the Runner

CHAPTER 4

  Dolom

  It had been three years since the runner had left for Earth with Captain Cruder. Lori missed the boy as did Gry. They spoke of him often. Somehow their three small rooms seemed empty. Evenings were quiet. When Runr was with them, and after he had gone to bed, they would talk for hours about his future in the Dome. Now he was gone and there was little conversation. They spoke during the day at the algae ponds, but the evenings were silent.

  They eventually decided to apply for permission to have a child of their own and it had been granted: one child, female. Lori and Gry were given two days leave from work and were admitted to the birthing wing of the MedLabs. After the tests and insemination they were released and their evenings were filled with animated conversation about the future of their child.

  When the time came Lori asked to give birth in their rooms and the request was granted. The midwife arrived just four hours before the birth and Gry was beside himself with excitement. He hadn't eaten or slept in days. The child was beautiful; more beautiful than they had any right to expect. They named her Cori and wanted to show her to their friends, but Gry had insisted that Lori rest and that he, Gry, would prepare a meal worthy of their new daughter. Kevn and Sal were invited and, as usual, arrived early. Hot brandy was raised in a toast to the beautiful child. Lori was pink with delight as was the child. Gry was as proud as he could possibly be. They all ate with great gusto and complimented Gry on his culinary skills.

  "Gry invented it just last month," said Lori with pride. "He calls it Cori stew."

  "Can we ... uh, change the subject," said Gry, pulling his rings.

  "Okay," said Sal. "I have a proposal to make." He waited until they were all silent then continued. "We should celebrate this blessed event in some special way ... and I have just the way."

  "I was afraid of this," said Kevn, smiling.

  "I was thinking of a trip. The four of us - uh, the five of us."

  "Wait a minute," said Kevn. "Lori is hardly up to a trip. She just had a baby."

  "No, no," cried Lori. "I would love to go on a trip. The baby is now four months old. Old enough."

  "No," said Gry. "I cannot allow it. Lori, you are still weak and -"

  "Nonsense," cried Lori. "Let's have a vote. Cori and I vote for a trip."

  "Me too," said Sal.

  Kevn hesitated, then agreed. Gry grunted, pulled at his rings and reluctantly agreed. Then they all turned to Sal.

  "Well?" said Kevn.

  "Well ... the trip will be in my brand new supreme skooter, the latest model. I have already added a soft and warm crib for Cori."

  Lori giggled with delight. Gry grunted.

  Sal continued. "I knew you would agree! I have also added a small hauler which will be filled with all the best foodstuffs available. When we stop to eat, we will feast!" Gry looked more interested.

  "Sal?" said Kevn.

  "Yes, yes ... the destination." Sal looked at each of them in turn. They were all staring at him. He leaned back in his chair. "We will visit old man Dolom and seek his blessing - for Cori."

  Lori clapped excitedly. "That would be very fine!"

  "Good! It's settled," said Sal. "Kevn can arrange for us to have four days holiday and -"

  "What!" cried Kevn. "Are you asking me to use my influence to -"

  "Exactly!" cried Gry. "Use your ... uh, influence! Let's go soon - tomorrow!"

  "Wait a minute," said Kevn. "I have a job which requires my presence. I can't just -"

  "C'mon Kevn," said Sal. "You know that you won't be missed. Just have DOC take your calls. What happened to your sense of adventure? Why, I remember the last time we suggested a trip to Dolom Mountains, it was your idea wasn't it? You suggested the trip and we all agreed immediately as I recall. And now -"

  "Okay! Okay! Tomorrow then. We can meet at the exitport," said Kevn.

  "Certainly not!" said Sal. "I will pick you up at your rooms. How's that for service? And you needn't bring anything. I will arrange for all your needs - right down to the greenstew for Gry and wetpants for Cori."

  "Silly," said Lori. "They're called drypants."

  "One more thing," said Kevn. "Sal, I know how much you love your skooter but, for Lori's sake, and Cori's, I think we should take K-47 to the mountains."

  The next morning the bright green skooter descended the exitramp and headed for the landing pad. Soon after K-47 rose vertically to one hundred meters and headed for the Dolom Mountains.

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  Later that day K-47 landed at the edge of the jungle. Lori stayed on board and Kevn, Sal and Gry headed for Black Mountain. They walked cheerfully through the jungle and stopped to drink at the base of the mountain. It was a fine bright day with wisps of cloud and a warm breeze. They looked up at the cave, just visible from the base of the mountain.

  "It doesn't look right," said Sal. "Somehow I expected to see Dolom sitting there, or at least one of his cats or -"

  "Look!" cried Gry. "Isn't that a ... uh, mountain cat. See! Just above the cave, sitting on that branch."

  "Yes," said Kevn. "It doesn't look too friendly. Did you say those cats know you, Gry?"

