Little Bit: Alsoo Rising

By Henry A. Burns

Twenty years ago, a small group of galactic refugees washed up on the shores of Earth. Frightened, defeated, and traumatized, they cowered in their artificial burrows for years.
Little Bit, born on Earth, has experienced none of the horrors her parents escaped; she grows up protected and pampered. When her homeworld is discovered, she starts having a strange dream where she is spoken to by the spirits of two long-dead humans, spirits that tell her it is her destiny to go to her homeworld and face the horrors her parents faced and save her people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jan 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645368014

Henry A. Burns

Henry Burns was born in 1953 to Edward and Phyllis Bernstein later Burns. His father was a photographer and his mother was a housewife who used to paint and draw. His earliest years were spent in the company of his grandfather and grandmother. His grandfather would tell him stories from the old country or invent new ones on the spot. His grandfather used to tell him stories about the ‘ceiling which was no ceiling’ and the ‘sunshine car’ a vehicle that ran on milk.

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About the Author

Henry A. Burns was born in Brooklyn, New York. He wrote his first story, The Sunshine Car, when he was five. Junior High and High School was where he studied drama and acting to get over his innate shyness. After college, writing was put on hold to pursue a career.

Now retired, he lives in San Francisco with his wife, his cats, and a bearded dragon named Princess.

Little Bit is his second published book.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the displaced. May you be given cool water to drink, good food to eat, and a place to rest your heads.

Copyright Information ©

Henry A. Burns (2020)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales: special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Burns, Henry A.

Little Bit: Alsoo Rising

ISBN 9781643785295 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781643785301 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781645368014 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019916888

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 28th Floor

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Acknowledgment

I learned early that writing and telling a story are two different things. I want to thank all those pre-readers who helped me improve both skills.

Chapter 1

Year 22

Sol System, Earth, Northern California, the Colony

A Rynn shuttle landed with a gentle hum just outside the colony depot. Like all such shuttles, it was approximately the size and shape of Sikorsky Super Stallion and could almost pass as one until one noticed it had no rotors. After a few moments, an access ramp extended as a hatch opened and three people walked somberly down the ramp.

They were an unusual trio, starting with the fact that not all of the three were human. The slender cinnamon-colored being walking on the right was barely a meter and a half in height and sported a tall, light blue-feathered crest on his head. Yet, despite his height or build there was a dangerous quality to the being.

A quality that was echoed in his two companions, the slender, attractive redheaded and freckled white woman on the left, and the tall and powerful looking black man, who walked between them.

They headed directly toward a complex of buildings that were centered around a large, low, and rounded building which evoked a nest. Built in the Rynn style for all official buildings it was the Colony Center and the heart of all Forest Cabin Clan commerce and trade.

They entered the foyer and approached a desk. A Rynn male with the thickening body, most Rynn men acquired after having lived well past a century, and a dark blue crest was curled up in the seat behind the desk and apparently asleep. He cracked open one eye just as they reached his desk. You’re late, he grumbled.

"Sorry, Father, the black man, Jamal Shadowed Heart, replied using the Rynn-standard word, we had to do something first."

Raindrops in a Tide Pool’s eyes widened at being addressed as Father for the first time by his adopted human son. He sat up hurriedly, Knowing you it was most likely necessary and unavoidable, his crest fluttered a few times in consternation.

"You don’t have to call me Son, Jamal said with a slight smile. Part of the reason I was late was that I was practicing saying ‘Father.’"

Thank the Spirits, gasped Raindrops in a Tide Pool, on both considerations. He chittered a laugh. "Were you planning on calling Night Storm or Dierdre ‘Mother?’" he asked with a sly Rynn grin.

Of course not, Jamal replied with a mock shudder. Dierdre would throw something sharp at me.

Probably hit you too, commented Emily Fields, the freckle-faced woman, in an aside.

And Night Storm would critique my pronunciation and the excessive amount of time it has taken me to even get this far, Jamal said, so, no.

Emily nodded toward the door, We really should speak to the Expedition Leader.

I will escort you, said Raindrops in a Tide Pool. How are the three of you doing? he asked quietly.

I believe we are doing well, the light blue crested Rynn, Morning Stars Fade, replied. It helps that he had prepared us for his death, he said, but it helps even more knowing he was content.

