A light murmur could be heard over electronic chirps and beeps as the Command Run coordinated targets and ship movements. Run Point S’Cinf stared at the image of Main Hive shown on the central viewer of his ships Center Room. His people were tapping into satellites placed in orbit by the Iidx (which had a delicious sense of irony) and were receiving a real-time picture of the events taking place all over the main continent. The blue-white orb they were miles above had pinpricks of black which marked places where Iidx cities and bases had already been destroyed. Bright flashes indicated the detonation of nuclear missiles or impact of kinetic weapons and the elimination of more enemy targets. He looked closer and noted that some of the black pinpricks were beginning to streak across the continent. S’Cinf bobbed his head in approval. In those places fires started by the explosions were being blown by winds through forests and grasslands. That happenstance hadn’t been anticipated but was welcome. Those fires would take away places for rogue Iidx to hide.
His eyes flicked to the right. An indicator in the bottom right corner of the screen marked the progress of the bombardment. It was nearing forty percent. With his right hand he keyed in a query on the missile inventory for the fleet. They had to be careful with the use of their weapons as there wasn’t a ready source of resupply nearby. The data appeared on a side monitor and he grunted. That wasn’t good. Perhaps they should use more kinetic weapons. There was plenty of space junk for that.
A flicker on the central viewer caught his attention and he looked to see. S’Cinf gave a low growl of satisfaction as another flurry of bright dots appeared in the middle of the continent. The conquest of this planet was so easy - easier than he’d expected in fact. But, after eliminating the Council of Queens, the orbital platforms, and Iidx Space Fleet there was no creditable opposition. The Iidx hadn’t even tried to destroy the incoming missiles.
He cocked his head as he considered. Perhaps actual warfare was outside the Iidx experience. But he quickly discarded that thought. According to the histories he’d seen there’d been fighting between hives after. Some of those wars had been as involved and destructive as the war with the humans. A more reasonable explanation for the lack of coordination was that one of the earlier attacks had taken out the center that controlled the planets scanners.
The Run Point’s thoughts were disturbed when the Communications Specialist, Lieutenant L’Art, accompanied by Fleet Admiral S’Cal walked over. “Run Point,” the Lieutenant said after flashing a salute and receiving permission to speak. “We’ve picked up a broad band transmission from the senior surviving Iidx Queen.” His teeth bared in a hunter’s grin. “At least she claims to be the Senior Iidx Queen. She’s requesting a truce and an opportunity to speak with you. She wants to negotiate a resolution of the conflict.”
S’Cinf glanced at S’Cal then bobbed his head. “This may be a way to conserve our supply of missiles, Admiral,” he mused. “That’s a consideration since we won’t get any more until those factories are put back into operation.” The Fleet Admiral nodded his acknowledgement but kept silent to let his commander think.
A moment later the Run Point gave a sharp, decisive nod then turned to the Lieutenant. “Yes Lieutenant, tell the Queen I’ll speak with her.” With a wave of a hand he sent L’Art on his way.
“What would you like me to do about the bombardment your Eminence?” asked the Admiral. “Since conservation is an issue perhaps we should halt now.”
“No…,” replied S’Cinf giving a slow shake of his head as he considered, “we’ll continue operations for now. That should provide an incentive for the Queen to come to a quick understanding. But be prepared to stop on my command. When the Queen meets my terms we’ll halt the bombardment.” He nodded as he considered the options once more. “Yes, this should work to our benefit. When you get back to your station link in and listen to our conversation. I may want your impressions of this Queen.”
S’Cinf gestured his dismissal. The Admiral saluted, swung around and moved for his post. As he turned back to the main viewer the Run Point saw more flashes of light on the continent, moving towards the western coast. He gave a low snarl of satisfaction.
By the time S’Cal was leaving the Run Point’s station Lieutenant L’Art had already reached his perch. The Lieutenant put on his head set, made a few entries on his console, said something into his microphone and listened for a reply. A moment later he swung his long neck around so he could face S’Cinf. “The contact has been made, Run Point,” L’Art announced. “Queen Geddon is waiting to speak with you. I can send the link to the main viewer of your post now if you wish.”
“Do it!” replied S’Cinf. “Add Admiral S’Cal with a listen-only link.” The Lieutenant nodded his acknowledgement and worked his equipment.
A moment later the designated monitor on S’Cinf’s console flickered. Staring down at the screen the Run Point saw an Iidx with the large, delicate antennae of a Queen.
After a quick check to make sure the computer translation module was operating he looked into the visual pickup and spoke. “You requested this conversation,” S’Cinf growled. “Speak up! I’m busy exterminating your people and don’t have time to waste.” He could see from the way the Queen’s antennae flinched that this wasn’t how she expected the conversation to go. Omitting her title seemed to irritate her as much as anything else.
“I did ask for this conversation,” the Queen confirmed omitting the creatures title. She gave a slight bob from her antennae. If this Kthpok could be rude she’d return the favor. “I am Geddon, the Senior Queen speaking for the Council of Queens.”
S’Cinf smiled, showing his sharp serrated teeth. “I don’t remember you,” he stated. “But that is of no importance. What does the ‘Council’ want?”
Geddon seemed to rear back with indignation at his continued rudeness then sagged as she remembered that more of her people were being vaporized or blown apart as they spoke. If she was going to save lives she had to act quickly. “Your forces have proven superior to the Swarm defending Main Hive,” she confessed. “I am asking you to stop the slaughter of my people.”
“Most of my people were murdered and the survivors exiled from our nest world,” replied S’Cinf baring his teeth even further; turning a smile into a snarl. “There was no one willing to extend mercy then. And we have no desire to extend mercy now.
“A lesson we learned from the humans years ago in that same nest system was to never trust any but our own kind. Since I control your skies why shouldn’t I finish the job and kill each and every Iidx? An extinct enemy is no threat! That’s another lesson we learned from the humans.”
The Queen bowed her head. “You have the power to do as you say but your people will lose also,” she replied. “In continuing your nuclear bombardment you are causing extreme damage to the planets environment. The damage may be irreparable by this time. But if it isn’t and you continue the attack it will become so. That would make the planet unlivable even for the Kthpok.
“When you first arrived in our system you requested aid in rebuilding your weaponry. The Iidx people can assist in the production of armaments.” She looked back at him, her fluffy antennae going stiff. “As we have already done. And for our efforts you repay us with betrayal and slaughter.”
The Run Point waved away the last comment away as insignificant. “You are offering your people as slaves?” he asked.
“If that’s the only way we can survive.”
