1 Contact

 

Ashtoret de Origa

“I wish I was going to Earth with you.” Providence’s eyes filled with tears.

“I know, my fiery warrior.” Dagaa wrapped an arm around his mate, consoling her.

“If things were different.” Madhava nuzzled Providence’s red hair, as he affectionately cradled her belly.

It still amazed Ashtoret how well both her mates got along. He certainly couldn’t share his female, not that he had one.

“I’m so sorry, Providence. I know exactly how you feel, but it’s not a risk you want to take. Here, hold this little monkey, to remind you of what you have to look forward to,” Giselle sympathized as she passed her daughter, Graca, to Providence.

Tiny pink Graca wrapped her tail around Providence’s arm, cooed and reached for her face, making his despondent friend smile.

“I know. I’ve had nightmares since we started planning this mission.” Providence bounced Graca on her lap.

“You didn’t tell us that,” Madhava exclaimed, the scar over his eye deepening as he scowled in concern.

“I keep dreaming about being strapped down, while some masked doctor steals my baby and experiments on him.” Providence’s eyes welled up again.

“That’s not happening,” Dagaa rumbled.

“I know. Ashtoret, you have the letters I gave you, right?”

“I do. Please do not worry,” he reassured his friend. “I will make sure your family knows just how much you love them. I consider it just as important as our primary mission.”

Ashtoret gave Providence his most sincere pledge, slamming his fist to his chest and bowing low.

“And I have the other messages,” Vintor added.

Although it was of utmost importance that they guard Earth from a Jurou Biljana invasion, sending word to the human females’ families was just as vital. They were taken from their world without ever getting a chance to say goodbye. He knew it broke their hearts, and had to be terribly hard on the families left behind. He was one of the lucky few who never lost his sire or brothers in the war, so he couldn’t fathom what his human friends were suffering.

“Just remember to get them stamped,” Giselle reminded Vintor.

“I’m sure my dad can help. I hope he’s not too stubborn.” Providence frowned.

Providence’s sire would be their liaison. As a high-ranking member of the Earth military, he was their best option.

“Did you give Vintor your message?” Cyprian asked Riley.

“Are you going to keep asking me that?” Riley made an obnoxious face. She clearly didn’t care that her mate was the High General, feared by many.

“Keep it up, wily manx.” Cyprian threateningly stroked his belt.

Ashtoret recalled the shocking rumor about the general tying up his tiny purple-haired mate. Granted the conjugo bond made males aggressive, but surely he’d heard wrong.

“Hey, that’s my line! And if YOU keep it up, I’m going to shove this where the sun don’t shine.” Riley jabbed her finger into the air.

Kagan barked out a laugh at the way the unlikely pair antagonized each other.

“What are you laughing at, big guy?” Giselle pointedly asked, one brow arched.

Kagan sobered as he looked at his mate. Ashtoret’s eyes widened. It was apparent the Daimio had also been subjected to this finger treatment.

The band of human females burst into a fit of giggles. Unbelievably, the warriors present turned a shade darker in embarrassment, himself included. He was friends with all of the humans, and knew they tended to be rowdier than Cadi females, but hearing them openly talk about such subjects was still surprising after all this time. He shook his head in amusement.

“I think I better get my pet home before the vinum goes completely to her head, and she shames me in front of all my warriors.” Daimio Kagan smiled at his blonde mate.

“I know we’ll see you guys before Aculus arrives tomorrow, still, be safe.” Giselle went around hugging all the warriors going on the mission.

“Don’t take any stupid risks. Just drop the cloaking array and come home if you have to,” Providence insisted with a yawn as the party broke up.

“We’ll do our best,” Vintor replied solemnly.

“Humans are even more suspicious of outsiders than the Cadi were. They don’t know they exist and tend to fear what they don’t know. That fear makes them dangerous. That includes my father. You remember the message I gave you? It’s important you use those exact words the moment you meet him,” Providence reiterated the warning.

“Understood.” Ashtoret nodded.

Providence snagged a lock of his hair and gave it a tug. “I’m glad you stopped dying it. It’s not a flaw,” she insisted. “I think the silver makes you stand out. Very handsome,” she crooned.

He smiled at the compliment. It had been hard making the change. Cadi could be incredibly judgmental of physical differences, but he’d found a group of friends who were very accepting.

“Come on now, you already have enough mates,” Dagaa chuckled as he scooped Providence up.

“The young has her hormones all riled up. You better run while you still can, Ashtoret.” Madhava cast him a lopsided grin.

 

“We’re entering the human’s solar system,” Aculus reported, pulling Ashtoret from his thoughts of the farewell party on Cadi.

