Chapter 4
M’Rod, the Chief Scientist commanding the L’Khast Nuclear Test Range, stalked around the conference room. Usually he enjoyed looking at the pictures which lined the four walls whenever he entered. They marked successful tests that he’d supervised. There was one night test that he was especially proud of and hung in the place of honor behind his perch at the head of the conference table. At the time it’d been the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated. But now the scientists’ attention was elsewhere. His long tail swept back and forth slamming into perches, table legs, and walls as he moved around the room.
After two circuits around the table the scientist stopped, swung his long neck back to glare at G’Rof, the Chief Technician, who was sitting on a perch at one end of the conference table. As the Kthpok commander had moved around the room the tech was careful to keep his own tail tightly curled around the leg of his perch and out of his superior’s way.
“I understand that this supposedly secure facility is under hostile observation and has been for quite some time,” M’Rod stated. G’Rof gave a sharp confirming nod, careful to keep a submissive attitude.
“In fact, it began two years after I assumed command of this site and hasn’t been reported to security in all that time.” M’Rod glared at the tech. His lips thinned and his sharp, white teeth appeared. “We’ve had a security breath for over ten years!”
The Chief Tech sat rigid on his perch without any expression on his face. Only his tail betrayed his emotions as its tip gave spasmodic flicks. “My people knew time was of the essence in order to maintain the Range’s security,” he explained. “Scans didn’t show anything and it would’ve been difficult to direct Security to the general area. Using their initiative my Kthpok wished the honor of catching the intruders.”
“I see,” mused M’Rod and bobbed his head on its long neck as he resumed his stalking. “In order to save time our driller packs went hunting.” If G’Rof noticed the sarcasm in the scientist’s voice he gave no indication. M’Rod nodded his understanding as he continued his path around the table. “It appears that duty here is too boring if our Kthpok are willing to neglect their main assignments to go hunting. I’ll have to think about a way to prevent it from happening in the future.” One of his hands gave a throwing away gesture. “We’ll let the matter drop for now as I have another more pressing item I wish to discuss.”
G’Rof’s tail gave another twitch at the apparent change of subject and he eyed M’Rod with suspicion. He didn’t know if this new item was going to be worse than the one just tabled.
The scientist indicated a report sitting on the conference table in front of the technician. “Since you mention time being critical I have to agree. That report shows we’re behind in the testing of devices and one of the reasons for that is our Driller Packs have been leaving their assignments to hunt for intruders.” He held up a hand to forestall G’Rof’s protest before it could be voiced.
“I said ‘one of the reasons’. There are others. Regardless of what caused the problem the fact remains that we’re behind. And if we want to keep our tails that problem has to be resolved.”
He came to the opposite end of the table from G’Rof and stopped. Placing both hands on its smooth surface he leaned forward. His long neck placed the end of his mussel so close to the technician he could smell the other Kthpok’s anxiety. “In order to get us back on schedule I’ve decided to use members of the Security Pack for drillers.”
That announcement caused the technician to forget his anxiety and brought him off his perch. His tail was rigid and extended talons scratched the smooth surface of the table as he also placed hands on the table. “You can’t!” he protested. “Those Kthpok aren’t trained in drilling procedures. They’ll be more likely to incinerate everyone and everything in the surrounding area than in bringing the testing to schedule.”
“Then why do your Kthpok insist on doing a job they’re not trained to do?” thundered M’Rod and straightened. G’Rof drew his head back in surprise. “Of course Security can’t do drilling and likewise your Kthpok need to understand that Drillers can not do Security!” The scientist continued as he stabbed an extended talon at the table. “Starting right now I expect your Kthpok to inform Security when they suspect the observers are there. They will drill, not hunt!”
G’Rof gave a curt, accepting bob of his head. There was no question the instructions would be carried out. After all, M’Rod, as commander of this test range, could have one’s brain removed for scientific examination.
“Besides not going hunting the Driller Packs are to work extra shifts until this Range is back on schedule,” M’Rod continued. “If this doesn’t happen losing a tail will be the least of your worries.” The Kthpok made no attempt to hide the threat in his voice. He leaned closer to G’Rof, his eyes narrowed. “Is that understood?”
