It was the start of the winter season on Ahmadeus and the nights were longer and cooler, not too dissimilar from Earth. However, high in the darkening night sky shone two very distinctive moons, gazing down at her, making her feel small, insignificant. Kate closed her eyes for a minute, feeling the double moonlight wash over her face. She could consciously appreciate her earlier visions of this beautiful land and sky with two moons. It was all real. She felt relieved as it took away some of the stress she was under. It was, in fact, pleasantly romantic, and Kate, despite all that had happened to her, felt almost spiritually drawn to this very spot. The fantastic shadowy fingers held still the landscape before her, as there was not a breath of wind. Was it signifying calm before the storm or just take it for what it was–peaceful. She figured the harmony here would be ideal as a place of worship for cultures like the Siddhartha Buddha. Yet they were millions of light years away. Kate’s impression of this area of Ahmadeus was a simpler version of Earth, and if it were not for the Cantals’ technology, Ahmadeus would be regarded as primitive. Maybe this was what Earth was like thousands of years before.
It had taken Kate and Manutaai less than an hour to walk the terrain to the secured camp, which was well away from the devastating attack. They had generators courtesy of Divisions for power and their remaining computer systems were none the worse.
Kate stared into the small fire flickering a few feet away and stretched her hands out, soaking up the heat, trying to anticipate what was going to happen next.
Now she was alone, she knew the hypnotic fire would lull her to sleep and contemplated moving inside her tent. Maybe a few minutes longer.
Would the Trimadians come back? Any second she expected to feel a fire stick thrust into her, searing her skin off…
She gasped and jerked awake. She had fallen asleep but she could swear she could feel the deadly heat piercing her skin—too close to the damn fire kiddo. Wide awake from the flash dream, she watched the Cantal guards walking their designated perimeters, carrying Earth supplied assault rifles. She bared her teeth in a derisive grin. Huh, not too far from home, what a lovely reminder. There was a fearful anxiety amongst the surviving rebel Cantals who were still reeling from the explosive attack earlier. It was sad there were no survivors from the Tulean Mountain hideout. Very few survived from the outposts. The survivors’ stories were all the same, they did not know what hit them. Mayhem and chaos ensued after the bombs hit. The bombing was precise and deadly.
If it was the Locum, where were they now? Their methodology was to attack the terrain, and leave the technology alone. But this had not happened. Under normal circumstances, as Kate had learnt from the OBF files, the Cantals and any humanoid beings would have been wiped out during a Locum attack. The Locum would be all over Ahmadeus like a virus right this moment, killing anything that they considered was not worth absorbing!
The Mountain base was rich in Cantal technology, yet wiped out. Maybe they decided on a different strategy and changed tactics. As the Trimadians were in the region, the Locum may have decided to concentrate their kill on the Cantals to stop the Trimadians seeking new hosts and destroy the mountain base and posts to stop the Trimadians getting at it first-hand.
Stop it, woman. You have been down this road, your brain will explode.
Manutaai appeared beside her, interrupting her thoughts. She looked up, relieved to have the company.
“May I join you?” he asked.
“Sure, come join me and my gloomy thoughts. I’m afraid I’m not very good company at the moment.”
He sat close beside her and stared into the fire. “The nights are cooler now,” he stated rubbing his hands together and spreading his large fingers out toward the flames.
“So what are you going to do, if the Trimadians come back?” he asked.
“Ah the hot subject. You didn’t read my mind did you?”
He frowned at her.
“Just a joke, I’m sure they will come back, they want the stones I have. It is the only trade I have for my team and your men. I know Talokta wanted me to deliver the ultimatum, just like you had to, but—” She looked around her to make sure they were alone. “Just between you and me, I sense Talokta was not overly interested in attacking Earth, but was more intent on getting the stones.”
“I wonder why the stones are so important to them.”
Kate knew they represented great power, and she was more than curious, in fact, it was becoming an obsession.
