Lion on the Water

By Steven Lake

Sent back through time, Tgegani and his android allies uncover a surprising revelation about their past, as well as the true origins of their people. In doing so they discover that both their history and their future are in danger. With time against them and the fate of their people at risk, can this small band of droids work together to save both the past, and the future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Lake
• Release date: Aug 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476030852

Steven Lake

Steven Lake is a prolific author of many, many books, stories, articles, and other literature spanning a period of over twenty years. He began his long writing career in 1992 while serving in the US Army and has worked continuously to improve his craft to the great art it is today.

Book preview

Lion on the Water

By Steven Lake

Copyright 2012

Smashwords Edition

Prologue

A tall, well built Isagi warrior, his face weathered and hairy as all warriors were, walked into the hut of the Counselor General and pounded his chest in salute.

The area has been secured, master, said the warrior.

The Counselor General, a man in a medium green tunic and basil colored pants, looked up from his desk and studied him intently.

Are all of the colonists properly settled? he asked in a raspy voice.

They are, master, just as you've instructed, said the warrior.

Very good. Gather all the elders. It's time to fulfill my promise.

The warrior looked at the Counselor General with a slight hint of anxiety.

I...appreciate your gesture of kindness to us, master. But is this really necessary? I would feel better if we stayed by your side, he said.

The Counselor General shook his head.

For too long my people have enslaved yours and forced their loyalty to us through whip and chain. That ends today. Even though we are few, we will begin what I hope will become a revolution of freedom within the galaxy.

I understand, master, said the warrior.

He then bowed and slipped out of the hut. The Counselor General soon followed him outside. As he stepped through the door, he surveyed the vast expanse of huts, ships, and animals spread out before him. It was a mixture of the modern and the ancient; a combining of technology and simplicity that he hoped would free them from the curse of his ancestors. It wasn't long before a large group of men and women, both Isagi and Vergori alike, gathered before him. Several of his own people stood behind him in support of his actions. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat.

Fellow colonists, it is with great pleasure that I address you today. As of this moment all Isagi and Vergori servants are now free of their bonds, their commitments and their duties to my people, and our old ways. However, I do not believe that simply changing our future will completely divest us from our respective histories. That is why, today, I have chosen one more thing that we must do to separate ourselves from the past. We will not only go our separate ways, but we will each change our names as well. Not our individual names. Those we will each keep, as there is honor in them. But rather we will give up the names of our individual peoples. This is necessary, I believe, if we are to cast away our former lives to the winds of history and begin anew, driving forward towards the future we all seek in freedom, equality and peace.

What names will we choose? asked a Vergori elder.

You may choose your own if you so wish, or we may chose them for you. From today onward, the choice of what you will do with your own future, your own destiny, is now fully and completely in your hands.

The Vergori and Isagi elders each respectively huddled together with their own people and discussed this for nearly a minute. Eventually they all looked back at the Counselor General with both humility, and a twinge of anxiety on their faces.

With all due respect, my lord, it would honor us if you would, for this one last time, choose for us, said an Isagi elder.

The Counselor General frowned slightly. Things weren't going quite as he'd hoped. The Isagi and the Vergori had been slaves for so long that even something as simple as this demanded a freedom of will that they had not yet obtained. After a moment he sighed. As much as he'd hoped they'd take the initiative, he didn't see where it'd hurt if he asserted his lordship over them one last time.

Very well. I will do as you have asked, he said.

This greatly pleased the elders of both groups. The Counselor General then studied both groups for several moments, before perking up slightly as he soon decided on their new names.

To my Vergori friends, you who have been great servants to my family and my people for millennia, from this day forward you will be known as the Gorg. And to my Isagi friends, proud warriors and defenders of my people, you are henceforth to be known as the Sattazin. With this you are all free to seek your own future in whatever way you wish.

And what shall your people be called? shouted a Vergori.

The Counselor General smiled.

That is a good question, my friend. From today forward we will no longer be known as Ahbranai, world builders and enslavers of all races, but rather as Yigzan; a people who seek knowledge and understanding without tyranny or cruelty.

But what of your colony? Who will protect it? asked an Isagi warrior.

We will protect ourselves. It is time my people grew up and began doing things for themselves again. For far too long we have laid our future on your backs. However, from now on, we will carry its full weight upon ourselves.

Then where shall we go? Will you send us away? asked a Vergori anxiously.

