Space Rocks! (14 page)

I
checked the color of my skin. Its shade was unchanged. At least it wasn't yet another thyss-cat.

“Everybody down. Put out that fire,” said Hollins quietly. All four of the humans dropped to the ground. Becky threw a cup of water on the fire, and it died with a hiss. Now the embers were just a bloody red glow.

“You see anything, Chorkle?” whispered Hollins.

With the fire out, my eyes could pierce further into the darkness. I saw something creeping through the mist, moving between the trunks of two philiddra. Then I saw another. And another. Several figures were converging on our campsite.

“Yes,” I whispered. “Four or five. They're coming for us.”

“Four or five? Four or five what?” whispered Little Gus. “I thought you said nobody lives here!”

“Nobody does,” I said. But I wasn't so sure anymore. I could see the shape of the figures more clearly now. The silhouettes were Xotonian.

We were camping in the overgrown ruins of what had once been a second Xotonian city. Did some lost remnant of those ancient Xotonians still inhabit this wilderness? Had we trespassed in their caverns and angered a wild, long-forgotten clan of my species?

Worse yet, maybe there weren't any Xotonians still living here. Maybe these moving shadows were the spirits of the restless dead, stuck on this side of the Nebula Beyond, angry that we had disturbed the silence of their forgotten funeral city. Maybe, as Little Gus worried, there were indeed ghosts in this place.

“I think,” I said quietly, “we need to run.”

The young humans leaped to their feet, and together we raced through the forest, headed in the opposite direction of the approaching Xotonians. Their flashlights swung in the darkness as they ran.

Even with his hurt leg, Hollins took the lead. But it was hard for the humans to see where they were going. The terrain was slick and uneven, and the branches of the philiddra whipped at their arms and faces.

I could hear our pursuers close behind us now. As I said before, Xotonians are thoroughly suited to moving through the shadowy caverns we inhabit. It was no surprise that they were gaining on us.

From the corner of my fourth eye, I saw Nicki fall. She was tangled up in something. A net?

“Go on!” she screamed.

At this, Hollins turned his head back to look for her. Right then, a Xotonian jumped out from behind a philiddra trunk in front of him.

“Ver'sald!” it cried, the Xotonian word for “stop.”

Hollins didn't understand, and he wouldn't have obeyed if he had. Instead he whipped up his flashlight, shining its beam right into the Xotonian's face. It screamed and cringed at the pain of such bright light in its eyes. In that instant, Hollins dove at it, knocking it right off its fel'grazes. The two of them struggled in the mud, turning over and over.

Nearby, Becky had been cornered by another Xotonian, her back against a boulder. I could see a blaster clutched in its thol'graz.

“What do we do?” asked Little Gus. He was beside me, clutching Pizza, who yowled pitifully the whole time.

“Up here,” I said, and I grabbed him by the arm. Then I began to climb the trunk of a huge, ancient philiddra, carrying him up with me.

I looked back toward Becky as I climbed. She was holding both her hands up in surrender now. The Xotonian had its blaster trained on her. Then, all of a sudden, she lunged and punched it hard, right in the z'iuk. The blaster fell from its grasp. Somehow Becky managed to kick it away.

“Oh crap,” said Little Gus. “They saw us!”

Down below us another Xotonian had started to climb the trunk of our philiddra. Little Gus wasn't big as far as humans go, but he was about the same size as me. Carrying his added weight made it twice as difficult to pull myself up through the branches, and I soon felt a burning pain in my muscles.

Near the top, I yanked Little Gus with me out onto a thick branch. Our Xotonian pursuer climbed quickly. It too was holding a blaster.

Gus and I backed away from the trunk. The further out we got on the branch, the thinner it became. Now it swayed dangerously with every movement, and Little Gus was having trouble keeping his balance. There was nowhere to go now but down, I realized.

Below, I saw Becky. She lay on the cavern floor, tangled in a net. Two Xotonians stood over her.

But then there was Hollins running toward them. He was holding something in his hands and pointing it at them. A blaster! He must have somehow grabbed the one that Becky had kicked away! One of the Xotonians pointed its own blaster right back at him—a standoff.

Meanwhile, our Xotonian was stepping out onto our branch now. The added weight shook it violently.

“No!” cried Little Gus. And he slipped from the branch and fell. My thol'graz darted out, and I managed to catch hold of him. But his weight swung me around to the bottom of the branch. Now I was hanging on to the branch for my life. Little Gus was clinging to me and holding Pizza in his other hand.

The Xotonian crept closer. There was something familiar about this one.

“Chorkle,” said Kalac as it recognized me, “what have you done?”

W
e marched along in silence. Six Xotonians and four humans. The humans were tied together again. This was not for safety. They were prisoners now.

