A Clash of Aliens (The Human Chronicles Book 13) (3 page)

Chapter 2

Overlord
Ranor D’inos was confused. He had been called into the Elder’s presence to be assigned a task, and as yet, fifteen minutes after his arrival, he still hadn’t been informed what that task was to be. Yes, the information that had been divulged to this point was interesting, yet he failed to see how it was relevant to him.

“Yes, of course,” Ranor acknowledged. “I have heard of this mutant Panur. Most within the higher echelons of the Juirean government have heard of him. He has been the catalyst for Sol-Kor technological advances for several millennia—if the stories are to be believed. He is also the inventor of the trans-dimensional portal and the diamond crystal array detector, which to me appear to be in conflict with each other. He builds portals so the invaders can enter our space, and then a detector so they can be shut down? That does not make sense.”

Elder Synnoc nodded. He was a new Elder, having held the post for less than ten standard years. Yet despite his relatively short tenure, Synnoc had reigned during some of the most turbulent times in Juirean history. He’d assumed his station upon the death of Elder Wydor, while the Juirean people were still in the process of returning to their ancestral home of Juir after their forced exile.

It had been a traumatic time for their race, struggling to accept the destruction caused to their homeworld after the savage Kracori dropped an asteroid onto the planet’s once pristine surface. Nearly all traces of the planet’s once glorious civilization had been wiped out, even as imposters moved onto the world to assume control of what was left of their once all-powerful empire. The Juireans had created the Expansion from nothing, and then had to endure upstarts from the Far Arm playing at being the leaders of the galaxy.

Synnoc had been the Elder during all this time. When the Humans abdicated authority over the Expansion, he had been there to help lead his people back to their rightful place atop the empire they created.

And then came the Sol-Kor.

These mindless aliens were proving to be even a worse menace than the Humans, Kracori, and Klin combined. They cared nothing for alliances or colonization. They sought only food, eating advanced species such as the Juireans, as well as others. Facing this common threat, the civilizations of the galaxy had united, at least as much as was possible given their differences and volatile histories.

Elder Synnoc had presided over all this, and now he was asking for input on a matter of the utmost importance from his senior Overlord.

“The creature Panur is indeed an enigma, yet it is a fact that he has bonded more with the Humans than he has with any other race in the galaxy. As a result, he is a threat to us.”

Ranor frowned. “I thought we were at peace with the Humans?”

“A relative peace, brought about only by necessity. There can never be lasting relations between our two civilizations.”

“Why is that, Elder Synnoc?”

“Because we are too much alike.” Seeing the confusion on Ranor’s face, the Elder continued: “We covet the same things, Overlord. We are both of a similar background—the so-called savages among the enlightened, the more advanced.”

“I am confused.”

“Like us, the Humans have used the technology of the Klin to further their purposes. As a student of history, I have found that it is often the more scientifically-advanced races who are the most vulnerable. They often fail to see the full potential for their technologies, leaving that to the more primitive, pragmatic species, such as us and the Humans. Our two species have retained our animalistic traits, and use scientific advancement to supplement our primitive, warlike nature. As two civilizations with the same drive and instinct, it is only a matter of time before we clash again.”

“No offense, my Elder, but I fail to see the significance in the history lesson you have just given me.”

Synnoc grinned, keeping his teeth hidden by thin lips. “Please indulge the ramblings of a Juirean at the pinnacle of power, Overlord Ranor.”

“Of course. Forgive me.”

“The reason I tell you this is to preface what I believe to be a new threat to the Expansion.”

“What is that, my Elder?”

“A renewed partnership between the Humans and the mutant Panur.”

“I was under the impression he had vanished and is no longer a factor in galactic affairs.”

“That remains to be seen. The dynamic within the galaxy has changed quite recently. Even though we have regained control of the Expansion, thousands of major and minor members still view the Humans as the superior race within the galaxy.”

Ranor opened his mouth to protest, but a raised hand by the Elder silenced him.

“Yes, I know this is not so from
our
viewpoint, but nonetheless it is the opinion of a majority of the members.”

“They are not advocating returning leadership to the Humans?”

“No…not yet. However, they see recent developments as showing the prowess of the Humans and the ineptitude of the Juireans.”

“My Elder!”

