Captain Forst, Commander of Claw Flight, walked around his aircraft checking for any problems. He made sure the drive’s air intake was clear, the gun ports unobstructed and flying surfaces free of defects. First Sergeant Collat, the Iidx in charge of the mechanics who maintained the fighter, watched the Captain move around the craft. Muffled laughter and whispered comments could be heard coming from the ground crew as Forst checked the flaps on a wing. Moments later when the pilot finished the pre-flight inspection Collat clicked a timer and held it up for everyone to see.
The Captain walked over to the waiting mechanics. “Everything’s clean,” he announced. “Who won the bet?”
A tech sergeant standing next to Collat laughed and raised a true-hand. “You missed my pick by only a couple of seconds, Captain. For that I get an extra period of rest and recover. Berentin, here gets my shift.” He gave a respectful bow as the indicated Iidx shook his head. “You have my undying gratitude.”
Forst joined in the laughter. He’d worked to develop a good relationship with these Iidx. Over the years he’d found that his craft worked better, had fewer problems, when the mechanics considered their pilot a friend. “Since I’m the object of this little bet I ought to get something for my effort, don’t you think?” he asked.
Sergeant Collat handed Forst’s flight helmet to the pilot. “You get a fighter that flies and shoots,” he growled.
Before the Captain could reply Lieutenant Rian, Claw Flight’s second officer, walked up and saluted. “Claw Flight is ready, Captain,” Rian reported.
Captain Forst gave an understanding nod of his head. He reached out and put his right true-hand on Rian’s middle segment. “Lieutenant, your assignment is critical. Draw the enemy’s attention onto your two wings but don’t take risks. You’re in command because I trust your judgment. Launch your missiles as soon as you have good targeting. You can come around for a strafing run if you think it’s warranted. Otherwise, get clear and wait for my recall signal!” The Lieutenant nodded his understanding. “Now, let’s get our pilots get to their craft,” the Captain finished. “We’ll lift off and attack as planned.”
Rian gave a salute that would’ve done his academy instructors proud then spun around. As the Lieutenant hurried off the Flight Leader gave an amused wave of antennae at the exuberance of his Second. Then he nodded to his mechanics, turned back to his craft and went up the ladder to the cockpit. It was time he was in the air. His mechanics swarmed around the craft, removing tie downs from under the wings and blocks from in front of the wheels.
“Are you sure this attack’s a good idea, sir?” asked Collat as he leaned into the cockpit to help Forst strap in. He’d come up the ladder right after the pilot. Another Iidx scuttled under the craft where he could remove a power cable as soon as the drives started.
“Is this a good idea?” repeated Forst. He pulled on his helmet being careful not to damage his antennae. “Good idea or not we have to do this. The Kthpok betrayed our trust and murdered most of the Council of Queens. Now they’re coming to kill our people.” He flipped a few switches to start his engines then looked up at his chief mechanic. Forst had to speak loud as the drives began to power up. The mechanic who’d ducked under the craft reappeared dragging a cable. “We can’t let them have a base on Main Hive to kill our people,” the Captain said and returned to getting his fighter ready for take-off. “Since we’re on the coast opposite the island we’re the only force close enough to perform the mission. That’s one reason why the colonel authorized this mission. He doesn’t like the Kthpok here any better than I do.”
Collat finished hooking up the oxygen line to Forst’s flight suit then thumped the pilot’s helmet. “Good luck, sir,” he said and climbed back down the ladder. Two Iidx hurried over to remove the ladder from the aircraft. After making sure his way to the taxi ramp was clear and no one was in the danger zone Forst keyed his canopy then pushed the control yoke forward. The canopy slid shut and sealed as the craft moved out of the flight line. Forst steered his craft down the taxi lane heading for the takeoff strip. Other aircraft of Claw Flight followed creating a line of fighters.
Ground crews of the thirty aircraft gathered in small groups to watch their craft roll to the takeoff strip. The craft raced down the strip in pairs and lifted off in a roar of engines. “Good hunting,” First Sergeant Collat whispered.
Moments later, after the craft of Claw Flight had formed up over their base, the formation left the mainland heading straight across the thirty miles of ocean separating Tarren Island from the continent. In order to escape early detection the aircraft kept low, almost clipping the waves and raced for the island at full speed. Tails of water were thrown up behind the craft from the slipstream of their passage.
Ten minutes from landfall Captain Forst keyed his link. “Claw One,” he called. “This is Flight Leader.”
An instant later the pilot of the lead aircraft replied. “Flight Leader, this is Claw One, go!”
