Talokta and Kate were once more dining together.
He had informed her that if all went well and there were no more interruptions, they would be touching down on Heliostronus within four days. The Manutaai/Marone incident held them up a total of twelve hours. Talokta knew how imperative it was to keep a tight schedule, and keep an even closer eye on Kate especially with all three stones in close vicinity, and the reincarnation’s unpredictability. However, the Supreme Ruler’s words echoed in his ears, “It was equally important for some preparation work before they arrived.”
Kate unwittingly had found that she had warmed a degree or two to Talokta, which he had not failed to notice. The recent kidnap experience oddly seemed to bring her closer to him, despite the fact he was her captor. He knew full well she was lonely, short of friends.
Similarly, was it Kate’s imagination or had this Trimadian Commander relaxed his stiff ass arrogant attitude a tad. Perhaps this last ordeal of almost losing her softened his outlook.
That may be so, sweetie, but the truth is, if anything happens to you, it’s his head for the chopping block. Don’t forget, if it was not for this Trimadian’s actions, you would not be here in the first place. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about you, he is simply acting under orders. Play it cool and toughen up, then learn all you can about your new enemy.
Kate once more swore to herself to always keep her guard up and that no one was going to fool her again so easily.
Her quest for finding out more about the Trimadians made Talokta’s task of informing her very easy. Her small scraps of information from Divisions’ records, Pete Reynolds notes and of course recently from Sataal, just encouraged more questions. Who better to learn some solid answers, than from a Trimadian leader himself, that is, if he told her the truth?
During the pleasant meal, he freely told her about life on Heliostronus. He outlined the Cathexistomes and the Cantals becoming the new Trimadian race, and that a plague almost wiped out the first primitive humanoid hosts. Their discovery of the strong and resilient Cantals on Ahmadeus insured a healthy population.
Though they were primarily a war bred race, there was a huge civilian population, and their everyday life was not too dissimilar from many Earth cultures. The main difference was strict controlled order contained under one leadership for all, with no exception.
Well, she thought, Earth has had and still has its share of dictators. But this was not Earth, she could not compare.
The Trimadian’s home world population had currently grown to a massive seventeen billion, especially due to the longevity of the species. So it was natural for the Trimadians to continually spread out to other planets in various galaxies. Many fleets spent long periods away from the home world in their missions to search out worlds to explore. Mining for energy resources and crystal requirements were always top priority.
Kate realized, here she was, one sole forty-year old woman, brought up on a tiny dot of a planet with a mere six billion plus humans, and out here, in the vastly unexplored deep regions of space, was real life? Harsh maybe, but it was like comparing herself to being in the movie The Matrix. Was Divisions’ the only humans to acknowledge this? Should this be secret? She could not answer that.
Nevertheless, she found her dinner companion fascinating, he willingly shared his knowledge and that knowledge was great.
“The capital, known as the Necradome city, houses a centralized Civilian government which is split into various key groups to govern the many aspects of running the city day to day. Civilian dignitaries are appointed to represent the general population and to deal with any issues. If they cannot, then the representative will request Trimadian intervention. If it is important or serious enough, Kalvich’s inner circle of personal guards and advisors, known as the Verone Elite, will deal with it.
Our Supreme Ruler is usually extremely busy, especially with increasing political and warfare matters, and most duties are delegated out to the Verone Elite. Within the city, but in a segregated region from ordinary civilians, are private, luxurious residential quarters, reserved for visiting Trimadian masters, foreign and domestic dignitaries, and any high caliber Civilians.
For ongoing loyalty, Kalvich generously rewards every single warrior, from the highest rank, through to the foot soldiers.
Kalvich has ruled for many centuries, and his leadership has made the Trimadians the richest, most powerful race in the universe. The technology and weaponry is second to none. Fewer and fewer outsiders invade or attack as our reputation spreads and grows.”
Kate got the picture it was a vastly different world for any non Trimadians, or ordinary civilians, which of course were non implanted Cantals. They had to work hard for a living and they were regarded as secondary citizens. From their earnings, high taxes were paid to city officials and of course to Kalvich and his hierarchy.
“The rich and the poor–I can relate to that. So, what is your currency?”
“The currency we use is called Toda. Though credit, is most widely used and being the preferred means of exchange. But bartering or trading is common, especially among open neutral planets.”
Seeing her quizzical expression. “Open planets are Trimadian occupied, but possess no real value, like energy, minerals, or technology. Zhesta, in the Quelain galaxy, is a prime example. There are thousands of other races that dwell there and may casually visit as long as they observe the Trimadians’ rules. Altogether, populations are generally very transient on the open worlds.
