The Thaurians

By Gene Strasser

     The saurian Tanar and his friends hatch a plan to save a group of slaves from a powerful thaurian sovereign, but when two of Tanar's friends face capture on a distant saurian colony, their plan is put in jeopardy with all of them facing torture and execution.

     As commander of the most advanced warships in the fleet, the sovereign first heads to the saurian colony to crush a rebellion but what he finds there next will lead him down an unexpected path.

     The Earth ship under command of John Ravis makes first contact, but it goes horribly wrong.  Losing most of his crew, Captain Ravis barely gets the rest of his people back to Earth, but what they discover is startling.  From Tanar, they find out that they were attacked by the thaurians, a predatory race that controls a vast number of worlds.

     Facing inconceivable odds, Earth must somehow hide or cloak itself from the thaurians but John Ravis' desire for revenge for the death of his brother puts the human race in danger.  But unforeseen to the people of Earth, they will find out that there is a connection between the slaves, the saurians, the thaurians, and themselves and it will lead them to a forbidden world that will hold the key to the ultimate fate of the human race.

     With the US unwilling to reveal its hyperdrive technology to the rest of the world, what will happen next?  Will the United States thrust an unsuspecting world into an interstellar war?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gene Strasser
• Release date: Aug 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393585336

Book preview

Chapter 1  The Children Shall Know No Sorrow

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They were free.  Free from tyranny.  Free from oppression.  Free from slavery.  Free from forced labor.  Free from confinement.  Free from being on someone’s dinner plate.  They were free.

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How do you know that is us?  Mukta said as he looked at the drawing.  In the center of the yellow paper was drawn a circle in brown ink.  On the circle were drawn crude buildings and houses.  In between there were stick people standing and some were holding hands.  Oh, I know!  Mukta exclaimed, answering his own question.  They have hair!  The thaurians don’t have hair!  Don’t they?"  Mukta’s initial excitement was tempered.

Son, I don’t want you to ever think about them, Elnok said.  He smiled.  They have never been a part of your life and they never will be.

I am sorry dad.  Mukta looked back up at his father and grinned, revealing a beautiful white smile.  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he swung his legs wildly back and forth.  Elnok didn’t say a word as he cocked his head to the right and looked at his son’s face, then moving his eyes to his wild legs.  Suddenly Mukta’s smile disappeared and his legs froze.

Sorry dad, Mukta said again.  But is this world real?  Where is it?  Have you met any of them?  Can the saurians take us there?  Elnok laughed as he grabbed his son and tickled him.

So full of energy and so many questions.  Mukta giggled, as he squirmed in his father’s arms.  We’ll talk another day.

I want to hear more, Mukta said as Elnok released him.  He settled quietly on the edge of his bed looking up at his father waiting for an answer.

Maybe that world is this world? Elnok replied knowing that his son didn’t like his questions answered with another question.  Mukta opened his mouth and didn’t say a word.  Elnok laughed.  When you grow up maybe you will be living it right here on this world

No! Mukta said, obviously not liking his father’s answer or question.  You mean it is not true!  Elnok got up off the bed, turned and leaned down toward his son.

Another day  He put his hand under his son’s chin and looked intently at him.  Don’t think too much about growing up.  He felt bad for making the reference.  Time for bed.  He took the picture from his son and put it on the table next to his bed.

Yes, time for bed my little Mu, the voice said as it drifted into the room.  Elnok turned.  Leaning against the doorway stood a tall slim women with long black hair, her arms folded across her chest.  "Listen to your father.  It is getting late.

Mom!  her son said loudly.  Elnok tried not to laugh.  Mukta hated being called ‘little Mu’.  The woman entered the room.

Savad wants to see you.  He is in the living room, Sakti said as she sat down next to her son.  Elnok frowned wondering what he wanted to talk about now.  I will put him to bed.  Sakti shook her head responding to her husband’s dismay.

Ok.  Elnok quickly grabbed the back of his son’s neck and pulled him close, kissing him on the forehead.  Goodnight son.

Goodnight Dad, Mukta responded.  Elnok got up off the bed and headed for the living room.  Sitting in one of the chairs was a small thin man with grey hair and a small bald spot at the crown of his head.  He quickly got up and pulled at his shirt shifting it down with both hands.

I heard you talking to your son about that fictitious world where only our kind live, Savad said with a bit of sarcasm.  "You are not going to continue with that story and tell him that this planet actually exists?