Amen, chorused Jamal and Emily.

Raindrops in a Tide Pool looked at his adopted human son with pride and his son’s core with an equal amount of pride. "Such a strong core, he thought in approval, but they really should find a Rynn female for balance."

Loosely equivalent to a human marriage, a core was made up of three individuals working and living together, sharing bed, bath, and board, so to speak. Besides having three members instead of two, the other main difference between a core and a marriage was that a core was more openly economic in nature.

Which did not mean that cores were less emotional, they suffered the same emotional trials most human couples faced, but to the Rynn, three was a much more stable configuration, to be considered a ‘strong core’ was Rynn high praise. The other characteristic that distinguished the Rynn approach to their relationships was a heavy dose of pragmatism.

With humans, and possibly Alsoo, being part of Rynn cores as either full partners or as associates, more and more Rynn were coming to the same conclusion; "cores are strongest when there are children, the reasoning went, mixed cores should be able to produce children for all the members."

They accepted the idea of adopting out of species but adoption was covered by the Three Blessings. Marriage or the Rynn equivalent was more akin to forming a clan, cores could become clans after all, and like clans, predicated on a shared economy; and like clans, competently run cores flourished and incompetently run cores failed and were dissolved.

Raindrops in a Tide Pool considered his adopted son’s core as very, very competent. Whether the extra members would be considered true core members, or as Associates, was open for debate but to the pragmatic Rynn it wasn’t a very lively debate. Whether a core was four or five individuals, instead of the more usual three, was of less importance than whether the core was successful.

Raindrops in a Tide Pool opened a door and escorted the three into the Operations center. Most of the time, guests were escorted to an office; a selected few were taken here, to the real power center. Like all Rynn offices, the workstations were spread out wave-like in an expanding set of concentric semi-circles, with the stations being slightly higher the closer to the center you went.

The pink crested Rynn occupying the central and highest workstation didn’t need the height or position to be imposing. Even seated, she was obviously taller and more muscular than all but the few humans scattered around the office.

Kasumi looked up from whatever was being presented inside the data globe floating in front of her and waved the three in.

I’ll speak to you later, Raindrops in a Tide Pool said and turned and exited the control center.

Ensigns Emily Fields, Morning Stars Fade, and Jamal Shadowed Heart, reporting as ordered, Expedition Leader, Jamal Shadowed Heart said formally. We could come back, he said to Kasumi, you’re obviously busy.

I’m always busy, Kasumi said. Her pinkish crest flicked in a Rynn shrug. The Alsoo went on a mission without you, she said. A wry smile appeared on her face. So, I suppose congratulations are in order, she said.

Emily, Jamal, and Fade exchanged quick looks before returning their attention to Kasumi. Yes, ma’am, they chorused.

That does not mean you are no longer the Protector, Jamal, Kasumi warned. It should go without saying that you made an oath and they expect you to keep it.

Yes, ma’am, Jamal Shadowed Heart replied.

Part of the reason we were late, ma’am, Emily offered, is that we stopped by the Citadel first.

There was a Rynn’s chitter of amusement. It should go without saying that Jamal Shadowed Heart knows how to keep an oath, a pleasant looking Rynn female with a dark red crest, seated at a station in the third ring from the center, chided.

She, like Raindrops in a Tide Pool, had a slightly thicker look, not unusual for a Rynn female that had long passed her first century, but was otherwise healthy and athletic.

It should, Meadow Flower, agreed Kasumi in good humor. Germy would often chastise me for assuming, she briefly covered her eyes. I can almost hear him hooting at me now, she sighed and was silent for a moment. When the moment passed, she covered her eyes again. Forgive me for doubting your competence. The fault is mine.

Jamal covered his own eyes. You’ve had good reason to question my competence in the past, he said, the fault is mine.

Not realizing that past mistakes had been corrected is a sign of incompetence, Kasumi returned, the fault is mine.

You’re a busy Rynn. You can’t be expected to keep track of everyone in your orbit, replied Jamal, the fault is most definitely mine.

Arrogance is a sin, Lieutenant, Kasumi said sternly, I’m older, wiser and therefore much more competent to determine who is at fault.

But— he was interrupted by an elbow from Emily. What?

Um, excuse me, Expedition Leader, Emily began.

Yes, Lieutenant? asked Kasumi.