“One, we’ll reach the breakout point shortly,” said Forst. “Any sign of detection or targeting scans?”
“My instruments aren’t picking up any signs of either detection or targeting, Captain,” the pilot of Claw One replied. “Do you wish me to relay?”
There was a brief pause as Forst pondered the question. “Negative on the relay, One,” he replied then switched to the flight frequency. “Claw Flight, it appears we’ve got our surprise. We’ll proceed as outlined. After you hit your primary target go for targets of opportunity. Separate on my mark.” He paused as his flight neared the critical point off the island. Then he barked into the link. “Claw Flight break…break…break!”
The thirty aircraft broke into five flights of six aircraft each. Following Captain Forst’s plan twelve aircraft led by Lieutenant Rian gained altitude, throttled back on their drives and headed directly towards the Kthpok base. The other three flights remained below radar, altered course to circle around to attack the facility from separate directions, and kicked in their after burners. They were to make their attack soon after the decoy group had made their first run and distracted the defenders.
As soon as the Rian’s groups gained altitude and crossed the beach Kthpok scanners caught them. “Flight Leader, this is Decoy Leader,” called Rian. “I’m picking up active scans. They know we’re coming.”
“Acknowledged,” replied Forst. “Engage countermeasures. Proceed as planned.”
The aircraft of the decoy groups immediately activated their electronic countermeasures and held to their course. “Flight Leader, I show we have 90 seconds to target,” called Rian.
There was a slight pause as Forst checked his instruments and location. “We’re just behind you as planned,” he reported. “Draw their attention and do what damage you can. Between us we’ll erase any signs the Kthpok parasite ever existed on Main Hive.” All five groups of aircraft converged on the target from five different directions with different timing.
Just before reaching missile range the two decoy groups ramped up their electronic jamming to confuse the targeting scans from the defenses. As they did, missile batteries inside the Kthpok base launched. Trails of white smoke speared towards the attacking craft.
An alert sounded in Rian’s helmet speakers. He glanced down at his radar screen to see the incoming missile and keyed his transmitter. “Decoy Flight, fire chaff rockets!” the Lieutenant ordered. “Hold launch of assault missiles until we clear the chaff.” That last order was unnecessary. All his pilots were experienced enough to know the metallic strips would block their own targeting scans as well as those of the Kthpok.
Small rockets detached from under wings to race ahead. Then a series of explosions several miles in front of the aircraft created clouds of small metal pieces. About a third of the incoming Kthpok weapons lost their lock and detonated sending shrapnel in all directions. The remaining two-thirds sped past the slowly dissipating cloud of metallic strips, and bored straight in. Aircraft went into evasive maneuvers, firing off heat flares to distract the missiles from their targets. Cries and grunts were cut off as missiles ignored the flares and electronic countermeasures to blot aircraft from the sky. Then, the surviving ships of the decoy groups blew past the missiles and flashed through the chaff clouds.
“In range!” called Rian to the pilots under his command. The other three flights were still less than a minute out. “Launch when your target is acquired.” As he worked his equipment the close range defenses of the base opened fire; more missiles were launched and pulses of light raced outward. Ignoring the danger he examined the base laid out before him, searching for his main target. Grunting in satisfaction, Rian adjusted his course slightly. More alerts were flashing across his instruments but the Lieutenant concentrated on centering his target indicator on a particular building. Then he keyed for his weapons to identify.
A flash lit up his cockpit. Looking up and back Rian saw a black cloud receding behind his craft which signified the death of a wing mate. An insistent beeping in his helmet speakers brought his attention back to the incoming danger. Instinct wanted him to maneuver his aircraft so he could evade the pulses and missiles heading his way but he had to hold steady until the electronics confirmed a lock. “Come on,” he muttered. “They’re coming. Confirm lock. Confirm!”
The weapons systems in the Iidx craft were designed for rapid recognition. But the designers of Kthpok weapons were aware that during battle everything was time critical and created their weapons accordingly. Time seemed to stretch as Rian watched pulses and missiles speed at him. More flares were released but additional chaff packets couldn’t be fired because the metallic cloud would interfere with his targeting. After what seemed hours but was actually less than two seconds the tone confirming lock sounded and Rian reacted. He keyed the trigger and felt his missiles detach. They sped away from his fighter leaving lines of white smoke.
The Lieutenant didn’t wait to see the results of his launch but fired off more flares and swept his craft into a dive with a sharp right turn. As the turn began he looked back to see if any other pilots in his group had launched. Then his view was cut off as his ship swung around. Kthpok pulses swept through the air where he would have been.
