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  “With the Rhiava, sir,” Morovny answered.

  He was the one person who didn’t let Charod’s attitude get to him. He’d known his supervisor long enough to be aware he did it on purpose. Morovny also knew if he didn’t give one hundred percent then Charod would make him pay. Morovny always gave everything, but he did so from loyalty, not from fear. Charod appreciated that about him.

  “Yes,” Charod said, frowning. “I wonder just where they’re taking them.”

  A couple of hours later Jon’s party was approaching the summit of Sierrie. They’d travelled in silence since eating a quick breakfast. Now they were so near they wanted to complete the climb and begin the downward journey toward Haven. Jon and Triena walked side by side, close but not touching, though Jon felt the warmth flowing from her. Manny walked just behind, acting as a kind of rear guard. Lector went on ahead, checking for Midean patrols.

  Lector hadn’t gone too far when they saw him drop down, fast. He signaled for the others to hide, which wasn’t difficult for the face of the mountain in this area was covered with boulders and deep crevices.

  As they watched, a patrol crossed the horizon just ahead of Lector, appearing confident as they marched by, looking right and left. However, they didn’t seem to be searching as if they expected to find anyone in the area. They marched out of sight as they dropped below the horizon on the other side the crest. Speedy and quiet, Lector made his way back to the others just below him.

  He spoke in a low voice when he arrived. “I sensed more persons than we saw, and they seemed most comfortable. I’m not sure what’s going on over the crest, but we need our scouting to be more thorough before we proceed.”

  “Do you wish to go on your own, or would you prefer Manny or Jon to accompany you?” Triena asked.

  Lector regarded her, before he replied, “It’d be best if I had company. Jon’s already proved he can look after you rather well. If Manny would consent to accompany me?”

  “Of course. Jon, guard Mistress Triena until we return.”

  Jon nodded. Manny had made his point clear without direct reference. Jon didn’t have the heart to tell him it was too late.

  Captain Sullivan paced his command center in frustration. Simpson and Henricks had tried everything they could think of, and so far they couldn’t penetrate the atmosphere to contact Manny and Jon again. The previous attempt had been interrupted by a surge in the electromagnetic energy in the atmosphere, and they hadn’t been able to reestablish contact, even though the surge had long since faded.

  “Captain,” Simpson reported, “we think we may have at least found out the reason we can’t get through again.” The captain hurried as he crossed the command center to Simpson’s console. “If you remember they were travelling through the foothills of the mountains on the northern continent? Well, the major power source is located in that region and the interference on the surface in that area is extreme. I'm almost certain we're broadcasting through the interference in the atmosphere, and if they were anywhere else on the surface we could reach them.”

  “But not while they are climbing that mountain.” It was clear the captain was frustrated.

  “’Fraid not. They’d need to get down to at least the foothills again, it’d be even clearer the farther away they ventured,” Simpson added.

  “Very well, we’ll just have to give them time. Keep trying at regular intervals, Robert.”

  “Yes, sir. I just hope they continue to avoid those patrols they mentioned.”

  Lector and Manny climbed to the crest keeping a watchful eye out, not because they didn’t know where the enemy was, but to ensure they didn’t inadvertently alert the Mideans or trip any security measures. They found a good hiding place right on the crest and took a careful glimpse over the top. The summit of Sierrie was almost level, except where it dipped to form a lake off to the right-hand side. There were just a few rocky outcrops dotted about to break up the remainder before it dropped off on the other side about a half mile in the distance.

  Or, to be precise, there had been just a few rocky outcrops before the Mideans had placed an outpost there.

  More or less in the center of the summit was a large construct consisting of four huge leg-like appendages topped by what resembled nothing more than a huge cannon facing straight up. Between the bases of two of the legs, on the far side from where Manny and Lector were watching, was what appeared to be some kind of control mechanism. They didn't have a clear view from their vantage point, but there were two Mideans seated at some kind of control center.

  Manny stared at Lector. “The shield mechanism?” He asked the question in a whisper.

  “It's probable,” Lector whispered back.

  They stared out again, and this time Manny’s gaze swept over the complex to take in as much detail as he could. He saw there was a conglomeration of smaller buildings on the lakeside of the structure, and one single larger building on the opposite side. There were quite a few Mideans in the area, one group looking about ready to go out on patrol. They were standing just outside the large building, perhaps it was their quarters. There were two more near the base of the construct working on one of the other legs; they had their backs to Manny. There were other uniformed Mideans patrolling the summit, but it seemed casual, almost a stroll. As he watched, two Mideans left one of the smaller buildings and headed for its neighbor. These were the first Mideans he’d seen who were not in the same uniform. This pair wore a type of one-piece coverall and was carrying something akin to an old-fashioned clipboard. Manny wondered if they could be engineers, or scientists?

  Lector whispered to him, “If you’ve seen enough we should get back to the others and report what we’ve found.” Manny nodded.

