CHAPTER 15

Kia’s Challenge

 

 

The commentator begins. “Well, we’re back for the second set of the playoffs. Nuggen took the first with ease. This reporter told you some time ago to keep an eye on this young woman. She possesses a unique style and determination. I won’t be surprised for her to go all the way. This time Larxen won the starting serve—one of his strong points, and he executes one of the best in the league. He steps up to serve—straight into the sweetspot—did you make out the down spin on the ball? Nuggen positioned herself too far back, and she can’t make the play. He takes the lead—three to zip. She moved up a little. This time his serve goes over her head and to the left. She is unable to make the play—three more points for him. His confidence is high—and he’s playing up to his capabilities.

She calls a timeout. Her right boot is untied.”

Coach hurries in with a bottle of Liquid Power and a towel. She mops the perspiration from Kia’s forehead. “Relax—you’re too tense—you move like a robot—this is your set.”

She takes a few sips and hands the container back. “You’re right—I am tense. I can do this—I can do this—I can do this,” she whispers, taking several deep breaths.

“Play ball.” The referee hands one to him.

“Here we go again—he’s up to serve. Something went wrong—this is going to be easy for her. The ball is to her right and waist high. She steps forward and sends the ball to the ceiling and ricochets off—hits the bottom of the sweetspot and deflects to the left. Larxen is scrambling to get there—he makes the play but falls after striking the ball, which makes the spot, rebounds off, arrives at the right wall, and gives her an easy shot. The ball strikes the sweetspot, skips high off the wall, and falls to the floor behind him before he can regain his balance—three points and she gets the serve.” The commentator pauses for a deep breath.

The crowd cheers with fanaticism.

He got shaken up on the turn, and the ref calls an official’s timeout.

In short order, the referee shouts, “Play ball.” He hands the ball to Nuggen.

She serves a slow play, and the ball bounces off the right wall, hits the spot, and drops toward the floor. He tries, but it’s out of reach. The crowd cheers as she ties the score. He reads the next serve and executes an excellent return. She races to the front and makes the play. He forces his play. A long ball and she must run backwards, but she can achieve the play. She runs forward to get into position. Larxen collides with her and elbows the right side of her head—knocks her into the left wall. Her skullcap helmet cracks, and in a dazed state, she falls to the wooden floor, landing—her face makes hard contact. She is fortunate. Her mouthpiece protects her teeth, but her lips and nose are smashed. She lies immobile, as a pool of blood forms beside her head. The referee calls another timeout.

Coach runs on the court yelling, “Foul, an intentional foul.”

“The collision appeared to be an accident to me,” he says.

“I challenge.” She shouts.

“Get me a medic in here—now.” The official orders.

Two rush to Kia. Within five minutes, she begins to stir a little. They put her on a stretcher, and move her out of view of the crowd. The tournament officials order The Broadcast Sports cameras in the area of play turned off.

The commentator continues. “Fans—if she is unable to continue playing, she will forfeit the set, the game, and the chance at the championship. Her coach called the accident an intentional foul, and issued a formal challenge. He faces disqualification, if the dispute holds, and the night belongs to Nuggen, which means she’ll move to the finals tomorrow.”

 

Jadan paces the floor in the back of the room as the medics continue to work on her. The commentator’s continuous babble sounds like a distant echo. He whispers a prayer, “Please dear God—let her be okay.”

Faith in The Supreme Being was once planet wide but declared illegal by the government. The topic is now a vague memory in the minds of a few.

The gruff voiced man says, “Serves her right—she doesn’t belong in a man’s sport—because she’s an Annunaki—”

Jadan’s temper flashes—he rushes the man and knocks him out of the chair. They roll on the floor slugging one another, until the other men pull them apart.

The woman of the house hurries in. “What’s going on in here?” she demands as the men hold them apart. “Who started the ruckus?”

No one speaks.

A short time later, Jadan says, “Ma’am, I did.”

“You’re out of here. Get your stuff and go.”