“Well, whatever reason they have, it will be interesting to see how he will handle them,” Kate said.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, in my experience, when I first made physical contact with one stone, it was like getting an electric shock, with flashing pictures, sometimes rather graphic ones. I even visualized a beautiful place with two moons.” She smiled when she saw the raised eyebrows. “It settled down, thank goodness and I began to get lucid visions, like watching a movie happening in real time. I saw the OBF team on their base, heard their names and that is basically how I ended up with them. I believe the stone was somehow drawing me to the second stone that was among Pete Reynold’s vast collection of artifacts. Now when I held both stones…”
Manutaai looked apprehensively at her.
He’s gonna think I am loopy!
She explained her telekinetic and telepathic abilities drawn from the experiments Pete and her carried out. It was a relief talking to someone else about her experiences. Stuff her confidentiality contract.
“Even when I am not in physical contact, I still have an occasional vision. And don’t ask me what! I can’t even explain it myself. Like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that don’t fit. They ran all sorts of tests on me but get this. Pete suspects my blood is the same as what the markings are in the stones. After some tests, they confirmed it.” Kate swallowed. Apparently, the stones are thousands of years old. I do believe, well, I think Pete suspects I hold the spirit, or maybe I am a reincarnation of a woman who lived on Earth with special powers. He didn’t report it to his superiors; probably he thought he was protecting me or something. When I came back to deliver Talokta’s ultimatum, I told them what I am telling you and they were furious. I thought they were going to lock me up and throw away the key.”
She noticed he had not said a word. She studied his face, looking for tell-tale signs of–of what? Ridicule, derision, disbelief, at least maybe a simple laugh. Maybe tell her she was a terrific fireside storyteller.
Tune in next time for part two of zany tales of the mentally insane!
But he remained noncommittal and silent, when he finally looked at her, she swore she could see a flicker of compassion, or was that the flames reflecting in his dark eyes.
She stared back into the fire. “So many unanswered questions, it is driving me crazy.”
Without warning, the dam burst and tears began rolling down her cheeks. She buried her head in her hands. Strong arms wrapped around her, drawing her into the warm expanse of his body. It had been a long time since she had any physical comfort. She felt safe and protected. That simple warm gesture was just what she needed and she allowed herself to weep a little longer, releasing the pent up tension. When she stopped, she tuned into his strong heartbeat. She reluctantly pulled away and blew her nose. He smiled fondly at her.
She grinned back. “Thanks, I needed that.”
He stroked the hair from her eyes, and locked his arm around her back. She glanced at his face and noticed an unmistakable look in his eyes. She needed to change the subject.
“Did Sataal tell you anything about all this?”
“Yes, I was with Sataal when Pete Reynolds mentioned a new member would be joining soon. He did not say much about you, as he was restricted by confidentiality issues. Just about some special mind power you possessed. However, he didn’t go into detail. At the time, Sataal and I did not even venture to think you were the legendary Chosen One.”
“Yeah,” she laughed mirthlessly. “It is looking tha
t way.” Then more soberly she said, “If it is true, God help me, it is a heavy burden on my shoulders. I don’t even know what I am meant to do.” Manutaai’s strong arm hugged her towards him, she put her head against his chest and found her body had a will of its own and relaxed. She was so tired. She felt his gaze on her face and she could sense the nearness of him.
She continued, “I know humans began life on Graffa and later branched out using the BSP, the Door of Endless Light. Maybe they were forced to flee because of the Trimadian tyranny.”
Manutaai nodded. “I remember Dr. Reynolds, Pete, told us that it was believed the Trimadians left Earth once Queen Leah died.”
“Hmm. Details are very sketchy, and I think the Trimadians prevented record keeping of that dark period; plenty of guts but not enough glory. Not much was found in the Junghis Temple.”
“The Junghis Temple?”
“The Junghis Temple was where the Earth’s BSP was discovered by Pete and as legend states, where Cemel the alchemist, Leah’s mentor, practiced his hocus pocus magic stuff.”
“Yes, that’s right. Pete did mention about the Earth temple. He seems to be quite an authority on this subject.”
