Questor Page 8

  For a moment Triena didn’t speak. Then she twisted from Sernov to look at Jon. “Are you willing to do this? There could be great risk involved.”

  Jon gave her his sunniest smile. He noted Sernov hadn’t mentioned he’d made the offer. He presumed Sernov had his reason, and he wouldn’t correct him. “Willing? Of course, I...we are willing to help in any way we can.”

  Triena glanced at him, as if looking deep inside, and Jon felt like layers were stripped from him so she could see more than even he admitted to himself. It was unnerving.

  “When are we to leave?”

  “As soon as Lector has everything ready.”

  “Very well, I’ll go and prepare.”

  Sara smacked the equipment in frustration. Robert Simpson glanced up from the console he was using in engineering to see what was the matter. He grinned to himself. He was used to Sara Henricks taking her frustration out on inanimate objects. Better them than me, he thought. But he also knew when she got as far as hitting consoles it tended to mean she was close and it was her frustration at not being quite able to solve the problem that got to her. Robert got up and walked over to her.

  “What is it, Sara?”

  “This damned equation. It doesn’t make sense. According to this, the radiation is cycling at such a high rate it should be generating lightning storms throughout the atmosphere and yet it isn’t, which means the energy is being used somewhere else. But where?”

  “We know it’s being generated, we’ve traced that. It’s being channeled somehow by the interference field. Converted into something else, perhaps?” Robert drummed his fingers on the console as he was thinking. “Wait, what if there was something natural in the atmosphere that was interacting with the radiation, and that’s what causes this reaction?”

  “You mean something not intended by whoever placed the field here?” Sara asked with excitement.

  “I can’t say. I think we have to accept the natives of the planet didn’t do this to themselves. If they had it would’ve been common knowledge in the sector that the planet was off limits. Now whether the field in its present form was intentional is debatable. It’s possible the interaction was discovered afterwards and made use of or maybe it’s a side effect from the original design. They could’ve expected a more charged atmosphere; it would indeed have kept intruders away. You know, like a warning to keep away—one that could’ve been seen with the naked eye, let alone a basic scanning system.”

  “I don’t suppose at this stage it matters that much. What’s more important is that we find a way to counter it. Either to at least allow transmission with the shuttle or their personal transmitters, or better still to allow us to fly a shuttle through it in safety.”

  “Yeah, first we need to get through to Jon and Manny. They might have some information by now, something that could help us to help them. But first, we need to talk to them. Let’s try and find whatever is in the atmosphere that’s interacting with the energy forming the field. Or if we can’t find that, then we have to find a way of getting a signal through,” Robert said with determination as he turned back to his console.

  It was the second day of their journey. The first had passed and they hadn’t seen any Midean patrols, but neither had they seen any sign of Argeela. The walk wasn’t difficult, they were traveling through beautiful countryside, and if it hadn’t been for the inherent danger it would’ve been a most enjoyable trip.

  They’d been walking for about four hours now, with Lector ahead scouting the route, making sure it was safe for Triena. Jon offered to accompany him, in case his weapon might be required, but Lector refused, saying he could travel better alone. Expert at moving through the countryside and avoiding what he wished to avoid, he was quite proud of his abilities. After he’d gone on ahead following lunch, Triena told Jon and Manny that a part of his Gift allowed him to know of any impending danger.

  “How?” asked Manny.

  “Lector has a strong empathic ability and can sense mood and such like. He’s not just aware of any other persons in his locality but also of animals. He’s so adept he can plot with accuracy just where they are.”

  “So if there are any Argeela in the vicinity he’ll know at once,” Jon commented.

  She nodded. “Yes. However, if someone else were nearby the animals could be scared away.”

  “I see. I’d begun to think Lector just didn’t like me,” Jon stated.

  Triena gave him a sharp glance. These humans are not quite as grounded as they think. She was aware of Lector’s jealousy regarding Jon, but hadn’t realized Jon had also picked up on it.