It was amazing to think how far they’d traveled in the span of mere days. He considered the bone-armored warrior, glad Aculus was an ally. It was only by Kali’s grace they were fortunate enough to meet while liberating Cadi citizens from a slave auction some months back. If it wasn’t for the Osivoire Nation’s advanced technology, passing through the rift in the cosmos would’ve never been possible. Aculus’ people kindly lent not only their vessel but donated the array that would hide defenseless Earth from the Jurou Biljana.

Damn flesh merchants!

Besides the handful of Osivoire manning the sleek silver vessel, the bulk of the team was from Cadi. It was only right since the Osivoire were already providing the metcor’s cache of resources.

He nodded to the Cadi warriors as they entered the control room.

“Where’s our Toufik brethren?” Vintor asked as they took their seats around the table at the rear of the control room.

“I believe our hairy friends are practicing setting up the cloaking array in the climate-controlled room,” Warrior Payim replied.

“Thank Kali they’re on this mission. Have you felt how bone-chilling cold it’s supposed to be at Earth’s polar regions? I stepped one foot in the room your engineer set up and my tail froze and nearly snapped off.” Another warrior shivered.

“You can thank the humans for that bit of advice,” Vintor chuckled.

“Cold, is it?” Aculus rumbled in amusement.

“What are you laughing about? You should be sympathetic. Isn’t your homeworld arid?” Payim asked the armored warrior, wearing a good-natured smirk.

“It is. And I’m laughing because I get to remain on my nice warm ship while you put on every piece of clothing you can find to go planet-side.” Aculus laughed harder, slamming his bony fist down on the table when the other warriors’ scowls deepened.

“I’m just piloting one of the cruisers that’ll get our pelted friends to the icy wasteland. The rest is up to them,” Payim declared.

Payim was as adept a pilot as himself. The warrior had also been on the mission to rescue the Toufik from their dying world. Ashtoret blanched at the memory. Piloting through that planet’s atmosphere had been a harrowing test of his endurance. It was a wonder any of them made it out alive.

“In your dreams,” Vintor countered, using the human’s favorite phrase.

Ashtoret smiled and shook his head at the bunch.

On cue, their Toufik brethren walked in. Shockingly, the frost still sticking to their fur formed misty clouds as it evaporated in the warm air.

“We’re here.” At least that’s what it looked like Fire gestured with his numb fingers.

Ashtoret had no doubt if the Toufik could speak, their teeth would be chattering, making it unintelligible anyway.

“I wish you’d wear the suits. You’re not invincible,” he chastised the two furry males.

“We will, on the planet,” Fire, so named for his ruddy pelt, gestured. “We’re getting used to what to expect.”

“That’s probably wise,” he agreed.

Ashtoret had no doubt they were in capable hands with that Toufik. Fire was a jovial character. Evidenced by his broad, gregarious hand gestures and easy smiles. It probably came from being raised on a plantation where his former master was secretly married to a Toufik male from Fire’s clan. Despite his good nature, the furry male had proven a fierce warrior. He was a good male to have guarding your tail.

“We’ve gone over this, but let’s review it again,” Vintor addressed the gathered group. “Ashtoret and I will make contact with our human liaison. We’ll secure their cooperation, then the two teams will install the cloaking arrays at both poles.”

Ashtoret was pleased to have been selected for this mission. It wasn’t that he and Vintor were more skilled than the others sitting at the table. They were just closer to the humans and had subsequently learned more about the people they were now visiting. And it was their friendship with Providence that made them the best option to contact her sire.

“Don’t forget Providence’s briefing, there’s not just one governing authority on this planet,” Ashtoret reminded the teams. “Earth isn’t unified, like the Cadi, Toufik and Osivoire. And apparently, no one group owns the polar regions where you’ll be going. So even after we make our arrangements with the one faction, you will still need to avoid contact. But I’m assured habitation in these regions is minimal.”

“Blessed Kali, I hope so. Who could live in that cold?” one male declared.

“Their fractured state is yet another reason for being here.” Vintor nodded grimly. “Not only are the humans not as technologically advanced, but their constant squabbling will make it impossible for them to organize in time to fend off the Jurou Biljana.”

That was a problem the Cadi also suffered not that long ago. They were divided into two warring nations, and nearly fell to the greedy reptiles because of it. Now both Scelus and Vidya Cadi sat at the same table making jokes with foreigners and former slaves. They’d come a long way.

“Regardless of this fact,” Vintor continued. “The faction we are contacting is a larger one with influence. We must make sure they understand the severity of the Jurou Biljana threat. Once we head back home, it will be up to them to convince the others to not muck with the cloaking array.”