“Yeah,” she laughed. “Pity there isn’t much to go on. His life’s work he told me, including me. I guess he views me as one of his artifacts.” She giggled.
“Are you hungry, Kate?”
“Yeah, I am. I have got rations.”
“Wait here. I’ll be only a moment.”
Manutaai disappeared behind the squad of tents as Kate’s mind kept plowing over the stones. When she was not in physical contact with them, generally, her weird unexplainable visions seemed to subside, except for that explosive one when she touched Sataal. Did the stones warn her ‘long distance’ of this scan weapon because she was with the rebel’s leader or the fact their nemesis was close?
Was it all magic or did the stones possess intelligence?
I’ll never look at my pet rock the same again, she joked to herself. Fuck, psychologists would have a field day.
Perhaps, in a perverse way, her new enemy, this Lord Talokta could provide at least some answers to the millions of questions. It seemed likely.
Manutaai arrived back with two large bowls full of what looked like hot steaming stew.
“Wow, looks great, thanks.”
He took his place beside her once more, and they ate in a companionable silence.
When they had finished, he took her empty dish and handed her a large cup full of water. She drank thirstily.
“Oh sorry, I should not be so greedy.”
He laughed. “Help yourself. We have plenty of fresh water. You need your strength. Would you like something a little stronger?”
“No thanks, not now.”
He put the plates and cups behind them, ducked into a nearby tent, and returned with a gourd that smelt like it had wine of some sort inside. She watched him pour himself a generous helping in his cup. He drank it straight down, refilled, and sat back close to her; his arm resumed its place along her back. It was now so quiet and peaceful she felt like the whole universe was holding its breath. God, I’m not Queen Leah, I’m just a drama queen, she thought to herself, and could not help but giggle from the thought.
“What is it?” Manutaai whispered close to her ear. She could smell the alcohol on his breath, which she found was not repugnant. She felt him move even closer to her.
Kate felt her cheeks burning as she spoke the next words, “Just trying to picture myself as a queen.”
He reached behind and filled up her empty cup with the liquid and handed it to her, “Please, have a drink, it will relax you.”
I bet, she thought. But she took a sip and ended up polishing it off. It was delicious.
She listened to the odd thump and twerp from the local animal population. The wine seemed to have made all her senses come alive, after one drink!
“Maybe you are the one to save the whole world, maybe the universe,” Manutaai offered, with no hint of sarcasm.
“I honestly think that’s a bit melodramatic, Manutaai. Still, I want answers to my questions, but at the same time I’m scared of finding out the truth.”
“I’m sure in time you will find out what you need to know.” He paused. “The Cantal people would worship you, if it were true, Kate. Maybe you are the gods’ intervention to the centuries of tyranny that dominates our galaxy. Time for a change in power perhaps?”
“Are you serious? I don’t want anyone to worship me, I–I–I’m not that sort of person,” she stammered. She sighed. “Yep, here’s me, ready to save the whole world and kill everyone on it. I couldn’t help anyone when the bombs hit, could I? I feel like everyone is pulling my strings.” Kate felt the sting of tears in her eyes again.
His arm snaked around her waist and pulled her to his warm body. “That is certainly not your fault. I think for anything worthwhile there is always war and sacrifice.”
“Maybe, maybe not. I don’t even know what is required of me. Here I am with supposedly extraordinary powers and I don’t even have a user guide or manual to know how to work them.”
She laughed uproariously, her voice sounding unnatural.
He hugged her tightly and pressed his lips to her cheek, his voice soft and low, “Perhaps we should call it a night. Things always look bad when one is tired, why not just relax, and close your eyes.”
Kate knew he was right. She was at the point of collapsing.
He had a knack of making her feel safe and warm. His strong arms were a huge comfort, and he seemed to sense her stressed state.
“Life can suck.” She sighed, resting her head once more on his expansive chest. They were the last words she spoke before she fell asleep.