“This man’s been heckling the kid all evening—” The quiet spoken man says.

“Makes no difference—he didn’t need to stay. He rented a room he could have gone to. My rule—you start a fight—you leave.”

“The rest of you get busy and clean up this mess.”

The calm man says, “I’m sorry this happened, young fellow. The guy’s a troublemaker. He isn’t happy, unless he’s making someone miserable. Good luck.”

Jadan walks to the front steps and pauses. What am I going to do now? He gazes up the street and stares at Kedraleona going up to her porch with a bag in her arms. She stops, as though sensing someone staring, turns, and glances down the street—their eyes meet.

Jadan grins sheepishly as he walks toward her.

“What happened?”

“It’s a long story.”

“I happen to have time for a long story. Come in—you need some medicine on the cuts and abrasions.”

Jadan walks into Kedra’s house. How does a single woman have a house like this? Is she unified? The interior is beautiful, and her furniture is upscale.

She places the bag on a table and turns to Jadan. “Want to tell me what happened? You look like you walked in front of an AeroBus, and just look at your new outfit. The front zipper is ripped, and the slacks are filthy.”

Jadan tells her the events leading to his eviction. As he explains, Kedraleona walks into the bathroom and collects some medical supplies. Returning, she begins cleaning and medicating his wounds while he continues his story.

“Kia Nuggen must be very special to you. Shall I turn on the Tello and see if we can get an update on her condition?”

“Yes, I would like that.”

“What a turn of events—Larxen’s been disqualified, and Nuggen is on her way to the Medical Center. We’ll bring you more about her condition as we receive updates. The Broadcast has a reporter on the way there now.” The commentator continues, only pausing for an occasional breath.

 

“None of your wounds are serious, but you’re going to look rough for a few days. Are you sure you want to see Baab’s grandmother looking like this?” Kedra asks tenderly.

Jadan walks across the room to a mirror. “You should see the other guy.” He jokes. “I can’t believe I let the jerk push me over the edge.”

“Well, we need to find you a place to stay for a couple of days. There’s a convention in Krest, and all the inns are full.”

She makes a call, “Hello, Mr. Cazara. I heard you fell and broke your arm. How’re you doing?” She listens. “I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like you’ll need some help for a few days—pardon me for a moment.” She presses the mute button and turns to Jadan.

“Mr. Cazara has injured himself. He lives alone, and he’ll need some help for a while as he adjusts to the broken arm. Are you interested in helping him for room and board, if I can arrange it?”

“Yes—yes, I’m willing to assist.”

“Sir, I’m aware of someone who’s prepared to stay with you for a few days. He is new in town—seems like a good person to me,” Kedra says. “Okay, I’ll be in touch with you. Good-bye and enjoy a pleasant visit with your daughter.”

“He agreed to let you aid, but his daughter’s with him now. You can go over tomorrow. My sofa’s not comfortable, but sleeping under a bridge is less comfy.”

“Thanks—I hate to intrude, but I let my temper get me thrown out of my other option.”

“The preliminaries are over and time for the second game of the evening to begin. Turn on the championship, and I’ll prepare something to eat.”

 

KAAMREN’S HOUSE

 

“Lee, put the little one to bed. Several people will be stopping by later. Will you fix us some snacks and Kava? I promise to finish early,” Kaamren says.

“Who’s coming?”

“Seth, Relo, and Mika—"

“May I ask the subject?”

“He found some ancient files on the CDC, which no one accessed for more than ten thousand years. He smuggled a copy with the engineering and construction data. Some in The Conversant want him censured for risking the project for his own personal curiosity.”

“What do you think should be done to him?”

“I think the risk of bringing out all the files was high, but I fail to understand how he jeopardized the mission. Relo and Rue went to excessive danger to themselves and exercised exceptional judgment to get the engineering and construction information. I think chastising him, and censorship, goes too far.”

“Is the subject what the meeting’s about?”

“Yes, I can’t let disagreements cause friction in The Conversant. The tension is bleeding over into The Commission. This antagonism must stop now.”