Kalac led the Xotonian group, a group that included Sheln and three other able-bodied warriors.

A scout had found human footprints near the Jehe Canyon surface entrance and reported back to the Chief of the Council. They had tracked us through the Unclaimed Tunnels for over three days.

“I—I thought that I was helping them,” I said to Kalac as we walked. “I just didn't want them to get hurt. . . .”

Kalac said nothing. My originator had not spoken to me since the humans had agreed to surrender.

Becky, Nicki, and Little Gus had all been captured back in the philiddra forest. But Hollins and one of the other Xotonian warriors—Eromu was its name, an officer of the city guard—had held each other at blaster-point. Both of them were ready to shoot.

“Tell that thing to let us go,” Hollins had said.

“I don't think that's possible,” I said. “I'm sorry, Hollins.” I had tried to keep the young humans away from other Xotonians. I had failed.

“You can understand these fur-headed creatures?” said Kalac to me, in our own language. Astonishment momentarily exceeded my originator's anger.

“Yes, I can,” I said. I suddenly felt ashamed, like it was somehow wrong to have learned the language of the invaders.

“Then you tell this human that I will blast it to pieces,” growled Eromu, gripping its blaster. “Even if it kills me too. I don't fear the Nebula Beyond!”

“Chorkle, you know us,” said Hollins. “Just tell them we mean them no harm!”

Sheln and the other two warriors, Ornim and Chayl, now had their blasters trained on Hollins as well. There was a glee in Sheln's eyes. I knew it would love nothing more than to vaporize a real-life human.

“Put the blaster down, Hollins,” I said in his language. “I don't want anyone to get hurt. If you surrender, I promise no harm will come to you. If you don't, I think—I think you'll die.”

Hollins gritted his teeth and squeezed the handle of the blaster. For a moment, he looked like he meant to go out in a fiery blaze.

“I thought you were on our side,” he said at last. And he dropped the weapon.

“I'm sorry,” I said. But Hollins wouldn't look at me.

Now we marched back toward Core-of-Rock. Kalac led us by a different route than the way I had brought the humans. It was much shorter and more direct. Apparently, the lost second settlement was not so far from my home city after all. And Kalac had known of the place's existence all along.

I wanted to ask Kalac about those blackened ruins, to tell my originator that we had found starships—actual Xotonian starships! But I kept quiet. Even if Kalac had been speaking to me, I was terrified that the ships could be used to attack the rest of the humans. That would guarantee an all-out war.

I looked back. The young humans walked single file, tied at the wrists with their own rope. In each of their faces I saw something different. Hollins was defiant. Becky was furious. Nicki looked nervous. And Little Gus had tears glistening in his eyes. I hadn't spoken with them since the surrender either. I felt like I'd betrayed them.

In all the confusion, I'd managed to stuff Pizza in an empty box of Feeney's Original. So far, the thyss-cub had been smart enough to stay quiet. Like humans, thyss-cats—even the young ones—were feared and despised by most Xotonians. Every so often I'd crack the lid of the box slightly and see the cub's bright yellow eyes shining back at me.

As usual, a journey through the winding tunnels of Gelo was hard for the humans. None of them dared ask for a rest, though. Either they were too afraid of their captors or they didn't want to show weakness. Hollins was limping heavily on his injured leg. Behind him, Little Gus stumbled.

“We need to stop,” I said. “Humans can't walk as far as we can underground. They need rest.”

Without a word to me, Kalac held up its thol'graz as a signal to the others. The group stopped.

Little Gus nearly collapsed in exhaustion on the floor of the tunnel. Nicki and Becky sat down and began to whisper quietly among themselves. Hollins remained standing. His fists were balled.

Eromu, Ornim, and Chayl watched the humans as though they were the deadliest creatures in the universe. It was much the same way the young humans had regarded me at first.

I approached them. Eromu glared at me like I was a traitor. Maybe I was? I wasn't so sure anymore.

“Here,” I said to Nicki. And I handed her four Feeney's Original Astronaut Ice Cream bars.

“Thanks, Chorkle,” she said quietly. She took one and passed the rest to the others. Hollins shook his head. Nicki handed his bar back to me.

“What are you saying?” Sheln yelled. “Stop speaking human to them!”

“Mind your own business!” I yelled back. “I didn't do anything wrong!” My outburst startled Sheln. Even I was a little surprised at the volume of my voice. A few weeks ago, I couldn't have imagined myself shouting down a member of the Council—or any other elder, for that matter.