The missiles targeted on Rian veered to follow his maneuver and the proximity alert sounded. He reached out with a true-hand and triggered decoys then concentrated on evasive maneuvers. One missile was lured off course by the counter measures and detonated. Two others continued after Rian and exploded just short of the tail of his craft.
Shrapnel tore into the rear stabilizer, control surfaces of the right wing and right drive. Alert signals flashed in Rian’s cockpit and a shrill tone came over his helmet speakers. Red lights began flashing across his control panel. A quick glance back revealed his fuel reservoirs had been punctured letting precious fuel escape. A line of black smoke trailed behind his craft as the fire started by the missiles was moving forward.
Almost of its own accord a middle false-hand flew up to hit the eject button. The canopy release blew, propelling the canopy away just before the fire reached the fuel reservoir. Small solid-fuel rockets blasted the pilot out of his stricken craft. Vapor inside the reservoir ignited which in turn set off the fuel load. The explosion destroyed Rian’s craft and sent the pilot tumbling higher into the air.
As the ejection saddle arced through the air the Lieutenant had a moment to watch the last of his fighters blown out of the air. As far as he could see there were no other ejection saddles or parachutes in the air. Then, at the peak of his arc, his parachute deployed, jerking him hard against his restraints and stopping the tumbling.
Looking down Rian saw that the course of his craft, the arc of his ejection saddle and a slight breeze would drop him beyond the outer security fence of the Kthpok base. Since he had a few minutes before reaching the surface he looked back at the base to see how effective his strike had been.
A large ball of smoke and flame roiled skyward from missile impacts. Rian took another look around the sky then began cursing. He’d lost every craft in the two groups; twelve ships and pilots, in an engagement that had lasted seconds. And for what? One hit! In fact, it appeared he was the only pilot to’ve launched missiles.
Watching, he saw flames appearing in the smoke of the damaged building. Then the flames began to spread. A moment later the entire building was engulfed in flames and smoke. “Why isn’t someone trying to put the fire out?” Rian wondered and saw the fire spread to an adjacent structure.
Sonic booms crashed causing him to look around to see eighteen more aircraft streaking in from three directions. Captain Forst and the other groups had begun their attack run. “Go on!” shouted Rian, “Blast those long necked, tailed…” His cheers were cut short when he saw one of the attacking ships explode. Maybe the defenders weren’t as distracted as Captain Forst planned.
Floating beyond the perimeter fence the downed Iidx pilot neared the ground of the cleared security area. He released the saddle he’d been resting on and watched it fall into the grass below. Anticipating the landing, Rian got a firm hold on his survival pack, released his chute restraints early and dropped to the ground. Sensors around the Kthpok perimeter noted Rian’s arrival and activated more defensive systems. Laser pulses stitched a pattern of explosions as the Iidx scuttled towards the jungle.
Captain Forst adjusted the trim of his craft as he came around for another attack. Laser pulses streaked past the tail of his craft, searing the air between him and his wing mate. Keeping formation the two craft swung around with streams of pulses trying to keep pace. Other pulses came from another area of the base, leading the two aircraft but were starting to adjust. Forst increased speed and flew away from the danger but his wing mate didn’t react fast enough. The craft was blasted from the sky.
Missiles and pulses filled the sky. Aircraft climbed, dived, and turned as decoys and chaff packets were launched. Some succeeded in evading destruction but others didn’t. Explosions dotted the air and then missiles began to hit the Kthpok facility. More pillars of smoke rose skyward as additional buildings burned.
Forst triggered his remaining missile at the Kthpok command building. Without waiting to see the effect of his launch the Flight Leader made a sharp left bank to head for the ocean, away from danger. As his craft swung around a false-hand reached out to key the recall sequence. All surviving aircraft were to form up on him for the return trip.
A quick check of his ships computer revealed that of the thirty ships which began the assault only seven were moving into formation behind the Captain’s aircraft. He turned around on his saddle to look behind and saw billows of smoke rising from the Kthpok base. The facility hadn’t been obliterated from Main Hive as he’d planned but it had sustained severe damage. Those fires would burn and spread until it stopped by a heavy rain or put out by a very good fire brigade. If or when the Kthpok returned they’d have to put their surface base back together.
A flashing light on his instrument panel and a soft chiming coming over his helmet speakers caught Forst’s attention. He swung back around to query the aircrafts computer. “That’s interesting,” he muttered. “I’m getting signals from an emergency beacon. That mean’s…” Forst glanced out his front viewscreen at the horizon beyond. “That means someone who’d been shot down survived!”