“Consider…it was the Humans who recently destroyed the master portal in the Sol-Kor universe, thereby stopping all new enemy vessels from entering our space. Then there was the collaboration between Panur and the Humans to build the portal detector. And it is
their
fleets, along with the Panur-designed beam neutralizer, that is doing the most damage to the remaining Sol-Kor forces in our galaxy. And now to add even more credence to the belief, it was a band of Humans who recently assassinated the Eternal Queen. Even though another has taken her place, the feat itself was noteworthy. Because of all this, we Juireans are losing our…our aura, so to speak.”

“What can be done to restore our prestige, our legend?”

“I am still working on that answer. However, the reason you have been summoned this day is to help mitigate any further damage to our reputation.”

“How can I help?”

“Are you familiar with a Human named Riyad Tarazi?”

“Of course, my Elder. He is one of the notorious operatives working alongside the criminal Adam Cain.”

“Our sources within the Human government tell us Riyad Tarazi is mounting a mission to seek out the mutant Panur.”

“Is that possible…I mean that he can be found? Surely the odds must be high against such a thing?”

This time the smile on the Elder’s face nearly broke the display of teeth taboo. “If there is one thing I have learned about Humans, it is that they can never be underestimated, no matter the odds against them. I believe there is a very good possibility the Human will be able to locate Panur, and once that is done, convince him to assist the Humans again, if only initially in their attempt to rescue Adam Cain from Sol-Kor space.”

“Yes, I am aware of the stories of Cain’s capture.”

“It is believed that a new union between the Humans and the mutant could result in advances in technology that could threaten us, if the Humans decide to turn such technologies upon us. Being mirror images of each another, it is enviable for the Humans that they would do this. It is what we would do.”

“So Tarazi’s efforts must be stopped.”

“Precisely. However, the long-term threat would still remain, and that is the continued existence of Panur. Therefore, the mutant must be destroyed.”

Again Ranor frowned. “I was under the impression he could not be killed?”

“He cannot, but we believe he can be neutralized.”

“How, my Elder?”

“I will detail that in a moment. For the first phase of the operation, you will be tasked with only tracking Tarazi, not stopping him, until he finds the mutant. At that point, the next phase of our plan will be put into motion.”

“We can track his movements?”

“Yes, we can. You may find it hard to believe, Ranor, but we are being assisted in our efforts by forces within the Human government itself.”

Ranor was shocked that Humans would be conspiring against members of their own kind, and not only that, but against heroes of their race.

“Why would they do such a thing?”

“Because they feel—as we do—that Tarazi’s efforts may ultimately result in a re-link with the Sol-Kor universe. Once this is done, the invaders will be able to reenter our galaxy and resume their deadly harvesting.”

“I see that as a possibility as well. So this is my mission?”

“Yes, you are to monitor the movements of Riyad Tarazi as he seeks out Panur. He is employing a starship of advanced design, so you will be unable to maintain close surveillance on the vessel. However, once Panur is located, you must attempt to employ the techniques I am about to outline. We will rid the galaxy of the renegade alien who, through his misguided genius, is personally responsible for trillions upon trillions of deaths. But more importantly, we will prevent him from assisting the Humans in developing even deadlier technologies that could be used against us.”

“So I monitor his movements, and then attack when the time is right?”

“Exactly. You will be given the resources to guarantee success, although I must caution you against letting the Human know you are aware of his movements.”

“We have a tracker aboard his vessel?”

“Yes, and the Humans will be tracking him as well. Between our two efforts, Panur must be neutralized. After that threat is eliminated, we must turn our attentions on the Humans and their Orion-Cygnus Union. A time of reckoning is drawing near, Ranor. There have been too many distractions of late, yet there is a resolution on the horizon. Complete your mission and it will be the Humans who once again feel our wrath.”

Chapter
3

The controls of the
Najmah Fahd
were as nimble and intuitive as one would expect from a craft employing the latest technology and unlimited government funds. As a consequence, Riyad found it almost impossible to turn over control of the ship to the autopilot once they were out of the solar system and heading away from the plane of the ecliptic for the galaxy. The journey to Formil would take four days, and if he could have, he would have preferred to pilot her all the way there. But he also had to eat and sleep, and with Sherri’s continual harping on him to relinquish the controls, he reluctantly flicked the switch and climbed out of the pilot’s seat.