“Very well,” said S’Cinf then turned to look at the Fleet Admiral and gave a sharp nod. After he received an acknowledgement S’Cinf turned back to Geddon, “I have given the order to stop the bombardment of your cities and military bases as a gesture of good faith,” he announced. “As a precaution I’m keeping my fleet in orbit. If I suspect any deception, any attack contemplated on this fleet, the bombardment will resume.
“Know this,” he snarled, “that if the bombardment resumes it will not stop until the Iidx are extinct. There will be no further negotiations.” Once again the Queen bowed her head in submission.
S’Cinf used his right hand to key in a command on his console. An instant later the requested data appeared on a side screen. After reviewing the information the Run Point glared at the Queen and she seemed to wilt even further. “The Iidx will gather in the following cities,” he said then read the names of the eleven cities shown on the screen. “As you can see these are the manufacturing centers which we used to build our current inventory of missiles. The Iidx will gather in these cities and prepare to produce the products I desire.
“You, Queen Geddon, will have leave to govern your people, to assign them tasks under my direction.”
“I have the list of cities,” Geddon stated, “and agree to your terms, Run Point. The Iidx will relocate to the cities you have specified. When must this be accomplished?”
S’Cinf thought for a moment. He knew that even with the slaughter his people had inflicted so far there must be millions of bugs to be relocated. “I will leave to your discretion how it’s to be accomplished but you’ll have one month to gather your people,” he said. “Do not waste time or expect an extension as my patience is not without limit. To assist in your efforts and hasten the gathering I will halt the hunting flights over the main continent. This is in addition to stopping the bombardment. If I determine your agreement today is an effort to stall in the hopes of developing a defense or if your efforts are not moving fast enough the bombardment will resume and the Iidx species will be eliminated.” Geddon nodded her understanding once again. “After the month is over the cities and bases not listed as sanctuaries will be destroyed.
“There is one more item Queen Geddon, Senior of the Council of Queens.” The Run Point’s voice dripped with derision. “After the month has expired there will be no amnesty. There will be no discussion. Any Iidx found outside those sanctuaries will be hunted down and blasted! The only safety for your people will be found in these eleven cities.”
“I understand, Run Point,” repeated Geddon, “And your terms are accepted. The Iidx will comply. Will there be anything else?”
“No,” replied S’Cinf. “You should begin gathering your people immediately. One month is not very much time.”
At a signal from the Run Point the communications officer ended the transmission. The Kthpok leader leaned back on his tail and looked over at Admiral S’Cal who’d been listening in on the conversation from his post. “The Iidx should have surrendered when they learned their fleet had been destroyed,” S’Cinf commented and shrugged. “With their fleet and orbitals destroyed there was no hope of winning. A surrender would have prevented this bombardment.” He nodded at the screen. The brilliant flashes of nuclear explosions had stopped leaving only the streaking black lines of smoke. “Of course it would’ve meant we’d’ve had more bugs to kill later.”
S’Cal left his perch to walk over next to the Kthpok leader. “I haven’t been briefed on the structure of this Council of Queens, your Eminence,” he said. “Where does Geddon fit?”
“My understanding is that she’s the junior most Queen on their council,” replied S’Cinf. “The fact she’s the head of their government is an indication of how effective our strikes against their leadership has been. The Iidx are a highly structured, hierarchical society. If a Queen with more seniority survived she would have taken command and made the decision to contact me.”
“I see,” said S’Cal, bobbing his head. “Perhaps that’s why they didn’t surrender earlier, your Eminence. It took them this long for Geddon to realize she was the Senior Queen.” Then he paused for a moment and cocked his head as he thought. A moment later he spoke again. “Back on Fairen we had some insects similar to the Iidx, Run Point. They had a hive structure with a Queen and it was the Queen who produced the young. If the similarity holds here those Queens are the key since they propagate the species.” He swung around to look at the screen and gestured with his tail at the planet shown there. “The solution to securing the planet and eliminating the Iidx is that we eliminate the Queens. Since only one remains all we have to do is find out where she is and send in another missile. With no Queen there’s no young. And with no young the Iidx die within a generation without any threat to us.”
S’Cinf nodded his approval. The Fleet Admiral, although newly promoted, was aggressive and thinking long-term. He even had the ultimate solution in mind for the Iidx. In this instance, however, he needed more information. “We could kill this Queen,” the Run Point agreed, “but there are more than this one. There’s the City and Regional Queens who can produce young. We also don’t know if they’ve already elevated some of the Regional Queens to the Council. Or if Queen Eggs have been laid and hidden.
“We have to give the Iidx some reason to gather all their surviving Queens into the cities specified.” He gave a feral grin. “That’s why I’m giving them time to move into the eleven cities. After Geddon confirms her people are gathered at those locations we’ll wait for a week or two.” He waved a hand. “Oh, we’ll resume the attacks on any Iidx outside those cities but we’ll leave the sanctuaries alone. When we’re convinced we’ve got all their Queens in our little box we’ll launch our new weapons. That’ll eliminate the bulk of their population and all their Queens.
“Of course, some males may refuse to comply with Geddon’s orders. Before the attack I’d noticed a few who’d started to develop spirit. That Swarm Master Zelof was one. I don’t think he’d gather. He might’ve even tried to set up a hive of his own if he could convince a Queen to join him. That’s why I had his posting eliminated early in this campaign. Swarm Master Zelof won’t be around to organize any form of resistance.”
“What if a Queen goes rogue and refuses to obey Geddon?” S’Cal wondered. “She could take her swarm and hide in the jungles or mountains.”
“Then we hunt them to extinction,” snarled the Run Point. “Since they won’t have any tech base to manufacture weapons or defenses they’ll be easy targets. It’ll provide an opportunity for us to train hunting skills into our young. We’re going to do to the Iidx what our ancestors should have done to the humans when they were discovered.”
Sesum continued to stare at the horizon long after the fireballs dimmed and the night had returned. He heard a shuffling sound next to him and turned to see the dark outline of Queen Krissen. “I’m sorry, your majesty,” the Swarm Master said. “We need to get you to your tent.”
“Shouldn’t we move on?” the Queen wondered. “I mean I’m not a military expert or anything close to it but it seems to me that we’re inviting disaster if we just sit here.” She gestured with a false-hand, a faint motion in the dark. “Since the Kthpok have destroyed Soa and we’re just on the other side of these hills we could be targeted for an attack right now. We need to take down our camp and move on.”
“That would not be a good idea, Highness,” replied Sesum.
“And just why is that?” The Queen’s tone was stern and uncompromising.