  After Lector explained what they’d seen on the summit the group discussed various options. It took them a while to decide on the best course of action. It would take far too long, and be too hazardous to risk their luck a second time by going back the way they’d come. If they retreated to the foothills they’d then have to skirt the large mountain range to reach Haven. According to Lector, even if they could obtain the help of Argeela again, it would still take about three weeks to complete the journey. They had to get across the mountain somehow. They had two options left; either try to get around the mountain just under the summit, or attempt to cross the summit without being seen by the Mideans. Neither would be an easy option.

  Lector had climbed this mountain many times for pleasure before the Mideans arrived, and knew it all too well. He’d brought them up the easiest route, and even that hadn’t been without difficulty. But to get around the crest from their present position would be problematical at best. To their right side just around the crest was a huge waterfall fed from the lake above. That way was impassable. To their left was a little easier in that it was possible, though it required an expert climber as there was a huge overhang. Beyond it was a narrow chimney, which was the one approach to avoid a wide crevasse that almost split the mountain in two. Neither Jon nor Manny had done much climbing, and it was obvious on a couple of earlier occasions Triena found it hard going. As crazy as it sounded, Lector believed the easiest method would be to cross the summit itself, under cover of darkness.

  It seemed obvious Lector had suggested the right choice, but the question had to be asked and Manny asked it. “Is it that important to keep going on? We were taking Triena to safety, away from the Mideans. Is it worth the risk of taking her across the summit to reach Haven? Perhaps it’d be as well to return to Sanctuary.”

  “That might’ve been true when we left Sanctuary, Manny,” Triena replied. “But I think there’s another question to be answered now. How safe is Haven for any of our people? We didn’t know they’d put this...this outpost up here. They’re now much closer to Haven than we ever expected. We’ve not heard much from Haven, and we put that down to the distance and the patrols out on the plains. What if there’s another reason? We need to know. Besides, if that’s what they use to create the shield
, we need to confirm that too. We must go on to Haven and see what’s happening there, and if they know anything about this.”

  “Very well,” Jon responded. “But Sernov told me how tiring it is for you to use your Gifts while the shield is on. You’ll both need to use them for us to be able to pass the patrols on the summit.” He hesitated and glanced at Manny. “You must rest now for as long as possible. Manny and I will watch over both of you ‘til nightfall.”

  Triena nodded. Even Lector had nothing to say, which was surprising considering his previous attitude. He’d tended to query anything Jon said, but not now. They both accepted Jon’s instructions in silence. Manny glanced at Jon and knew he wasn’t imagining it, there was a difference. He couldn’t explain it even to himself, but Jon’s increased self-confidence was evident to his friend. He wondered what had brought it on, so swift, so strong. He’d love to know why, and how.

  Just a few minutes later he got his answer, one he should perhaps have expected but hadn’t. He watched Triena and Lector settle down amongst the boulders to get whatever rest they could. After they’d eaten a little of the food they carried, Jon went over to make sure Triena was settled, and it was easy to see how comfortable they were with each other. All at once, with an unusual clarity, Manny understood. Their feelings went much deeper than he’d ever realized. He saw the love for each other on their faces; it shone there for all to see. He’d heard such phrases and had always assumed it was just someone being far too romantic, that one could not see the love one felt for another. But now he knew one could. He saw it for himself. And in Jon’s case the knowledge gave him strength and a confidence he’d never had before.

  A short time later, when Triena and Lector had drifted off to sleep, Manny asked the question he could no longer keep to himself.

  “When did it happen?” he demanded.

  “Happen? What?”

  “I saw the way you two stared at each other. That wasn’t...what did you say? Oh, yes, ‘keeping your distance’ and ‘not acting on your feelings.’ Wasn’t that what you said?”

  “It wasn’t like that!” Jon was indignant. “I did just as I said. What I didn’t expect was for her to approach me.” He hesitated, as if not knowing quite how to say it. “She made it clear she was...interested in me, and she knew how I felt about her. I didn’t...I couldn’t deny it. Damn, I didn’t want to. Would you, if you were in my place?” his question a challenge.

  “To be honest, no. And as your friend, I envy you. But that doesn’t mean officially I approve,” Manny said. Jon appeared a little hurt. “It’s not that I don’t trust your motives, or your sincerity. It’s just we mustn’t forget these are aliens and we just don’t know their customs, do we?”

  Jon appeared almost shocked. Manny recognized Jon hadn’t even considered that aspect of the situation.

  Jon glanced to where Triena was sleeping. She was so beautiful and from where he watched he couldn’t even see her face painting. She seemed just like any other human and he had to remind himself that she wasn’t. He’d forgotten that in the heat of his emotions, as had she. Did it truly matter? To him, no. Not to her either, it seemed. But to her people? An almost certain yes. And to his people? Another almost certain yes. And they’d never even thought to discuss it!

  “I don’t know what to say, Manny. In truth I never even gave it a thought, and I don’t think she did either,” he confessed.

  Manny followed Jon’s gaze. “I know,” he responded with a slight smile. “There’s nothing any of us can do about it now. It’s happened and we’ll have to deal with it later.”

  Jon nodded. His euphoria had evaporated a little in the light of possible problems ahead.

  SEVEN

  They waited until almost midnight, when the night was at its darkest and, it was hoped, the guards were at their sleepiest. They had to pass a lot of Mideans, which meant Lector would have to keep “reading” them to be certain of their position, and Triena would need to extend her personal shielding to cover all four of them. Neither of the Rhiava said anything, but the humans understood enough to know what a strain it was.