The Flight Leader went to key his radio to order a rescue mission but stopped for a moment to think. There was something on the edge of his antennae, something about the Kthpok defenses that was odd. Forst shook his head; there wasn’t time to figure it out now. He touched the transmit key on his control yoke. “Claw Flight to Claw Nest,” he called. “Flight to Nest.” After receiving an acknowledgment Forst continued. “Claw Flight is returning to nest. Seven are flight worthy. One pilot is down.”
“We confirm,” replied the Lieutenant from the Base Command Room back on the mainland. “Seven in incoming flight, one pilot is down. We’re receiving the beacon ourselves, Flight Leader. A pickup team is being prepared. They’ll be in the air before you get back. Any sign of Kthpok retaliation?”
Forst glanced down at his radar screen. “Negative Nest. Screens show only my flight.”
“Very good, Claw Flight, use standard approach and transponders.”
Forst went to acknowledge his instructions then realized what was odd about the Kthpok defenses. “Contact the Colonel!” the Captain ordered. “I need to speak with him before the SAR leaves. Get him on the link, now!”
The remnant of Claw Flight streaked over the beach. Several hundred feet below were the blue waters separating Tarren Island from the main land. Forst checked his fuel level and distance to home. It’d be close, he decided, but they’d make it.
Less than a minute after asking for the Colonel a new voice came over Forst’s helmet speakers. “This’s Colonel Levron,” the Iidx announced. “What’ve you got, Captain? What happened?”
“There are no Kthpok on Tarren,” announced Forst without any preamble.
“From what I can see you lost about two thirds of your command,” replied Levron. “That doesn’t seem to indicate empty defensive positions. What damage did you do?”
“They are empty, Colonel!” repeated Forst with confidence. “The defenses are automated, run by computers and software. I have to admit the software’s very effective,” he added. “As I flew over the Kthpok base there were buildings burning from the first attack. No one was out fighting the fires.”
There was silence from the other end of the link. Then Colonel Levron suggested, “Perhaps all the Kthpok not in their Space Swarm were in shelters or defensive emplacements blasting your flight instead of fighting fires.”
Forst shook his head. “Sir, they weren’t fighting fires because they weren’t there!” he insisted. “I tell you, Colonel, everything’s automated! The buildings we hit were considered vital to the Kthpok and that includes their administration center. I can’t see them letting those facilities burn. This is an opportunity to get an observer team on the island without the Kthpok being aware.”
There was another hesitation; this time such a long one that Forst began to wonder if the transmission had been cut off. He was reaching to check the connection when his speakers crackled again. “Your observation tracks, Captain,” Levron said. “We’re working to get a team ready. That’s why it took me so long to get back to you. At the same time we drop the observation team on the island we want to pick up our downed pilot.”
Forst made a slight adjustment to his aircraft’s trim then replied. “I can see that, Colonel. How soon are we looking at?”
“That’s the problem,” Levron replied. “We can’t have the team properly outfitted until tomorrow. Our pilot will have to wait until them for pickup.”
Rian moved through the undergrowth of the jungle with ease. Large trees grew throughout the area and their upper limbs interlaced to create a thick green canopy that blocked most of the light from reaching the floor. He ducked under a low hanging branch, slid past a moss-covered rock then jumped a rotting log. The pilot knifed through a clump of bushes startling a few small creatures sheltering there.
His training as a pilot stressed evasion after being shot down and the best way to do that was hiding in the jungle away from the bad guys. Rian’s survival equipment included rations for several days and a beacon. That beacon would make it easy for the team sent to make pickup. All they’d have to do was follow the homing signal to wherever he was.
The downed pilot crashed to a halt in a dark mass of ferns as a thought came. He quickly reran the logic that’d stopped him, checking its validity. His training had him using the jungle as a shield. The Kthpok shouldn’t be able to find him in the jungle but the SAR could because of the emergency beacon. This was when he came to the problem. Because of all the Kthpok excursions into secure Iidx facilities there was the possibility the Kthpok had obtained the frequency for the Iidx emergency beacons. If the Kthpok knew the frequency they’d come right to him regardless of where he was just like the SAR.
Stripping off his abdomen pack Rian settled down in the ferns. He smoothed out a small place next to him in the vegetation then undid the fastenings of the bag, lifted the flap and looked inside. Rations and other survival necessities were removed and piled in the cleared area until he reached the beacon.