  "No, I didn't say that. But, if Runr were here -"

  The cat leaped from the tree and entered the cave. Sal looked at Kevn and began to climb the rocky slope. The others followed. When they had reached the cave mouth they stopped and listened. Gry peered inside. It was dark. He stepped warily into the cave and waited for his eyes to become accustomed to the dark. In the corner was the large cat, crouching. Gry stepped inside and the cat growled. Gry stopped. Kevn and Sal waited at the entrance.

  "Go ahead Gry," whispered Sal. "He probably knows you better. Just take it slow."

  Gry grunted and moved slowly into the dark. Then he saw the figure lying beside the cat. It was Dolom. The others saw him at the same time and Kevn walked quickly but carefully to the old man, never taking his eyes off the mountain cat. He crouched beside Dolom and whispered.

  "Dolom? Are you all right? It is Kevn, can we be of assistance?"

  The old man didn't move but the cat did. Kevn backed away. The cat began to whine and the old man moved his head. Kevn crept forward and lifted Dolom to a sitting position. The old man's eyes opened and he put his hand on Kevn's arm. He opened his mouth to speak but there was no sound. Kevn leaned forward and listened carefully.

  "Gri ... rid," muttered the old man.

  "Sounds something like grid ," said Sal.

  "Grid!" cried Gry. The old man winced. "Sorry," whispered Gry, "didn't mean to shout. Grid. That was Kriss' henchman but ... uh, I thought he was dead."

  "We'd better get Dolom to K-47. He's hurt. We can look after him there."

  "Okay," said Sal. "I'll help you lift him. Get on that side. I'll put my arm -"

  The huge cat growled and they all jumped. Dolom raised a weak arm and the cat crouched and slid out of the cave, whining, and they carried him to the mouth of the cave.

  "This isn't going to be easy," said Kevn. "He's in poor condition, too poor to make it to K-47, even if we carry him."

  "And that won't be so easy," said Gry, "down this ... uh, these rocks, this hill."

  "Gry," said Kevn. "Can you get the ground car? Bring it to the top of this cliff. Just hover. Lower the chair. We can strap him in."

  "Right!" cried Gry and bounded down the hill. Kevn and Sal lowered Dolom onto the hard ground and waited. The old man whispered but they couldn't understand what he said. Kevn leaned forward, placing his ear next to Dolom's mouth.

  "Grid ... he came," whispered the old man. "He killed one of - of my cats. He tried to kill - to kill -"

  "Dolom. Don't talk. We'll have you in the ship soon. We'll fix you up - then you can tell us what happened."

  Kevn watched the top of the jungle, waiting for a sign of the ground-car. It was nearly thirty minutes before it appeared and took a position directly above t
hem. A contoured chair was lowered and Dolom was carefully strapped in. The chair rose slowly and vanished into the belly of K-47. Kevn sighed. "Good. Now Sal, you next." Soon Sal vanished into K-47 and the chair was lowered for the last time.

  "Stay where you are!" the voice shouted. "I have a lasergun. Yer a dead man if you move."

  Kevn turned and saw the burly man with the wild tangle of black beard. The man grinned and raised his weapon. Several front teeth were missing.

  "Grid, I presume," shouted Kevn as loudly as he could, hoping they would hear him from the ship above.

  "Ain't gonna do yuh any good to yell. They make one move and yer dead. Now tell 'em to lower that chair ag'in, with old man Dolom in it."

  "Why do you want Dolom? He's ill, almost dead. What good is he to you?"

  "You kiddin'? He's gotten this mountain under his thumb. How long dya think I'd last if he goes?"

  "I don't understand -"

  "Tell 'em ... just like I said! No tricks. I know how to use this here." The lasergun flashed and a rock vaporized at Kevn's feet.

  Kevn pulled out his communicator and held it to his mouth.

  "Sal, someone down here wants to have Dolom. I'm afraid if we don't comply he'll use his lasergun. Could you please send Dolom down again, in the chair?"

  Kevn turned to Grid and asked, "If we do as you say then you'll let me go, is that right?" Grid nodded. "Sal? Grid says he'll let me go if you send Dolom down. But be careful. Grid looks pretty mean. I'm sure he'd use the lasergun." Kevn turned to Grid. "You would use your gun, wouldn't you? I mean, if we aren't careful?" Grid nodded. "Sal? Yes, it's confirmed. Grid will definitely use his lasergun if you're not careful. Be sure to tell Dolom to be careful. No tricks." Kevn turned to Grid. "Dolom should be careful too, right?" Grid nodded.

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  "What's Kevn doin'?" asked Gry.

  "He's delaying, for some reason. Giving us time to think of something," said Sal.

  "I think we should ... uh, just blast Grid with the lasercannon."

  "He's standing too close to Kevn. We've got to think of something foolproof."

  "We should get the bastard with a lasergun."

  "Not at this distance ... if we miss, or just wound him ... "

  "Master Sal?" said LIZ.

  "Yes LIZ?" said Sal.

  "If you wish to get closer why don't you go down in the chair?"

  "C'mon LIZ," grunted Gry. "And get ourself ... uh, killed?"