“The beacon we place on the far side of their moon will notify my people if that happens. But if the Jurou Biljana are trolling this galaxy, a planet suddenly appearing will catch their attention,” Aculus noted.

“Your people have taken on the burden of sheltering many races, but the Cadi will not let you shoulder this alone,” Ashtoret assured Aculus.

Aculus nodded in appreciation.

“To confirm I understand correctly, this array won’t interfere with the humans’ equipment in orbit, correct?” he asked.

“Correct. The array will form a cloak that will extend beyond anything orbiting the planet, including the moon,” Aculus reiterated.

“Good. From what our human friends say, the loss of communication with their orbiting technology would be noticed and cause widespread panic.”

“Once you venture out in the cruisers, Aculus will act as our main point of contact, here on his vessel,” Vintor continued reviewing the plan.

“I still say I’m happy to go planet-side. To the warmer climate that is,” Aculus interjected.

“You’re just eager to make the acquaintance of another spunky female like Riley,” one male snickered.

“Am I really that transparent?” the bony warrior chuckled.

“Don’t feel too bad. We don’t even get to mix with the natives.” Payim slapped Aculus on the back.

“Sorry, males, it’s going to be hard enough for Ashtoret and me to blend in,” Vintor apologized. “Besides, my armored friend, you’re more familiar with your ship, so we need you here. As discussed, each team will check in at the arranged times. I don’t need to reiterate that you’ll report major moves, problems or completions. This is just like we all remember during the war.”

Expressions serious, everyone nodded. Yet Ashtoret could tell his companions were looking forward to this mission, even though they were only visiting uninhabited regions. Since the war ended, many of the warriors hadn’t seen much action and were chomping at the bit.

“We’re approaching Earth’s orbit now.” Aculus pointed to the large display screen at the front of the control room.

The planet that loomed onscreen was largely blue, its bodies of water bisecting the green continents, reminding him of a smaller version of Cadi. Too soon the view was obscured when Aculus’ vessel headed straight for the dark side of a barren pock-marked moon. Unlike some moons, this body didn’t have a habitable atmosphere. The agile X-class cruiser swooped in for a graceful landing.

“All right, we need to make our preparations,” Vintor dismissed everyone.

Everything was a whirlwind as they made final inspections and checked off the necessary gear, examined the smaller planet-bound cruisers and everything else they could conceive of.

“It looks like that’s everything. Thank you.” Vintor nodded to Aculus.

“I’ve got my eyes on you.” Aculus cracked a reassuring smile.

Ashtoret was still amazed Osivoire could smile at all, given their bony exoskeleton.

“We’ll wait for confirmation before heading out. Go with Kali.” Payim nodded to them.

Fire thumped them on the back as they boarded the cruiser and headed for controls.

“You got this?” Vintor strapped in beside him.

“What’s this thing do again?”

“Torment,” Vintor barked when Ashtoret whipped the agile cruiser out of the loading bay.

He laughed at his friend, who was now wearing an incredulous smirk. While the others practiced setting up the cloaking array, he had been learning the ins and outs of the Osivoire cruiser. The vessel handled so smoothly, he was eager to take it through its paces, sadly this wasn’t the time. He set the coordinates and aimed the cruiser for the blue planet. The peninsula they were heading toward showed up onscreen, and he zoomed in further to assess the environment.

“I guess it’s a good thing it’s night out,” Vintor commented.

“I suppose, but look at how much artificial light they have blanketing everything.” That was the first difference he noticed between their otherwise similar worlds. There were strings of light connecting all the inhabited cities, like the woven strands of a succo nest. And the sprawling city they were heading toward extended for hectares along the coastline. “I don’t see how the humans can sleep at night.”

“The way Riley keeps Cyprian up, I don’t think they do sleep,” Vintor snorted, slapping his tail against the floor.

He shook his head, casting Vintor a sideways grin, then turned his attention back to the controls. He scanned the area and groaned when he located their best option for landing.

“What was that for?”

“Nothing,” he replied petulantly.

“Not looking forward to a water landing?” Vintor chuckled.

“It’s not the landing, it’s the trudging through foreign waters on a hostile planet.” But it couldn’t be helped. It was the most secure location in the heavily populated area. Skittish humans!

“True.” Vintor nodded and they both grew serious, mentally preparing themselves for the task at hand.

The small cruiser swiftly pierced the river’s surface and came to a halt on the murky bottom. He secured the controls, unstrapped his harness, and shrugged on his pack.

“Well, here we go.” Vintor sealed the loading bay hatch, so the water didn’t invade the rest of the cruiser, then opened the exit portal.