“Are deeper problems threatening the organization?”

“Well, like every other group, beware of individuals whose goal is to criticize the leadership. Opaque isn’t exempt, and neither is The Conversant. Some are even in The Commission.”

She picks up the baby. “Kiss your Daddy goodnight.” She puts him to bed and makes her way to the kitchen.

A gentle tapping on the door and Kaamren goes. The screen reveals Seth, Relo, and Mika. “You fellows come in.”

“Thanks,” Relo says. “I appreciate you making time for us on such a short note.”

“Lee is preparing refreshments. Take a seat, and let’s get started. Who wants to go first?

Seth begins. “A few of us believe Relo’s juvenile actions regarding the ancient files placed the mission and the organizations at risk. A petition is circulating calling for his resignation from The Commission and The Conversant. I advised him to resign before we censure him. He requested we talk to you.”

“Mika, where do you stand?”

“I’m a neutral third party. I don’t hold strong feelings either way. I’ll take back unbiased information to a group of interested but undecided members.”

“Prior to getting into the matter, did your computer gurus break Rue’s encryption code?”

“No,” Mika says.

“Okay—let me get this straight—you sages can’t open the files, he and Rue risked their lives to get for you, and you want to punish him for bringing out too much data? Am I accurate?” Silence prevails. “Come on guys—don’t sit in silence—did I strip away the eloquent feces?”

She senses the tension and calls from the kitchen. “Kava and snacks are ready. Shall I bring them out?”

“Yes. We need a break.” Kaamren’s face flushes. “Let’s pause for some homemade delicacies Lee prepared.”

The trio sits in silence. At last, Relo speaks, “I’m causing such uproar in the group. I'll leave The Commission, and my resignation letter will include The Conversant and Opaque. The ancient files are creating too much trouble. A condition of my departure is I take the archaic data with me, and no copies are retained—I get the originals.”

“I think the solution is acceptable,” Seth says.

“I agree,” Mika says.

“No, no, no,” says Kaamren in an angry tone. “Seth—I’ll accept resignations from you two first. What do you hope to gain from all this?” He turns and asks, “Is this the sole business you want to discuss?”

Mika nods.

“Okay, this meeting’s over. You’re welcome to finish your refreshments.”

“Thanks, but I think we should go.”

“Relo, I would like you to stay.”

Lee walks the others to the door.

“What do you think is going on?”

“Complaining over the engineering and construction files continues. We possess a treasure trove of data we can’t access. Many are upset with the three of us because of our inability to break Rue’s encryption code. I think they’re searching for a sacrifice to buy them some time. And—”

“And what...”

“Some are angry about Jadan being brought into The Conversant. Every time Kia Nuggen appears on The Broadcast, old wounds are reopened. I say they can get a grip.”

 

RELO’S APARTMENT

 

A knock on the door and Relo lays aside his textbook and checks the screen.

A large padded envelope in his hand, the man says, “Special Delivery—sign here please, and I need identification?” He complies and takes the unexpected package.

He gazes inside. A handwritten note saying, “Jadan received the other half.” He pours the contents on the table. He puts the small chip into his computer at once. Damn, the data is stripped, and he has the other half.

Stripping is a process, which stores alternating bytes of information on one of two discs. Each disc receives half of the data. With one-half of a stripped file, the message cannot be recovered.

Relo studies the note. The handwriting is familiar. He walks to his desk, and pulls a folder labeled ‘Rueef’. He removes a memo she wrote to him earlier and compares the two.

No doubt, Rue penned both. I must possess one-half of the encryption program needed to decipher the engineering and construction documents—and my ancient files.

Jadan should be back by now.

He calls Jadan’s communicator and receives a recording. “We’re sorry, but we’re unable to reach your party. Please try again later.”

I wonder if he is still in Krest. He hurries to his apartment. Stuck on his door is a note of an attempt to make a Special Delivery. A red stamp says, if not claimed in five days, the package will be returned to the sender. A return address does not exist on the envelope. How can this be sent back? Relo takes the notification and goes to the Courier Terminal, and presents the slip.