  “I’m sure you’re mistaken,” she said, hoping to reassure him. The last thing needed on this dangerous journey was any ill will.

  “Wait,” she said, and they all stopped. “Lector has found something.”

  They were travelling through sparse woodland. The trees surrounding them were tall and slim, whipping a little in the breeze. The foliage grew somewhat high up and formed a dark canopy overhead, which made walking below easier. They’d seen nothing but small animals, bobbing between the trees, an occasional one scurrying up the tall, almost smooth trunks. Jon had commented the creatures reminded him of a cross between a squirrel and a rabbit from his home world.

  The group found a dry area of grass and sat to wait. Just ahead the wood ended on the rise of a small hill. After a few moments, Lector could be seen returning over the top of the hill. Whatever it was he’d found couldn’t be a major problem as he wasn’t looking troubled. In fact, as he came nearer, it was clear he was smiling.

  As he approached he waved his arm and Triena said, “Good news.” They stood to greet his approach.

  “Argeela, over the rise. A small herd. Wait here and I will see if they will help,” Lector said.

  “May I come and see?” Manny asked. “I’ll do just as you say. But I would most be interested in how you gain their agreement.”

  Lector hesitated, but just for a moment. “Very well. But when I tell you to be still and silent, you must obey at once. And you must be very still and very silent.”

  Manny nodded and stared at Jon. “I trust you can look after Mistress Triena.” Jon noted how Manny had taken to calling Triena by her title, and Jon felt it was a reminder to him of her position and her importance, as if he needed one!

  However, this was the first time they’d been alone together since he’d learned of her real status, and all of a sudden he felt as nervous as a schoolboy. Gone was the easy camaraderie they’d developed together on their patrol.

  “What’s wrong, Jon?” Triena asked when the others were out of earshot.

  I can’t keep any secrets from you, can I? I wonder what, or how many, Gifts you have? “Wrong? There’s nothing wrong,” he replied. Why am I trying to keep things from you when I know I can’t? he thought with embarrassment.

  “Jon, I sense a difference in your attitude to me. There’s no need, I’m still the same person.”

  “Yes, but you’re also a different person than I thought you were. I’d no idea then how important you are to your people.”

  “And that makes a difference?”

  “A difference? Of course.”

  “To our...friendship?”

  “No.” He hesitated; he wasn’t sure quite how to say this. “It’s just that I feel I need to be more...circumspect. In my civilization, political or religious leaders are accorded great respect. I feel your people will also expect such behavior from me, and though I didn't mean to, I overstepped the mark earlier.”

  She moved a little closer to him. “Jon, I wasn’t born to this position. Well, perhaps that’s not quite true. It’s been discovered that often the Elders and the Spirit come from within certain family lines. My uncle was the last Spirit, so in a way I grew up with it, but it wasn’t until the Ritual took place after my uncle died that I was discovered to display the most powerful Gifts. I’ve just been the Spirit for a short time, Jon. I don’t feel any different than I ever have. I’ve
always chosen my own friends, and I see no reason that should change now. Nowhere is it written the Spirit cannot live a normal life. You’ve shown me nothing but respect from the moment we met, Jon Hardesty, and I value the friendship we’ve developed.”

  He stared at her and the coldness deep inside him drifted away. “As do I, Triena. I am sorry if I’ve hurt you, I didn’t intend to.”

  “I’m sure of that, I know of your generous spirit,” she replied with a gentle smile. He was touched but couldn’t think of a thing to say. She was about to say something else when, without warning, she got to her feet. Jon joined her, but before he could speak she raised a hand of warning. She pointed over the hill where Lector and Manny had gone just a short time earlier.