A few hours after being dismissed from his interview with the Chief Scientist the Chief Technician had his Drilling and Technical Packs equipped with radios. Their instructions were to notify Security of any unusual sightings or suspicious activities. There would be no further attempts to catch the intruders themselves. It was stressed that any technician or driller who did not comply with the new procedures would be transferred to the Polar Research Site without adequate cold weather preparation and would stay there for the rest of their lives. Which would be very short.
Nine days after the Chief Scientist’s ultimatum one of the technicians making the final preparations for a test left his work, walked over to a vehicle and picked up a radio. “Site prep to Security. Site prep to Security,” he called.
“Security!” came the immediate response.
“Observers noted in the mountains of the northeast quadrant.”
“Are you sure?” came the reply. “Our monitors aren’t showing anything.”
The tech’s tail swept over and slammed into the vehicle, rocking it and placing a sizable dent in its side. He took a deep breath, stifling a sharp comment, and then spoke. “I’ve got eyes,” he said. “The smoke from their fire can be seen for miles. It’s on the small flat area above the valley at the far end. Why don’t you put on your battery-powered underwear and step outside to see.
“If there’s no response to this report Chief Technician G’Rof will be making an appointment with Chief Scientist M’Rod. Last I checked he was still commanding this facility - including you. I don’t think he’ll be pleased to learn Security isn’t up to doing its job.”
“Security out!”
The technician waited to see if Security needed more information but all he heard was static. With a hissing cackle he turned off his transmitter, placed it back in the vehicle and returned to work. “I wonder if Security’ll have any more success at catching the intruders than we have?” he said to a pack mate as he rechecked his equipments calibration before resuming his work.
Mrek crouched by the small fire and held out his hands to warm himself. The deep snows and short days of the winter had gone but the weather was still chilling to the bone. He stood, adjusted his furs, and walked over to the cliff edge for another look into the valley.
Once away from the shelter of a small grove of sickly trees the stiff breeze coming up from the plain below ruffled his shaggy hair. He couldn’t figure it out. Days ago he had overheard Kok telling his oldest son, Makok, about a special valley Karg-the-old had shown him many years ago; a valley with powers.
From the bushes where he’d been relieving himself Mrek had perked up when he caught that. Everyone in the Clan knew the descendants of Karg were different; smarter than everyone else in the Clan and that made them wealthy. Mrek wanted that wealth for himself and had decided to visit the place.
It hadn’t been that difficult to locate but what he found wasn’t what he expected. Instead of a peaceful, lush valley with warm, flowing streams he found a barren, rough, jagged valley with no vegetation and a few brackish streams. The rainbows in the spray of the waterfalls dropping from the cliffs w
ere pretty but that was the only beauty. He shook his head. The instructions must have been misunderstood or he’d taken a wrong turn.
Mrek turned and walked back to his fire running over Kok’s instructions in his mind trying to figure out where he’d gone wrong. Setting his weapons down within easy reach he squatted and added a piece of wood to the fire. Then he extended his hands out to catch the warmth. He hadn’t been staring at the fire for long, mesmerized by the flames, when something wormed its way into his thoughts. Mrek stood and cocked his head to listen. A moment later he left the fire to hurry over to the precipice and stared around the valley. The sound he could hear was getting louder. But he couldn’t…there!
Coming out of the early morning shadows thrown by the surrounding mountains at the far end of the valley were two strange birds. Each seemed to be all body with no head, no arms, legs or wings. Were these the strange creatures his great-father said old Karg had warned the Clan about? The man ran back to his fire for his spears and hatchet then found a vantage spot under an overhanging rock. He wanted to see what these creatures would do without them seeing him.
A short time later Mrek relaxed when the two birds moved through a pass several peaks away. Those were the strangest birds he’d ever seen. They didn’t soar with the wind, moving up and down, like other birds he’d seen. These flew straight and level and didn’t have wings. He’d never seen birds without wings before. Maybe this was the valley that Kok had described after all.
