Doguar and the Baboons of War

By Simon J Townley

Meet Doguar - mind of a Zen monk, body of an Airedale Terrier
Doguar is a genetically enhanced Airedale Terrier with near-human intelligence. But is he smart enough to stop the evil genetics corporation? Will he defuse the time-bomb in his own DNA? And can he save his beloved Ruby from the men who want to dissect her brain?
A biopunk adventure for middle graders, young adults and adults.
Doguar is born in a genetics laboratory, part of an experiment to create animals with near-human levels of intelligence. Devoted to Professor Wainwright, the genius behind the project, he lives sheltered in the lab alongside a tribe of baboons and fellow Airedale, Ruby.
His world is torn apart when the secretive investors move in, intent on turning the baboons into a platoon of special forces.
His friends are seized, the Professor is kidnapped, and the only one who can save them is Doguar.
A story of armed baboons, ancient riddles, and a genetically enhanced talking dog with a human neo-cortex.
Volume one of The Tales of Doguar.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon J Townley
• Release date: Feb 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301916238

Simon J Townley

Simon Townley is the author of the acclaimed slipstream / speculative novels ‘Lost In Thought’ and ‘Ball Machine’, and has written a range of cross-genre novels for both adults and young adults, including prehistoric fiction series ‘A Tribal Song – Tales of the Koriba’. The first novel in the series, ‘The Dry Lands,’ was published in 2012, with the second, ‘Caves of the Seers,’ scheduled for release in early in 2014. His sci-fi thriller ‘Outlivers,’ again written for both adults and young adults alike, is to be released in Autumn of 2013. This will be followed by the post-global warming, high-seas adventure ‘Among The Wreckage.’Simon has also written non-fiction, in particular on the subjects of copywriting and search engine optimisation. He studied English literature at the University of York in the UK and has worked as a journalist and copywriter for the past twenty years. He currently lives in Devon, England, with a woman, three cats and two Airedale terriers.Extended samples of Simon's books (usually the first five chapters) are available on his website at simontownley.com.

Book preview

Not Who You Are

Your story, the things that happen to you, that’s not who you are.

I am Doguar.

The Professor named me, the Professor made me. The Professor put me on his knee and told me tales, strange stories of magical animals and far off lands.

Your story, he’d say, clapping the book shut, with a smile on his face and a mischievous gleam in his eye, that’s not who you are.

I am Doguar. But I am not my story.

Chapter One

War Dance

The building shook from the drumming as the baboons pounded on the metal bars of their enclosure. Their shrieks reverberated through the old manor house, yelling like banshees, bashing metal on metal, hammering out that relentless rhythm.

Could they sense the Professor’s presence, his wild energy? He arrived in the middle of the night, opened up the lab, turned on the lights and sent the guard home. He found me lying under his desk, ruffled my snout, then he set about destroying things. He wiped hard drives, deleted backups, burnt notes.

It’s your life’s work. My front legs trembled, voice sticking in my throat. What’s going on?

He crouched down on his thin legs and runkled his brows, his eyes watery and bloodshot. You’re my life’s work, he said, his voice cracking with emotion. You and Ruby.

I caught the scent of apples and rice biscuits on his breath. What about the others? Trying to keep my voice calm. He didn’t answer. Why destroy it? You’ll need that data.

Can’t let it fall into the wrong hands, he said, then he stopped, and his voice fell to a whisper. I’ve been naive. I should never have trusted them. His voice had that wistful tone, as if his mind had drifted into the past. He was emotional, unbalanced. You could smell it.

The drumming got louder, faster. The baboons were doing a war dance. They could feel it too. Something was coming. Something was about to change.

You were on the news, doing my best to sound casual. Is it to do with that?

He looked up from a pile of papers he was shredding. I tried to expose them. It backfired. He looked down at me, his white hair back-lit by the office strip light. But I didn’t mention you and Ruby. No one knows about you. Even the company doesn’t know the whole truth.