  The summit was about half a mile from one side to the other, with frequent guards positioned. The route had been planned with care, going as far to the left as they could, skirting amongst the rocks strewn across the surface.

  Manny questioned the possibility of a quick foray to try and learn what they could of the construct and the outpost which surrounded it. While they all agreed in principle, the plan was dismissed as being too risky in their present circumstances. It was also possible the Elders in Haven already had the information. Instead they planned to get across as fast as possible—a relative term.

  It took almost two hours to cross that half mile. They didn’t wish to risk relying just on Triena’s personal shield, as even she wasn’t sure how complete it would be. She’d never before created it to protect four persons. So, whenever Lector sensed a guard approaching on a route that might intersect theirs, they also hid in the old-fashioned way, behind the nearest rocky outcropping until the guard had passed out of their area.

  When at last they reached the crest on the far side of the summit, they felt a tremendous relief. They began a slow, careful climb down while it was still dark. They didn’t go farther than they thought necessary to escape any possible patrols on the summit, and stopped to rest for the couple of hours until dawn in a large crevice hidden from above by a small overhang.

  They ate an early breakfast soon after dawn. It was a quiet affair as both the Rhiava were still tired. As soon as they’d finished eating, they slipped away down the mountainside toward Haven. The terrain was similar on this side of the mountain, and there were convenient hiding places among the rough, broken ground as they made their slow careful descent.

  They’d been travelling for about an hour when it became clear both Lector and Triena were weary. They’d not had enough rest following their exertions of the night before. Lector guided them to another cave system where they could rest in peace for a time, well away from the patrols.

  They were grateful to enter the mouth of the cave, though Jon and Manny were surprised at finding just a narrow passageway; they’d expected a large cave.

  “Don’t be concerned, this is just the entrance to a whole system of caves, one so large it deserves to be called cavernous,” Lector said, sounding quite exhausted.

  Jon was supporting Triena by this time. “We should’ve rested somewhere earlier. It’s obvious you’re both worn out.”

  “Yes, we made extensive use of our Gifts last night. Though I admit this resulting tiredness is more extreme than I expected,” Triena said, her voice low and faint.

  “That’s true. I’ve never felt so exhausted,” added Lector.

  “I wonder,” interjected Manny, as the idea hit him, “if that is the shield generator, could it be giving off some of the energy that it...amplifies into the atmosphere? If so, that could be causing an even greater drain on your energies than normal.”

  “That could be—” Lector began.

  “In which case, the sooner we get you away from here the better,” interrupted Jon. “Let’s get as far in here as we need for safety. Take time for a good rest, and then we get right off this mountain.”

  Jon and Triena were walking in front, Jon supporting her so much now he was almost taking her whole weight. Behind them, Manny had taken Lector’s arm across his shoulders to support him as he’d stumbled and almost fallen.

  “Not...far...now,” Lector mumbled, broken. Their tiredness seemed to have doubled just since they’d entered the cave.

  The pathway ahead branched like a narrow Y, and Lector mumbled they should go right. As they went around the corner they were confronted by several Mideans.

  It was difficult to say who was more shocked. They all stopped and just stared at each other. The problem was both Manny and Jon were hampered by the Rhiava, though Manny and Lector were somewhat protected by being behind Jon and Triena. Manny released Lect
or who slipped back around the bend behind him. Even as Manny was struggling to pull out his weapon, two of the Mideans attempted to pull Triena from Jon’s grasp. He wouldn’t allow that, and soon they were involved in a fierce struggle during which Jon somehow managed to wedge himself between the Mideans and Triena. He shoved Triena back toward Manny.

  Manny caught Triena, but in doing so he found himself swung around so he was facing the other Mideans who’d been making a beeline for him and Lector. He swept his weapon in their direction and three of them fell to the ground unconscious. That left two who were now more cautious. The Mideans scooted behind a convenient boulder, and one of them blew something, not unlike a shrill whistle, and from the other tunnel, just to their left, footsteps could be heard running and voices calling out.

  Manny had to back away, still protecting Triena and Lector from both the remaining Mideans and from what must be another patrol approaching from the other tunnel, the entrance of which was just behind them.

  “Jon! Jon, this way,” Manny called.

  It was a nice thought, but Jon couldn’t get away from the two Mideans with whom he struggled. He had no opportunity to draw his weapon, and the hand-to-hand fight he was engaged in had drawn him further into the tunnel and away from the others.

  He did the one thing he could. “Go, Manny, go. Get them out of here!” he yelled.

  “Jon, no!” He heard the fear in Triena’s voice as she called out to him. He renewed his efforts, not to escape, that was impossible—there were about eight Mideans now between him and the others—but to keep as many as possible of the Mideans occupied so his friends could escape. He was gratified to hear the repeated whine of Manny’s weapon, which meant he was still making his way out. Jon was horrified for a moment when he also heard the reply from one of the percussion weapons of the Mideans, but right afterwards he heard Manny firing again and again, and the sound was fading with the distance.