“Right now this camp is a dark spot in a dark canyon. It’s no different than anywhere else in the area. If we pack up now to travel we’d have to turn on lights to see,” replied Sesum. “Lights in the dark provide excellent targeting even for a fast high altitude, aircraft. If we’re successful in breaking camp without getting blasted then we’d have to drive without lights.” He shrugged. “The danger in that has to do with unseen obstacles. There may be large rocks on the road, slides that’ve taken out the road, bridges missing over rivers or ravines; anything we don’t see can be fatal.”
Swarm Master Sesum shook his head. “No, your Highness, it’s too dangerous. We’ll remain here for the night. But as soon as it’s light enough we’ll get moving.” Sesum gestured to where the tents were located. “It’s getting late. I’ll get you to your tent where you can rest.” Without saying another word he took one of the Queen’s arms and began to walk for the Royal Tent. This time there was no argument or objection from Krissen at being touched.
The next morning Sesum had everyone up when the eastern horizon began to lighten. In the dim light breakfast was prepared and eaten then camp struck. The convoy was moving deeper into the hills just as the sun was appearing over the mountains.
After travelling a couple of hours, the line of vehicles climbed through the hills. They moved over a pass and were starting to descend when the first evidence of Kthpok raiders appeared. They saw burned out hulks of vehicles, blackened craters and fragments of bodies. Although they stopped to search there was no sign of survivors.
By mid-day the convoy had dropped out of the hills, left the forests and entered a valley that was between the hills and a larger mountain chain. The summer heat had turned the normally green grass to a dull brown. They followed the road as it moved the length of the valley. At the far end Sesum, in the lead vehicle, stopped the convoy on the outskirts of a village to consult his maps.
“This was Roclam,” he announced to Sergeant Willem, his driver, as they surveyed the devastation before them. His voice was tinged with sorrow as he saw the shattered walls and rubble that remained of the outer buildings. Burned and blasted metal marked vehicles. Swathes of blackened grass marked the valley where fires started by the explosions had burned. It was obvious to Sesum the Kthpok had used conventional missiles and pulsers since there wasn’t a single large crater. There were lots of smaller craters. Nor was there any sign of radiation.
“There must have been several hundred people here when the Kthpok attacked,” the Swarm Master continued. His voice already colored with grief combined with anger as he shook his antennae. “There was no strategic or political necessity for putting defenses here. These people weren’t a threat yet the Kthpok slaughtered them.”
After a few moments more of staring at the devastated and blackened landscape Sesum shook himself then nudged his driver. “We’d better get moving, Sergeant,” he said. “I don’t think the Kthpok will come back here but I don’t want to chance it. We also have a timeline to keep.”
Without saying a word Willem put the vehicle in motion. The rest of the convoy followed in a slow weave through the shattered village avoiding the deeper craters and bigger ruins. The treads and wheels ground over rubble from buildings and ran over twisted metal hulks. The people of the convoy found it difficult to ignore the crunching sounds that came from under their vehicles because of the images they conjured.
Sesum gave a deep sigh of gratitude and relief when they left the devastation of Roclam. Their speed increased to highway rates as the convoy moved into foothills which led to a major mountain chain beyond. This would be the last range they had to pass before reaching the coast. Then they had to cross the strait to reach the island that was their destination. He paused and gave an amused shrug of his antennae. He needed to worry about one obstacle at a time. Just get over the mountains and to the coast with the Queen alive. Then they’d take the next step of getting to the island.
At mid-afternoon the road began to climb into the mountains. As they drove it seemed everything but the bushes and trees were dead. They should have seen creatures flying in and out of the trees with insects scuttling across the road but there was nothing. And he couldn’t explain why.
Since the attack on Soa they hadn’t heard anything on the radio other than static. It was eerie and seemed that the people in the convoy were the only ones on the planet who were alive. There wasn’t even a sign of Kthpok raiders which surprised Sesum. Where were the Kthpok? What were they doing?
Two hours from sunset the convoy reached a high mountain valley just before dropping down the coastal side. Continuing to follow Sesum’s vehicle the convoy slowed then pulled off the main road for a meadow viewpoint. According to the maps Swarm Master Zelof had provided it had been a popular site for tourists during happier times, before the Kthpok arrived.
Sesum directed Willem to lead the way into an established camping area covered by trees then had the vehicle stop. The Swarm Master climbed out and looked up then nodded. This was perfect! All that leafy green foliage overhead was thick enough to prevent aircraft from spotting them.
Leaving the vehicles and the camping area he walked to the edge of the trees and looked out. There was a large meadow covered with tall grass and yellow and red flowers. He saw a paved walkway leading from the camp sites through the trees to a view point on the edge of a cliff. While he wasn’t inclined to walk over to check he was sure the vista of the jungle beyond would be impressive. He’d probably be able to see to the ocean from this height, possibly even the island that was to be their eventual home.
Sesum continued his examination of the area a few minutes more. Surrounding the meadow were trees with white trunks and small round leaves interspersed among evergreens.
The Swarm Master swung around and made his way back through the white trunked trees to his vehicle. Opening the door he looked at Sergeant Willem who, like the rest of the convoy, was waiting for instructions. “We’ll camp here for the night,” Sesum announced. “Pass the word. I want the tents set up inside the camping area before dark. Although the trees should give us sufficient cover from aerial observers the blackout still applies.”
Willem acknowledged the order and reached for his radio. The orders went out.
Soldiers erupted from their vehicles and began setting up camp. Queen Krissen left her vehicle to wander through the trees examining camp sites eventually walking out into the meadow. Her two guards followed, weapons held ready, keeping careful watch for any threat. A slight breeze went rippling across the meadow.
Sesum watched the Queen move through the grass, taking swipes at flowers with false-hands then shook his head. It was a scene from a more peaceful time - except for the guards and the guns they carried. He hoped she was smart enough to keep a safe distance from the cliff edge. The maps indicated there weren’t any barriers keeping people away from danger. Looking down from this high up could be disorienting. Of course, he thought, even if she wasn’t that smart her guards were and they’d keep her away from mischief.
Then Iidx began walking up asking questions and the Swarm Master had to start handling problems.
By the time camp had been set up and their evening meal complete the sun had disappeared. The thin air of the higher elevation didn’t hold the heat of the day and temperatures plummeted. When Sesum ordered this stop he knew the night’d be cold. But he also knew it wouldn’t freeze and they’d prepared for this when they left Refuge. He’d already donned a cold weather coat in anticipation of the lower temp’s. A cool breeze was felt coming through the trees. With the star light and moon light blocked by the thick boughs the Swarm Master used a shielded light to escort the Queen to her tent.