Taking the device in a true-hand Rian stood and went to throw the transmitter into the bush. Once again he stopped. While it was only a possibility the Kthpok had the frequency it was a certainty the pickup team did. So when the SAR arrived they’d go to where the beacon was expecting to find the downed pilot. And if the Kthpok had the frequency they could set a trap for the SAR.
Antennae drooping in confusion, still holding the beacon, he settled down in the ferns to think. There was no way he could prevent the Kthpok from ambushing the SAR if they had the frequency. But the pickup team was trained to handle situations like that. What he had to do was find a way to keep the Kthpok from finding and killing him while giving the SAR a way to locate and rescue him.
Noises from various creatures were heard coming from the branches overhead and the surrounding dense undergrowth. An especially loud call startled Rian and he looked up. Then, after placing the beacon with the rest of his items, he scrambled to his feet knowing what he could do.
It took a few minutes of rooting around in the underbrush for him to locate what he was looking for. Rian took a moment to examine his find to make sure it would be safe for him to proceed. Then, antennae quivering with amusement, he carefully placed the beacon next to the small hole. With that done he rearranged the shrubs and ferns to reflect their pre-disturbed state. “There,” he said standing back to look over his handiwork. “When or if the Kthpok come looking for me they’ll get a little surprise.”
If the hole really was the entrance to a Pertan warren the lizards would get more than a surprise. The creatures were sensitive to heavy vibrations and would swarm out of their nest to attack anything that disturbed them.
“That takes care of that problem,” muttered Rian. “But it creates another.” He began looking around for an answer. “I have to let the pickup team know where I’m going. But…” he paused and looked up at the canopy of foliage, “where am I going?” In the dim light he saw the bole of a large tree nearby. “That should help,” the Iidx pilot said and swarmed up the trunk.
A moment later his valentine shaped head poked through the leaves of the canopy into the sunlight. The roof of the jungle rippled in waves as a slight breeze swept across the island. Looking around Rian examined the surrounding area. There didn’t appear to be anything close where he could hide so he looked further away. In the distance he saw a mountain rising out of the uniform green of the jungle. Rian gave a shrug of his antennae as he gauged the distance. It appeared to be a two maybe three days journey but it was doable. He’d’ve preferred something closer but he had to work with what he was given. There might even be a cave he could hide in while he waited for the SAR to find him.
After checking his compass to make sure he had the direction to the mountain firmly in mind Rian headed down the tree into the dark, humid jungle. He left a piece of paper wrapped in film hidden near the beacon. On the paper he’d written ‘mountain’. Once again he restored the vegetation to its pre-disturbed stated. Satisfied with his preparations Rian shrugged on his pack with its items repacked. He checked his compass then slid through the bushes for the mountain.
A day later the downed pilot had just crossed a small stream and was starting up the bush covered bank when he heard a noise. Rian froze, antennae questing for information. That sound was different from what he’d been listening to for the last day which is what caught his attention. After a moment, when the strange cry wasn’t repeated, he continued up the bank and slid through the bushes at the top with only a rustle of branches.
At mid-day Rian stopped to eat. His survival training had provided him with knowledge of what local fruits were available to eat. As he’d made his way towards the mountain he’d picked and eaten fruit to supplement his rations. That helped him maintain a quick march. He could eat and walk. But this time he wanted a rest. Besides, his quick pace had brought him nearer the mountain than he’d first anticipated.
The place he’d chosen to stop in was a small area clear of trees while covered by the ever-present jungle canopy. Even the bushy undergrowth was lacking. Of course, there were the ever present ferns and grasses. He scuttled over to a tree and hung his pack on a convenient limb. Then he picked some fruit from a nearby tree and settled down in the soft ferns to eat.
Glancing around, he examined his dining room. It was a roughly circular about eight feet in diameter. Other than being relatively clear it was like the jungle he’d been moving through for a day and a half. The leafy canopy provided shade and kept the jungle floor relatively cool. A greenish-yellow tint was given to the jungle by the noon day sun. It was quite pleasant, thought Rian.
Cries continued to come from all around. Occasionally there would be a crescendo in the calls or everything would fall silent after a loud crash. He assumed the crash was a dead tree being knocked down by one of the larger creatures that roamed the island while grazing.
As Rian ate he piled the cores of the eaten fruit and wrappers from the rations on the ground nearby. Finishing his meal, he looked around and found a rock almost hidden among some ferns. It was large enough to discourage curiosity and small enough to move so he could cover the evidence of his meal. A quick examination showed the ground near one end of the rock had been disturbed. He assumed that was the work of some of the local insects.