Would you keep it down.  I don’t want him to hear, Elnok responded.  He sighed.  You didn’t come here to argue about the stories that I tell my son did you?  Elnok turned and headed out onto the balcony.  Savad followed.  It was getting dark.  The sun had just set and the air was pleasantly cool with a slight breeze that swept in from the western sea.  The jovian planet Hatu rose up boldly out of the water with its magnificent orange and yellow streaks of clouds and its large rings.  The Denebian moon cast a small shadow on its surface as the planet proclaimed its massive size, and as Hatu’s distorted image reflected back up from the waters surface dominating the view.

Elnok took the beautiful sight in as he put his hands on the top cold surface of the concrete balcony wall.  He briefly closed his eyes and breathed deep, letting the cool air flow into his lungs.  He exhaled and looked over at Savad standing next to him.  He looked irritated.

I have been surveying the hills out to the north.  I found a whole network of caves that run rather deep underground  Savad crossed his arms over his chest.  He gazed out at Hatu but Elnok knew he wasn’t seeing it.  His mind was elsewhere.

Did you find something important that we can use in these caves, that can help us build our homes?  Heat our homes?  Improve our lives?"  Elnok replied.

No.  Savad seemed more irritated than ever.

Our children were born here which shows how long it has been.  We don’t have to worry.  You don’t have to worry.

But I do.  I don’t care how long it has been.  They could come back.  How do you know that they won’t simply pass through the system and find us purely by chance.

"Yes, that is possible but highly unlikely.  They abandoned the mine so why would they ever visit here again?

Or what about the Saurians?  What will happen if one of them who helped us is captured and tortured?  Do you think he is going to resist and not tell them where we are?  Oh, and I can’t even imagine if they find the two saurians that are supposed to be dead?

Savad, you have to trust them, Elnok said reassuredly.  You should not be living in fear  But Elnok knew that wasn’t easy, not only for Savad, but for all the other adults.  While working in the fields and working in the marshes on the crops, so many times he saw the adults stop suddenly, all at once, in unison.  It would happen when they would hear a noise or a howl from the native wild life.  They would stop and look up or look around as if waiting for a winged thaurian to swoop down on them.  Then realizing that there was no threat, they would continue working as if nothing happened.  For them, it had become a reflex, but for Savad, he managed to rationalize the fear.  Our children have such an imagination.  They can create on a whim, playing games, laughing, running, jumping.  They have no worries.  Elnok looked at Savad.  They have no idea what we went through. I kind of envy them.  Our lost childhood.  Elnok turned and looked back at the distant waters.

In our generation so many children were lost during a time when there was no childhood, Savad responded quietly in a near whisper.  Elnok tilted his head toward his old friend and smiled.

Okay, get a small group together.  No more than three or four of you and continue to explore the caves.  You can start to work on an evacuation plan if you want to.  Elnok paused and closely looked at Savad.  But you are absolutely to tell no one about this.  Make sure that the people that you choose to work for you swear to secrecy also, Elnok said with seriousness.  Savad balked.

How are we supposed to evacuate if it is too late?

I trust Raksa and the rest of the Saurians to warn us if they return.

Are you sure you can...  Elnok cut him off before he could finish.

Then trust me.  Elnok looked at his friend and smiled slightly.  Savad hesitated.  He turned away and put his hand over his mouth and then rubbed his chin.  He walked over to the far end of the balcony.  For what seemed like a very long time, he didn’t say a word.  He turned around and approached Elnok and leaned over the balcony next to him.  Again, for a long time he was silent.

Okay, I agree to keep it a secret,  Savad responded.  Elnok could tell he wasn’t happy with the secrecy, but he knew that he was happy about being allowed to come up with an evacuation plan.  Elnok, thank you.  I better go.  Sorry for bothering you and your wife at this late hour.  See you tomorrow.

Good night Savad.  He bowed slightly, turned and left by way of the balcony steps.  Elnok remained.  He watched in silence as the sky darkened, and the stars began to appear trying to show themselves as they competed with the brightness of Hatu.

Hello Sakti, how was your day?  I hope it was great.  Happy to see you.  Can I talk to your husband?  Is he here?  Sakti said gesturing with her arms.  Elnok turned his head and laughed.

I am guessing that is not what he said.