Emily bit her lip to prevent the smile that threatened to appear, Never mind, Expedition Leader. You’ve already answered the question.

Good, Kasumi gave Emily an approving look. The three of you have been very effective as a team, Kasumi continued, you’ve constantly displayed initiative and competence. You’ve constantly delivered, she said in approving tones. Only a complete incompetent would even consider breaking you up, she said, the problem is what do I do with you?

Gramps considered you his disciples, Mel Blunt said. She was another redhead but with almond eyes, high cheeks and above all, hair, reflecting her human and Asian heritage. She was also barely taller than Kasumi and just shy of being fully five feet in height.

To my grandfather that had more than one meaning, she got up from her station in the second ring and closest to Kasumi and walked over to stand in front of the Terrible Three. How much did he teach you? she raised a hand to stop an immediate response. Stupid question? she admitted. What did he teach you to be?

That’s difficult to answer, ma’am, began Morning Stars Fade.

My grandfather is dead, any oaths you made to him are either no longer valid or now due his granddaughters, Mel interrupted. What did he teach you to be?

The three companions looked at each other. I think we should, Emily said. Jamal and Fade considered a little longer before nodding. They turned to Mel. The Teacher told us that the Colony had enemies. Enemies who would not rest until everyone in the colony were dead. There was already more than enough evidence to prove he wasn’t exaggerating. So we asked the Teacher to train us to be what the Colony needed most in order to survive, Emily said. We were never his bodyguards, we were his students, Emily said proudly. Martial arts was just a part of what he taught us.

A small part, Fade added. Jamal nodded in agreement. The Teacher said that in the past, great houses had people dedicated to the survival of the house. He looked directly at Mel as he spoke, He told us that if you ever asked, we were supposed to tell you we were your house assassins.

That was bluntly put, pun intended, Mel said with a wry smile. Good, she said in approving tones. We can use those skills.

If you’re making a list ma’am, could you please include Malcolm Coolidge? Fade said apologetically, I inadvertently committed myself to it. I apologize for my incompetence.

Mel snorted in amusement, Fortunately for you, he is already on several lists, she replied. So, we can forgive you this time, she said.

Right now, the CSA is still weakened and most of their populations are horrified by Atlanta. The problem is that nothing’s really changed down there, Kasumi said. We sent the Zoo to do what they can to keep the peace.

So, we have a reason to join them, Jamal mused, and while we’re down there do some, um, sightseeing?

I’ve provided your torques with some specific information about a number of people we’re interested in. You’re expected to act independently just don’t draw any unnecessary attention to yourselves and let Hendriks and Breeze know when you’re in the neighborhood, Mel said. You’ll also have a direct channel to Meadow Flower, she said.

We’ll do our best, ma’am, Emily said.

I’ve set up an account for you, Meadow Flower said taking up the thread. Just be prepared to explain the expenses afterwards, she said. As Mel said, I am your direct channel to Control. If you need anything, need to report something or are in trouble and need help, you contact me. Got it?

Yes, ma’am, chorused Jamal, Emily, and Fade.

Good, replied Meadow Flower, now get out of here. We’re busy.

Yes, ma’am! they exclaimed. They covered their eyes briefly at the Command staff and walked out of the control room.

Kasumi and Mel watched them go. Mel turned to Kasumi. Something tells me they are going to earn that nickname, Mel said. Kasumi nodded and sat back in her chair with a sigh.

Mel walked over and sat on the edge of Kasumi’s desk. Yeah, I know, she said, I keep expecting to be in front of the Temple, listening to you talk to Grandmother.

Kasumi turned her head to look at Mel. Is that how you dreamed it? she asked. You were listening?

In the beginning, she began. It always started pretty much the same; we’re walking toward the Temple, Mel said, it was only until much, much later that she spoke to us or we did anything other than listen.

I keep hoping he’d be there, Kasumi said quietly, but I no longer dream of the Temple of Light, she said. Every night I go to sleep thinking tonight, I will be in front of the Temple, tonight, I will hear his voice, her crest flattened, and every morning I wake up from a dreamless sleep, she leaned back and closed her eyes.

Mel asked, What do you remember of the first time you were in front of the Temple?