After bidding Krissen goodnight and making sure she was safely inside with all the flaps sealed and no lights showing Sesum began his evening routine. He walked the perimeter to confirm that guards were posted and knew their areas of responsibility. Because it was going to be cold he also checked to make sure they had cold weather gear on. If they weren’t prepared for the frigid temperatures the guards would go into a protective hibernation. At last when he’d finished his rounds the Swarm Master moved back through the camp watching for any lights.
Sesum reached his tent without having to reprimand anyone for sloppiness and moved through the door flaps. He turned to secure the outer flap then sealed the inner flap. While keeping his light on low he double checked the door seals to confirm that light couldn’t escape to reveal their presence to an enemy. Although that precaution wasn’t really necessary tonight because of the thick layer of leaves above them he continued with his routine. He wasn’t going to take any chances. With that taken care of he turned off the light then removed his coat and harness as fast as he could in the cold night air. With his antennae starting to shiver Sesum climbed into his warm sleeping pouch.
It seemed he’d just fallen asleep when he jerked awake, nerves jangling and breaths coming in quick gasps. He lay on his back staring into the darkness working to get his breathing under control as he tried to determine what had roused him. Then it came again. “Swarm Master,” a voice called. “Swarm Master Sesum, are you awake?”
“I am now,” he called sitting up in the inky blackness, looking in the direction of the voice. He was careful to keep his pouch around him to guard against the coldness of the night. “Who’s there?”
“Commander Canzen, Master of the Guard, Swarm Master,” came the reply out of the darkness. “We have an issue at one of the guard posts that requires your attention.”
That got Sesum’s attention. His first thought was that the Kthpok had found them and were attacking. Then he paused to consider. If the Kthpok were here his guards would have opened fire to protect the camp. So he listened. It didn’t take much to identify the chirping and cheeps of night creatures. There was also the breeze going through the leaves of the trees reminding him of the sound of a stream. But he didn’t hear any firing and explosions so he decided there weren’t any Kthpok in the area.
Sesum shook his head. Since the Master of the Guard knew better than to disturb a Swarm Master without reason he decided he’d better get up and see what was going on. This sequence of thoughts took only seconds before he announced. “I’m coming,”
The Swarm Master reached out to turn on a light and, not without some trepidation, left his warm pouch. His antennae shivered when the chill of the night air struck and he hurried into his harness then pulled on a coat. A quick glance at the time showed it was three in the morning.
A few minutes after being roused the Swarm Master emerged from his tent while making the last adjustment to his coat. He paused for a moment to look up at the leafy cover but saw only an inky darkness. As expected not even the light of the full moons were getting through. A few feet away he saw the Guard Master pointing a shielded light at the ground. “Okay, Commander, what’s so important that it couldn’t wait until morning?” asked Sesum. “Or when the sun’s up,” he corrected when he remembered it was morning - technically.
“They started to appear out of the trees a short time ago,” replied Canzen as he began walking back through the camp. The Swarm Master joined him. “That was when the guards called me.”
“They?” questioned Sesum. “Who are ‘they’? What are you talking about?”
“It’s over this way, sir,” replied the Commander pointing the light in the direction he meant.
Using Canzen’s shielded light the two Iidx moved through the trees, tents and vehicles in silence. The only sounds they heard were still the night creatures and the breeze moving through the leaves. Moments later the two Iidx reached the perimeter and guard posts.
Ahead a glint of reflected light appeared out of the darkness and Sesum saw several dark shapes against a black background. He assumed the reflection came from a weapon carried by one of the guards. He made a mental note to have all metal scuffed to prevent a reflection. This wasn’t the time to worry about spit and polish. His people could keep their weapons in good condition without the shine. An inopportune glint like that could betray them to the Kthpok. Then he saw more shapes beyond, many more, and heard muffled conversations.
When Sesum and Canzen moved closer to the shapes several Iidx came into the edge of the beam thrown by Canzen’s shielded light. Sesum quickly recognized that two of the shapes were guards. They wore the proper clothing and carried weapons. But who was the third Iidx?
“Swarm Master,” said the Commander Canzen when the three Iidx came to a stop in front of them, “may I introduce Tiras, the Queen of Carm.” The Queen stepped fully into the light where her large antennae could be seen.
“Carm?” prompted Sesum.
“Carm was the city at the bottom of these mountains, Swarm Master. On the seaside,” replied the new Queen with a respectful bob of her head. She put the emphasis on the ‘was’. “My city was destroyed, incinerated really, by the Kthpok. We were on our way inland to seek refuge when we came upon your guards. I am here to request your assistance.”
“We?” wondered Sesum. “How many are ‘we’?”
“There are forty-six with me,” Tiras replied. “When we received Swarm Master Zelof’s evacuation order we began moving people immediately. As I was the chief Trainee Queen I was sent on ahead with the first evacuation group of engineers and security people. We were to prepare the evacuation point and maintain order. But we didn’t have enough time. The Kthpok struck before we’d reached our destination. We tried contacting Queen Danis, she was the senior queen, when we saw the flash of light then a mushroom cloud rising from the other side of some hills, but there was no response. Other Iidx who joined us later told us what had happened.” She paused for a moment as she remembered.
“They didn’t use aircraft,” the Queen started again. “At least I don’t think so. No one reported hearing or seeing anything out of the ordinary. There was just an explosion. One which destroyed the entire city.” Her antennae sagged in her grief. “The Kthpok killed Queen Danis and the sub-Queens along with tens of thousands of my people.”
“How long ago was this attack, your Highness?” Sesum asked.
The Queen gave a shake from her antennae. “I don’t know,” she replied. “After the explosion most of our electronics stopped. Since then all the days have been running together. It might have happened two days ago or maybe a week.” This time she shook her head. “Everything’s run together.”
Nodding his understanding Sesum moved past the new Queen and guards. The Iidx who’d arrived with Tiras saw his approach and crowded around. Reaching through his coat to the utility belt underneath the Swarm Master pulled out a light and switched it on. Counting on the trees overhead to keep them hidden from observation he swept the beam over the figures. His antennae drooped in sympathy as he saw Iidx with scrapped shells and inadequate clothing against the coldness of the night. There were even a few younglings huddled together for what warmth they could find. Several adults were attending to their needs.
Directing his light at the ground Sesum turned back to Canzen. “Commander, take Queen Tiras to one of our supply vehicles,” he instructed. He gestured at the new Iidx with a false-hand. “These people need warm clothing and blankets, something to get them through the cold night. They’ll also need food. When they left Carm I’m sure there wasn’t time to gather supplies.” The Swarm Master looked over at Tiras who shook her antennae in confirmation. Then he shone his light at his watch. They still had six hours until sunrise and another hour before it began to warm up. Something else had to be done. Then he had it! “While the refugees are being outfitted have the rest of the guard detail gather wood and start several fires,” he ordered.