Ashtoret took a deep breath and dove headlong into the rush of water that came pouring into the bay. He fought past the slimy growth that entangled his feet and kicked till he broke the surface. Despite all the artificial light on shore, it was still too dark to see Vintor. He tread water in circles, desperately searching for his fellow warrior. Finally, he caught sight of Vintor silhouetted against the distant shore and breathed a sigh of relief. Ashtoret paddled toward his friend then burst into laughter.

“Not a word,” Vintor grumbled as he tugged the slimy, stringy plants off his head, untangling them from his warrior’s braids.

“I was just going to report that we need to head that way.” He tried to keep a straight face.

“Uh huh,” Vintor spat a bit of the foreign plant life out of his mouth, and they started swimming toward the shore.

The closer they got to land, the thicker the growth became, making it impossible to swim. With each step the muddy bottom attempted swallow up their boots.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this,” Vintor said as they waded neck deep in water.

“I agree. I feel eyes on me,” Ashtoret replied as he pushed reedy grass out of his face.

“You are certain the nearby military stronghold didn’t spot us entering their atmosphere?” Vintor asked.

“I can’t make any promises. I’m still learning my way around Osivoire technology.”

Vintor grunted and continued wading through the muck, toward the location programmed into his handheld. Ashtoret kept watch for any indication they’d been discovered. As he panned the dim bank several yards away, he spotted a pair of glowing, yellow eyes. The wet hair on the back of his neck stood up.

I knew it.

“There,” Ashtoret whispered as he paused his watery trek.

Swift movement followed by a splash sounded, and Ashtoret braced himself. He snarled in anger, when a large set of jaws clamped on his arm. He was aggravated with himself more than anything, since he’d known the attack was coming. He resisted the tug on his forearm, instead yanking the assailant out of the water. His first instinct from years of training was to pull one of the blades strapped to his chest, but he didn’t want to fatally injure any of the planet’s inhabitants if he didn’t have to.

“Son of a metcor,” Vintor cursed low. “That thing is ugly. And it looks like it has a nasty bite.”

Ashtoret looked at the creature attempting to wrench his arm out of the socket. It had a row of sharp teeth, currently embedded in his flesh, yellow beady eyes, a long snout, and scales from head to toe.

“Let go,” Ashtoret growled a feral sound, letting the beast know who the bigger predator was.

He smiled when the creature released his arm, then wisely swam off, with a parting defiant lash of its scaly tail.

“I think you found the mother of all Jurou Biljana,” Vintor chuckled.

“You might be right,” he agreed with a grin.

“How’s the arm?”

“Eh, it’ll heal.”

“We’re close enough to get out of this stream. It probably wouldn’t be wise to attract more of those things with you bleeding in the water,” Vintor suggested as he waded ashore.

They paused when they reached dry land. He pulled the watertight pack off his back and removed the clothes that would help them blend in.

“I’m not fond of these breeches,” Ashtoret groused, holding up the pants and eyeing them critically.

“They’re constricting,” Vintor complained, after removing his vestment and stepping into the breeches.

Ashtoret tugged a hooded long-sleeve top over his head, then dealt with the dreaded pants. He had to coil his tail around his waist like a belt for them to fit properly.

“I think they’re strangling my shaft,” he groaned as he shifted in discomfort.

“I hope to Kali we don’t have to run in these things.”

Ashtoret and Vintor moved toward a series of artificial lights that lined a black road and illuminated the dwellings. He studied the two-story homes decorated in a range of vibrant colors. They kept to the shadows as they wove between the clustered buildings. The lights inside showed that many of the inhabitants were still awake.

“The dwelling we’re looking for is over there. We need to cross this picket barrier.” Vintor pointed to the third house.

Ashtoret nodded and vaulted over the knee-high wooden wall. He almost stumbled when his breeches cut him up the middle.

Damn restrictive clothing.

They were almost to the other side of the grassy enclosure when a noisy, small, four-legged, furry creature came charging up. A light flicked on in the nearby residence, and Ashtoret knew the yapping beastie had betrayed their presence.

“I guess we’re going to test how well we can run,” he hissed as they both took off, leaving the annoying creature behind.

“Great,” Vintor huffed.

They slowed when they reached the rear of their destination. Vintor looked around, gauging if they’d been sighted.

“It appears our contact isn’t here yet.”

“We’ll enter and wait. That will be safer than standing out in the open. I just hope the male doesn’t have one of those yappy beasts,” Vintor smirked.

“We’re supposed to look for a tiny metal key beneath a potted plant. If it’s not there we’ll have to find another way in.”

Ashtoret quickly reviewed what he knew about the male they would soon encounter. He hoped their liaison wasn’t too shocked or put up a fight, before they could deliver their message.