As I said, you are free to choose your own futures. If you wish to go, we will see you off with joy and sadness. But if you choose to stay, we will welcome you into our community as one of our own. This decision, and your future, are entirely yours to command.

The Isagi and Vergori elders looked at each other briefly, with a hint of anxiety, and then separated into their own respective bands to talk it over. Eventually they parted ways and went back to their respective tents. Later that day the Counselor General stepped out of his hut again to see what decision the two groups had made, only to discover that the colony was almost devoid of both races, save for a small handful of each. He then noticed his faithful general walking up to him with a smile on his face.

What happened to the others? asked the Counselor General.

They have gone east, master. My people, and the Gorg as well, have chosen to seek other lands beyond your own. They felt it was best for all if we were to separate ourselves from you, lest the old ways return, said the warrior.

The Counselor General cocked his head slightly.

Then what of these who've stayed?

They've remained because they wish to help you. I as well.

Help us? said the Counselor General curiously.

Yes, master. I know you are trying to be kind to us, and brave as well, but your people are ill prepared for what lies ahead. Therefore, a handful of us have chosen to remain behind and teach you all that you must know. It was the least we could do for the kindness you have shown us.

The Counselor General bowed slightly.

You honor me greatly.

The warrior bowed in return.

Thank you, master. Now, if you will allow me, I and my men will seek out those among your people who will make the best warriors and train them in all they must know.

And what of the Gorg who have stayed behind? What will they do?

They will share with you the skills and trades their people have known for many eons. While science will be useful to you here, in time it will fail you, and you will be forced to return to the ways of your ancient ancestors long ago. As such you will need to know how to survive without your technology; a skill that both we and the Gorg can teach you. Without these skills, you will neither be free, nor survive.

Free? But we are already free.

The warrior shook his head.

You are not, master. When your ancestors enslaved us, they also enslaved themselves. For without us, they would die. We do not wish to see that happen to you. Therefore, we will remain here until you are able to stand on your own. After that we will rejoin our kinsmen and revel in the freedom you have given us.

The Counselor General smiled and patted the warrior on the shoulder.

Thank you, my friend. You are most gracious to me.

The warrior smiled in return and pounded his chest in salute.

It is the least we can do for you, as you are now our friends, and friends do not abandon each other.

Chapter 1

A foreman, working on an archaeological dig in the heart of the ancient Yigzan city of Parlahbradel, stood up and stretched painfully as he tried to relax his tired, sore muscles. He grunted loudly as a sharp pain shot through his hip causing him to cringe. It quickly raced up his spine and into his neck, causing him to grunt louder. A lion poked his head out of a nearby pit and looked at him.

Is something the matter? he asked.

The foreman shook his head.

I'm fine. It's just these tired old joints. They don't like being down in these pits anymore, he groaned.

Do you want to take a break? asked the lion.

No, no, I'm fine, Ibara. Really. I just need to stretch a little.

But his voice told a different story. The lion's eyes narrowed.

Go take a break. You're hurting. I can hear it, he said.

The foreman stomped his foot angrily on the ground.

For the love of the ancients, Ibara! I am not…

He paused as a loud cracking sound echoed from under his feet. He looked down in surprise, and then groaned.

Awe, mother of…

A moment later the ground opened up and swallowed him whole. He let out a shriek of surprise as he fell.

Foreman! shouted Ibara in horror.

He raced over to the edge of the hole and peered into the thick cloud of musty smelling dust that rose up from below. Numerous men from other parts of the camp came racing over upon hearing the noise to see what'd happened.

Foreman, can you hear me? shouted Ibara.

Would you believe my back doesn't hurt anymore? came a whimsical reply.

Ibara sighed with relief.

Are you injured? Is anything broken?

Just my pride, replied the foreman.

I can't see you right now. Can you see me? asked the lion.

Yeah. But just barely. There's a lot of dust in the air.

Can you climb out?

Doesn't look like it. If I'm guessing right, it's about twenty feet straight up from where I'm standing. But that's fine, because I think we found something.

Is there a lot of artifacts?

I can't see any, but the walls look like they're covered in runes or something.

Ibara turned to one of the men, and said, Get a ladder, some rope and the camp medic. Tell him there's been an accident. He then turned back to the hole, and said, Foreman, I'm coming down. Step away from the hole if you can so I don't land on you.