“Fires, sir?” questioned the Commander. “But you ordered a black out! The Kthpok might see the light!”
“Yes, Commander, I did,” agreed Sesum. “And now I’m giving you instructions to discontinue that regime for tonight. It will resume tomorrow night.” He gave the Iidx a stern look and gestured with his light at the hapless Iidx surrounding them. “Unless you’d rather keep the blackout in place and let some of these people die from exposure?”
The Guard Master came to attention and saluted. “No Sir!” he said. “I’ll see to it immediately!”
Canzen called two guards over and gave them orders to gather wood and build fires. The Iidx saluted then hurried deeper into the forest to carry out their orders. Several of the more hardy Iidx refugees who’d overhead the conversation went to help. Beams of light could be seen sweeping back and forth through the trunks of trees as the Iidx looked for dry wood. Since it was close to the time for the current guard swarm to be relieved the next guard swarm arrived. The Commander sent some of the new guards off to a supply vehicle with Queen Tiras. She could oversee the distribution of the needed supplies.
Canzen moved through the refugees dividing them into groups of ten and assigned the rest of the relief guard to lead them to the supply vehicle. He made sure the group which contained the younglings went first. The plan was that after one group was taken care of and had returned to the fires the next group would go to the vehicles. When he’d finished that he left to see how the supply distribution was going.
Moments after the Commander had disappeared into the night Sesum saw several Iidx appear out of the darkness laden with dry sticks and branches. Dried leaves and grass was placed in various fire pits then wood was put in place. The grass was lit and flames began to grow. He nodded in approval at the care his Iidx were taking to contain the flames. It wouldn’t do to start a forest fire which could draw the attention of the Kthpok.
Soon, a large number of people clad in cold weather clothing were milling around the fires, making it difficult for the Swarm Master to confirm Queen Tiras’ count. He guessed that some of those around the fires were his soldiers. There was enough noise that they were wakened and left their tents to see what was happening.
While Sesum watched the fires and the people huddled around them Commander Canzen walked up. “As ordered,” began the Commander, “the clothing and food have been distributed to the refugees.” He gestured at the flickering light. “Fires have been built in the fire pits of camp sites to prevent forest fires. The upper deck of foliage should prevent observation. Infra-red scans, however, are a different matter.”
The Swarm Master nodded his acknowledgement and Canzen continued. “The refugees have been taken care of for now, Swarm Master. But what about tomorrow? What happens to them when we leave?”
Sesum took a deep breath and let it out sending streamers of vapor into the dark, cool air. “We’ll worry about that little problem when the sun’s up, Commander,” he said. “But now that Queen Tiras’ people have been cared for I’m going back to my sleeping pouch.” He turned to leave, stopped then swung back to face Canzen once more. “I do not need to be informed if more stray Iidx arrive. Feed them, clothe them, and make them as comfortable as possible. Make sure the next relief swarm gets the word as well. Also get everyone but the current guard swarm back into their pouches. Everyone needs as much rest as possible since we’re not going to delay for this. Now, I’m returning to my tent. I’ll see you in five or six hours.” He returned a salute then switched on his light and headed back through the trees for his tent.
In the morning the Swarm Master hurried back to where he’d left the refugees and found the number had grown from forty-six to fifty-nine. The additional people had been attracted to the camp by the fires as they were wandering through the forest looking for refuge. His Second, Sinemota, reported there’d been one death. That particular Iidx had been injured in the evacuation from Carm. The chill of the night air coupled with the lack of food and appropriate medical attention had killed the Iidx.
Sesum winced at the news of the death. Last night he hadn’t even thought to check if someone needed medical attention. All the Iidx he’d seen had been relatively well. The Swarm Master took a breath and gave himself a mental shake. It was impossible for anyone to know or think of everything. Swarm Master Zelof couldn’t and didn’t even pretend to. That was why he had advisors or aides. But knowing all that didn’t help his feelings of guilt.
“Now, that day is coming on, Captain,” he said to Sinemota turning to the matter at hand. “Get our Medical People over here. I want all these people checked out. We’re not going to have any more deaths if we can help it.”
Sinemota nodded his acknowledgement and hurried off to find the doctors. While that was going on Sesum called members of the guard swarm over to get the refugees organized for the examination.
It took the Captain twenty minutes just to find the doctors. Then he discovered those Iidx didn’t have their equipment close at hand. While the necessary equipment was being assembled an anxious Sinemota was pushing the doctors to hurry. Finally, almost forty minutes after the order had been given; the medical people arrived at the camp fires to begin examining the refugees.
The Swarm Master and Captain Sinemota were watching the lines of Iidx slowly move towards doctors when a voice from behind startled him. “What is going on here?” The Swarm Second stiffened in surprise. Sesum winced and started to turn around as Queen Krissen asked, “Where did all these people come from? What are they doing here?”
Sinemota whirled around, came to attention and saluted the Queen. Sesum faced Krissen then gave a short bow. He noted she was well bundled in clothing against the cold. “They are refugees from Carm, your Highness,” he replied. Sinemota kept silent.
“Carm!” exclaimed the Queen before Sesum could continue.
“It was a city at the foot of the mountains,” Sesum explained rising from the bow. “It was incinerated by the Kthpok some days ago.” He gave a thoughtful wave from his antennae. “The Kthpok must have used a kinetic strike this time instead of a nuclear weapon because we’ve been unable to detect any radiation.” He gave a slight shrug of his antennae. “I guess they’re starting to worry about preserving the planets environment.”
“I see,” said Krissen watching the doctors help the refugees. “How many new Iidx are there?”
“Almost sixty.”
“Sixty!” The Queen bristled and reared back. “We don’t have enough supplies for that many to remain with us. It’ll increase the possibility of our being detected. They will have to leave!”
She started to turn as if the matter were closed then paused. After a moments consideration she turned back to give Sesum a sly look. “Or perhaps not,” she said. “They might be useful when we establish the new hive.” Then she waved her antennae as if she had just come to a decision. “Yes. We’ll need all the people we can get. Since that’s the case we should head for the nearest city. Once there we can obtain the additional transports and supplies we’ll need for the new people. We may be delayed a day or two in our progress towards our destination but the loss of time can’t be helped. The supplies and transport are necessary.”
Sesum didn’t reply but called for one of the refugees to come over. A figure disguised by clothing several sizes too large hurried over. A large hood covered its head and antennae. “Yes, Swarm Master?”