There was a lull in the drumming, and the sound of cars on the road slowing as they approached the gate. The Professor seemed unaware. His hearing’s bad, even for a human. I put my paws on the windowsill to peer outside. People, I said, my ears raised and forward as if listening for rabbits.

Professor Wainwright looked up and frowned. They’re early. He sounded alarmed. It wasn’t like him.

Outside four black cars, the high-off-the-ground, square kind with extra big wheels, crunched to a stop in front of the building. Trouble?

The Professor strode to the window, stood there rubbing the back of his head with his hand. Only the start of it, he said.

Outside, a dozen men dressed in black had got out of the cars in front of the lab. The Professor leant down and took off my collar. I’m putting something in here, on the inside of your collar. Don’t let anyone know it’s there. You promise?

What is it?

A data card, holds a lot of information. Look after it with your life, whatever you do. His voice seemed to emphasise every word. Whatever happens. He stared at me over his glasses, stopped, and waved the collar in the air. It could save your life one day.

I sat with my rump on the floor, my front legs set square and straight, and tilted my head, pointing my snout at him. Professor, what’s all this? What’s happening?

He peered at computer screens, drummed his fingers on the table. There’s no time to explain. You have to get away. Take Ruby and run. Those men… he said, then he stopped, as though thinking, and he never finished. I’m not going to let them, he said. This isn’t supposed to be about money. Stay away from them. Get out and never come back.

He was agitated. I’d never seen him like this. I licked his hand to reassure him, but he hardly noticed, and ruffled my head. I’m sorry it’s come to this, he said. You deserve much better. You and Ruby are special. You know that don’t you? There won’t be any more like you.

Then Professor Wainwright lowered himself onto his knees, bracing himself with his right hand on the table to take the weight. He put both hands on my head, scruffled my ears and sighed, his breath rasping and tired. These men are dangerous, he said, putting on his serious, solemn voice. They’re not friends. Don’t let them near you, or Ruby, he said, the words cracking as he spoke, his voice faltering and dry. You understand? They only want the baboons. They have no use for you and Ruby.

We should get going. Leaving him behind wasn’t an option. Let’s get out of here, all of us.

Go alone, he said, his voice drifting off again, as though thinking out loud. I can’t run or hide like you. I’m too old.

What will they do to you?

The Professor hesitated. Outside, the sound of shouting, more vehicles. Police, he said. They won’t help us. They’re here to protect the company. Don’t trust them. You can’t trust anyone.

I shoved his leg with my snout. I’m staying with you.

The Professor gathered up his things from the desk. No, no there’s so much you don’t understand. So much I haven’t told you. But there’s no time. Get out of here. He picked up a syringe and inserted it through the top of a bottle of medicine. I wonder how much, he said. I wonder.

It’s not time for my medicine. I had the shot yesterday, I said.

This is a booster, to keep you going. For longer. I’m not sure how long. The Professor leant down, his hands shaking. I’m giving you more than normal, he said, this might hurt.

I flinched, closed my eyes, and thought of rabbits. The needle pierced my skin on the back of my neck and I felt the liquid being forced into my body.

Where’s Ruby?" he asked.

Sleeping in the staff room.

The Professor changed the needle and refilled the syringe, then picked up his brown leather briefcase and headed down the corridor. He flung open the door to the staff room and fumbled for the switch.

Outside, more shouting and the sound of singing from the roof. The drumming of the baboons had stopped, as though they were listening intently to everything going on around the lab.

Ruby blinked in the bright light, lying on her back on the sofa, four legs in the air, not moving as the Professor crossed the room. He leant down and injected her. There was a sound of hammering on the door downstairs. Then I heard a splintering sound and a crash as the door gave way.

You two have to run. Don’t be seen by these men. Get out of the lab and never come back, he said.

He was scaring Ruby, you could tell.

Stay away from humans, he said. Don’t talk. Act like normal dogs. Don’t let anyone know. Find somewhere to go, somewhere safe, somewhere you can live for a while. I’m so sorry. I wanted to give you both such good lives.