“Yes, you did,” said Kalac quietly. My originator had decided to speak to me at last. “You did do something wrong. You ruined our plan. If you had done nothing, our world would be safe from the invaders right now. Instead you sneaked aboard their vessel. For some reason beyond all knowing, you sneaked aboard. And they saw you. They saw you, Chorkle! We were monitoring the humans' transmissions the whole time. Now they know that there are Xotonians on Gelo. Even worse, we've abducted four of their offspring—Jalasu Jhuk, help us. The humans are sure to come looking for them.”

I wanted to respond, but everything my originator had just said was true. The situation was worse, perhaps, than even Kalac knew.

“What? Nothing to say?” said Kalac.

“I tried to do the right thing,” I said.

“In trying to do the right thing, you have doomed us all,” said Kalac. Its voice was as hurt and disappointed as I'd ever heard it sound. “I'm sorry I ever originated you.”

And Kalac turned and began to walk again.

E
ventually, our path through the caverns joined up with a tunnel that I recognized. And before long, we came to a familiar sight: a sparkling field of purple energy—the Stealth Shield. I felt the familiar tingle as I passed through.

The humans were cautious, reluctant to cross the shield. But Eromu yanked their rope, and one by one, they stumbled through. Even in her distress, I could tell that Nicki was fascinated, already trying to deduce the nature and purpose of the energy field.

We walked through the outskirts of Core-of-Rock. All the humans stared wide-eyed now—except Hollins. He kept up the same neutral expression he'd had the whole journey.

They stared at the fields of cultivated mushrooms, the domed Xotonian farmhouses and spiraled silos, the usk-lizards chewing their cud. Likewise, the rural Xotonians of these parts came out of their homes and stood beside the path to gape at the captured aliens.

“Looky there,” I heard one originator whisper to its offspring. “Ain't got but two eyes apiece.”

By this point, the humans had only seen the Unclaimed Tunnels (which were impressive in their own wild way). But now they looked upon the twinkling lights of a complete underground society. We passed merchants and stonemasons and guards patrolling atop big usk-lizards (all of whom froze in their tracks when they saw four humans walking by). We saw bridges and canals and spires climbing toward the roof of the massive chamber. Core-of-Rock was a bustling subterranean community, quite unlike anything on all of Eo.

If we had been visiting under different circumstances, I could have played tour guide to the humans. I could have shown them Ryzz Plaza and the Great Geode and the Plebiscite Pool. I could take them to the market stall that had the absolute best stuffed cave slugs (Sertor's, of course). I could point out the unmarked trash dump where Linod had collected several of its most fascinating “fascinating fungi.” Nicki, if no one else, would enjoy that.

But there was no happiness in this visit. I looked back and saw four travel-worn young humans. They were captives on an alien world, and they were terrified—no matter how much they tried to conceal it. For all they knew, they were marching to their doom in this dark underground city.

“Chorkle!” cried a familiar voice. Hudka stood by the street up ahead, amid a small crowd of Xotonian onlookers. It was leaning heavily on its gnarled cane. Somehow it looked even older and more fragile than when I'd seen it last.

“Hudka!” I cried, and I ran and hugged my little grand-originator.

“I was worried about you, kid. But I figured you're smart enough to handle yourself,” said Hudka.

“Not this time,” I said to Hudka. “I tried to help, but it didn't work. I messed everything up.”

“Eh, at least you tried. And if things always worked out,” said Hudka, “just imagine how boring life would be.”

The humans and the other Xotonians trudged past us now.

“My, my, you sure caught some dangerous humans,” said Hudka to Kalac. “Mighty warriors, all of you.” Kalac said nothing.

“Shut your gul'orp,” muttered Sheln.

“That small one with the red head-fur looks like a real killer, Sheln,” said Hudka, pointing to Little Gus. “Maybe they'll put up a statue of you in Ryzz Plaza next. You brave hero, you.”

At that, Sheln started toward Hudka, but Ornim and Chayl managed to hold it back. This seemed to be one of Sheln's all-time favorite moves: the old lunge-and-restraint.

“You just wait, you withered husk,” said Sheln.

“Wait for what?” said Hudka. “I've been waiting. How much older do I have to get before whatever it is happens?”

“Stop it. Both of you,” said Kalac.

“The Chief of the Council has spoken,” said Hudka, bowing sarcastically. “C'mon, Chorkle. It's time to go home.” Hudka put a thol'graz around me and started back toward our dwelling.

“No, Hudka,” I said. “I'm sorry, but I can't go home yet. I'm not going to leave these humans. They're my responsibility.”

As I said it, I turned to look Kalac right in the eyes. I was sure my originator expected me to cower at home in terror. To think on my sins at home for hours, until it returned later to mete out some righteous punishment, possibly disowning me. But I wasn't about to leave the humans alone with the likes of Sheln. Who knew what it had planned?

“Chorkle is right,” said Kalac. “It is not going home. It is coming with us.” And it turned and continued walking. The rest of the group followed behind.