Cemel was showing the little girl juggling tricks. She was a natural. Her parents knew Cemel was the best teacher and coach for the little princess. One beautiful summer day mischievous Leah began juggling more than toys and sticks. She used her mind and concentrated on moving carts, boulders, her servant’s washing, and even, her father’s horses! She has the gift, she heard Cemel tell her parents. She will rule with humor and humility, he had chuckled. I will always be here for her and to guide her no matter what, I promise you that. She has her destination outlined. She is the One.
And in the heavens, the gods were watching the little girl. Sidonio’s parents had already chosen her for their youngest son. But it was up to him to face the decision when the time was right.
Kate woke up early morning inside her tent, alone, with a warm blanket wrapped around her. The dream was vivid but almost pleasant compared to some. She did not wake up the usual way after a vision dream, all sweaty and disorientated. There were no red eyes looking into her for now, they were not even in the background. Taking a deep breath, she felt strengthened and refreshed. Must be the fresh air, she thought. She reflected on her dream.
Leah had the power from the start, from birth, and her power must carry on through me. I think that was the message my dream was telling me.
Satisfied with her brief analysis, she peered outside and saw the sun just rising, no sign of Manutaai. She had fallen asleep in his arms, and he had put her to bed. What a real gentleman!
The fire had long fizzled out. Kate checked her watch. She would have to leave soon in order to contact Pilcher. She enjoyed Manutaai’s company and it was easy talking to him. She had felt a real rapport with him, like Pete. The sensitive kind; a damn good listener and his warm cuddling had relaxed her soul. Though, she did sense there was no mistake he wanted to take things further, but did not push the subject, thank goodness. She had enough to deal with. She crawled out of her tent, stood up and stretched.
Instinctively feeling in her pocket for her stone, she squeezed it and felt a surge of electricity though her veins. She stood still closing her eyes and experienced the feeling.
She opened her eyes and Manutaai and the two other warriors were staring wide eyed at her.
&nb
sp; “What is it?”
“You–you—” Manutaai swallowed. He turned to the two men beside him and spoke a few rapid Cantal words to them. They wholeheartedly acknowledged what he said and looked at Kate, as if they had seen something that had spooked the hell out of them.
“You faded, you looked like you were disappearing,” Manutaai stated.
“What? I just squeezed the stone and again, some type of electrical power surged through me, but it was not like before, it did not hurt me. It felt more like, a part of me. I just well, sort of concentrated on, well, and you say I faded?”
“Yes, yes.” One of the men found his voice.
She grinned. “Perhaps I should start eating more?”
No reaction, they just stared, stupefied.
Wow, I made an impression on them. Seems I’m progressing!
She reminded Manutaai that home base would be contacting her soon, and she had to get to the BSP to report in and would return.
“You must be escorted.” His tone was sharp, so different from the previous evening.
“Well, if I come across any Trimadians, I’ll hitch a lift with them, shall I?”
Manutaai’s eyes darkened.
Kate sighed. Ease up on the sarcasm, girl.
“Okay, fine. I’d like your company anyway.”
Manutaai spoke to his companions who nodded and left.
Kate got her backpack of belongings together and they headed out once more to the BSP. Manutaai was not quite feigning surprise at Kate’s momentary physical metamorphosis. Though it only lasted a second, in reality it threw him. He knew it would freak his fellow Cantals. Handle the stones? Ha! It would be more interesting to see how Talokta was going to handle this woman, a woman of unspecific supernatural powers. Yes, he searched his feelings. He felt himself drawing closer to her, especially by the fire. He enjoyed holding her and it took all his will not to kiss her, perhaps seduce her. But the opportunity was gone. He inadvertently let a little laugh out at the thought of trying to be physical with someone that could disappear!
“What was that laugh for?” Kate said smiling at him.
He took a punt and said what he had thought, just to get her reaction. “I was thinking if I ever had a physical relationship with you, it would be rather difficult if you kept disappearing.”
Kate let out a hearty laugh, and good naturedly patted his arm. “I didn’t know Cantals had such a sense of humor.”
He glanced sideways at her. Was it too late?
They reached their destination within a brisk forty minutes’ walk and waited for the door to blaze open. While they waited Leah kept a slight distance from Manutaai, she liked him but did not want to give out the wrong signals, especially now as he had made sure they were alone.