Wet tears dribbled down the Professor’s crinkled face. He looked at Ruby. She had worried brows as she leaned forward to touch him with her nose, sadness and fear flashing in her deep, dark eyes.

The Professor ruffled her head. Be happy, while you can, he said.

Downstairs, men were in the lobby, shouting, barking orders.

These men have guns, the Professor said. Hide. Run. Get out of here. I’ll miss you both, so much.

I looked at Ruby, and she caught my glance. We both had the same thought. We wanted to stay with him. We didn’t want to go. This was home.

Ruby was standing now, the curly golden fur on her legs shaking with fear.

We’ll stick together, I said. Come with us, Professor. We need you.

They’ve come for me, he said. Your only chance is to go alone.

But where?

The Professor held his breath, one finger rubbing his cheek bone, his eyes glazed with tears as he stared into the distance. It’s a big world, Doguar. You love exploring. Go explore. Keep learning. That’s what you love, isn’t it? His voiced faltered and failed, little more than a dry croak.

Downstairs, the sound of men spreading out, searching. The baboons were silent, waiting.

They’re looking for me. You’re just a nuisance to them, the Professor whispered. It’s your chance to escape. Footsteps on the stairs. Stay here and hide, he said, then strode towards the door and stepped out into the corridor. The men outside shouted at him, aggressive and angry commands, orders to stand, to wait, to obey.

I felt a surge of fury in my blood and ran for the door, stepped in front of the Professor and gave it my deepest, most determined bark.

Three men advanced down the corridor towards us. I bounced on all four legs, barked at the top of my voice, springing up and down, edging closer to the men to let them know I wouldn’t back down.

A gunshot shattered the air. My ears screamed with pain. Instinctively I hit the ground, lying flat and looking for danger.

One of the men had fired into the ceiling. Another shouted down the stairs. It’s all right. Just a dog. We’ve got Wainwright. The man was tall and stocky, with a stiff posture, short-clipped hair and a thick neck. He smelt of shoe-polish, washing powder, and adrenalin.

I stepped back to stand in front of the Professor, gave a deep, threatening growl.

One of the men was waving his gun at the Professor. Come with us, he said, and you won’t get hurt.

The Professor’s voice was calm, defiant. Jempson, isn’t it? I should have known they’ld send you, he said.

I get things done. Jempson spoke with a deep, educated, domineering sneer. Leave the dog. Come with us.

I growled again, braced to attack.

You won’t get away with this, the Professor said. Kidnapping is still a crime.

National interest, Jempson said, law’s on our side. His breath stank of coffee and chocolate bars. This man was the pack leader, you could tell. He was strong, confident and knew he was powerful. But there was something about his voice that wasn’t right. You wouldn’t trust it. The way he stood, his chest stuck out, his head held high and back, that sneer on his face, it reminded me of the baboons, when they jostled for pack rank.

I eyed up the other men, either side of Jempson, ready to bite hard if one of them moved. Before I could do anything, the Professor’s hand gripped my collar. He hauled me sideways, but I dug my feet in, resisting. No, I said, my voice half strangled by the collar. The Professor had taken me by surprise, and I was off balance. Before I could wriggle free, he’d hurled me through the door into the staff room, and slammed it behind me.

Ruby stood there, her eyes wide with fear. I hurled straight around and flung myself at the door, grabbed the handle with my teeth and tried to pull, but the Professor held tight on the other side. It was no use. There was no way to get this open against a human’s strength.

Coming? Jempson said, on the other side of the door, his voice muffled but still aggressive.

No, the Professor said.

The handle loosed and I fell back as the door flung inward. I heard the Professor running for the stairs. One of the men laughed. They thought he wanted to escape, but in truth he was leading them away. Away from us.

What do we do? Ruby whispered.

We have to help the Professor. These men are taking him away.

Why?

I don’t know. I don’t understand. We have to help him.

I jumped at the door handle which sprang open now the Professor was no longer holding it and ran out of the room into the corridor. The Professor was out of sight, already halfway down the stairs. The men followed him, not bothering to run.

Ruby followed me out of the room. We should do what the Professor says. He knows best. They have guns. I hate the noise.