  Jon mouthed the word Argeela to her. However, she shook her head and indicated Mideans. Jon took out his weapon and confirmed the setting. He held it loose in his right hand. Triena watched as he checked his weapon, then she nodded. She closed her eyes for a second, and as she opened them Jon was again aware of that strange change in atmosphere. He knew she’d put up the personal shield, which would hide them from any watchers. She then pointed at the rise ahead and indicated he should stay close. As Jon was there to protect her he obeyed with alacrity; it was just afterwards he wondered how close he could get without being distracted by her proximity.

  With careful steps they climbed the low hill, and when they reached the top they could see in the distance Lector was now seated atop a creature. It was about the size of a camel from Earth, except its front legs were longer than its back legs, which were well muscled, as was its tail that almost seemed like a fifth leg. It was covered with dark red fur and had a large head with long pointed ears. To Jon it resembled a mixed-up cross between a horse and a kangaroo. He wondered how it would feel to ride such a creature.

  At the moment the animal was just standing, with Lector sitting on his back. Jon could just about make out Manny lounging under a solitary tree not too far from where the Argeela stood. However, from his vantage point Jon couldn’t see anyone else. Triena touched his elbow and pointed off to the left. At first Jon still couldn’t make out what she was pointing at, and then he noticed a movement just over the lip of another rise. He made out three figures, but was quite sure there were others. The patrol they’d encountered had consisted of nine personnel, and while he didn’t know if that was the norm, he had to assume that’s what they would be facing.

  Jon pointed to Lector and Manny. The main problem was the rise behind which the Mideans were approaching was to the side, and a little forward, of where Lector and Manny were. They’d need to pass in full view of it to reach Triena and Jon. If the Mideans hadn’t already seen them, which Jon doubted due to their surreptitious behavior, they’d be sure to see them as they passed by. Understanding the situation all too well Triena closed her eyes again, for a little longer this time.

  Jon watched Lector in the distance, and Lector made an abrupt movement and glanced up. He was careful as he climbed down and moved at a slow nonchalant pace over to Manny. They spoke for a few moments before Lector returned to the animal, spoke to it, and then he and Manny headed back toward Jon and Triena.

  Jon glimpsed over at Triena to confirm this was what she wanted. He saw her mouth curve in a slight smile and knew it was. Manny would have his weapon prepared too, and between them they should be able to handle the Mideans, but he wanted Lector and Triena out of the way first. Now if Lector and Manny could just reach the hill where they were hiding before the Mideans made their move.

  However, luck was not on their side. Even as Jon watched, the Mideans poured over the hill toward Lector and Manny. Before he could stop her, Triena rose from her hiding place, and Jon jumped to his feet to try and pull her back. He’d forgotten for one moment she was shielding their presence. He had one hand on her arm before he remembered. She glanced at him, patting his hand as if to reassure a child. Lector, together with Manny, was now past the hiding place of the Mideans when Lector stopped and whirled. Manny also swung around to face the approaching opposition, raising his weapon at the now running and whooping Mideans who were spreading out as they came. Manny swept his arm in an arc and fired at the nearest three who dropped like stones. At the same time, Jon fired at the two who were nearest to him and was already swinging his arm to aim at the one nearest to Lector, when the remaining four stopped running. They raised their hands to their temples and fell to their knees. They could be heard groaning as they shook their heads until, one by one, they slipped onto the ground and lay still.

  Lector called up the hill. “All is well now, Mistress.”

  The atmosphere changed again as Triena dropped her shield. Jon saw the surprise in Manny’s eyes and knew he’d no idea they’d been so close. Jon grinned and bowed to him with a swirl of his arm.

  Manny ignored him, and as he and Lector approached asked Triena, “What happened to the others, the ones we didn’t shoot?”

  “I told you Lector was empathic. He isn’t just able to sense beings, he can also send out a signal that can overload the senses.”

  “True, but without your assistance, Mistress, I couldn’t have handled four at one time.”

  “You mean you have the ability to combine your Gifts?” asked Manny.

  “Yes. Some of the Gifts can be combined,” she said casually. “We’d best be moving now. They’ll not sleep for too long. Lector, did you obtain the cooperation of the Argeela?”

