The 13th Star: An Action Adventure Sci-F Apocalyptic Novel (21 page)

Mattoui was brought bound, but without cruelty. It seemed the guards themselves understood it wouldn’t be worthwhile inflaming
matters and worsening the situation. Despite the tension, each was sure Zoron would return unharmed to the bosom of his father,
without even a scratch on one of his fingers. But the guards also knew that if
lukrasses
had been
inserted, the situation needed to be kept stable, no matter what.

“What now?” Coldor’s voice was not his own.

“Very simply, our Kaiser is here. You know it, and you know we can fly it without a pilot.” Coldor barely swallowed; his face
red with anger. “And now the Kaiser will exit the fog,” Rettoul said. Not a second passed and out of the fog came the Kaiser
like a huge bird.

Coldor gasped at the sight of Bar’s personal Kaiser, but he didn’t say a word. He looked at Zoron and Rettoul alternately.

Rettoul continued. “You know me well, Coldor. My word is my word. I want Mattoui next to me. After I see how he is, then you’ll
get Zoron.”

“Don’t mess with me!” Coldor fumed and screamed, “I don’t trust you, don’t you get it? Who do you think you are? Zoron, come
here at once!”

His son didn’t move.

“Zoron, I told you to ignore them. Come here!”

Again there was no movement.

“You don’t understand what’s going on, huh?” Rettoul released a big laugh. “Your son understands better than you. Your guards
understand even better—all your guards and snipers standing at the ready understand what lukrasses are, but you ignore everything.”
Rettoul shook his head and continued to laugh. “Maybe Zoron should tell you how many lukrasses there are in his body.”

Coldor realized the battle was lost. “Take your man. But this isn’t the end.”

“I have no doubt,” Rettoul said. “The beginning was difficult, the middle was not easy, but always have something to look
forward to at the end…”

“You’re laughing, but I’m not kidding.”

“Neither am I.” Rettoul became serious and turned to Mattoui. “We’re going back together. You okay?”

Mattoui, who hadn’t believed he’d live to see another day, was surprised and shocked to see his friends. He nodded his head
and smiled.

“Get on the Kaiser first,” said Rettoul to him. Mattoui went and sat in the pilot’s seat. “Berez, Thor, and Zoi, leave Zoron
and get on. He won’t run anywhere.”

There was silence. No one understood why Rettoul remained face to face with Coldor and his men. Bar’s Kaiser, everyone knew,
was protected from weapons, but Rettoul remained exposed.

When they were seated in the Kaiser, Rettoul continued. “Now, before I give you Zoron—who, by the way, was very brave regarding
the lukrasses—” teased Rettoul, “you should check the radiation level on the planet.”

“What now?” Coldor didn’t understand. “Are you changing the subject?”

“Absolutely not,” said Rettoul. “There’s a guided planet destroyer here.”

A nervous murmur ran among the soldiers.

“You really should send someone to check the current radiation level.”

Coldor looked at Rettoul and his son alternately. “Release Zoron like you promised me!” he demanded.

“Zoron can leave any time he wants, but first you should check the radiation level,” Rettoul said again calmly.

“Someone check the darned thing!” Coldor screamed.

The next few minutes were tense until some of Coldor’s right-hand men came running toward him. Rettoul didn’t move, Zoron
didn’t move, and Coldor heard the answer he was waiting for.

“There’s a huge level of radiation, sir. We don’t know yet from where, but I ordered the men to locate its source.”

“Zoron, you should go to your father,” suggested Rettoul to the man who’d apparently frozen in place, but loudly enough that
everyone could hear. “And I’ll go to my friends while your father’s trying to locate the position of the planet destroyer.
Everyone here knows that one small shot at a bird on a wrong course would be
enough to scatter all of us in tiny fragments throughout the galaxy.” Rettoul turned in Coldor’s direction. “You should order
your people to hold their fire, Coldor, and you should instruct them to stop following us. There will be no shortage of surprises
if you continue the chase.”

Coldor was red with anger but his words couldn’t be heard. He felt he was suffocating, as if his heart was going to burst.he
started moving to rettoul, He swung a punch at Rettoul out of rage and frustration. Rettoul fell, as if he knew this would
happen. He didn’t even try to defend himself. He just got up, smiled, and got on the Kaiser, which disappeared into the fog.

“I thought we’d refresh your piloting skills.” Inside, Rettoul smiled at Mattoui, who was at the controls.

“Don’t ask,” shouted Mattoui. “I made a last confession and left a poem especially for you.”

“With a happy ending?” Rettoul laughed.

Considerable confusion reigned in Bergin’s palace. Everyone knew what had happened at the landing strip and the fact that
the quintet had been so close, yet not caught, made them wonder about their relative importance and power. Much had happened
in recent days, but the worst occurred as everyone watched the landing strip, waiting for the quintet to finally be captured.
However, Coldor and his son had gotten the worst of it. They were all ashamed of the painful failure. In the palace they gathered
in groups, whispering and analyzing the quintet’s acts, ability, and strength—especially Rettoul’s
restraint.

“If you were a little less arrogant,” Bergin flared at Coldor, “or less conceited, maybe they’d be behind bars now.”