No, he is such a cold man, Sakti responded.  He just barged in and demanded that I tell you that he was here.  Then I offered him something to drink or eat and he just ignored me and frowned.

He is not that bad.

Yes he is!

You have to understand.  Since he is so much older than us, he went through a lot more than we did in the camps,  Elnok said as he turned around and put his hands on his wife’s shoulders.  He actually apologized for bothering us at this late hour.  Sakti’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

Are you talking about Savad?  Elnok smiled playfully and nodded.

He even surprised me by saying something pretty profound about children

Oh, something is seriously wrong here, Sakti said as she shook her head back and forth and smiled back at her husband.  Elnok pulled her closer.  Did you keep your eye on him all the time that he was here?"

And what does that mean?  Elnok said amused, as he looked into his wife’s eyes.

Because maybe someone looking like Savad replaced him during the time that he was here.

Oh, an imposter, Elnok said as he briefly put his right hand on his forehead.  "How could I have missed it!

He is just so unpredictable and I am just beginning to realize that now.  By the way, why did he want to see you at this late hour?  What was so urgent? Sakti asked.

I can’t say.  Sakti suddenly looked alarmed.  Elnok knew he couldn’t tell anyone what Savad was up to, not even his wife.

"I guess he really is unpredictable.  Why can’t you say?  She slowly pulled away but they continued holding hands.

Trust me.  I am just allowing him to do something to placate his fears.  You know him, he is paranoid.  In some remote way, what he wants to do may help us all if the unthinkable happens.

Calming someone’s fears and preparing for the worst are two different things.  Now Sakti looked really concerned and Elnok suddenly realized that he had said way too much.

Enough, please.  He felt bad.  I am sorry that I said that, Elnok apologized as he pulled his wife’s hands close to his chest.  Nothing bad is going to happen.  He didn’t want to say anything more about the subject because he didn’t want the word ‘Thaurian’ to slip out.  It is late, let's go to bed.  He let go of her hands and put his arm around her shoulders.  She looked up and tried to smile but he knew that she was still upset.

Together they left the balcony and entered the living room.  Sakti went to look in on their son as Elnok went through out the house turning off the oil lamps.  Then both of them retired to their bedroom and went to sleep.

Chapter 2  Dinner With the Emperor

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I say onto you.  I give you the warm blooded beasts, that you may use them as you wish.  To till your fields.  To tend to your house.  To do the labor that is beneath you.  To hunt them for pleasure and to hunt them for food.  I give them to you because I hold you most high, so that you shall not do these things onto yourself.  It is my gift to you, for you are my children and I am your God.

From the Thaurian Bible, Verse 43, Chapter 19.

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Varranik sat mesmerized by the two imperial guards standing on each side of the entrance to the dining area.  Their chests were large.  Large to the point where the scales exposed above their uniforms looked stretched, ready to tear at any moment as they took each breath, their chests heaving slightly up and down.  They stood silent and motionless, their large wings tucked to their sides.  They weren’t the tallest of thaurians, but that didn’t diminish their commanding presence.  Neither were they the most intelligent, sometimes unable to accomplish simple tasks or jobs that other thaurians took for granted.  But they could do one thing very well, with absolute frightening efficiency.  Either they were bred that way or born that way or maybe it really didn’t matter.  They were made for combat.  Their discipline was unsurpassed, their speed legendary.  They were the only thaurians that could fly and even though their hands were smaller than average they could handle a plasma rifle with the best of them.  Swooping down on their prey or their enemy, while firing their weapon could be terrifying for the unsuspecting but they were just as deadly without a weapon attacking with their large talons on their three toed feet.  Where their hands were small, their feet were large and powerful.

As the doors swung open as the servers entered, the imperial guards didn’t even flinch, remaining motionless as statues other than there barely perceptible breathing.

So how are your sons doing? Emperor Vartai asked as the servers began placing the plates down in front of the four people seated at the table.  It was not only customary to never speak until the Emperor spoke first, but wise, for the sake of your own health and freedom.

They are doing fine, sir,  Varranik answered as he briefly glanced over at his mate sitting to his right.  Our youngest is at the academy and will graduate next year.  Our oldest is already well into flight training.