Alright, I'm clear. But be careful taking the leap. There's a lot of debris down here, said the foreman.

Moments later Ibara landed in front of him with a thud, lost his footing, and then tumbled down a large pile of debris to the stone floor below landing in the most awkward, uncomfortable position possible.

See? I told ya to be careful, said the foreman with a grin.

Ibara quickly climbed to his feet, trotted over to the foreman and examined him briefly. He was pleased to find that he was unhurt.

After a moment he grinned, and said, You're dirty.

Ah, it happens. Especially when you fall through holes in the ground, quipped the foreman.

Ibara chuckled. At least his foreman still had his sense of humor.

Sit down and rest for a moment. Help is coming, said Ibara.

The foreman nodded and quietly sat down on the pile of debris. As the two of them waited, Ibara gave the area a quick scan and was surprised at what he saw.

I see what you meant about the walls. What do you think this is? he asked.

The foreman shrugged.

I don't know. I'm guessing it's a burial chamber or some kind.

Hmm, that would be quite a find if it proves to be true, said Ibara.

He turned and carefully examined the ceiling and the walls around him. In doing so he spotted numerous stress cracks in the ceiling which concerned him. Moments later a ladder dropped down through the hole followed by two medics who hurried over to the foreman. As they examined him, several more men came down and quickly made their way over to Ibara.

Is he going to be alright? asked one of them.

I believe so. But we'll leave his final prognosis to the medics. In the meantime we need to shore up this ceiling. It appears to be at great risk of collapse, said Ibara.

The two men immediately complied and within twenty minutes they had the ceiling reinforced enough to make the chamber safe to work in. Shortly after that, large flood lights were brought down and turned on. As their light filled the room, they revealed a simple, cube shaped chamber carved from solid rock with no visible means of entry or exit. Along each wall were intricately painted murals depicting hunters, fishermen, boats, giant sea creatures and people of every shape and size. Mixed in with these pictures were row upon row of ancient Yigzan sea script letters. As he studied the room further, Ibara was struck by how empty it was. Other than the artwork, the only thing in there was a large, tarp covered object against a nearby wall.

What do you think that is? asked Ibara as he nodded towards it.

One of the men shrugged, and said, No idea, sir. Want me to check it out?

Yes, please do.

The man slipped over to the tarp and lifted a corner of it carefully. He then removed the entire tarp and stood back in amazement.

What in the ancients? he said.

Ibara trotted across the room and looked curiously at what appeared to be a small alter. In the center of it was a statue of a lion that looked surprisingly like Tgegani. But stranger still was the two items that lay in front of it. The man gently picked up and examined each of them. The first was a simple, bronze medallion, and the other an old, rusty scout spider similar to the kind Breakman used.

Is that what I think it is? said Ibara in surprise.

I believe it is. But at the same time it can't be, because our ancestors didn't have technology like this, said the man.

At least not that we're aware of. Check it for markings. There may be something on it that gives us a clue to it's origins.

The man did as he was asked, and soon found something.

Hey! Look at this! he said pointing at a small symbol on the bottom.

Ibara shook his head in disbelief.

That can't be! That's the logo for Breakman's company! What's one of his spiders doing in an ancient Yigzan vault!? he said in confusion.

I don't know, but I think you should see this as well, said the man.

He reached over, picked up the medallion, and read its inscription.

In honor of Tgegani, son of Burgon, savior of our people. He then looked at Ibara, and asked, What do you make of it?

Ibara pondered this for several moments, and then shook his head.

I don't know, but I intend to find out.

Tgegani strolled casually into the offices of Burgon Cybernetics and propped himself up against the secretary's desk, much to her surprise. She adjusted her glasses slightly and studied him with interest.

May I help you? she asked.

Is Dr. Breakman in? asked Tgegani.

Yes he is. One moment, said the secretary.

She reached over and pressed the intercom button on her phone.

Sir, your brother Tgegani is here to see you.

After several moments of silence, a voice replied, Yeah, send him down.

The secretary pointed to her left, and said, His office is the second door on the right.

Tgegani thanked her and then made his way over to a door marked Dr. Breakman Burgon, President. He gently pushed the door open and stepped inside. To his surprise, instead of finding his brother sitting behind his desk as he expected, he found himself standing in front of a tall, slender, middle aged man with jet black hair, dashing blue eyes and a stylish, tailor cut suit. Tgegani cocked an eyebrow in surprise.