“Please scan your PIC,” the clerk says.

“I’m not Jadan Kanzz. I’m his best friend. He’s out of town, and he wants me to pick this up for him.”

“I’m sorry, but his package must be picked up in person,”

“Is the return address available?”

She stares at the computer screen and says, “No. The return address is waived.”

“What does that mean?”

“The sender acknowledges if the envelope isn’t delivered in ten days, we’ll destroy the envelope and contents.” The clerk’s voice is programmed and impersonal.

“I received an identical one earlier today. Can you tell me where mine came from?” Relo gives her his name and address.

“I’m sorry, but none’s on yours either.”

“Is anything about the origin of the package in your system?”

“All I can tell you is, the item shipped from somewhere in Bozza two days ago.”

“From what city did the package come?”

“I told you all I can. A line is forming, so will you please move on.”

Relo steps away and remembers he left Jadan’s slip on the counter. He hurries back to reclaim the tag.

 

MINISTRY OF LAW AND ORDER

 

“Commander, you have a call on two.”

Jasen answers, “Yes?”

“Did you catch The Broadcast News this morning?”

“No I didn’t Colonel. Why do you ask?”

“Connee Bhril informed the media her husband, Masta, disappeared two days ago. Strange… Rue was first, next Kahnn, and now him. She’s blasting the ministry for the ten-day policy and demanding immediate action. She tried to file a Missing Person Report yesterday, but they told her to call back in nine days if he didn’t return. She’s trying to tie Bhril’s disappearance to Kahnn’s.

One of the media’s top investigative reporters is taking an interest in the case.”

“I think Jerka and the director are active again. I need you to do some snooping around The Inner Dome and learn what you can. Also, I received a call, and our special guests want to talk to you.”

“Which do you want me to do first?”

“I would like for you to spend an hour or two with our visitors. Advise me what you find out before you go to The Dome,” Jasen says.

“I will.”

“Renny, you’re wanted in the interrogation room,” the guard says. “This shouldn’t take long, and you will get a chance to say hello to your friend.” He escorts him to the small room where the previous interrogations took place. The other two are present.

“What am I to think—no bread, cheese, and Vino? What gives…?”

“Come in and take a seat.”

“Listen to me,” Betta says, “we’ve answered your questions with honesty and candor. Why don’t you release us?”

“You won’t survive if the chancellor learns you’re out. Freedom for you is over. You’ll spend the rest of your life on the run. My recommendation to you…oh, by the way—Masta Bhril disappeared two days ago. Any ideas where he might be—I mean which floor of The Inner Dome? I don’t think he’s as industrious as you are. I think he’s in for the long haul. My advice to both of you is to align yourselves with one of the resistance groups. With the powers in control, you lost your liberty. For her safety and your children, Teska must continue to believe you’re dead. You’re in protective custody, and alive at our pleasure.”

He is bewildered. Reality is not attractive.

“How about you, Renny—are you married with kids?”

“Well, I was.” Tears cloud the tough guy’s vision. “I gave up on ever seeing them long ago.”

“Time with your families isn’t out of the question.” Baanar glances at him and asks, “How much does Teska love you since she learned about you and Connee Bhril? Can you trust your life in her hands? Do you dare? All she needs to do is make Jerka aware you’re alive, and you’ll be hunted like a wild animal.”

A long silence prevails before he speaks. “Yes, in spite of my infidelity, she still loves me, and I’ll put my life in her hands any time.” He pauses and studies the face of the colonel. How far can I believe you?

“What about you, Renny—? How much does your wife love you, and would you place your life in her hands?”

“Yes, she loves me, but I learned from one of the new arrivals to The Inner Dome my ex-wife accepted as fact I’m dead. She married my best friend. No—I wouldn’t place my life in her hands—at least not now.” He bows his head to conceal the oncoming emotions.