Rian carried his garbage over and set it next to the rock. Then, moving off to one side, he bent over, got a good hold of the rock with his true-hands and upper false hands. He braced his other four limbs and heaved. After a minute of straining one end of the rock came out of the moist ground. He looked down into the hole created by the rock’s absence and froze. There in the bottom were the remnants of a meal; wrappers and cores just like his. And from the state of the cores they’d been placed under the rock earlier that day. Insects hadn’t had a chance to discover and begin devouring the cores.
Keeping the rock balanced on one end the pilot swept his trash in with the other refuse then let the rock fall back into place. He spent a few minutes making sure the dirt and plants around the stone looked as natural as he could make it.
With that complete Rian examined the ground and bushes that surrounded his lunch room. He was looking for any sign of who - or what had left the wrappers. Ten minutes later he came across markings in some moist ground at one end of the area. Rian crouched down for a closer look. His antennae swept over the ground, probing for clues. As far as he could tell the marks had been made since yesterday’s evening rains but he couldn’t tell what had made the marks. It could be a Kthpok or an Iidx or a large creature native to the island.
Rian shook his head. It couldn’t be an Iidx. Everyone was supposed to’ve left before the Kthpok arrived.
Keeping his antennae bent for trouble, Rian left the marks. He quickly slipped on his pack then pulled out his pulser and checked its charge. Satisfied it was ready for use; he holstered the weapon then moved back to where the marks were. It didn’t take very long for him to discover that whatever, whoever, had made the marks had the same destination: the mountain.
The pilot grinned in anticipation. He hoped and expected it to be a Kthpok. Then he could kill more of them before they killed him only this time he’d get to do it up close and personal.
Rian stooped again to consider the marks he’d been following. It didn’t look like something he expected a Kthpok to make. But then, he’d never met a Kthpok to know what marks it made. Giving a slight shake of his head he set off once more.
The pace Rian set tracking the unknown party was slower than earlier that day although it was still rapid. To find the maker of the tracks he had to do so before the daily rains began which would erase any sign for him to follow.
The Lieutenant moved as his primitive ancestors with head near the ground searching for signs, antennae questing. He used his four true-legs and two false-hands to run while his true-hands moved bushes or limbs out of the way. His head moved from side-to-side and up-to-down looking for any sign of his prey’s passage. Rian found a broken branch here, an impression made in mud starting to fill with water there, and bent grass.
From time to time he’d pause to consult his compass. Each time he did he’d confirm he was still heading directly for the mountain. That was enough to convince him he wasn’t following an animal. Animals rarely moved in straight lines; they wandered. But he still couldn’t confirm he was tracking Kthpok.
After crossing into a range of small rolling hills and flowing streams that was at the foot of the large mountain water began to drip from the leafy canopy overhead. Rian looked up and cursed, “This can’t happen now.”
He ran faster. It wouldn’t be long before the rains began in earnest. At least his quarry had been good enough to keep a straight line. He hurried down the side of a small ravine, splashed through the stream in the bottom then climbed up the other side still following the strange marks.
At the top of the bank he paused next to a cliff that rose up and disappeared in the canopy. Looking up, he studied the gray rock face. There were small ledges here and there with bushes and small trees growing out of cracks in the rock. It wouldn’t be a difficult climb for an Iidx but a Kthpok? He had no idea how well the Kthpok could climb or even if they could.
Then he noticed he was standing on a well-worn animal trail following the cliff. The bushes and undergrowth was gone with the dirt washed away down to rock.
“Up hill or down?” Rian wondered as he looked both ways. It was logical the creature he’d been following would use the path rather than climb a cliff. Water began dripping from the canopy overhead and was starting to collect in depressions of the path.
“Up!” he decided when he saw an overturned rock not far from where he stood. With a decisive wave of his antennae Rian moved up the path, climbing higher into the foothills. A moment later his decision was reinforced. Several branches from a bush lining the path had been broken to indicate the passage of a large creature.
The pilot plunged ahead; racing to catch his quarry before the heavens opened and erased all signs he could follow. On his left was the cliff with the ravine to his right. As he climbed higher into the mountain the ravine got shallower. He was surprised when the ravine ended and the path he was on crossed a ridge then dropped down into another ravine. In the bottom, the trail turned again following the new ravine, still climbing higher. Water was beginning to run several inches deep in the path.
Rian glanced up at the slopes of the ravine and the canopy overhead. From the dimming light he guessed night wasn’t far off. He was hesitant to give up the chase but it would be dangerous to wander around strange places when you couldn’t see anything.