Coldor didn’t answer.

“Maybe,” raged Bergin, “we could’ve sat with our arms folded, enjoying a glass of wine and a good meal instead of considering
just when you became so stupid.”

Coldor lowered his eyes. He had nothing to say for
himself.

“Sometimes I don’t understand how you think. You endanger the entire galaxy, my life, yours… We have such a great responsibility,
and you make light of it and allow yourself to do stupid things,” Bergin continued.

Coldor felt like a scolded child, but he knew every word of Bergin’s was right. The anger was justified.

***

Victory cheers were heard at Thor’s base. Not everyone had expected to see Thor and his daring friends return. The adults
had given precious little chance of it, and certainly none for Mattoui’s return. The children, though, had yelled brave wishes
and waited impatiently for their return, along with the stories of heroism and victory.

The landing Kaiser was surrounded in seconds by a smiling crowd, happy to see Thor and his friends. During their absence,
stories of the quintet’s heroism were told—some real, some legends based on true incidents. The children walked around with
shining eyes and in their hearts only one wish: to touch the five, or even just one of them. The adults found no rest for
themselves. They didn’t understand why Thor abandoned his comfortable life and chose to return to the battlefield, to where
he was a wanted person, to return and perhaps never to come back to the life he left—if he even remained alive.

The crowd around the Kaiser fell silent as the five got out, one by one. Finally Rettoul descended—cheers rose and fell. Rettoul
had trouble smiling wholeheartedly. His friends, however, smiled, happy to return to safety. Rettoul was not happy with what
was to come.

Tamar was waiting in the driveway and it took a long time before they reached her through the ecstatic crowd. She didn’t know
if they’d return. Heavyhearted, she’d said good-bye when they left to bring Mattoui back. She wondered whether it was fair
that everyone would be killed in order to bring him home. And who would he be returning to? To them or to her? But she had
no choice. And now Mattoui looked so tired and yet full of energy that seemed to have been reserved especially for her.

She ran to him and he lifted her up and hugged her in the air, as if they’d just gotten married. The sounds of the crowd became
happier and stronger.

“What’s wrong, Rettoul?” Zoi asked as the group stopped to watch the exciting reunion.

“Nothing. I’m a little tired.”

“I’ve seen you tired more than once—it’s not fatigue. What’s going on?”

“I worry.”

Thor joined the conversation. “Worried about what?”

“What’s coming. It must be clear to you that it won’t end like this.”

Thor hugged Rettoul tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m not worried, and you shouldn’t either. Trust me.”

Above Thor’s bace, the sounds of war were heard as dozens of armed Kaisers bombed the base ceaselessly. Each Kaiser was replaced
by another as soon as it emptied its ammunition. For more than three hours the bombing continued, until nothing was left.
Buildings collapsed, bridges were destroyed, and the whole place was strewn with craters in the ground from the bombs.

Because of the confusion and poor visibility, there’d been two air accidents. But that didn’t deter Bergin from sending in
more armed Kaisers. “I’m sure they haven’t had time to get organized. Even if they did, any prior preparation would’ve been
a waste of time,” boasted an enthusiastic Bergin in the control room.

“Come on,” he urged Coldor. “We’re going to see the ruins now. May those who weren’t there be blessed, and may those still
alive be happy.”

“Where exactly do you want to go?” Coldor was alarmed.

“What do you mean? We’re doing an aerial tour to see what’s left… If anything’s left.”

Only three miles separated the border of the base from the enormous rocky mountain range. At night the mountains seemed like
mild-mannered sleeping monsters that shouldn’t be woken. A long underground tunnel connected them. Everyone walking
through it was surprised—there were three wide, well-lit lanes that allowed safe passage. One lane was wide enough for pedestrians,
certain sections had an electric pedestrian conveyor belt, and there were two vehicular lanes. Thor said that he’d even transferred
weapons through here, and the B-7 Kaisers, which were lower than the other weapons, had been moved without any problems to
the other side, to the mountain range.

An even greater surprise awaited them beyond the tunnel—reinforced and protected rooms carved into the mountains. No one could
imagine the size of the building within the mountain: dozens of bedrooms, game rooms, and work rooms, all with well-lit halls
that didn’t betray the fact that sunlight didn’t penetrate. The rooms were equipped with everything imaginable. Huge warehouses
had been filled with food and ammunition, children’s toys, games, books, and there was even a bicycle and roller skate lot.

Rettoul, who was not the admiring type, went wild.
Thor had prepared well. It seemed nothing would be missing
here.

***

Everyone who heard
the
laughter of the children at play with Berez smiled joyfully. Berez connected to them quickly, just as he had with his cadets.
But the small children allowed themselves much more personal freedom than the cadets and nearly the whole time he was with
them, at least two children were climbing on him.

“I never would’ve believed we’d survive.” Rettoul smiled at Thor.

“I promised you!” Thor smiled back.

“True, and yet—this is an empire unto itself.”

Zoi patted Thor on the back and smiled proudly. “We learned to be the best, the most ready at any time. We learned to be with
each other at all costs. We learned not to give up. And you know what, Rettoul? We learned from you not to give up, neither
on principles nor on the path. I’m proud to be your friend, and proud to be with you.”