“I’m sorry, but this must be asked. My associates and I decided to release you if you choose, or we’ll continue to provide protection. The decision is yours.” Again, he pauses and studies the men’s expressions.

A short time later, Kahnn says, “I believe everything you said is true. He will order me killed, but I want my family back. Are options available?”

“Perhaps—but a significant amount of sacrifice will be required by them. We can discuss the details at another time. For now—you must decide. Do you walk out of here or do you continue in protective custody until other arrangements can be made?”

“I’ll remain here, but I want to understand what alternatives are available.”

“What do you think, Renny?”

“I’m staying too, but I want to be aware of the prospects.

“Okay, you’re in a safe haven quite a distance from Abydos. This is a small underground city inhabited by political refugees and dissidents. You decide to leave on your own, and you’ll not get far. The heat sensing satellites will detect your temperature signature, and a security detail will come after you. You’ll be fodder for Jerka’s propaganda machine. Next, you need to consider the wild animals and reptiles—better alternatives exist. You can fill out Personal Profile and Request for Invitation forms. I’ll distribute them to a number of resistance groups. Perhaps you’ll receive a summons to join one of them.”

The solution is acceptable to me,” Kahnn says.

“Likewise—I’ll petition.”

Baanar opens the door and says to the guard, “Get me a pad of Personal Profile forms and Request for Invitation. I’ll need several pens as well, and I want them right away.”

“You finish the documents. They'll be checked, and if accepted, I’ll grant you more freedom of movement. You’re restricted to a security cellblock, but you’ll share a suite with a kitchenette, Tello room, exercise room, and private bedrooms. Complete freedom’s yours within the assigned areas, as long as you obey the rules. Do you have questions?”

 

ABYDOS MEDICAL CENTER-KIA’S ROOM

 

The nurse enters the room. She bends over and whispers, “Ms. Nuggen, wake up and take your medications.”

Without moving Kia’s eyes open, and she casts a dazed stare at her. She begins to sit up and glance around the room. The family is present—Gramps, her dad, her mom, and her brother. She scans them and tries to smile, but the pain in her face is intense. She takes the pills from the caregiver and lays them on the bedside table, turns, and hangs her legs over the side.

“Don’t move fast, young lady. You can’t get up until the doctor says so,” she says. “Take your meds.”

Kia pulls them back on the bed. “Who won the second match?” she asks Gramps.

“Donn Ridzer, but he didn’t play as well as you. He worked hard, and his victories were by narrow margins. I’m certain you can beat him.”

“I want a mirror.”

“Why not wait until they clean your face?” her mother asks.

“No—I want to evaluate the damage now.”

“Okay, but I think you shouldn’t.”

“No broken bones,” Gramps says. “But your left cheek bone shows a hairline fracture.”

Tension fills the room as she stares and is shocked by what gazes back. Both a bruised lump and an abrasion are visible in the center of her forehead and a series of cuts to her lips. Her nose hit the floor hard, and even though not broken, the bruising and swelling are instantaneous. Her eyes are black and swollen, and a large purple bruise stands out over her injured cheekbone. She rubs the left side of her head, which is puffy and sore. Her jaw sockets ache, where Larxen elbowed her. Traces of dried blood are on her face, neck, and in her hair.

“The doctor didn’t want them to clean the wounds last evening,” her brother says. “Should they reconfirm no broken bones or serious fractures, you can take a shower and wash your hair—you finished a good run, but this year’s championship will go to Ridzer by forfeiture.”

“I don’t think so,” Kia says. “I didn’t work as hard and come this far to quit.” She throws her legs over the side of the bed and stands.

“The nurse told you to stay in bed,” Gramps says.

“Where’re my hospital shoes?”

“They’re here, under the bed. Let me get them for you,” her mother says.

“I want a robe too.”

With them on, she rises with caution. Her muscles are sore and protesting the movement. She takes a slow walk to the bathroom. Soon, the shower is on, and a short time later; she exits with her hair wrapped in a towel.

“Now—I am much better, but I can’t say much for my appearance. Where are my clothes?”