Ah, following in their father’s footsteps, the Emperor responded.  He held up his glass and gestured toward Varranik.  He then drank from it.  That is good.  That is good.  He clenched his lips together as he savored the wine.  No doubt, I assume, they would like to achieve the rank of sovereign, like their father.  Varranik noticed that the Emperor’s scales turned to a light brown indicating that he was in a good mood.  Deep down Varranik breathed a sigh of relief, wondering how his own emotional response was showing through.  It wasn’t easy hiding your own emotions but it wasn’t impossible either.  Varranik was trying his best to hide them from the Emperor and the Empress.

I hope they will both become sovereigns someday, but hopefully it will be long after I retire.  One sovereign in the family at any given time is more than enough.  The Emperor laughed.

Understood.

I can testify to that,  Bamara blurted out.  Varranik quickly looked at his mate, stunned by her outburst, wondering now what his own face was revealing to his host.  The Emperor tilted his head back and opened his mouth.  For a brief moment there was silence.  Deep down, a small sound began to emerge.  Growing.  Resonating.  Erupting in a deep hearty volcanic laugh.

You two are good together! the Emperor said.  Varranik breathed another sigh of relief.  I am pleased.  The Emperor paused and looked directly at Varranik.  I suspect I know who the true imperator is in this family

I am not going to answer that, Varranik answered with a smile, as he became more comfortable in the presence of the Emperor and the Empress.  The Emperor let out another throaty laugh.  Varranik reached over and grabbed Bamara’s hand as he looked over at her and smiled.  She returned the smile and then looked at the Emperor.

My sons will serve you well, she said.  Varranik continued staring at Bamara with pride.

I know they will, the Emperor said with solemn conviction.  He paused.  Suddenly he smiled and stretched out both his arms over the dinner table.  Now enjoy!

Most of the servers had already left, leaving single file through the door flanked by the motionless imperial guards.  One server remained, standing at attention.  Without word, taking his cue from the Emperor, the server proceeded to fill Varranik’s and Barama’s wine glasses.

After they finished dinner, the main server left and returned with the other servers.  Quickly they cleared the table.  Varranik watched and wondered why the Emperor had thaurian servers.  This position seemed below them, meant more for a slave.  He wondered what they thought about their roles.  Where they happy?  Were they fulfilled in what they were doing?  He never imagined using anyone but a slave, but in this situation it was different.  Maybe their roles were not beneath them for a very important reason.  They were servants to the Emperor.

Once finished, the servants again left the room.  The main server remained, filling the wine glasses one more time.  He then left, leaving the dinner party alone.  The Emperor leaned back and relaxed.

How is your situation after the accident? the Emperor asked.

To be honest, still not too great, Varranik answered.  Much time has passed and the accelerated breeding program is producing, but they take so long to mature.  Until they reach an effective age, they are only a burden and not a benefit.  I... Varranik hesitated.  He turned and looked at Bamara.  We lost a great deal that day.

Yes, you can blame what happened on the saurians.  They are incompetent, Empress Katal spoke for the first time since they arrived at the palace, other than the usual pleasantries when they were first greeted by the royal couple.  Obviously the Empress didn’t think highly of the saurians, but she was not alone.  Most thaurians shared her view.

Yes, they will never be fighter pilots, the Emperor said rather casually.

And that is why their race is dying off because they are not a brilliant people, the Empress said passionately.  Apparently, where her mate didn’t seem to care either way about the saurians, they definitely hit her a nerve with her.  Varranik was curious to find out why she had such resentment toward them.  However, he knew well enough not to ask.

They have another weakness, Varranik said, enticing the Emperor and the Empress to respond.  He had good reasons to make such a statement.  He didn’t believe that the saurians were that stupid as most everyone believed.  But he couldn’t very well say this out loud.  Countering the Empress’ opinion was definitely not wise.  He had to somehow present his view of the saurians as a weakness rather than what he actually knew about them.

And what is this other weakness, the Emperor asked.

They have compassion for the mammals.  I am assuming that they think they are intelligent.

Interesting thought that these beasts are intelligent, the Empress said in a somewhat mocking tone.  It now became clear to Varranik that the Empress didn’t have any particular issues with the saurians per se.  She was simply a proud thaurian.  Proud of her race.  Proud of thaurian superiority.  Varranik didn’t disagree with her, he just didn’t think the saurians were that incompetent.  If anything, they could be quite cunning.

Interesting thought about the saurians, the Emperor said.  He seemed to be deep in thought.  I have never seen them treat the slaves badly.  I just thought they were indifferent toward them.  The Emperor looked at Varranik.  Are you going somewhere with this?  Varranik took a deep breath.  He could barely answer.  Bamara wasn’t pleased and her skin color suddenly changed to a dark green.  She wasn’t angry.  She was afraid.