The pilot continued walking up the ravine, his four feet splashing in the accumulating water. Besides watching for signs of his quarry Rian began to look for shelter. The rain was getting heavier and the water in the ravine deeper; hinting at danger to come. By this time there wasn’t as much foliage to hinder a climb. The ever present canopy was gone. A quick look showed there were rocks and cliffs on either side that would make good holds if he needed to climb out. Then he stopped. About a third of the way up one rock face was what looked like a cave opening. “That’s promising,” he muttered and, ignoring the light drizzle, reached for a handhold.
Moments later the pilot’s head peered over the lip of a small ledge. Rian nodded in approval. There was an opening and he could easily fit inside. If the cave was large enough he’d use this as his base until pickup. His head swiveled back and he looked up the ravine where he guessed his quarry had gone. He wondered if he should keep tracking.
A gust of wind blew a curtain of rain down the hillside. His antennae were blown down across his back. There was a flash of light and thunder echoed off the mountainside. That decided the issue and the Lieutenant climbed the rest of the way onto the ledge and moved for the cave. Whatever he was tracking would have to wait for morning to be found.
Standing in the entrance of the cave he looked around the small chamber. There was just enough light to hint at its size. “This will do,” he said.
“It’s good to hear your assessment agrees with mine. Although it did take some work to make comfortable.”
The pilot jerked in surprise, pulling his pulser from its holster. He glanced around; trying to see who had spoken but there were too many shadows. And it was rapidly getting darker outside. Then he realized he was standing in the cave entrance. He could tell there was enough light coming in through the entrance to outline him against the sky.
Rian jumped to the right inside the chamber, slamming against a rock wall. Ignoring the sharp edges of rock scoring his shell he called, “Who’s there? Where are you?” A slight echo greeted his words. His antennae were swaying back and forth in an effort to find whoever had spoken. As he listened for a reply he heard drips of water falling into pools and the patter of rain on the ledge outside. He guessed this cave was larger and went further back than he thought. “There’s no need to hide,” said Rian. “You’ve already let me know you’re here.
“Who are you?” The pilot called again. He gripped his pulser and looked around the cavern. A small stream of water began to run into the cave from the ledge. It appeared the evening rain had begun in earnest. “We need to cooperate.” Rian tried to focus deeper into the cavern. “We’re fighting the weather and animals.”
“We’ll cooperate,” said the voice and Rian froze. Now, the sound was coming from behind him. The person had been able to move without being heard. “Don’t try anything stupid like turning and trying to shoot. I know where you are while you don’t know where I am. I’m very good at sensing danger. I’ve had to be to survive this long. Drop your weapon then move over next to the water.”
“I can’t do that,” replied Rian. “It’s too dangerous.”
“The only dangerous thing you have to worry about right now is a nervous Iidx with a pulser. And one that’s liable to start carving off limbs if you don’t do what you’re told.”
Rian grunted in understanding then held out his weapon, made sure the safety was set and dropped it to the rock floor. The clatter echoed around the cave as he walked over next to the water. Once there he stopped and turned around. “All right,” he said holding out his true-hands to show he was unarmed even though he wasn’t sure the gesture could be seen. “I’ve done what you wanted. It’s your turn.”
A moment later a dark shape in the dim light scuttled forward from the shadows in the opposite side of the cave to where the pulser had been dropped. He couldn’t see what was happening but Rian imagined the… He paused as another thought came. The voice had said ‘nervous Iidx’.
“Follow the water deeper into the cavern,” came the order cutting through Rian’s thoughts. “Don’t try anything I might think is stupid like trying to jump me. I’ll be far enough back with weapons ready that you won’t be able to reach me if you try.”
Without a word Rian turned to follow the water as it moved deeper into the cavern but stopped. “I can’t see,” he said. “I don’t want to drop into a bottomless pit.”
“Take a few steps to your left and cross over the stream and keep going. You know how to use your hands and antennae; it’s second nature. There’s some turns then you’ll be going through an opening. Be careful. It isn’t that large.”
The pilot felt ahead with his antennae, true-hands and middle false-hands while taking tentative steps. Guiding himself by feel he worked his way down the passage, going around several turns, through a hole and then down a slight incline.
“Wait!” Rian stopped as ordered. Sounds of something being moved could be heard. A moment after the grating stopped a light came on. Chittering in pain, Rian raised his true-hands to shield his eyes that had become accustomed to the darkness.
“That better?”