“They brought you here in your uniform. You have none,” says her mother.

“One of you go and purchase me matching attire. I need to get to the gymnasium and start working out the soreness.”

No one moves.

“Am I going to a store dressed like this and buy myself an outfit?”

Without speaking, her brother leaves the room. A few minutes later, he returns with the nurse.

“Young lady, you’re getting back in bed, now.”

Kia sits on the edge of the bed with defiance and both feet on the floor. She picks up her communicator from the stand beside the bed. She pushes a series of numbers and waits. “Coach, go by the stadium and bring me my clothes from the locker. I need them right away. I’m in room—what room am I in?” she asks. “Deliver them to room 746 and hurry.”

Gramps reenters the room. “The doctor’s on the way. Perhaps he can talk some sense into her.”

“Listen to me everyone. I’m playing in the tournament this evening regardless of what any of you say. Please don’t make this more difficult.”

 

DR. KIZZIAH JAYNE’S CONDO

 

She fixes some food and puts the entrees on the table. The communicator buzzes.

“Kizzie, this is Eath. I bring good news. An organization is extending an invitation to Bannon. You never told me if you’re interested.”

“I remember—I’m an easy-going person, as you’re aware. I don’t want the additional stress in my life now—I may never. Thank you for helping him. He’s a brilliant man—I think he can deal with the suspense. In fact, his life is more stressful than I want.”

“This isn’t about trepidation, Kizzie. This is about right versus wrong, good over evil. You understand the correct thing to do, and if you don’t take a stand against—by default, you’re taking a strand for a continuation of the malevolence. I hope you’ll reconsider. Eas should get his invitation before the day is over.” He pauses. Would you like to join me for dinner sometime? I’m familiar with an out-of-the way place, which does wonders with the Minnue. They also make their own special Vino.” He fidgets as he awaits her response.

“I’ll be delighted to go to dinner—give me a call.”

“How about we go day-after tomorrow?” he blurts out. His hands are sweating.

Eath Marshon is a shy, reserved bachelor, and his firing didn’t help his self-esteem. He does not prefer to be alone, but he finds it difficult asking women out on social dates.

“Okay, what shall I wear?”

“The place is casual. Dress for comfort, and I’ll be by about 1700.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“I’m committed to an appointment soon, and I need to go.”

 

KEDRA’S HOUSE EARLY THE FOLLOWING DAY

 

Jadan eats and puts the dishes in the sink. Did she sign on the computer? He checks. All right—she did.

He logs on the net and queries ‘CONDITION OF KIA NUGGEN?’ The article ‘KIA NUGGEN HOSPITALIZED’ says, “Kia Nuggen, injured in the Waal-baal tournament last evening, is in the Abydos Medical Center where she received treatment and stayed overnight. Her situation is ‘guarded’ as reported by the Staff. More information will be available at the late morning briefing...”

He turns on the Tello, which is still on The Broadcast Sports. “Here’s the latest on Kia Nuggen—our reporter at AMC informed us Nuggen left the hospital against doctor’s orders. She woke up this morning, refused her medications, and got out of bed.

Our correspondent on the scene says she called her coach to bring her clothes. She showered while she waited.

By the time she dressed, the doctor arrived, and she asked, “Did you give me any medication, which might cause me to fail the pre-game drug tests?

He assured her he didn’t. She thanked him, walked out of the room, and toward the MagnaTranz stop at the hospital. She led a parade. The doctor, two nurses, her grandfather, mother, father, brother, and the coach trailed her. Battered as her face is, she’s determined to compete this evening.”

“You go, girl—” Jadan whispers with a smile. Will you forgive me for not being present? His mood turns somber. He returns to the computer and enters ‘WHERE IS BALLA XEON?’ The screen flickers with an address and a communicator number preceded by an icon of a lock—a private code is required to call. He enters ‘SHOW ME THE WAY.’ Moments later, a detailed map appears. The train ride is forty-two-minutes followed by a fifteen-minute walk. I can't think of a better way to spend the day.