Kasumi kept her eyes closed as she thought. Well, I was the Princess and I was being arrogant, she said. I walked to the Temple with my nose so far up in the air I didn’t realize that the whole world had vanished. She opened her eyes. So that’s what that meant, she said in wonder. I demanded to enter the Temple and that’s when I first saw the old monk.

And now you’re demanding to enter the Temple again, Mel pointed out.

Yes, I know, agreed Kasumi, I hunger to hear his voice again. I thirst for each precious gem of knowledge he could still give me, she closed her eyes again, but more than either, I miss that feeling of being sheltered. No matter what winds would blow; there was Germy keeping me safe and warm, she said. I thought I knew what it was to be naked, she said in a whisper. Her crest flattened, How little I knew, she said.

And he’d be the first to tell you to stand on your own two feet, Mel chastised.

You don’t know how much I wish to hear him say just that, Kasumi replied. She opened her eyes and sat up. But you are right, he taught me what he could in the time we had and I will honor his memory by using what he taught me.

Chapter 2

Sol System, Earth, CSA Territory

Captains Hendriks and Cool Evening Breeze looked up when the Alsoo Centurion Cobra sidewinded into the command tent.

Thanks to Omisett and Rynn medical care after twenty-five years, the human and Rynn captains were basically unchanged. Hendriks was still a blond giant and Breeze was short, even for an already diminutive Rynn, with a pale pink, almost white, crest. The same could not be said of the Alsoo squad leader.

Regular meals, exercise, and above all, not having to worry all the time about being eaten, the Alsoo Centurion had changed dramatically since he had been rescued.

He was still smaller, at least according to most biologists, than a sentient being should be and was barely more than a meter in length but his upper body had lost the extreme thinness, he had when rescued, and had thickened and his face had rounded.

He was still covered in brown and gray feathers, at least on his head and the back half of his body, the back of his arms and the back of his tail, but featherless on his face and the front of his body, hands and the inside of his arms; like a hedgehog, except with feathers.

And where there were no feathers, there were mostly shades of cream yellow and pale pink. His large, forward-facing eyes, flat beak-like mouth, and no visible nose, set in a feather framed and round face, gave him an intelligent owl-like appearance.

Like most of the rescued Alsoo, his face, arms, and chest bore numerous scars, large and small, that testified to the harsh life he had lived. Omisett could cure almost anything but had little effect on anything already healed or no longer there.

Yes, Centurion? asked Hendriks.

"Transport come action make, the Alsoo warbled. White flag have it," came the translation.

Someone wishes to talk, Cool Evening Breeze said. What else? she asked the Alsoo leader.

Two hand, he raised a featherless three-fingered hand, brother-warriors, watch action make, Cobra pointed behind him, see action make we that place brother-warrior hide action make.

Half squad of scouts, interpreted Hendriks. Can you get someone close? he asked the Alsoo.

A smirk appeared on the Alsoo’s owl-like face, No see action have they, Cobra sneered.

Hendriks grinned in response. I bet, he agreed, see if you can place a couple metal ears in their camp.

The little Alsoo rose up a couple centimeters and slapped his chest. Pledge-oath, he warbled. While Alsoo normally sidewinded but when they were in a hurry their gait could become a belly rubbing slither and Cobra was in a hurry.

Hendriks and Cool Evening Breeze watched the Alsoo leave. Cool Evening Breeze smiled. He reminds me a bit of how I was after my first mission, she said. She briefly covered her eyes. As the Teacher said; when you are no longer afraid, you can do anything.

Hendriks nodded but looked off to where Cobra had gone with a thoughtful look on his face.

Chapter 3

Sol System, Earth, Northern California, the Colony, Alsoo Border

Jamal Shadowed Heart, Morning Stars Fade and Emily Fields walked across the Colony. After twenty plus years, a small city had sprung up. The original clearing had expanded to several times its original size in all directions.

There was the Center and its flanking Command buildings, the two shuttle hangers, the helipad and shuttle pad, the transport depot and motor pool. East of the Control Center was the ground-based housing; a small community of homes, in a mix of human and Rynn styles, and populated by members of the Forest Cabin Clan when they were not deployed.

Here too were the common areas; the cafeteria and other social areas, such as an entertainment complex, that included a theater, a club, and an amusement center, and several shops displaying Rynn imports.