  "I'm sorry master Gry," said LIZ. "I assumed that Grid would think you were Dolom. All humans look alike, do they not?"

  "Master Sal," said TOM. "I think that LIZ's suggestion deserves your most serious consideration. If you were to wrap yourself in Dolom's robe and -"

  "Yes! That's good!" said Sal enthusiastically.

  "Wait a minute," said Gry. "When you get down there, then what?"

  "Then we use a lasergun," said Sal.

  "I would suggest stunmist," said TOM. "There is no need for accuracy, it is effective immediately, a human would not be killed."

  "I think that TOM is right," said LIZ. "You would not want to kill Grid."

  "Why the hell not?" asked Gry. "That dirty -"

  "Gry, they're right," said Sal. "I'll go down. Gry, can you bring me Dolom's robe? I'll pull it over my head and -"

  "Not on your life!" cried Gry. "I'll go. You've spent your life in a lab. What do you know about ... uh, stunmist and -"

  "Gentlemen," said LIZ. "It seems quite clear to me that humans are not sufficiently robust to withstand the rigors of this mission. TOM should go since TOM may be repaired."

  Sal smiled and Gry grunted his approval. TOM stepped backward quickly and leaned against the wall, shaken.

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  The chair descended slowly and Grid kept close watch, his lasergun pushed into Kevn's side. The light wind filled Dolom's robe and it billowed and flapped. Grid looked up; he could see the feet hanging over the side.

  "No tricks," he snarled. "When Dolom gets down you get him outta the chair. I'll be right behind you - no tricks."

  "Don't worry Grid. I'm no hero. I'll just get Dolom out of the chair."

  Kevn stared at the feet hanging over the side and smiled. When the chair was still two meters off the ground Kevn reached up and swung the chair about. Grid pointed his lasergun at Kevn, then at the figure in the chair, then at Kevn. A shiny cylinder slipped out from under the robe. Grid gasped and pointed the lasergun at TOM, but it was too late. Both Grid and Kevn fell instantly. The android jumped to the ground, straightened himself to his fullest height and spoke into his communicator.

  "Mission accomplished," he said with some pride.

  He could hear LIZ's lilting response.

  "Oh TOM, that was very good! Very, very good!"

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  When Grid awoke Lori was standing over him, dabbing at his forehead. "What happened. What are yuh doin'?" he muttered. "Ow! That hurts!"

  "Stay still," said Lori. "You fell and hurt your head. I'm treating the wound with polymide skin and -"

  "I don't need any of that crap!" Grid cried. "Keep yer hands offa me!" He tried to get up but couldn't.

  "If you don't stay still I can't repair the wound," said Lori quietly.

  "Grid," said Gry, "you're lucky we didn't just ... uh, finish you off."

  Grid looked around. He was tied to a table and several people were standing about.

  "So why didn't yuh finish me off?" Grid snarled.

  Kevn leaned forward and stared into Grid's face. "Tell me Grid," he said. "You said that Dolom controls the mountain and you needed him. You said you wouldn't last long without him. Why?"

  Grid grunted. "Ask old man Dolom."

  "Dolom is dying, he's unconscious," said Sal. "We can't ask him."

  "Gawd!" cried Grid. "That mountain's gonna go wild! We'll all be killed. We gotta get outta here!"

  "I asked you why?" said Kevn. "Why will the mountain go wild?"

  "That old guy controls the mountain. It'll get mad. The bloody mountain will kill us all!"

  Kevn looked at Sal. "Let's talk to Dolom. We should find out what will happen," said Kevn. Sal nodded. They left the small medi-room and headed for Dolom's cabin. Dolom was sleeping quietly in a cot. Kevn leaned over the old man and whispered, "Dolom? Can you hear me?"

  Dolom opened his eyes. He looked very old and weak. His thin white hair fell in wisps about his head. He looked at Kevn, then at Sal and raised a bony hand. "First Citizen ... I am dying. There is one thing you must ... you must ..."

  "Okay, take it easy," said Kevn. "Speak slowly, softly. You're not well. What must we do? Grid says the mountain will kill us all. What did he mean?"

  Dolom closed his eyes and sighed. "My mountain, it must be kept, kept ..."

  Kevn and Sal waited for Dolom to continue. The old man opened his eyes briefly then closed them again. His hand dropped to his side. "The mountain - you must speak to my mountain. If it is unhappy ... if it ..."

  "Dolom?" asked Sal. "How can we speak to the mountain? We cannot. What should we do? What will the mountain do?"

  "The mountain ... my mountain," whispered Dolom, "it will storm, the weather will - will ... the ground will open ... hurricanes ..."

  "But how can we stop it?" asked Kevn. "How do we speak to the mountain?"

  "The boy - the black boy ... Runr," said Dolom. "Bring the boy. He can speak to my mountain -"

  Kevn looked at Sal who shrugged.

  "Dolom," said Kevn. "Runr is gone. He went to planet Earth. He's not with us."

  There was no response. Dolom was unconscious.