Me too, I said. But we can’t let them take the Professor. We’ll never see him again.

Isn’t he coming back?

We’ve lost him, unless we do something, I told her.

She had that worried look on her face. There’s so many. What chance do we have?

She was right. Most humans would back off rather than fight a determined dog. These men were different. They had guns. They knew how to fight. You could tell by the way they stood, the way they smelt.

I ran to the top of the stairs. The men were nearly at the bottom. Professor. I shouted.

One of them turned and stared. Did you hear that? he said. The other shook his head.

Jempson stepped forward, pushed past the other two and took out his gun. Get the dogs, he said. The two men turned and ran back up the stairs.

I didn’t hesitate. I set off down the stairs to meet them, launching into one of them. My claws landed in the man’s belly. We both fell, the man tumbling backwards.I landed on my feet and saw the Professor being bundled out the door. He looked back at me, a despairing expression on his face. Then he called out, but the sound was indistinct among all the shouting. At the bottom of the stairs, Jempson was aiming his gun. I leapt to one side. From above I heard Ruby growl, then yelp.

Got one of them, said one of the men at the top of the stairs. He had gone straight past me and grabbed Ruby. She struggled, writhing, teeth snapping at the man. He had her by the collar.

I ran back up the stairs, leapt at him and bit the man’s wrist, hanging on and digging my teeth in, tasting human blood. The man squealed in pain and released his hold on her. She leapt away from him and I bit the man’s leg through his trousers.

He swiped at me with his fist. Other men ran up the stairs now, shouting. Out of the way. Shoot them, Jempson said.

I backed away from the man I’d bitten, away from the stairs, heading down towards the end of the corridor, where Ruby had the door open, leading to the back stairs. It was our only chance. Run for it, I said.

Ruby set off as the gun fired.

Chapter Two

Baboons and Barricades

Will we ever see him again? Ruby said, her voice stuttering and thin. How will we find him?

I felt a ragged clawing in my guts, as if rats were in my belly, ripping their way out.

We’ve got to rescue him from those men. My heart pounded in my chest, legs shaking. We’ve got to rescue the Professor, got to find him.

The men were still downstairs. They weren’t following us, but we could hear their voices.

What can we do? she said. Her voice was tense and twisted, like rusted barbed wire.

The smart thing would be to get away, do as the Professor said, start running. But where would we go? And how would we find him? We had to help him here and now, had to get him free.

The baboons, I said. They’ll help us. They’re a match for anyone. We’ll let them out, see how those men like it.

Ruby looked up at me, concern in her eyes. She pawed at the ground once, twice. She didn’t agree. The Professor didn’t let them out, she said. He could have, but he didn’t.

What would happen to the baboons, though, if they were left locked in a cage? Why were these men here? We should set them free, I said. They’re our friends.

The baboons didn’t trust outsiders, but they tolerated me. I read to them, brought them news from the lab, helped them learn. It was better when Mouffou was in charge, but since Thuto took over, they were tougher, harder, difficult to predict.

It’s too risky, Ruby said. How do we get to the enclosure? We can’t get past those men.

I listened. It sounds like they’ve left the building. They’re outside. Let’s go see. I moved towards the stairs. No sign of them, I whispered, and padded down the steps. I waited near the bottom, and listened intently, my ears raised, swivelling from side to side.

There were voices outside but nothing from within the building. The baboons were silent now. They must have heard that gunfire. They would be waiting, planning. If they got their hands on guns there would be no stopping them. I had to let them out, though. It was the only way. It had to be done.

Outside the men were gathered near their vehicles putting on protective clothing, and the big gauntlets used by the baboon handlers. There was no sign of the Professor, but more people had arrived, police in uniform, and a crowd out beyond the main gate with what looked like placards.

We’d better get the baboons out fast, I said, and headed down the corridor towards the back of the manor house.

The baboons lived in an secure enclosure. Part of it was indoors, inside the main building, where they had several rooms, including a gym, a TV lounge, and the reading room they used for fights. Outside was