The Lieutenant dropped his true-hands from his compound eyes and looked around. A dark, plastic slab had been drawn across the passage they had come through preventing any light from escaping. A small groove in the bottom of the slab allowed water from the entrance to move through. As he continued his inspection it was easy to see the cavern had been turned into an apartment. Rian’s antennae quivered with amusement. This apartment even had running water if you counted the drips from the ceiling falling into a pool. There was also a portion of a stream that appeared in the left side of the room. He noted a bedroom area, a cooking area and what appeared to be a research center. A tarp had been strung over the living area to divert water falling from the ceiling from getting into the electronics.
After finishing the examination of his surroundings Rian turned his attention to his captor. “This is cozy,” he said. “But who are you? Where’d you come from?”
The Iidx Rian addressed had walked into the research area, avoiding the stream while the Lieutenant had been examining the room. The stranger had removed a light gathering device from his head then put everything on a table and settled onto a saddle facing a computer monitor. Rian noted that the harness and decorations worn by his captor was the uniform of the Environment Protection Force. The pilot shook his head in confusion. How was this possible? All the reports he’d read said that all Iidx on the island had been relocated weeks before the Kthpok had arrived to take possession.
“Why were you following me?” the Iidx asked ignoring Rian’s questions.
The Lieutenant gave a shrug of his antennae. “As far as I knew the only people on this rock were Kthpok. Since they attacked…” He paused as a thought came and he stared at the other Iidx. “You do know the Kthpok attacked us?” The Iidx waved his antennae yes and indicated a radio set next to the monitor so Rian continued. “We are in the process of setting up defenses anticipating another attack when my Flight Leader, Captain Forst, convinced our commander that the Kthpok should lose their base here on Tarren.” He gave a shrug from his antennae. “So we attacked and did some damage. During the attack I was shot down. In my attempt to avoid the Kthpok I came across tracks that led me here.”
“Thinking there were only Kthpok on the island you followed to eliminate them?” the Protector commented. He left his saddle a moved over to stand in front of the pilot.
Rian nodded and shrugged his antennae again. “It seemed a perfect opportunity to cut down the odds. I assumed they were looking for me but they’d gotten ahead of me.”
The other Iidx’s antennae began stroking the pilot’s antennae and head. Rian stood still and kept quiet until the Iidx finished and moved back a step. Rian gestured. “You know about me now. What about you? How long have you been here? How’d you get here without the Kthpok being aware?”
The Iidx gave an amused wave of his antennae. “So many questions,” he replied. “Where to begin?” Rian had to stifle his impatience as his companion pondered his answer. “I guess introductions come first. My name is Fairron and I’m the Conservationist who was assigned to safeguard the rare species on this island before the Kthpok arrived.” Fairron gestured at the surroundings. “This is where I lived when out in the field and, when everyone else was evacuated, I stayed.”
“You’ve evaded the Kthpok the entire time?” said Rian. “What did you eat?”
“I already had a good supply of foodstuffs out here before the Kthpok arrived. Then, before everyone left I was able to move a large store of rations out here. It was easy in the confusion,” Fairron said and gave a shrug. “As a result I have enough for years. I’ve also I supplemented those supplies with local food.” He patted his abdomen with his false-hands. His antennae indicated a smug satisfaction. “I’ve eaten well.”
“That’s good to know,” said Rian. “At least we won’t starve while waiting for pickup.”
“Pickup?” asked Fairron. “How…when?” His antennae stiffened with alarm. “They can lead the Kthpok to us if they’re not careful. You don’t have the beacon here, do you?”
“I worried about that,” said Rian, “and made arrangements to prevent it.” He then explained the precautions he had taken and why.
“So you see,” he concluded. “All we have to do is watch and see who’s coming this way. If it’s the Kthpok we leave them in the jungle and duck back in here until they leave. I don’t think they could make the climb to get up here.” He gave a shrug from his antennae. “We could even pick them off in the jungle if they give us the opportunity. But if it’s the pickup team I can approach them in the jungle. This way the cave remains a secret.”
Fairron didn’t seem completely satisfied but he nodded agreement. “You’ve been on the move for about three days since being shot down?” he asked. Rian waved his antennae in agreement at the statement. “Then your SAR should already be here.”
“They’d have to sneak ashore because there aren’t any clear places to land,” added the Lieutenant. “Then they’d go to the beacon. After they find the device they find my message and head for the mountain.”
Fairron thought that over for a moment then nodded. “We’ll have another day or two at least before they reach our area. Let’s find a spot for you to sleep, get something to eat then turn in for the night. We can start watching for the pick-up Iidx in the morning.”