To the North and holding sole possession of one large corner of the Colony was the Alsoo Citadel that protected the mostly underground burrow. Not counting the Alsoo, there were over a thousand Rynn and Humans in the Colony. Of which, nearly six hundred were Rynn. Most, if not all, were also members of the Forest Cabin Clan.

The citadel and underground burrow it protected was collectively known as the Burrow and contained the less-than-six-thousand Alsoo known to exist. The citadel itself was a stepped pyramid of five levels, with ramps, and tunnels that led to the levels above and below.

Each of the levels, the ramps, and tunnels were constructed of pounded dirt and large rocks over a wooden frame and covered in a primitive plaster of mud, sand, and small rocks.

On each level, a good number of Alsoo could be seen doing one task or another, though most of the Alsoo were found at the lowest level. The very top section of the pyramid was actually the home of the Speaker and the center of Alsoo government. It was from the pavilion-like top level that the Speaker would make his declarations and announcements.

And underneath the citadel was the warren of tunnels and chambers carved into the very earth itself that was the Burrow and home to the vast majority of the Alsoo.

Jamal checked the skies for hawks and other aerial predators, as he did every time he visited the Burrow. The sky was clear and he breathed a sigh of relief. Hawks were still the biggest threat to hatchlings but fortunately all the, also fortunately, infrequent attacks had been countered with no loss of hatchlings or warriors. Still, with the Sidewinders on a mission, he was concerned that the hatchlings would be vulnerable.

That’s new, said Emily and pointed. An Alsoo, by her distinctive white belly patch, female and neuter, was coiled up alertly on a watch platform normally occupied by a warrior and carrying a spear and scanning the sky and surroundings for threats. That was unusual enough but even more so was the small black and white cat sitting next to her.

Greetings, neuter, Emily said. The Protector and his core Emily Fields and Morning Stars Fade wish to travel on Alsoo lands. Her words were translated by her torque into the warbles the Alsoo used.

Besides the distinctive white patch, the neuter could only be described as wiry. Her thin arms were covered in sinew as were her thin, though wide, shoulders. And like most Alsoo, covered in scars, including one across her cheek.

You know have me. Permission have you, the neuter warbled and her words were translated by the torque. Greetings, Em’ly Fe’, greetings, Protector, greetings, Morn’in Sta’ Fa’, the neuter said. Name have me this time. Duli be me, she rose up proudly.

"Bobuh have me, she indicated the cat, Mao name belong she. She patted the cat on the head, Mao, she big-good friend belong me."

Greetings Duli, greetings Mao, Emily responded. The cat yawned in response and bared her fangs. The Alsoo warbled in amusement. She seems like a nice cat, said Emily.

"Bobuh Spirit Speaker give action make he, she warbled in pride. Mao sister she be-like, she said. Catch action make we much-much seed-eaters, hatchlings hunger feel have not. Younglings fear feel have not, she patted the cat on the head again, Mao big-good hatchling friend."

Emily nodded, This is the first time we’ve seen neuters on guard duty, she said. The torque warbled the translation.

The Alsoo waved a hand in agreement. Speaker big think have, she said seriously. Speaker speak action make; ‘Bad time, Eater time have we not. Eaters this place have not. Neuter eaters go action make not. Neuter burrow stay action make. Neuter hatchlings watch action make. Neuter seed-eaters hunt action make. Neuters burrow help action make.’ She rose up high, Neuter tall be.

Tall be, Duli, Emily replied respectfully and briefly covered her eyes. She turned to Morning Stars Fade and Jamal. Did she say what I think she said? she whispered. That neuters left the burrow and gave themselves up to the Polig-Grug? she swallowed in a dry throat when Fade nodded like a human in agreement. Spirits and Ancestors, she whispered in horror.

Jamal nodded grimly. As bad as my life was, they’ve had it worse, he said. Sometimes, after talking to an Alsoo, I almost feel guilty about complaining, he blew out a breath, and my life sucked.

Maybe, core Brother, Fade replied. But I think this is a competition that most would prefer not to win, he said.

There was an excited warble and Jamal looked toward the sound and his normally dour expression was instantly replaced by a wide smile. Little Bit, he said in happy greeting.

Jam’l, warbled the little Alsoo girl as she wriggled toward them as fast as she could. She reached Jamal and quickly climbed up his body to nestle contentedly against his neck. Happy me, she warbled.