I'm sorry, I must have the wrong office, he said as he turned to leave.

What? No welcome for your little brother? quipped the man.

Tgegani paused and turned back towards him.

Tgegani, it's me, Breakman, said the man.

Tgegani sat down, and said, You are not my brother. He is half your size.

The man laughed again.

I didn't think you'd recognize me.

He stood up and twirled around several times.

Well? What do you think? It's the latest version of the Slao bioform. I just upgraded to it yesterday! I'm so thrilled to finally be out of that scrawny little tin suit and into a real body! Well, as real as a robot can get anyways.

Tgegani cocked his head slightly.

The Slao bioform? he asked curiously.

Yeah! You remember the bio-cybernetic research Slao was doing, and all the prototype parts I recovered from his lab?

Tgegani nodded reservedly. Breakman smirked.

Oh come on, Tgegani. Stop playing. I know you remember me telling you about it.

Tgegani continued to stare at Breakman.

I remember there was a discussion of it, he said flatly.

Breakman crossed his arms and frowned.

You still don't think it's me, do you? said Breakman.

Tgegani shook his head. Breakman sighed.

How many times have I told you I wanted a new body? A lot by now, I'm sure. Having the technology for well over thirty years and not being able to make that leap nearly drove me nuts. Believe me, after almost sixty years in that old tin suit, I was ready for an upgrade.

If you were so excited about changing bodies, why didn't you do it before now? asked Tgegani suspiciously.

Well, a lot of reasons. The biggest was that, while the bio-cybernetic parts were quite advanced, they weren't advanced enough. At least not for what I wanted. Plus, they had a few nasty little failings I wasn't too fond of. The biggest was that whole gradual aging thing. I've enjoyed being eternally young for nearly sixty years, so I had no interest in taking on a body that would grow old by design. So I put a lot of work into the technology until I had a product I was happy with. Once it was finally up to my standards, I made the switch. I just didn't tell you about it because I wanted it to be a surprise. Obviously it worked, as you're extremely surprised.

Tgegani narrowed his eyes.

I'm not surprised, I'm skeptical, he said.

Breakman frowned and put his hands on his hips.

Oh, come on! You can't think I'm lying, can you? said Breakman.

How do I know you're not? How did you transfer your sentience from your old body to your new one?

Oh, for crying out loud, Tgegani! I was the one who created the transfer process in the first place! Jarg certainly never figured it out. Dad's notes weren't much of a help either, which is kinda surprising given how good his other designs were. Either way, I was eventually able to figure out the process, which is the reason you're standing here today. So, with a perfect track record thus far, what makes you think I couldn't do it for myself?

Tgegani merely stared at him through slotted eyes. Breakman crossed his arms, and grunted in disbelief.

Alright, fine. You want proof? How about this? If I was anybody else, could I talk to you like this? Or would I know our personal frequencies and complex levels of security we use to communicate with each other? he said over the radio.

Tgegani furrowed his brow in surprise.

No, I don't believe you would, he said out loud.

Just then a cell phone chirped. Breakman briefly fumbled through his pockets looking for it, and then scanned the room, but came up empty handed. Moments later, a small scout spider scurried over to him holding a ringing cell phone in its tiny metal arms.

Oh, that's where it went, chuckled Breakman.

He took the phone from the spider and answered it.

Dr. Breakman. Yeah. Uh-huh. Sure. Umm, how's this Tuesday work for you? Six thirty? Which building? Room 202. Got it. Thanks doc.

He hung up and then slipped the phone into his shirt pocket. Tgegani sighed.

"So, you are my brother," he said in muted interest.

Breakman grinned.

What made you finally realize that?

Your spider. I believe that is your most loyal unit. He wouldn't serve anyone else.

Breakman nodded.

Yeah, he's been a real trooper. Despite his age he still keeps working hard for me. I've tried several times to give him a new body as a reward for all his years of faithful service. But for some reason he doesn't like the idea. He's probably paranoid about the whole transfer process.

Tgegani smiled at the little spider, and said, You needn't fear anything, little one. Your master is a good man and won't do anything that will harm you in any way. So you should let him give you a new body. You deserve it.

The little spider reared up slightly, gave a disapproving chirp, and then scurried away. Breakman chuckled.

See what I mean? he said.

I do. Which brings me back to the subject at hand. Namely, your upgrade. I'm curious what made you decide to change bodies.