Yes, Varranik finally managed to get the word out.  Before the Emperor could respond Varranik started into his explanation to why he believed something was going on.  Two of the dead pilots closest associates were caught on two different occasions piloting their cargo ship with the hyperspace transponder disabled.

That is interesting.  Transponder failure is rare.  What was their explanation?

Their excuse was equipment fatigue.  Simply age.  But it is just as likely that they tampered with it.  I didn’t think anything about it at first.  Their cargo ship is old.  But not too long after, I got another report of another transponder incident.

"Was this the same ship?  The Emperor was now captivated.

Yes.

"What cargo were they carrying?

They were hauling food.  Vegetarian.  They said that they were delivering it to their largest colony on Erandi.  For Varranik, the cargo wasn’t an issue since the saurians were vegetarians, but were they actually delivering it to the colony?  He suspected that they were lying.  The thaurian provincial government on Erandi has no record of them ever arriving.

And flight logs can be altered, the Emperor said before Varranik could state the same.  What do you think they are up to?  He paused.  The Emperor seemed lost in thought as he looked upward toward the ceiling.  Varranik hesitated to answer.  It could have been a secret supply run to the exiled saurian government, the Emperor said as he returned his gaze back to his guests.  That obviously, in itself, is a capital offense, but I can’t see how they could have gone undetected into Erandi.  The Emperor looked intently at Varranik.  So they could have been going somewhere else, he said as he slowly emphasized the last two words.  Varranik was shocked.  He wondered if the Emperor was reading his mind.  Does this have something to do with your slaves, since you mentioned saurian compassion?

Yes, I think they did something with them.  I don’t know exactly what.  The Emperor was still intrigued but the Empress herself seemed fascinated.  It became obvious when she finally entered the conversation.

"What do you speculate they did with the beasts?  Do you have any ideas?

They could have sold them to some private owner or underground faction.  Maybe they killed them as some kind of mercy.  Rather be dead than slaves.  He stopped for a moment.  There was one other possibility and it didn’t sit well with himself.  He didn’t even want to mention it but he managed to muster up the courage since he suspected that the Emperor already knew what he was thinking.  Maybe they started a colony with the slaves.  In other words, they are free now.

The beasts can’t live on their own.  They are not capable,  the Empress said.  Now if they are being helped by the saurians.  The food shipments make sense.

And where could they be if this is the case?  Varranik asked.  Sir, I would like to investigate.  I am asking permission to take the Kian to Erandi to find out what is going on.  I suspect the answer is there.  I can go under the guise of hunting for the members of the exiled government  There was a pause.  The Emperor didn’t say a word for an excruciating long time.  When he did answer, Varranik wasn’t exactly pleased.

Let me think about it.  I will give you my answer by tomorrow.  The Emperor intently stared at Varranik.  Then unexpectedly he tilted his head to one side and smiled.  When was the last time that you went on a hunt?

Sir?

I am assuming you haven’t been on one for awhile.

No, I haven’t.

Why not?

I don’t have the stock for a hunt.

I already knew your answer, the Emperor responded.  You lost a lot.  You have been under a lot of pressure.  He drank the remaining portion of wine, emptying his glass.  Then he lifted it toward Varranik.  You need to relax.  Varranik became nervous.  He wondered how dark his face was becoming.  He was worried that the Emperor was going to force him to retire which didn’t exactly mean retiring in the empire, especially when the Emperor states it.  Why don’t you come on a hunt with me.

Sir, a hunt with you?  Varranik asked.  He was completely caught off guard by his invitation.

Yes,  the palace forest.  My stock.  Varranik couldn’t believe it.  Actually being invited to a hunt by the Emperor.  Suddenly he wasn’t nervous anymore.  He was excited.  He looked over at his mate.  Bamara smiled, her face a light brown.  He turned back to the Emperor.

Sir, I am honored.  I accept your invitation.

Good, I am pleased.  The Emperor put his glass down and then clasped his hands together.  Be here before the suns are up, so we can start early.  I will also give you my decision then, about your request.

Thank you sir.  Again, an honor.  I will be there.

Good, I will be expecting you.

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The mist gently rose from the swamp in a slow dance spreading out in a blanket of haze.  It almost seemed