

After a few moments, she pulled back and looked at my face.

I saw that her eyes were red and watery like mine.

“When did you find out?” she asked gently.

“Find out… what?” I stammered.

“About Jenny.”

[Maybe she meant to break it off with me at the river?]

“What, did she run off with that lawyer?” Anger bubbled up in my voice and threatened to start my tears all over again.

Ma shook her head. “She was in town last night when the shootout started. She’s gone, Jake. Innocent bystander. Mrs. Baker said she had gone into Christina’s for something, and when she came out… Well, it all happened so fast.”

My knees buckled, and I landed on the porch with my forehead on the wood. Ma knelt beside me and rubbed my back, but I resisted.

[I was right there in town. I was only a minute or two away. I could have saved her! I should have been there for her.]

My hands pounded the time-worn planks.

“I need time, Ma.”

Standing in a hurry, I reached in my pocket and pulled out the packet. I shoved it into Ma’s hands and then turned to run back to the river.

“I need time, Ma!” I hollered without looking back.

I was gone.