Though life on Heliostronus is very strict, it is out of necessity. Day to day business, especially amongst the Civilians does include intergalactic travel. For security and to prevent any outsiders from entry, all must be granted permission before they can land inside the city to carry out their business.”
Kate did not bother asking what they would do to any who defied them; she had a fair idea.
“So is there any form of democracy at all, or is dictatorship the dominating political structure?”
“All reigning power stems from inside Kalvich’s own personal fortress domain, Casus Belli, which is a city in itself. It is connected to the Necradome City, but access is strictly limited and a force field encloses it for extra security. You will not appreciate just how large and magnificent it is until you get there. Many official engagements and banquets are held there. It is also home for Kalvich’s personal fleet, the Verone Elite, and of course, myself. When I am on homebase, I am the Verone Supreme—leader of the Verone Elite. Though lately, I have been spending more time with my Sotoid fleet than on the home world. Casus Belli is our specific destination. I think you will be impressed.” Kate sensed how proud Talokta was and his enthusiasm was infectious.
“Wow, you wear many hats.”
It was his turn to look confused.
“Well, you run a huge fleet, you are the Verone Elite boss, and aren’t you second in charge overall. Phew, where do you get the energy?”
He grinned smugly.
Damn he is attractive.
Kate blushed furiously hoping he had not read her unguarded thought.
“I like to keep my finger on the pulse, but of course I have my means of getting through.”
“Of course, the art of delegation, hmmm. So, Kalvich delegated you with this mission you are on now. To collect one single mere female. You must have been a little put off. Tell me, why you did not delegate this mission to someone else.”
Still smiling at her attempt of sarcasm, he stated, “Kalvich entrusts only me to handle such matters of unique importance.”
A small smile pursed her lips.
“Would you like me to continue?” he said amusedly.
“Please.”
“The city of Necradome is where all forms of trade and commerce take place. We keep a tight reign on all activities. Females are bought, traded, or sold, and the prime reasons for their existences are slavery and breeding hosts for the Cathexistomes. The female population is few compared to the male, as they are obviously limite
d in their use.”
He deliberately paused to fathom her reaction, and hid his surprise when she flatly stated, “If females are for breeding, then they are the most important sex of any species. Without them, you and your hybrid species would become extinct.”
He saw the defiant challenge in her eye, and was not sure whether to reprimand her patronizing attitude or take up the challenge.
She made the decision by smiling warmly and changed the subject slightly, “So the Cantal males are the preferred, er, species for the Cathexistomes?”
“Yes, they make up ninety-nine percent of the male population, occasionally we may adapt other humanoid races, if they meet our standards.” He paused. “We have yet to seriously try implanting human males who are internally and physically less superior to the Cantals.”
“Yet you never considered humans, even those thousands of years ago on Graffa, as hosts for the Cathexistomes?”
“Some were implanted, and lived full lives, but the Cantals served as more favorable hosts.”
Again no reaction. For some reason, he could not read her mind, but she was concentrating on his words. He made sure this sensitive information was as diluted as possible. He knew first hand about the experiments Kalvich performed, and this was not a subject he wished to share with her. Naturally, she would be curious and to learn all she could. But was it for a specific reason or simply just innocent information gathering?
This time he changed the subject. “Of course, there is occasional crime and it is dealt with by our Trimadian Internal Forces that are present on all Trimadian occupied worlds, in some ways similar to your police system, but no lawyers or court rooms are required. You Graffites waste a lot of tax on unnecessary expenditure. Kalvich has specialty contractors he employs, like your lawyers, but only for negotiating planetary agreements. Anyhow, where was I? Dealing drugs and drug usage is huge, but mainly on the open planets. Stealing slaves is second statistically speaking. Penalties are harsh, designed to demonstrate to anyone, especially the younger generation of Trimadians from ever considering crime acts. As you know, any form of dissidence is forbidden.”
“How do you deal with anyone that breaks your laws?”
“They work the mines. That is, if they haven’t been shot in the course of capture.”
“It sounds a harsh way to live.”
“That’s the key word, ‘sounds.’ Wait until you get to Heliostronus, which is relatively crime free, being the home world. You may decide differently. We have studied Earth for millennia. Your fellow mankind has a long history of violence and warring among yourselves.”
“That I can’t deny. Please, do go on.”
“You may be surprised but Trimadian culture is very sophisticated. Inside the City, we have schools, hospitals, art galleries, museums, entertainment and leisure centers, basic training faculties, laboratories, and so on. Some of it quite analogous to cultures scattered over Earth.
“However, for the non Trimadians that make up the bulk workers and servants, their system is rather more primitive.”
He gestured to refill her goblet, which she accepted with a smile.