He waited, peering out from his hiding place, wondering if anything else was going to happen. It didn’t. After allowing enough time to pass to make sure it was safe he stepped out from under the overhang and made his way back to the fire. Maybe if he stayed a little longer something else would happen, something that would give him powers like Karg’s family
H’Tal, the Chief of Security for the Nuclear Test Range stood behind the flight perches and watched the pilots work their controls. He looked through the Plexiglas of the front screen to gauge their position as the craft gained altitude. When they leveled out H’Tal leaned forward and pointed out the pass he wanted the Hoverer pilot to fly through. It was several peaks to the left of the suspected observer’s position.
The Kthpok pilot who’d been on earlier attempts with the Driller Packs turned away from his controls. “But sir, if we don’t head for the location of the observers they’ll get away!”
“And that’s worked before!” asked the security officer. His voice was as cold as the Polar Regions.
“No sir,” replied G’Mot as he suppressed a nervous twitch of his tail and turned his attention back to flying his aircraft. “You wish the craft to pass two peaks left of the observers anticipated location,” he repeated.
“Correct!” replied H’Tal. “Now proceed, I am going to rejoin my pack. You will notify me when we go through that pass and are over the valley beyond.” He watched for several moments as the second pilot relayed the instructions to the other craft and the main pilot adjusted his controls. Satisfied his orders were being followed the Kthpok left for the passenger compartment where his command of ten Kthpok waited.
G’Mot glanced back and gave a small sigh after the hatch slid shut behind the Security Chief. That particular Kthpok had the reputation of ripping internal organs from subordinates who’d become the focus of his dislike. The pilot looked over at his companion pilot then turned back to his controls. This mission had started out with a bent tail and he didn’t want to risk a second more disastrous encounter. It took the two aircraft almost forty minutes to reach the point specified by the Security Chief. “Where’s the smoke?” H’Tal asked as he moved into the pilot’s compartment after receiving the pilots call. When the thin, wispy line appearing over the ridge had been pointed out he grunted and pushed a button activating his helmet radio. “Monitoring, do you have any readings on the unfriendlies?”
There was a pause while a member of his pack in another compartment of the craft consulted his equipment. “None, sir!” was the reply through the speakers positioned in his helmet near the officer’s hearing orifices.
The Security Chief lowered his head then reached up to scratch an itch on his long neck. This problem was intriguing. He’d like to get a look at what these ‘observers’ were using to escape detection by the most sophisticated equipment he had available. Then a thought came to him. Maybe the fire was a decoy and the quarry had fled.
His tail gave a rejecting twitch. Whoever it was shouldn’t be aware they were being hunted. After all he’d sent out patrols using this same course before. That wouldn’t worry the observers. Besides they ought to know they’d have ample time to hide. This type of aircraft created enough noise to be heard for miles.
The Security Chief hissed as a realization came causing G’Mot to jerk his controls at the sound. The aircraft jumped causing everyone on board to reach out for something to keep them in place. Shaking his head H’Tal berated himself. He’d deviated from the driller’s method which might alert his quarry to be more cautious than normal. Well he could make allowances for that possibility.
Stretching out his neck H’Tal was able to look through the front Plexiglas. The valley below was dotted with bushy trees, shrubs and occasional open areas.
“What are your orders, sir?” asked the pilot. The Kthpok’s voice held a slight tremor.
“Hold position for a moment,” ordered H’Tal then pulled a map from a pouch and spread it on a perch next to him. The two aircraft came to a stop mid-air as a talon traced the path the craft had taken then tapped where the uninvited observers were expected to be. H’Tal looked closer at the map as a thought came and his tail began to twitch in anticipation.
“Have Two circle around to land in this side canyon. Its pack will disembark and wait for my signal,” the Security Officer said and indicated the spot on the map. G’Mot arched his neck around and over to look as the other pilot controlled the craft. “That’s the canyon designated as C-5 downrange,” H’Tal continued. “One will land in the side canyon just ahead. Once the Ground Packs have been released both craft are to lift, meet, and fly over the suspected site of the intruder. The aircraft will conduct a sloppy search grid, reporting all items of interest to the Center Room, and then leave for the Landing Area. I’ll call for pickup when finished hunting for the observers.”
The pilot repeated his orders then passed the instructions to the other craft. As soon as the transmission ended the other craft veered off to follow the instructions.