He was sending the ship away from the galaxy proper, away from competing gravity sources, so he could test its full capabilities. By traditional routes, the journey would take a several weeks, even in the
Najmah Fahd
, since Formil lay on the other side of the galactic core from Earth. Space between the two planets was littered with competing gravity sources, especially as they neared the core. However, steering above the galactic plane, Riyad could crank the ship up to her theoretical max. By distance, the course was much longer. By time, it was unbelievably shorter.

Riyad was mixing a herbal tea in the galley when Sherri pranced in and plopped down on the only couch in the lounge—the same place he had been planning to sit. He sat in one of the padded recliners instead.

“So Arieel is insisting on coming along?” Sherri asked out of the blue. “She’s really not equipped for a mission like this.”

“You mean she’s lacking skills?” His smile said it all.

“Fighting skills, yes,” Sherri countered. “You know she can’t seduce her way to finding Panur…or her
daughter
.” The last word came out like ice. She had been told that Adam was Lila’s father, and although Sherri and him hadn’t been an item for several years, it was still a sore subject. That he’d mated with an alien—a true alien—is what Riyad figured bothered her the most. Oh, and that Arieel was commonly referred to as the most-beautiful Prime female in the galaxy. He was sure that also had something to do with it.

“She just wants Lila back,” Riyad said. “She’s been cast out of the Order and is a disgrace to her race. She needs something to hold on to, to give her hope and pride, and her daughter is it. It’s a maternal thing, I guess.”

Riyad saw Sherri’s face go blank. “I’m so sorry, Sherri. That was insensitive.”

“That’s all right. Ricky and I could have had another child, but by then our relationship was already on the rocks. I’m okay…really I am.”

There was an awkward moment before Sherri spoke again. “So how are you planning on finding Panur?”

Relieved at the change of subject, Riyad was anxious to explain. “He took off with the
Pegasus II
. She’s a unique ship, well-known throughout the galaxy, and she uses a set of  specialized power modules. I’m hoping we can access the Library on Formil and check any references to the ship, and maybe track power mod orders that would fit the
Pegasus.
”

“That’s beyond normal Library references. Wouldn’t that take specialized access? The Formilians invented the Library and the universal translation bugs. They don’t let just anyone snoop around their private files.”

“That’s right, and that’s another reason why we need to hook-up with Arieel.”

“I thought you said she was an outcast?”

“She is—officially. But you can’t throw away two thousand years of fanatical religious lineage just like that. I’m sure she still has some allies in the government.”

“Let’s hope so.” Then Sherri’s face turned sullen. “Do you really think he’s still alive?”

“We’re talking about Adam Cain. I would be really surprised if he wasn’t. He has an uncanny affinity for survival. Besides, according to Mac MacTavish, this new queen has taken an interest in Humans.”

“Hopefully more than just culinary…although Adam does seem to have a way with alien women.”

Riyad snickered. “I hadn’t really thought of that before, but you’re right.”

“Still, this is a long shot—that we can even find Panur, I mean. I’m sure if he doesn’t want to be found, then we won’t find him.”

“I’ve always found him to be a cocky little son-of-a-goat, so we’ll use his overconfidence against him.”

Sherri shrugged. “We’ll see, as long as we don’t get too overconfident ourselves.”

Riyad smiled. “Fortunately, I have you along to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”

Sherri raised her right hand and extended the middle finger. “Asshole.”

“Just like old times.”

“Double asshole.”

********

The
Najmah Fayd
was granted landing access in the exclusive Temple spaceport next to the walled compound of the Order grounds. Although Arieel was no longer the Speaker of the Formilian Order, she was still housed in the complex, if in much more modest accommodations. After a clearing process, a transport was provided that brought Riyad and Sherri to Arieel’s new quarters.

When the door slid open, Riyad was taken aback by the absolute feminine allure of Arieel Bol. Although she was an alien, the exaggerated sensual curves, flowing jet black hair, and powerful pheromones, were universal in their appeal to most Primes throughout the galaxy. Her allure was shared by most Formilian females—and even the males—when it came to the opposite sex. Sherri had felt her own share of overwhelming unease around both Trimen O’lac—the new First Celebrant of the Order—and Convor Ton’al Ona, Arieel’s one-hundred-year-old-plus father, since deceased. The Formilians were just built that way, and although they were aware of the sexual power they had over most other Primes, they seldom used it for nefarious purposes.