Little Bit, came an exasperated sounding warble. Approaching with the rest of her children was the Centurion Cobra’s mate, Sunrise. Like her mate, she had lost the extreme thinness, all rescued Alsoo had at first and had become much more rounded. Like Duli, Sunrise was scarred but lightly compared to most and her face was untouched.

Greetings Protector, she warbled. Little Bit all time fast move action make, she complained. Look action make not.

Happy me, warbled Little Bit.

Greetings, Sunrise, Jamal said in greeting. Hi kids, he added to the Alsoo children, Little Bit’s siblings. The hatchlings mostly warbled laughter in response. Everyone is growing so fast, he said in truthful appreciation. Little Bit herself had already doubled in length.

Little Bit and all her siblings looked well-fed and healthy. And notably, and unlike their parents, completely unscarred and unmarred in any visible manner. Even their brown and gray feathers were brighter and more vibrant.

Hatchlings fast grow action make. Much-much seed-eaters hunt action make we, Sunrise said in satisfaction. Much-much grubs find action make we. Much-much good greens gather action make we. Split-tail Burrow leader Kasumi carrots give action make, she warbled in tones of approval.

Number one time long time have hatchlings hunger feel have not, she warbled and the hatchlings all clustered closer to her. Even Little Bit heeded her mother’s call, although reluctantly, and joined her siblings. Number one time long time have Alsoo happy feel have we.

Happy-happy we, warbled Little Bit. She waved good-bye to Jamal as her mother led them back home. Jamal continued to watch them go until they vanished into the depths of the burrow. His expression immediately returned to its usual scowl.

Okay, let’s go, he said.

Chapter 4

Sol System, Earth: CSA Territory, Zoo Company Perimeter Check Point

The parley party turned out to represent a local town and consisted of the Mayor, a minister, and the head of the city council. The minister looked at Cool Evening Breeze somewhat distastefully but otherwise was courteous. The head of the city council and the Mayor appeared nervous but friendly. So far everyone has left the town alone and we’d like to keep it that way, the Mayor was saying, we’re a farming town, Officers. Most people keep to themselves.

Good church going, law abiding people, the minister added with a barely concealed look of suspicion at Cool Evening Breeze.

I’m sure, replied Hendriks. We’re not here to disturb the people of Amarantha, Mayor, he said, but Branson and his people have been using this area as a main thoroughfare for moving men and munitions. Our mission is to stop Branson or at the very least deny him free access through this area.

Sanford Branson is a god-fearing man who cares about the people of Amarantha, the minister pointed out in reasonable tones and another suspicious glance at Breeze. Surely it would be better to try to resolve this without violence.

Hendriks raised a skeptical eyebrow. We have asked them to surrender a number of times, he replied. Each time they responded by shooting at the messenger.

Asking honest Americans to disarm unilaterally should not be necessary, the mayor said. They do have a right to self-protection.

No one is asking anyone to give up their second amendment rights, Hendriks replied in patient tones, though considering that the States that joined the CSA have not, as yet, officially rejoined the Union, it might be argued that there is actually no Second Amendment in effect, at this time.

Hendriks raised a hand, The Federal government is not claiming that, nor are we, he continued, what we are claiming is that we have evidence to suggest that Sanford Branson is building a private army, and that we cannot allow.

A misunderstanding, surely, countered the minister.

If it is then Branson can surrender himself to the federal authorities and disband his militia, Hendriks said.

He was interrupted by a warble that came via his torque. Excuse me, one of my people is checking in. He turned slightly away, Torque mute mode on, he commanded in a whisper. Mute mode on, responded the torque. Report, he ordered in normal tones while those around him heard nothing.

Metal ears that place have, came Cobra’s satisfied warble. Action have they this time, he declared. "Greetings torque, confirm metal ears activation, he ordered. Remote pickups activation confirmed," Cobra’s torque replied.

Well-done, Cobra, replied Hendriks, return to base and maintain perimeter. Cobra warbled in acknowledgement and broke the connection. Hendriks returned his attention to his guests. Sorry, important status report, he said. He looked at Cool Evening Breeze and tapped his ear.

Cool Evening Breeze nodded and chirped to her torque. Even though she doubted any of the locals spoke any of the ninety main languages used on Nest she also had her torque mute anything she said. She continued this for several minutes while Hendriks continued to talk to the locals.