“Two is complying,” the pilot announced. “We’ll rendezvous in fifteen minutes and conduct the search grid.”
The Security Chief bobbed his head in approval then turned for the passenger compartment and his pack. It wouldn’t do to be injured in the landing and miss the successful completion of his plans. The placement of the two ground packs would bracket the area where the intruders had been reported and that meant there would be no chance of his target slipping past his talons. Having the aircraft fly over the observation point should flush the hostiles from their hiding place and into his trap.
Mrek picked up a rock from the edge of the cliff and threw it into the barren valley below. He watched as it hit the ground far below in a puff of gray dust. The only excitement of the day had happened earlier with the two strange birds and they didn’t even get close enough to throw a spear at. He shielded his eyes from the mid day sun with a hand and looked at the far end of the valley. In the distance he thought he could see something moving but it was too far away to pick out any details. Dropping his hand he shook the hair out of his eyes. This wasn’t getting him anything. There was still time for him to do a little hunting on the way home so this excursion wouldn’t be a complete failure.
He turned and started back to his fire when a sound caught his attention. He cocked his head and listened. It sounded like the strange birds he’d seen earlier and was getting louder. This time it was coming from behind the mountains.
Grabbing his spears and hatchet from where they’d been
laying by the fire he glanced about for a place to hide. The valley wasn’t an option because he couldn’t get down the cliff and the thick tree groves of the mountainsides were too far away.
The sound was getting louder! Coming at him! Panting in terror, he dropped his weapons and dove for the nearest cedar tree just as the two strange birds erupted over the mountains.
Mrek crashed through the branches, grunting in pain as sharp sticks scraped the skin off his arms, and then he slammed into the ground losing more skin. The noise made by the birds was deafening. He scrambled on his hands and knees up to the trunk as a wind that came with the roar threw dirt mixed with bits of snow into the air. The leafy branches of the tree thrashed about cutting and scratching anything that was exposed. Howling in terror, Mrek curled into a ball, protecting his head with his arms. Flecks of snow covered his furs and hair while finding ways inside the hides chilling him. But it wasn’t the cold he was worried about.
When nothing else happened but the wind and noise he calmed down, uncurled and sat with his back against the trunk. Squinting, Mrek looked up through the whipping branches and swirling dust clouds to see the two birds moving back and forth. From their flying it appeared they were looking for something and he guessed he was it. Then, after what seemed an eternity, the odd birds tired of the hunt and flew off.
As soon as the birds were far enough off that he was sure they couldn’t see or catch him Mrek dashed from the tree. He paused long enough to collect his spears and hatchet then headed for Home Canyon at a dead run. Wonderful powers or not, he was never returning to this valley again.
It took just an instant to race up the small rise of the pass then plunge down the steep slope on the other side. With furs flying he darted around trees, leapt over rocks and slid down snowy patches. Rocks disturbed by his wild passage bounded down the slope ahead of him. There was no attempt at concealment or to cover his tracks. His only thoughts were of escape. By the time he reached the canyon floor Mrek’s arms and legs were cut, and scratched and bruised.
Ducking inside the cover of a well branched tree some distance away from the nightmare valley Mrek paused to catch his breath. The pain of his injuries was ignored as he scanned the skies for the strange birds. But he couldn’t hear the sound which had warned him the first time of their approach. Shaking his head he bent to take care of the deeper cuts on his legs and arms.
He’d just finished dressing an especially deep scratch on his right leg when a new sound brought him up short. He cocked his shaggy head to listen, to see if he could tell what it was. After the sounds were repeated he stopped looking at the sky. It wasn’t the strange birds but there was something on the ground coming towards him.
Shifting the branches of his hiding place ever so carefully he sought for another refuge, one that had better defenses. A moment later he settled back against the rough bark of the trunk cursing under his breath. There were no caves or large cracks in rocks close enough for him to hide. In fact, this tree seemed to be the best sanctuary available.
That meant his safest option was to stay where he was then leave when whatever was making the noise had passed.
Sounds of movement echoed down the canyon and Mrek turned his head to gauge where it was coming from. All he could tell was that whatever made the noise was behind him and getting closer. It even sounded like there was more than one something coming.