“The Trimadian technology, especially in communication and weaponry, is far superior to any known species, far beyond Earth capabilities.”
“Is that why you haven’t bothered to attack Earth for so long?”
“As I said, your technologies have only got serious over the past fifty years, but still no comparison to our own. We have not even bothered with the Door of Endless Light, which is used for more discreet means around the various worlds. On Heliostronus the door travel is only available for high ranking Trimadians who have been approved by the Supreme Ruler, or, of course, for his own use.”
“Right, so as Kalvich has left Earth alone for a very long time, will he attack Earth now I am no longer there?”
Talokta paused momentarily. “No, that is your home world, and he respects that. I think Kalvich will protect Earth. If there is a possibility the Locum could attack, he may choose to defend your world against them. Kalvich used to occasionally lead his forces into battle or even simple exploration if he desired. Now though, due to demands on his time, he has to delegate, but he does oversee and can control everything from his fortress.”
Kate studied Talokta’s face. There was no denying the pride she sensed, but also, how well he could change the subject with his rhetoric. He was a cunning and complex man, very fastidious in his work. She suspected the answers he was providing were sugar coated. Still, keep him talking.
“Tell me more about the fleets.”
He grinned and deliberately studied her face. “An average fleet consists of one Domain ship with four onboard bodyguard defenders and of course a variety of attack vessels. Any travel out of theNextraprime Galaxy requires a minimum extra fifty accompanying sub domain ships that also house thousands of fighter ships. There are the gliders and scout ships used for short range reconnaissance. Around ten to fifteen thousand men make up a fleet for short range missions.
“This fleet; the Sotoid, apart from recently losing one sub domain ship, thanks to the Locum attack on Ahmadeus, numbers at nineteen thousand. Each sub domain ship has their sub Commanders. And of course there is the Supreme Commander, who is ultimately responsible for all his men, strategies, coordination, and of course, decision making and issuing orders.”
Kate was impressed. “Wow that is a huge fleet in my book and the responsibility. Wow.”
“It is all relevant Kate, and you would class me as reasonably experienced.”
She laughed at his play on modesty.
“As you know, we have a healthy size population, and have populated planets around many galaxies, just like you humans so many years ago.”
“Yes, I’m still coming to terms with that. I think Darwin’s theory of evolution may need a tweak.”
“Though,” he stated, “there are enemies of the Trimadians out there, throughout the galaxies that warrant us to always remain on full alert. Some enemies make us pale in comparison.” Though not many and getting fewer when I last counted.
“I guess perhaps one day I’ll be meeting them.”
“Perhaps, but more importantly, right now there is a lot to learn, a new world, your new home to experience. We understand there is a lot of change for you to realize. But once you learn of your heritage, and your potential, you will know you have made the right decision.”
My heritage, my new home. Bye, bye, Earth. Was I born to live among the stars?
“Well,” he said, once more refilling her goblet. “I guess that gives you a brief summary, you can learn more if you wish from our computer library. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
“Hmm, now Talokta, about my stones, or should I say the Trinity Peak, Sataal told me there is meant to be three stones, your boss has one and has been responsible for communicating with me. Why did you not tell me there were three?”
“That is up to Kalvich, he will explain everything. In fact, there is a pleasant surprise for you. Do you recall Cemel, your alchemist? He is alive and well, ready to help you, to guide you.”
Kate almost spluttered on her wine. “Cemel! I have heard about him. So, he is still alive? I mean, I gather he is immortal. Yet, I have these incoherent visions about the past.”
So, she does remember him.
Talokta put his hands up to calm her down. “All the answers for you are on Heliostronus. Please, Kate, for now just relax.”
“So you are saying I will be able to see Cemel?”
“Of course, he is your guide and teacher.”
“Yes, my visions showed me his great wisdom, in my other life. Perhaps he can help me to gain my true freedom.”
“What do you mean?”
She looked hard at him, her eyes suddenly wide with pain. “He can remove this Leah person’s soul or spirit that has somehow been inflicted into me, and I can have my life back.”
Talokta’s heart did a double take.
He sat back, caressing his goblet and said quietly, “After all you have been through you still do not accept who you are.”
Kate jumped up, thumped the table with her fists yelling vehemently, “Listen up! I am Kate Willard. I have always been Kate Willard. I am just a normal, every day human being, who just wants to live a normal everyday fucking life. Why can’t everyone understand that? Why do I have to be someone else? I don’t want two identities! I am not going to be a freak!”