About Branson, the minister inquired again several minutes later.

Branson is just one of our concerns, Cool Evening Breeze interrupted. She ignored the minister’s expression of distaste when she spoke. Right now, our main concern is keeping the peace. Right, Hendriks?

Oh right, Breeze, Hendriks replied. Unless there is something else, we really have to get back to our people.

No, nothing that I can think of, replied the Mayor. Reverend? he said to the minister. The minister shook his head reluctantly.

Well, in that case, we will go.

Our doors are always open, Hendriks said cheerfully. He and Cool Evening Breeze escorted the officials back to their car and watched them drive off. Hendriks turned to Cool Evening Breeze. The minister?

All of them, Cool Evening Breeze replied. The whole town is backing Branson, she said. The minister just isn’t as good as the Mayor in keeping his expressions under control, she said.

The scouts moved out as soon as the Mayor left and the chatter I’m getting indicates that it is the Mayor who’s in charge, she chittered in amusement, and, apparently, he thinks he’s fooled us.

Let him think that for now, Hendriks replied, with some ears in their camp we should be able to neutralize them with minimal effort. He tapped his torque. "Cobra; set up a watch schedule. One hand sun-steps per watch, he ordered. Has everyone been given rations?"

"Rations eat action make we, Cobra’s voice was relayed by the torque. One hand sun-step rotation watch schedule have we this time, Mamba phalanx number one watch have, Boa phalanx number two watch have, Cobra phalanx number three watch have," he reported briskly.

Is it me or is their syntax getting more understandable? Cool Evening Breeze asked curiously.

Hendriks shrugged. Good job, Cobra, he said. "Captains meeting in one sun-step, I expect you to be there."

There was a silence. That place that time be me, came the eventual reply.

I think you just shocked Cobra, Cool Evening Breeze said in amusement.

I don’t know why, he’s basically their captain anyway, he said. Squad leader at the very least, he said. They’re doing their jobs and he’s the one who’s making it happen, he pointed out, and so will read my report, he stated. Breeze flicked her crest in agreement. Now, if you had a company of really, really tiny soldiers, how would use them? Hendriks asked.

Cool Evening Breeze’s crest rose as she thought about the question. Spies? she suggested eventually. Scouts?

Too obvious, Hendriks said seriously. What would you think of forward infantry?

Breeze choked off the immediate dismissal. My second reaction would be to ask if this was a serious question? she asked and tilted her head quizzically at Hendriks, something Rynn excel at.

Good, Hendriks said in approval. Tell me why they can’t do it? he asked seriously. And don’t say; ‘too small.’ We said that about the Rynn, he pointed out and purposely looked down at Breeze.

Touché, as you humans like to say, replied Breeze. Language is a problem. They don’t have one.

Didn’t you just say you thought his language was improving? Hendriks replied. I think you’re right and that’s going in my report too, Hendriks nodded, and why I invited him to our captain’s meeting this time, he grinned for a second then his expression became hopeful, something’s changed, Breeze, I can’t really put my finger on it but something’s changed.

Chapter 5

Temple of Light

The Princess slowly walked through the city and toward the Temple of Light. Just behind and flanking her were her original companions of the Mist and the Faceless One. And just behind them, was the Stone Giant. Coiled around her neck and almost unnoticed was a tiny red and green crystal snake that looked on with wide eyes.

The Princess looked around in rapt curiosity as she walked. The avenue was lined with people watching her pass on both sides and the market was full. Some of the market stalls contained Humans and others’ Rynn, and still others that were oddly indistinct. More and more people, of all kinds, left the market to join the crowd of watchers.

The Princess waved hesitantly toward the people lining the road. Many waved back, some covered their eyes and others bowed. The little red and green crystal snake that was wrapped around her neck looked directly toward one market stall that had a number of similar crystal snakes moving in and around it.

The Princess reached the steps of the Temple and knelt down. She could feel that her companions had also knelt. The Princess clapped her hands together, twice. I am the Princess, she said quietly, I have thirsted for water, knowledge, and to my shame, blood. I have hungered for food, knowledge, and to my shame, flesh. I have been naked but now I am clothed in the blood and flesh of my enemies, she said.

She continued to wait with her eyes down. Time had no meaning in the dream but to the Princess it seemed that both an