Mrek reached out once again to move a branch just a hair and examined the way he’d come. At first all he saw were the nearby trees and shrubs. Then a low sound like the quiet roar of the long tooth cat was heard which was followed by a crackling boom. A tree not far from his hiding place exploded in a ball of flame and smoke.
He glanced up at the sky through the leaves. There’d been no lightning or thunder; there weren’t even clouds. Another tree, closer to his, exploded into flame and Mrek began to tremble. Perspiration ran down his face despite the chill air. This canyon was as cursed as Kok’s valley. Would his tree explode into flame?
Mrek’s breath froze in his throat as a figure appeared out of the flame, smoke and sparks rising from the burning trees. It looked like a small eater from the warm jungles with a long neck and tail. The creature walked on two legs with its neck arced up ahead and tail stretched out behind to counterbalance. But this one was different. Its hide was slick and shiny, not the usual mottled brown.
The Eater used its short arms to point a shiny stick at another tree. There was a low moan as a streak of light came from the stick and struck the tree causing it to explode into flame just like the others.
Screaming in terror Mrek brushed aside the branches and erupted from his hiding place. He had to get away, to stop this nightmare.
An eerie warbling pierced the air and the crash of breaking branches behind him announced that he’d been seen. Mrek raced across the valley floor, weaving back and forth to avoid trees, jumping over rocks and small bushes. His chest heaved and his throat burned from running but he didn’t slow. Shrubs and branches tore at his hide coat causing him to stagger but he’d regain his balance to race off again.
The strange warbling began to fade and hope grew in Mrek’s heart. On his way to Karg’s valley he’d found a huge cave with many strange rocks and tunnels. Since he hadn’t wanted to carry his supplies all the way to the valley he’d left them there. If he could reach that cave he could hide in one of the dark side tunnels.
Slapping at the branches in front of him he crashed out of a small grove of trees and ran into a clearing. A smile crossed his lips as he put on a burst of speed. The sons and grandsons of Karg-the-old may be the smartest of the Clan but he was the fastest.
Mrek had just reached the middle of the grassy expanse when more figures of the small Eaters with the shiny hides emerged from the trees he was heading for. He cursed as he came to a halt on the grass. The cave he was making for was just past those trees, around a bend in the stream and up a side canyon. Perhaps if he was fast enough…
He shook his head. There were too many Eaters to dodge. He saw at least two hands of them. Turning he found still more Eaters coming through the trees following his path. There was no escape now, only death.
A snarl crossed his lips. The Clan might cry over his bones when they found them. But they’d find those bones surrounded by the bones of many Eaters. The song of his death would be used to teach future hunters of the Clan how to die.
Flinging aside his winter fur coat Mrek made sure his stone hatchet and knife were secure inside his leather belt, and then he stabbed the butt end of one spear into the ground, held the other ready and waited. The Eaters began to move forward from both directions, tails swinging from side to side. A warbling was heard as they closed. Answering cries returned from various places. When several of the creatures were within sure range Mrek moved. Running forward a few steps he threw the spear he held in his right hand.
The sudden attack caught the Eaters off guard and they watched as the spear, thrown hard and true, caught one of their companions in the throat and emerged on the other side. The Eater fell to the ground gagging and spitting blood.
Spinning, Mrek ran forward, grabbed his other spear from the ground and hurled it at another Eater approaching from the other direction. Although his enemy was more wary of his abilities and tried to dodge the spear took it in the chest. A satisfied smile spread across the man’s lips. He’d hit smaller, faster game at farther distances. This Eater also fell to the ground kicking and shrieking.
With his spears gone Mrek pulled his knife and hatchet from their hide holders and prepared for the onslaught of the remaining Eaters. A high pitched shriek sounded and the eaters raced forward. Heartbeats later he was jumping, stabbing, shouting and hewing at the creatures as they tried to grab him. One Eater went down after losing an eye to his knife; another had an arm broken by his hatchet. He was splitting the skull of still another when he was hit from behind and thrown to the ground. His head hit a rock and as darkness closed around him he smiled. The Eaters might mak
e of meal of him but at least he’d made them earn his meat.