Of course, Sherri had a differing opinion when it came to Arieel and her influence on Adam.

Arieel’s smile vanished the moment Sherri stepped into view. “I was not aware
you
were a member of the search team?”

“I am now.”

Arieel looked to Riyad. “What does she contribute to the venture?”

“Everyone just calm down. Sherri is a Human and her fighting skills could come in handy. And, Sherri, we need Arieel for her contacts on Formil—”

“In addition to the fact that we are seeking my daughter. If we find Lila, we find Panur.”

The pair stepped into Arieel’s humble quarters, which was a far cry from the palatial Speaker’s chambers. Arieel had been born and raised in the Temple. This had to be hard on her, Riyad thought.

After sitting on thread-worn couches, Riyad started the conversation.

“Any progress in restoring your status within the Order?”

“Some. I have allies arguing before the Council that relinquishing my Gift was an act of patriotism, that it has helped to secure the planet against Sol-Kor invasion. Closed minds are beginning to open, yet amongst the most devout I am still a pariah.”

“They could just give you a new one…a new Gift,” Riyad said.

“They could, but this crisis has changed more than just my status. Now that the true nature of my abilities—the Speaker’s abilities—has been revealed to the population, the mystique has vanished. Some feel betrayed that technology was used in place of natural ability to commune with our gods. The Order is losing influence and a new system is being contemplated as its replacement. There may be no Speaker position to be filled in the near future. But let’s speak of the mission at hand. You have been vague as to your plan for finding Panur—I assume for security reasons.”

“Admiral Tobias warned me that there are elements within the Union government against us finding another way into the Sol-Kor universe. They feel it best that we leave things the way they are, even if that means sacrificing Adam.”

“I agree,” Arieel said, to the surprise of both Humans. “If I was not so influenced by personal motives, I would be opposed to such a mission as well. As it is, I am willing to take the risk.”

“Then let’s act fast, before any real opposition can be organized,” Sherri said.

“Agreed.”

“We need access to the Library,” Riyad said, deciding to go for broke. “And not just the general data, but the internals, including the language banks.”

Arieel’s eyes filled with concern. “You did not mention this before, Riyad. Access to such sources is subject to the utmost restrictions.”

“I realize that, but can you get us in?”

“Alerts will be triggered, so if I do it will only be for a limited time.” She hesitated. “It will also identify me as breaking protocol, which will be seen as another betrayal of my sacred trust. It will not help my cause before the Order Council.”

Riyad and Sherri remained silent. This was a decision Arieel had to make on her own.

“I have conflicted feelings about this,” she said eventually. “Although I feel badly for what has become of the Speakership as a result of my actions, I also feel the need to unite with my daughter, if even to spend our remaining time in exile. The damage has been done to the Order…there will be no going back. So all I have to truly hope for is that Lila can be lured away from the influence of the mutant—the other mutant.”

“We have to find her first,” Riyad pointed out.

“I realize that, and that is the reason I will help—if I can. I will make contact with certain people in the data center. Their assistance will come at a high price, as there will be no shielding them from in-depth investigation. I regret what is to become of them.”

Arieel stood from the couch and walked toward a door in her small apartment. “Allow me a moment in private as I make the arrangements. I realize we have no time to waste. We must move quickly, and then stay ahead of our opponents.”

“Thank you, Arieel.”

“Thank me once I have actually accomplished something. For now, all I can do is try.”

********

Four hours later, the trio entered a low-slung building several kilometers from the Temple compound. A nervous Formilian male quickly steered them into an elevator that descended far below the surface. He seldom met Arieel’s eyes, awed by the presence of the female who had once ruled his planet and his race. As the elevator neared its destination, he spoke for the first time.

“Security has been turned off in this section of the building, and will remain so for eight minutes. Beyond that, the automatic detectors will activate. Enter through the doors across from the lift. Others have been sent on cursory assignments, so you will be alone for the designated period.”

“Your help is greatly appreciated,” Arieel said. “Are you shielded?”

“To a limited degree. Should others wish to probe deeper, I will be revealed.”