Breakman smirked.

You try living in a pint sized body for nearly six decades and then ask me that again. Trust me, having a full sized one will be a huge advantage to me. I'm already amazed at all the things I can do with this one that I couldn't do with my other body. Well, not without help, anyways. A few of my colleagues have already seen it and aren't quite sure what to make of the new me either. Ah well. They'll get used to it in time.

I can imagine. So, may I inquire one other thing about your new body?

Yeah, shoot.

Why did you not install cellular technology into your communications array while you were upgrading? asked Tgegani.

Breakman snorted.

There are times I enjoy being away from the phone. If I had one wired into my head, I'd never get any peace.

Tgegani cocked his head slightly.

That is an odd statement given that your phone seems fairly quiet today, he said.

Breakman laughed.

Trust me, today's the exception, not the rule. Normally that thing is about blowing up in my pocket. If I didn't have unlimited hours the bill alone would bankrupt me. But enough of me. Where's Yteca? Doesn't she normally stick pretty close to you?

She does. But she's out on a charity mission to the Gorg capital with the other original five members. They will return early next week.

Ah, and what about the ever illustrious Pen? Isn't he lurking in the weeds outside, waiting to pounce on anyone who gets too close to you? said Breakman with a chuckle.

Actually, no. He's on the Eastern Continent doing a bit of exploring. Some geologists recently stumbled onto one of the Margog's old hideouts. Given the sensitivity of the location, he was asked to come in and act as both a consultant, and a body guard in case there were any Horde still alive inside.

Breakman snorted.

Doubtful. We went through hundreds of those caves after that incident and never once came across a single one of them, or even a half finished body. Even the NLEA guys found nothing. Well, nothing they'll tell us about, anyways.

Tgegani chuckled.

Probably true.

Knowing them, I'd say very true. But all that aside, what're you doing tonight? If you're free I've got box seat tickets for tonights Gobat game at Ringtail Stadium if you want to join me. East Plain is playing the Tree Hackers. It's supposed to be quite a game.

Tgegani perked up.

The Tree Hackers? Aren't they that new Gorg expansion team? he asked.

Breakman nodded.

Fresh from the northern territories.

Well then, I would love to join you. I hear the Tree Hackers are quite a team.

For a bunch of Gorg, they've pretty good. Their defensive line is nearly air tight from what I hear. Can't say how they'll do on offense, but I suspect it won't be a boring game.

No, I doubt it will be. So, how much do I owe you for my ticket?

Breakman waved his hands dismissively.

Don't worry about it. You're my brother. Consider it a gift.

Tgegani nodded.

Thank you.

You're welcome. Just promise me you won't start screaming like a maniac again if East Plain starts loosing, said Breakman with a grin.

Tgegani stared at Breakman with feigned indignity.

I would do no such thing! I am more dignified than that! he said with false piety.

I'm sure that guy in B26 would've disagreed, chuckled Breakman.

Tgegani laughed.

Okay, so I get a little carried away at times. You're not much better.

Breakman shrugged.

When it comes to Gobat, you're probably right.

Chapter 2

Ibara looked curiously at the large, rust covered spider that sat on the examination table in front of him.

What do you make of it? he asked.

One of the scientists scratched his head.

I really don't know. This model only came out a few years ago, and yet it looks like it was down there for millennia. However, the technology is too advanced for it to have come from our ancestors. So someone else had to put it down there. The question is, who, and why? Or more importantly, when?

Ibara carefully studied the little robotic spider as he contemplated these facts.

What's the material been dated to? he asked.

From what we can best tell, it's anywhere from eleven to thirteen hundred years old. That'd put its creation somewhere around the time of the great awakening.

Ibara cocked an eyebrow in curiosity as he sat down.

As hard as it is to believe, it makes me wonder if our ancestors weren't more advanced than we first believed.

Not likely. Personally I think someone put it down there as part of a really sick prank, said the scientist.

I don't believe that. For one, all evidence shows that the chamber hasn't been touched in over a millennia. Secondly, there's no signs of previous entry, forced or otherwise. I scanned the floor. Nobody has been in there since it was sealed. So everything we took from there has been in that vault from the beginning, said Ibara.

The scientist shook his head.

"As interesting as that theory is, I'm hesitant to believe it given what's sitting in front of us on the table. I mean, there's a statue here that looks like your brother, and a medallion with his