“Did you have to walk to get up here, your Highness? Or did you have vehicles?” Sesum ignored Krissen’s shocked reaction at how he’d addressed the newcomer.
“The latest arrivals had to walk,” Tiras replied as she pulled off her hood to free her large fluffy antennae. “Their vehicles failed half way up the mountain. But those who came with me earlier have vehicles that are in good shape.”
Sesum nodded his approval and gestured at Captain Sinemota who was still at his side. “Take a small swarm to locate Queen Tiras people’s vehicles,” he ordered. “Have them checked out and make sure they’re ready to move in,” he paused to check the time, “two hours from now.”
Sinemota saluted then left to carry out his instructions. Tiras went with him to show where the vehicles were and provide what help she could.
When Sinemota and Tiras were out of hearing Sesum looked around to confirm no one else was nearby and could overhear their conversation. Then he turned to Krissen. Sesum had to suppress his antennae’s waves of amusement when he recognized the signs of indignation in her body language. “That was Tiras, Queen of Carm,” he said. “She and her people will be going with us and we will not be diverted from our path.”
“But…” The Queen began then Sesum cut her off.
“Don’t you recognize what’s happened?” He asked. “Our way of life has drastically changed and you need to understand that now! No longer will we enjoy the so called civilized era where the Queens rule and males obey without question. The time is coming, if it isn’t here now, when the major role of a Queen is to produce sufficient numbers of young to keep our people from extinction.”
“That’s obscene!” exclaimed Krissen.
“It may be that,” agreed Sesum, “but that’s how life is.
“Now it’s time we came to an understanding.” A true-hand adjusted a flap on his coat that had come loose. “My orders from Swarm Master Zelof are to establish a second, secret hive: A hive that will provide a redundancy in the effort to save our people from extinction.”
“But…”
“To establish a viable hive there needs to be a Queen,” interrupted Sesum again. His voice was firm and he glared at the Queen. “That’s why I got saddled with you and you’ve been a problem from the outset.” Krissen recoiled with surprise at his rudeness and anger started to replace her indignation.
Ignoring her response the Swarm Master continued. “With the arrival of Queen Tiras the circumstances have changed. I don’t need you since she can be the Queen required for the Hive. In fact I’d prefer her over you since she seems more willing than you to take direction.” He shrugged. “It would be nice to have at least two females in the hive. That’d give me a safety margin. But I can make do with one. We may even find more as we travel to the coast.
“So, here’s the choice in front of you. If you wish to leave the convoy I’ll provide you with a vehicle having a full tank of fuel, supplies for several days and maps of the area. You won’t have a retinue because I need everyone I have to establish a new hive. You may go where you will although I suspect any security you find in a city will be short lived.”
“And the other alternative?” asked the Queen in icy tones. The fact that he hadn’t addressed her properly wasn’t lost to her.
“If you choose to remain with the convoy and participate in establishing the new hive you’ll be the Senior Queen. But the role of a Queen will be to produce and nurture the young. There’ll be times I’ll confer with you and Queen Tiras but I’ll be the one making the decisions.
“In summary the options you have are to leave the convoy and go where you will or stay with us to establish a new hive. There is no guarantee that the second option will be completely secure since there’s no guarantee with the Kthpok here. But Swarm Master Zelof and I think staying with us has better odds for survival.”
“How long do I have to consider?” asked Krissen.
“You have until we resume our journey,” announced Sesum. “That’s less than two hours from now. I’ll visit with you prior to leaving and you can inform me of your decision. If you decide to leave I’ll have a vehicle readied and you can depart when we do.”
Queen Krissen gave an angry shake of her antennae at the ultimatum, whirled around and stomped away. Sesum watched the Queen for a moment then gave an amused wave of his own antennae. He’d never known a female who liked being told she could be replaced. Shaking his head the Swarm Master turned to make sure everything would be ready when he wanted to leave.
Swarm Master Zelof sat at his command position and fidgeted. The brush of air from the ventilation system was comforting and the electronic beeps and chirps interspersed with clicks from entries being made on keyboards indicated his people were at work. He started to rise from his saddle then stopped with an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Electronics couldn’t be hurried and his people knew their jobs. Pacing around the Command Deck to work off nervous energy wouldn’t get the mountain activated any sooner. It wouldn’t help morale either.
Moments later his Swarm Second walked over and saluted. “The diagnostics have been completed, Swarm Master,” Rayel reported in stiff, formal tones. “We’re ready to start for normal operations.”
Zelof was barely able to suppress an amused wave from his antennae. The Second could have given him the information over the head sets everyone on the Command Deck wore. Apparently Rayel was just as anxious as he was and used this announcement as an opportunity to burn off some of that anxiety.
The Swarm Master went to approve the complete activation but stopped. He cocked his head as he considered.
“I want a phased activation,” Zelof said after a moment. The boom microphone on his headset picked up the order and sent it to the Command Staff around the room. “We’ll start with communications. I want to know what’s happening in the rest of the world.” He glanced over at the communications station to see the Lieutenant was looking back. “We listen only. Record everything for later evaluation but tag any transmissions you think I should see.” Lieutenant Chattan acknowledged and turned back to his console.
“What about the other stations?” asked Rayel.
“Before we activate the rest of our functions I want passive sensors placed at strategic locations on the surface of the mountain,” Zelof replied.
The slight twitch from Rayel’s antennae was almost suppressed but it was there. “But Swarm Master,” he began. “That’ll take hours! We’re ready to start now.”
“I understand that, Rayel.” Zelof replied. He held up a true-hand to forestall another objection. “And I know this wasn’t discussed during our prep meetings. But it’s just occurred to me that Refuge took a huge shaking when the Kthpok destroyed Wartten. There may be damage to our electronic shielding that we haven’t found yet. With the Kthpok watching from orbit any emissions could be fatal so I want sensors put in place. As we bring the mountain back to full operation we have to watch to see if there’s any emissions leakage.”
He looked straight at his Second. “The Kthpok cannot have any indication this location is different from the surrounding area. If they detect something unusual they may come for a closer examination. I can’t stress enough that we have to be like every other mountain in the area.”
The Swarm Second bobbed his head. “I understand, sir. I’ll get the sensors prepared and placed. If there are any emissions coming from the mountain we’ll know about it and have the base shut down before the Kthpok can pick it up.”
“Good,” was all the Swarm Master said then sent his Second off to get the sensors ready.
Knowing it would take some time for the sensors to be put in place and tied into the scanning net the Swarm Master announced, “I’m going for a walk. If I’m not back when the sensors are in place and’ve been calibrated let me know and I’ll return. We’ll start the sequenced activation process when I get back.” After he received acknowledgements Zelof set his station to stand-by, removed his head set and stood off his saddle.