Chorkle is right.
Kalac's words echoed in my mind. Somehow that was the most terrifying thing it could have said.

“Well, good luck, Chorkle,” said Hudka. “I'll see you back at our place. You're gonna wish you never came back when you see my high score in Xenostryfe III.”

“Hey, Hudka,” I said, “can you take this box back to our house and keep it safely in my room?” I gave my grand-originator a knowing look and handed it the Feeney's box containing Pizza the thyss-cub.

Hudka took a quick look inside the box but didn't balk. It simply nodded and pushed its way past the group of onlookers, toward our home. As it walked away, I heard Pizza mewl loudly.

“Rild-sauce didn't agree with me,” said Hudka to no one in particular as it rubbed its z'iuk. “Terrible, terrible gas.” No one seemed interested in exploring the matter further.

By the time we reached the Hall of Wonok—the usual meeting place for the Council—a huge crowd had gathered outside it. Word of the alien parade had traveled fast. It was almost an impromptu Grand Conclave.

“Step aside,” said Kalac. “Let us pass.” Slowly, the crowd began to part.

“Invaders!” someone cried. “You mess with Xotonians and you see what happens.”

“Human scum!” cried another.

“Oh, why won't they just leave us alone!” blubbered another.

“All of you need to calm down,” said Kalac. “This isn't your concern. This is Council business.”

“Isn't our concern? You brought a bunch of dirty space aliens into our city!” cried someone else. “What if they have Eo diseases?”

The hole in the crowd had closed behind us. We were completely surrounded now as we slowly moved toward the entrance to the hall.

“Ugh, look!” someone shrieked. “Two of them are exactly the same! It's unnatural!” The crowd jostled even closer, presumably for a better vantage point. The humans were frightened.

“Eromu, Ornim, Chayl,” said Kalac firmly. “Keep these people back.” The three warriors didn't look too eager to fight their own kind to protect a bunch of humans.

“We should kill those freaks,” said someone, “before they kill us.” There were cries of agreement.

I turned to face the crowd. “They're not dangerous!” I yelled. “They're only kids. Anybody who touches them is losing a thol'graz!” A hush fell over the mob. I had stunned everyone into temporary silence.

“Was that Chorkle?” I heard someone in the back whisper. Admittedly, shouting down an angry mob was a bit out of character for me.

We opened the huge, heavy door and passed into the Hall of Wonok. The Xotonian crowd pushed its way to the threshold, behind us.

“Eromu,” said Kalac, “go find Loghoz, Glyac, and Dyves. Tell them to come here.” Eromu nodded and pushed its way back out through the crowd.

“Bar the door and guard it,” said Kalac to Ornim and Chayl. “Keep three eyes on that crowd. No one who isn't on the Council may pass.” Ornim and Chayl nodded and then slowly swung the massive door shut, leaving the Xotonian mob outside.

The hall was a single large room, the seat of Xotonian government. At one end, an eight-sided podium faced a wide, black onyx table. Behind the table was enough terraced seating for a few hundred citizens. A speaker could stand at the podium and address the seated Council and the crowd assembled behind it. During the course of Kalac's political career, I'd been to more than a few Xotonian Council meetings—perhaps the universe's most effective cure for insomnia. Attendance never neared capacity. Only a few dozen of Core-of-Rock's most eccentric ever turned out (Hudka, of course, was always among them).

Today there were none here but us. The emptiness caused sound to echo strangely around the room.

“Sit down,” said Kalac, in Xotonian, to the humans. It indicated the first row of tiered seats. The humans looked at one another uncertainly.

“You can sit down,” I said in human. All of them did, even Hollins. I approached the humans and began to untie the rope that bound their wrists.

“What in the name of Morool are you doing?” yelled Sheln.

“I'm sorry, Sheln,” I said, continuing with the ropes. “I didn't realize you were so terrified of these baby humans. Don't look now, dude, but your shadow is right behind you.” I threw in the human word “dude” purely because I thought it might vex Sheln even more (and I was right). Hudka was really on to something: Vexing Sheln was its own reward.

“What . . . don't you ‘dude' me. . . . I'm not scared. . . . I'm—I'm street smart!” sputtered Sheln, and it looked to Kalac for some support. Kalac offered nothing.

“When the other three members arrive,” said Kalac, “I intend to convene a special closed meeting of the Xotonian Council.”

“So why am I here?” I asked.

“Yeah,” said Sheln, “why is that disrespectful little piece of—”

Kalac's icy glare managed to stop Sheln from saying something truly insulting about its offspring. “Why is young Chorkle still here?” it continued.

“For better or worse, Chorkle is the only one of us who speaks the human language,” said Kalac. “We'll need a translator for the interrogation.”