Manutaai felt a growing annoyance, and not just because she kept her distance from him. He was impatient now, wanting to get the hell out of here. He could so easily produce his ring and open the damn door for her; and all hell would break loose. Shalash! Thank the stars for Talokta’s elixir. If she could read his mind…
Just as those thoughts went through his mind, the door activated. Leah signaled through and after the usual security code precautions, Kate spoke through on her radio. Things were looking good for the moment, was the report she got back from Pilcher. No threat had been received from any enemy yet. Well, that was something.
Kate updated Pilcher about the attack on Ahmadeus.
“So no one is sure who attacked?”
“There are physical clues that it could be the Locum due to the Crytaalic residue left behind, but there is no sign of them. It could be the Trimadians exercising their power. We don’t know for sure.”
“Alright, let them know we will be sending help through along with medical and food supplies.”
“Roger that. Well, these Cantals have got most things under control, and even though there were huge amounts of lives lost, they are very hardy and have great fortitude,” she winked at Manutaai. “Can you contact me in say, another twenty-four hours? If you don’t hear from me, the Trimadians would have picked me up. I do want to come home.”
There was a hesitation. “Be careful, Kate. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.”
“Yes, sir, over and out.”
Manutaai asked her why she did not say anything to her superior about her disappearing incident.
“He would probably freak out and order me home for tests, and I wouldn’t get anywhere. I can’t risk the lives of your men or my team for stuff that I cannot understand or answer at this point in time.” She touched Manutaai’s arm and looked deeply into his eyes. “I’m learning to just expect the unexpected.” She went to move away but he held her wrist, pulling her to him and kissed her, not deeply, just one to test her reaction. But before she could react, he kissed her again, passionately. She began to panic. “No!” she cried out and yanked herself out of his grip.
“I’m sorry, Kate. I don’t know why I did that, I—”
She held her hand up. “It–It’s okay, guess we are all feeling a little tense. Forget it.”
Manutaai watched her furtively as she moved further away, gathering up her backpack again. He had no regrets. He grabbed the opportunity, as he sullenly knew he would never have a chance again. He hoped Kate would cooperate with Talokta, who had a reputation of possessing little patience and Kate had a strong will. But above all, Talokta’s orders were to protect her no matter what. If Kate could be shown a little of the true extent of her powers and how to manifest them, she may be willingly turned.
He felt a pang of jealousy, his mission was almost complete and his feelings were getting to him. Damn the elixir, he would normally have far more control without it. Right now, he so wanted to make love to her, but if they found out…
As soon as he sent his communiqué to Talokta, the Leader would high tail it back to Ahmadeus.
Sure enough, a whooshing noise turned their eyes skyward to see a Trimadian scout ship preparing to land. Within five seconds, the craft had landed ten meters from where they were standing.
Kate’s heart was racing. Oh shit, her time had come. Pete, the team, Sataal, are they okay? That feeling that things were never going to be the same again washed over her. Would she ever see her home again?
Four towering warriors in black and gold regalia marched down a ramp, turned, and flanked the ramp, staring straight ahead. A few seconds later, another warrior, dressed in flashy black and gold with knee high black boots, obviously of higher rank, strode out towards them.
Manutaai recognized he was the same warrior who had captured them initially, when Kate was unconscious. He was one rank above Manutaai.
Kate cheekily quipped, “And it’s about time too, keeping us waiting like this!”
The Trimadian ignored her.
“Do you have what Lord Talokta wants?” he stated, staring coldly down at her.
“Yes, of course,” Kate sighed. “My, a man of few words, right to the point.” Turning to Manutaai, she smirked. “That is not a very good pick up line, now on Earth…”
“SILENCE!” he shouted. His men surrounded Kate and Manutaai, and marched them into the ship.
Unfazed, Kate remarked, “Look, a simple ‘Hello, sorry we were late. How are you?’ would have been nice.”
She did not even realize just how hard she was squeezing her stone.
Chapter 16—Confrontation