With that out, she slumped into her chair. Talokta forced himself not to react. Acting unperturbed, he drank down the last of his wine. She was not progressing the way he thought. She had hidden those feelings deeply. Under any other circumstances, he would have scoffed at such behavior. In fact, if anyone had performed like that in front of him they would be in the brig, if they were lucky. However, in Kate Willard’s case she was the exception. He studied her face, now patchy and pink with her outburst.
Correction, she was exceptional.
In the short time he had known her, he admittedly would consider an attractive and intelligent woman like Kate for himself, though very few Trimadian Leaders had the time or the inclination for a mate, let alone experience the emotions that can result from any type of relationship. As Kalvich had decreed, long term relationships were forbidden and detrimental to the Trimadian warrior. Though, he would relax certain rules for the higher ranking. It would be out of the question for the highly disciplined and nefarious Lord Talokta! Besides, human females seemed fragile, very emotional, as she just demonstrated. But in all fairness, she had been through literally a life changing experience. And the road to completing that was miles away.
But still.
Shalash!
Why the hell was he thinking these thoughts! He had a lot to live up to and he was bound by his high ranking to ensure he was always looked up to by his subordinates. Being a Trimadian leader of such prestigious caliber was reason alone that he could never let his guard down, on, or off duty.
Clearing his mind, he put his goblet down and silently studied her.
The silence only served to make her even angrier. “See, you couldn’t give two shits, you are just working under orders, all high and mighty. You don’t give a damn!”
Out of pent up frustration, and much to her horror, she started to cry, and hid her face in her hands. She turned away from him, grabbing a paper towel, and blew her nose. Finally, wiping the tears she faced him once more, but could not look him in the eye. “I’m sorry, I—I seem to be doing a bit of this lately. I assure you I am not normally a blubber guts.” She rubbed her eyes, an eyelash or piece of eye makeup had fallen in. She hated makeup, especially in these circumstances. Much calmer, but just as embarrassed, she looked at him and said quietly, “Lord Talokta, I apologize for my behavior. I don’t normally behave like an emotional jerk but—”
Talokta lent forward and said, “What is it? Tell me. I can only help if you talk to me.”
She smiled weakly. “Christ, I probably look like a panda bear with my eye makeup running.”
In actual fact, Talokta thought she looked more beautiful in such a vulnerable state. She was putting up so many barriers; an identity crisis? Perhaps Kalvich had been too confident that the reincarnated queen would be exactly the same and that all would go smoothly.
Kate Willard put a stop to that theory. Yes, she is relatively tough and dedicated to her friends. She has values. She would risk her life for others in the name of freedom. Of course, the woman had been through a lot, especially the last week. Humans did react unpredictably to change. He could hear his master speaking now, “A reaction like this is to be expected.”
He took a gamble, stood up and said, “Would you rather be alone now, or would you like to talk to me?” His voice was softly soothing. The kind you could close your eyes to and know you were safe. He had never used that tone until now. She looked at his outstretched hand and gingerly placed her hand into his.
It was very warm.
She slowly stood, averting her eyes from his gaze.
But the anger that had been welling spilt over and she pulled her hand away.
“I was not impressed with the ruse you pulled over me. Sending me back to Earth, to deliver a false ultimatum, just so you get the bloodstones, and using your turncoat spy to keep an eye on me.”
“Not all battles take place on the battlefield.”
She stared straight into his eyes, shocked at his arrogant, smug attitude. He stared back defiantly, waiting for her response.
For a moment, the atmosphere was a mix of spitting embers and razor sharp icicles.
Kate relented. She could be stubborn too, but this was his ship, his fleet, his rules and there was only one of her. Besides where the hell would she run to now? Still, she did not like being lied to for any reason, but if she continued arguing, she would get more stressed and it would get her nowhere. She felt desperate, at her wits end and tried to swallow her anger.
Sensing her mood, he took control and took both her hands in his, his tone back to a soothing silkiness, “Manutaai was under strict orders to watch over you. I am sorry things turned out the way they did. Believe me, what I would do to him—”
Kate had a feeling this warrior leader would not be the kind to say sorry often. “Yes, I understand. Will you at least let me contact my superiors to reassure them?”
“No, they are unimportant, you are now—”
Kate furiously tried to jerk her hands back, but he held fast.
“Has anyone ever told you that you are a smug, arrogant pig?”
She was startled when he laughed uproariously. “You should hear what my enemies would want to do to me, let alone try and offend me with words. Arrogance is nothing…but for you, alright, I will try to behave myself a little better.”
She could swear she saw a glint of mischievousness in his eye.
Is he teasing me? Is he even capable of that emotion? Perhaps I should just leave.
You would be surprised at what I am capable of!
“What? You read my—”
He laughed hard again, but this time, there was no derision or smugness.