13
Colonel Tomel
Soon the day came for Peter to move into the Councillor's private residence. It was a spacious home up in the hills just a short ride by subtram. The view of the city was spectacular. Peter marveled at the exotic architecture—giant golden pyramids, massive crystal spike-shaped structures built by the Nanomites, flat green government buildings, and silver windowless skyscrapers all interconnected by the intricate spider-web-like subtram system.
Lorin led him upstairs and showed him to a small room where he was to stay for the indefinite future. She seemed to him to be a bit friendlier than at their last meeting, but it was still bare tolerance that he saw on her face. Before she left him to unpack, she indicated a plan had been concocted for his training and that her father would outline it for him at dinner. Peter looked at her expectantly, hoping she'd give him some details.
"Can't you just tell me now? I'll play dumb at dinner," Peter asked.
She took a deep breath and then smiled wryly, "Okay, For starters there is a boot camp for new recruits going into the Tarizonian Army. Dad is going to arrange for you to join a unit. You'll learn tactics, weaponry, and get lots of PT. It will be good for you."
"How long is the camp?" Peter asked.
"That's all I can tell you. You'll have to wait for the rest," Lorin replied.
The thought of going through military boot camp scared Peter. His father had been drafted into the Marines and ended up going to officer candidate school. He had to go through boot camp and he had told him how horrible it had been. In fact, his drill sergeant beat him up one day and he’d ended up in the hospital. Of course, this was Tarizon and it would be totally different than the United States Marine Corps, he told himself.
"But I don't speak your language," Peter reminded her.
"Right. I think father has you scheduled to start a language school next week. If you have half a brain, it shouldn't take but a few weeks and you'll be speaking like you've lived here all your life."
Lorin's obvious contempt for him bothered Peter. He looked at her trying to figure out why she hated him so. "But what about my internship? How will your father explain my absence?"
She shrugged and replied, "I don't know. You'll have to ask him. Dinner is a 2100, don't be late."
When she was gone, Peter started unpacking his things and came across a picture of Luci and he having dinner. He’d never seen the photograph before but he remembered the street photographer who’d taken it. A rush of excitement flashed over him.. If Luci bought the picture from the photographer and left it in his suitcase, she must have wanted him to remember her. She must care for him he told himself. He picked up the picture and put it on the night stand next to his bed where he could see it from anywhere in the room. The picture of them together brought memories flooding through his mind. He could hear her cheerful voice, visualize her caring smile, and feel the warmth of her love. He wondered how his baby was doing inside her womb.
Peter lost track of time and arrived late for dinner. There were eight place settings in the elegant dining room. Along with Councillor Garcia and his mate, Rosa, there was Lorin and Jake, Colonel Tomel and his mate, Egga, Peter, and Rhin the rhutz. Of course, Rhin wasn't allowed at the table. Instead she curled up under Peter's feet, hoping he'd drop her a scrap or two. Two waiters served them with course after course of food. Peter thought each to be interesting and, for the most part, delicious, but several dishes looked so odd he discreetly avoided them.
When the meal was over, they were all served sankee and small dessert cakes. Rosa and Egga excused themselves as the rest of them began to discuss Peter's role in the imminent civil war. He hadn't told anyone about his encounter with the Nanomites the previous night, so he thought he should do that first as it could impact the evening's discussions.
"Before we begin," Peter said. "I want to apologize if I seemed to lack enthusiasm for the role of Liberator of Tarizon. I know I’ve disappointed some of you and for that I’m sorry."
The Councillor looked at his daughter and frowned. Lorin looked away and rolled her eyes. Peter continued,"You see, I've been a bit overwhelmed by all that's happened to me. Less than a month ago I didn't even know Tarizon existed. Now suddenly I'm here, not just as a visitor, but someone who is to play an important role in the history of the planet.
"The other night I felt very overwhelmed and depressed and then something extraordinary happened to me. The Nanomites paid me a visit." Peter told them about waking up and finding the room had shrunk and thinking he would be crushed.
Colonel Tomel's eyes widened and Lorin looked Peter in the eyes for the first time that evening. He continued, "But as it turned out they meant me no harm. They had a message to deliver. They wanted to be sure I understood what it meant to be the Liberator. Like Lorin, they were concerned that I didn't fully comprehend my role here on Tarizon. And, I will confess, until last night I didn't. All this talk of being the Liberator seemed a bit fuzzy—like a dream. I heard everyone say it, but it didn't sink in.
"The Nanomites assured me again that I was the Liberator, that I had a job to do, and that God and Sandee were behind me. They made me realize that time was short and I must prepare in earnest if I am to fulfill the Prophecy. I want you all to know that I am now ready, all trepidation aside, and I am anxious to get started with the task at hand—the defeat of the Vice-Chancellor and the preservation of the Supreme Mandate."
The Councillor replied, "Forgive my daughter, Peter. She's always been a bit impatient. I understand how strange all of this must be to you. I'm glad the Nanomites came to you. Now you will be motivated to get to know and understand them. This will help you figure out how best they can assist us in the war effort."
Lorin said, "I am glad as well. I hope the words you spoke are true for there is little time to waste. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Peter nodded and for the first time, Lorin smiled at him. "As do I," Peter said, smiling back at her. "As to the Nanomites, yes, they have shown me their extraordinary power, but I still know very little about them. I'd like to know more."
The Councillor replied, "I think I'll let Colonel Tomel do that. He served in the Nanomites war and I'm sure has some vivid memories of that campaign.”
Colonel Tomel was a short, stout man with white hair. His complexion was dark and his face battle-worn. Peter suspected he was in his late fifties but he may have been younger. It was hard to tell. It seemed the bad air on Tarizon made people age quicker than they did on Earth.
Colonel Tomel nodded. "Up until the day the sun disappeared the Nanomites were a rather obscure life form living mainly in the desert regions of the southern hemisphere—"