Zelof began moving towards the door. When he came within two feet of the exit the panel slid aside to allow him to leave but Zelof paused to look back at the busy room. People were at their stations taking reports and entering data. Aides were going from one station to another checking readings and making notes on electronic pads. He went to speak but stopped. His people were good. They didn’t need any one to remind them of the obvious. If anything out of the ordinary came up they’d let him know.
The Swarm Master left the Command Deck and made his way through Refuge. He walked down corridors and up ramps greeting those he met. Everywhere he saw people hurrying about their various duties. Some were carrying boxes and bags while others had electronic pads. He came across swarms of Iidx smoothing patches of ceramecrete in corridors which had been damaged when Wartten had been bombed. Their patches left a mottled appearance. But Zelof knew that after the ceramicrete dried other work swarms would come to smooth and paint the affected area. By this time tomorrow he wouldn’t be able to see where the damaged areas had been.
His meandering took him from the basement into the upper levels of the base and then to a particular hatch on the highest level. Zelof keyed open the hatch and made his way down the winding passage constructed to look like a natural cave. He reached a small room that’d been hollowed out under a rock overhang overlooking the surrounding area. The two Iidx assigned to the observation post turned away from watching for any sign of danger, came to attention and saluted as the Swarm Master left the tunnel.
“No formalities,” Zelof ordered waving a true-hand in dismissal. “It’s more important you keep watch for the Kthpok than observing protocol.”
The two nodded and turned back to the open front of the observation post and resumed watching. Zelof walked up next to them where he could see the surrounding country side. Using a set of magnifiers he found hanging on a hook by the tunnel entrance, he looked down the mountainside. This was the side facing their home base of Wartten and the effects of the nuclear blast were apparent. Shrubbery, trees and grass on the steep slope had all been incinerated by the heat of the explosion leaving a layer of ash behind.
A small cloud of dust or ash several hundred feet down the mountainside caught his attention. He focused his magnifiers on it and saw several Iidx on a small ridge leveling an area roughly five feet in diameter. That was what was stirring up the dust and ash. His curiosity was piqued and he continued to watch the Iidx work.
After the ground had been readied several Iidx disappeared into a nearby ravine then returned with a device. They positioned the machine in the center of the area they’d cleared. A cable was dragged out of the same ravine and hooked up.
Then Zelof realized he was seeing his orders being carried out. That device had to be one of the sensors he‘d wanted put in place to watch for emissions. One of the Iidx opened a panel and began probing inside with some kind of tool. It was too far away for the Swarm Master to see exactly what the Iidx was doing.
Turning his attention away from those installing the equipment Zelof scanned outward, towards Wartten. Or what had been Wartten. Instead of well-ordered buildings and busy streets with a landing strip for aircraft he saw a large, roughly circular area of sand that’d been fused into black glass. Further out, on the edges of the blast zone, here and there, were piles of rubble.
He shook his head. This was the first chance he had to see the devastation first hand. The Kthpok must’ve really wanted to make sure the base was destroyed. From the size of the crater they had to’ve used a thirty-kiloton device - at least. The worst part of it was that the weapon the Kthpok used had probably been made for the Kthpok by the Iidx.
As he examined the remains of the exterior base his thoughts turned to the survival of his people of Refuge. They’d prepared well and had everything they needed. There were gardens and machine shops, barracks and recreational areas. The reactors would be able to provide power indefinitely if the fuel was available. And there were mines nearby they could reach to obtain the necessary ores. They even had a Queen to produce young.
Zelof gave a start. With a Queen they’d have younglings. They’d have younglings! What was he going to do with them? They’d have to be fed, cared for, trained and taught. And they didn’t even have a nursery. A lot of thought would have to go into what happened before eggs were laid and hatched.
Turning from the scene of devastation and redirecting his thoughts he looked for the people who’d been working on the mountainside. But the Iidx had disappeared from the lower ridge. He assumed they’d gone back into the mountain through another access point.
The Swarm Master replaced the magnifiers on its hook, thanked the guards then started for the tunnel. Since the work swarm was gone he guessed it was getting close to the time the base could be activated. Then the alert tone from his communicator caught his attention. Zelof paused to pull the device from a pouch in his harness and activated it. “Yes?” he asked.
“Swarm Master, this is Swarm Second Rayel. The sensors are in place and calibrated. We’re ready to activate Refuge.”
“Very good, Rayel. It’ll take a few minutes for me to get there since I’m in the upper observation platform but I’m on my way there. Zelof clear!” He replaced his communicator and hurried down the tunnel for the interior of the base.
Ten minutes later Zelof was back on the Command Deck. He climbed onto the saddle of his Command Position, settled his headset in place, and activated his console. As he checked the readings he nodded in approval then turned to Rayel.
“We’ll begin with power,” the Swarm Master announced. As before, his voice was carried through the communications link to his staff. “Let’s bring the reactors to full power.”
He looked over at Ensign Comunit in scanning. “As we activate our systems I want to know immediately if there are any stray emissions!” The Ensign nodded his understanding and Zelof continued his instructions to the Command Staff. “After we have full power each sector will be activated in the original sequence. Let’s wait a full minute after a section’s up before starting the next one. I don’t anticipate any problems but be prepared to stop if any emissions are detected.” Murmurs of understanding came over the ear pieces of Zelof’s headset then he added. “We’ll continue monitoring for emissions for a week after we’ve confirmed activation.”
Rayel acknowledged the instructions then turned be to begin the process.
A few minutes into the reactors being brought to full power the Swarm Master switched his head set frequency to a private line with his Second. An instant later the Second answered. “I have a feeling this is going to be our home for quite some time,” Zelof told Rayel in low tones no one else could hear. “We built Refuge to be self-sufficient. Or so we thought. There are gardens, a water supply, plenty of air, machine shops… “He shrugged. “My planning involved Refuge being the center to coordinate a fight since the Kthpok would attempt to decapitate our leadership.” He gave a slight shake of his head. “I was right. They did take out most of our top leaders. But what I didn’t foresee was a war of extinction.
“To help our people survive to continue the fight we need redundant hives to produce young. That’s why I sent Sesum and Krissen off. As I was walking through Refuge before we started the activation I realized our precautions didn’t go far enough to cover the current emergency.” He gave a shrug of his antennae that Rayel couldn’t see. “It’s clear that Queen Dahoni can produce young but we’re going to need a nursery for the eggs and a school for the younglings. Arrange a meeting with the Swarm leadership and Queen Dahoni for tomorrow morning - say about ten. We need to make plans to resolve those problems.”