The eyes of the three men sparkled.

Falcon enjoyed their decisive victory over the quintet and the joy of victory mingled with the elation of Zoron’s wedding
preparations. The Temple of the commanders in chief was prepared for the royal wedding. Waste abounded. Furniture was purchased
and was quickly
replaced
. Upholstery was changed. Food tastings were held every evening, and as befitted an unrestrained royal wedding, only one course
was chosen every evening out of many—once a salad, once an appetizer, main course, dessert, and so on. The many preparations
for the wedding didn’t prevent anyone forgetting the fact that on this day, not only would Zoron celebrate his wedding, but
the entire galaxy would burn in its memory the victory of the strongest of all.

Falcon became a planet of crime, receiving its legacy from Moran, where the intensity of Bar and Coldor’s bombings on Thor’s
base intimidated the inhabitants. The level of crime declined there, if only due to the fear of Bar and Coldor’s strong arm.

In contrast, those on Falcon felt like kings. They were ruled by the most powerful leader's in the galaxy, so everything was
permitted. There was no more regard for morals or values—everything was possible, with no limits. Murder, theft, and rape
became commonplace. Bar and Coldor trained the next generation of murderers who would serve in their army, and they were allowed
free rein. The weak population was hurt but had no one to complain to, and the crime rate rose.

New laws were passed that allowed male Falconites to marry many women. In general, the female population became defenseless
and vulnerable. Because of a subsequent population explosion, a strict ban was put in place on having more than one child,
and then only if the mother was not more than 30 years old. Each additional child born was killed. Anyone over the age of
30 who became pregnant was killed. Every child born with a defect, even the slightest defect, was killed. Gradually, no Falconites
over the age of 60 existed. Anyone who reached that age knew they wouldn’t see the next day. A death order was issued on the
birth date, and the following day they were executed. Anyone who tried to object to the new rules was killed.

There was no more room for, or expression of, family values. The children were drawn into the belligerence of the street,
which lovingly gathered them and gave them the tools necessary to be the next murderers and criminals. Women were abandoned
and men walked around like landlords.

Fear reigned on Falcon. The painful and cruel hands of Bar and Coldor were felt fully. The situation had become totally untenable.

Bar enjoyed his authority and was happy with the new situation, which empowered him even more. He took the law into his own
hands and conducted lynches. After returning so satisfied from eliminating the quintet, Bar appropriated Coldor’s style of
dress and also wore a black robe. He always wore gloves, if only out of shame for the loss of three fingers when he lost the
three nitrogen bombs. For every bomb that came up missing, one finger had been amputated.

“Rumor has it that God gave humans choice, but also maintained an alternate plan in case…” Mattoui didn’t finish.

“The scrolls,” said Rettoul.

It was another conversation held among the five to decide their next steps. They’d already spent a month in the belly of the
mountain. No one knew of their existence and no one imagined they were still alive. Of all the staff who served Thor, only
eight people remained. The rest were killed in Bergin and Coldor’s attacks. Dozens of children, eight staff members, Tamar
and the quintet—all trying to adjust to their new life in the depths of the mountain.

Tamar and Thor did all they could and succeeded in providing the same atmosphere that prevailed previously.

“It’s not the right time to save the world,” intervened Tamar.

“Yes, dear.” Mattoui got up to meet her. “We’re here with nothing to do and the only things we have left are debates and discussions.
I think that none of us allowed
themselves much time for arguments, thoughts, and discussion in the last fifteen years.” He kissed her forehead as a sign
to leave them alone.

***

Rettoul lay in bed, sweating and terrified and dreaming of a battle between Coldor and himself. He’s in the large wheat field
on Levi, surrounded by Coldor’s men. Coldor and he are fighting each other and neither of them can escape the circle of people.
Rettoul hits Coldor hard and he does not react, as if the blows go straight past him. He doesn’t fight—just stands like a
punching bag and doesn’t bend, doesn’t hit back, and allows Rettoul spend all his energy while Coldor stands steadfast before
him.

Rettoul shoots Coldor, who falls to the ground. No! He stands up again with a big smile as if to say, “I’m alive despite everything.”
Rettoul shoots him again and he falls down—a second passes, two seconds. Coldor stands firm on his feet. Rettoul shoots him;
Coldor falls and stands up again…and again…

Cold sweat soaked the sheet as Rettoul woke up with a shout. For a moment, he didn’t understand where he was and continued
to see scenes from his dream. He looked at a disappearing spot in his room and something caught his eye. He didn’t stare,
but watched carefully.

“That must be it!” he stated and stood up abruptly.

The place was unsuitable for anyone and certainly not Tula, who chose to visit. Women had never visited the prison compound,
let alone the wife of a senior official. Even Coldor and bar had never been there. Yet here was Bergin’s wife, with her companions,
standing in front of him and asking to enter.

“I don’t think it’s worth it,” the prison commander tried to explain.

“What do you mean, worth it?” Tula smiled at him. “I’d like to see what’s going on inside.”

“But Madam! The sights, the smells—they’re not for you.”