  “Yes, they're quite happy to help. In fact, after I explained it was an urgent mission to take the Spirit to safety they said they would be honored to help.”

  “Said? Do you mean they talk to you? Aloud?” asked Manny intrigued. “I watched but saw no indication of verbalism.”

  “No, no, not like that.” Lector shrugged. “It’s a colloquialism. We ‘speak’ spirit to spirit. I’m afraid it’s difficult to explain to an outsider. It was agreed they’ll all accompany us so we will each have remounts. We can then travel for as long as we wish without the Argeela becoming too tired and needing to rest.”

  “Talking of rest, we need to move to a safe place to spend the night but it can’t be too far.”

  “Yes, Mistress,” Lector replied. “I know of an old farmstead within an hour’s travel. The buildings are somewhat dilapidated but we can sleep there in safety.”

  Jon noted that indeed they both seemed weary. It was then he remembered Sernov’s words about the atmospheric shield suppressing their Gifts and their need for rest. Lector and Triena had used their Gifts quite a lot in the last hour and it was obvious it had drained them. He must keep a careful watch on that. They couldn’t always be relied on to use those Gifts at will while the shield was in place. It was up to him and Manny to protect the party.

  It took a little time for Jon and Manny to get used to riding the Argeela. They did indeed walk with a strange gait, but they were fast. However, if it hadn’t been for Lector’s link with the animals, Jon was convinced he would’ve been dumped on the ground more than once. Manny seemed to find the whole experience a cause for much mirth.

  “This reminds me of the time I visited Piroda,” he told them. “That’s a planet in the region where our home is. It’s an uninhabited world but rich with ore supplies, and there was a similar type of animal the miners used to pull vehicles high up in the mountains where less ‘agile’ transport couldn’t go. These animals were slow-witted, however, and one time I was waiting for a shipment that was being delivered via these animals. It was almost four hours after they were due and there was still no sign of them. I was getting quite worried we’d miss the transport ship.”

  “Manny, is there a point to this story?” asked Jon, who was well used to Manny’s meandering tales. It was often not until later you realized what he begun to talk about wasn’t the same subject on which he ended.

  “Well, if you’re in such a hurry,” Manny replied, looking a little sorry for himself. “I was just going to explain I was blaming these slow-witted creatures for the delay
, but it seems the cause was, in fact, the driver who had stopped to keep a tryst with his lover.”

  Jon rolled his eyes in feigned frustration at Triena, who laughed and said, “Jon, why do you like to pretend Manny annoys you when in truth you’re such good friends?”

  Jon blushed and blurted out a reply. “But he does annoy me!” Everyone laughed, even Manny.

  At last they reached the safety of the farmstead much to everyone’s relief. The place appeared forlorn with rickety buildings in the midst of a windswept plain, but it provided good cover for them and the animals. Jon and Manny unpacked the supplies and Manny laid out a quick snack. The two Rhiava were too tired to eat much. While they ate, Jon made up three beds. It was decided he’d take the first watch; Manny would take the second. They were nowhere near as tired as Triena and Lector, and they were fit enough to last on just a few hours’ sleep. Lector tried to protest, but Jon explained it was part of their training, and they were used to going without sleep if required. Manny, too, was quite adamant it was no problem and insisted Lector should rest. It was probable they’d need his skills the following day.

  “Please, Lector, this is unnecessary. You must trust our new friends,” Triena said as Jon and Manny moved away.

  “It’s not a question of trust, Mistress, it’s more a question of ability. However, if you believe it will be satisfactory I won’t pursue the matter,” Lector answered, his tone none too generous.

  “Lector, I find your attitude most upsetting,” Triena said. “I’ve had enough of this unwarranted coldness to Jon, which is becoming even more apparent because you don’t act that way with Manny. You’ve no reason to behave this way, and you know it. I find it distasteful to have to speak to you as I would one of the children who hasn’t yet learned any better.”