With his order given Zelof settled back to watch the progress of the base reactivation. When each section was activated and during the minutes before the next section started it’s activation he’d look over at scanning. Each time Ensign Comunit would check his equipment and report that no emissions had been detected.
Halfway through the process the Swarm Master was checking the status of the reactors when a tone sounded in the earphones of his headset followed by the voice of Lieutenant Chattan. “I’ve been monitoring the broadcasts as ordered, sir,” the Lieutenant reported.
“And?” asked the Swarm Master still studying the reactor statistics.
“A Queen…a Queen Geddon, I think is her name, claiming to be the senior surviving member of the Council of Queens has just announced in a series of broadcasts that she’s made a treaty with the Kthpok. She’s gathering all Iidx into eleven sanctuary cities. The Kthpok get the rest of the planet.”
Zelof took in a sudden breath of air. All concern about the reactors was gone. “This Queen Geddon has ceded the entire planet to the Kthpok?” repeated the Swarm Master. He couldn’t believe what he’d just been told. Was this the transmission he’d missed when the Kthpok had destroyed Wartten? Or was this something new? “Why would she trust a race that has proven they were untrustworthy?” He paused for a moment his thoughts racing. Chattan kept his silence, waiting for orders from the Swarm Master.
“Perhaps that’s not the right question,” Zelof said at last, still talking to himself. “Maybe we should be asking ourselves why the Kthpok would agree to let the Iidx live? They control the orbitals above the planet after all. All they have to do is drop rocks on our cities and bases and we’re done. They’d have the planet all to themselves.”
The Swarm Master swiveled around on his saddle to look at the Lieutenant. “Have you prepared a file of the broadcasts made by Queen Geddon?” he asked.
Chattan nodded. “Yes, Swarm Master,” he replied. “I’ve been recording everything and’ve assembled the broadcasts I think you’ll be interested in. I can have the data transferred to your console.”
“No,” Zelof said, “don’t send the file here. Transfer the transmissions from Geddon to the console in Conference Two. I’ll study what you’ve got there where it’s quieter.”
After Chattan acknowledged the order the Swarm Master took off his head-set, left his saddle and walked over to Rayel. “Keep the activation proceeding,” he ordered. “Monitor the sensors for any emissions leakage. I’ll be in Conference Two reviewing some transmissions if you need me.”
After giving his instructions Zelof walked the length of the Command Deck and went through the door to Conference Two. He moved around the conference table until he reached his position at its head. He placed an electronic pad next to the console then climbed onto a saddle and logged into the station. It took only seconds to find the message file Chattan had prepared. Whistling in satisfaction he keyed for the file and settled in to watch the first message.
There weren’t that many messages so it took less than twenty minutes to go through the entire list. While he watched the broadcasts he keyed in his thoughts and impressions on the electronic pad he’d brought with him. As the last message finished playing a nasty suspicion began to form between his antennae. He restarted the messages.
The Swarm Masters concentration on the recordings and his thoughts was broken when the conference room door slid open to admit Queen Dahoni and the Swarm Second. He began to rise from his saddle but paused as the Queen spoke.
“I have just learned the repairs to this facility are completed,” said the Queen the moment she entered the room. “Refuge is fully functional, Swarm Master. When will we contact Queen Geddon to inform her that she is junior?”
The Swarm Master sank back onto his saddle but didn’t ask the Queen to join him at the table. “We are not going to inform Geddon of anything,” he replied. “We’re going to remain silent and guard the secret of this facility.”
“But Queen Geddon…” started Dahoni but was interrupted by Zelof.
“Geddon and the Kthpok are going to be kept ignorant of you and this facility,” Zelof reiterated in stern tones. Then before the Queen could protest again he continued. “If you’ll recall the Kthpok hit Wartten with a nuclear missile. That wasn’t an isolated event, your Highness. They’ve been hitting targets all over Main Hive. If they learn this place exists they’ll attack again with more powerful weapons and rip this mountain wide open.”
“But Geddon is not senior!” insisted Dahoni. “I am! She has no right to speak for the Iidx people.”
“Who is senior isn’t important,” replied Zelof. “Protecting you and this facility is. Now in reviewing her messages it’s very evident that Queen Geddon has made a treaty with the Kthpok. Run Point S’Cinf has agreed to cease hostilities if the Iidx relocate our entire remaining population to certain designated cities. The Kthpok will get the rest of the planet.”
Queen Dahoni perked up at the announcement. “Since that’s the case I don’t understand your concern, Swarm Master,” she said. “Isn’t that good news? If hostilities have ceased and our people’s future secure why do we need to keep Refuge a secret?” Dahoni gave a shrug of her large, feathery antennae. “Geddon may be junior but it appears she’s reached a reasonable accommodation with our enemy. We’ll have to abandon this mountain, of course, and travel to one of the designated cities to keep to the terms of the agreement.” She nodded with decision. “I can inform Geddon of my presence on the journey to one of those cities but the important thing is that our people will remain.”
“You may believe the Kthpok will keep this treaty but I don’t,” Zelof said. “And my opinion is the only thing that matters right now. The Kthpok lied when they said they came in peace. They lied when they said they were going to leave our system to reclaim their Nest. They’re lying now. What I have to figure out is just what the Kthpok have in mind with this treaty thing. If I can do that before they’re ready for whatever it is we might be able to save lives.”
He picked up his pad and gestured for the Queen to leave. “Now, leave me,” he said. “I have some thinking to do. We’ll meet tomorrow to discuss what we need to do here in Refuge to accommodate younglings. It appears we may be here longer that I’d originally anticipated.”
With her antennae drooping Dahoni turned and followed Rayel out of the room.
Zelof focused on his notes and didn’t notice the door slide shut leaving him alone. He reached out to replay the series of messages again. It was replayed again. And again. “Of course!” he exclaimed after the fifth replay.
Straightening on his saddle the Swarm Master activated the recording mode on his communications set. He paused for a moment to organize his thoughts then began to dictate.
Five minutes later Zelof made an entry on his console and called the communications officer on the Command Deck. “I want a message sent to Sesum,” he told Lieutenant Chattan. “It’s in the outgoing list. Send it and get an acknowledgement, after that observe strict transmission silence. You can continue to monitor what’s happening worldwide but nothing goes out unless I’ve approved it personally.”
After Chattan repeated the order Zelof cut the link and leaned back. “At least the Kthpok are giving us some time for Sesum to get to the island,” he said. “I hope that while they’re watching for Iidx hiding in the jungles and mountains they’ll miss Sesum crossing the strait.”