The Vinctalin Legacy: Survival, Book 3 Spawning

By Vanda Denton

It is not by accident or inefficiency that there always are a number of survivors of a Vinctalin harvest. And it is not only the Vinctalin who can make use of them.

Saved by Mettle, the remaining humans of the world are being gathered into a secure haven, but for what real purpose? Questions and resentment abound as the increasing population is forced to aid in the never-ending fight against the Vinctalin. But it is only at the release of the magnificent alien Emperor that Jonathan’s suspicions are confirmed and he begins to understand just how dirty the tactics of the Disciples have become.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326485108

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The Vinctalin Legacy: Survival, Book 3 Spawning

The Vinctalin Legacy: Survival, Book 3 Spawning

Vanda M Denton

The Vinctalin Legacy Survival: Book 3 Spawning

© 2013 Vanda M Denton

All rights reserved by the author. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers and/or authors.

This book is published by and available from:

VinctalinBooks

www.vinctalin.com

ISBN Paperback: 978-1-326-43281-2

ISBN eBook: 978-1-326-48510-8

The Vinctalin Legacy

A series of novels by Vanda M Denton

The Vinctalin Legacy: Survival

Book 1: Harvest

Book 2: Sacrifice

Book 3: Spawning

The Vinctalin Legacy: Retaliation

Book 4: Infiltration

Book 5: Alliances

Book 6: The Veekeren Element

The Vinctalin Legacy: The Ovinka

Book 7: Zondex

Book 8: The Message

Book 9: Veekeren

The Vinctalin Legacy: 0.0015%

Book 10: Alien

Book 11: Integration

Book 12: 0.00075%

The Vinctalin Legacy: Awakening

Book 13: Covert Operations

Book 14: Miss Kitty

Book 15: Humanity

The Vinctalin Legacy

The story so far:

Book 1 Survival/ Harvest

The Vinctalin arrived in the night, gassing the entire planet. Aliens with a human appearance enslaved the survivors who were forced to plant a strange crop called rinj, work in factories recycling metals to form into new vessels and act as servants to their alien masters. The invaders used implant technology on themselves, and implanted translators into the brows of selected prisoners. These devices were tipped with jewelled heads embedded on the surface of the head. When they realised they were to be killed off at the end of the harvest a businessman named Jonathan Trad-Williams and Stanzi (SAS veteran, Benjamin Stanzini) set their plan of revolt into action. They began by attacking a small community of overseers in the lowest caste of the alien hierarchy: the Tendanny. Having made friends with some of the Tendanny, psychiatrist, Dr. Alexander Byefield saved those he could and they joined forces with the humans of Earth, known to them as Tajat. A torture victim, Chang, brought them news concerning the alien activity in London. He told them that the Emperor in charge of the alien army was himself enslaved to a truly alien species: the Vinctalin. The rebels, having nothing to lose, moved on ambitiously following Jonathan’s plan, fighting Guards on the way to London and capturing the Emperor along with a few members of his family. In a horrific battle, losing many brave fighters, Stanzi orchestrated an ambush which saw to the slaughter of the Vinctalin in charge of this Empire on Earth.

Book 2 Survival/Sacrifice

The surviving Earth Humans took their prisoners to a town north of London expecting to escape any continuing alien activity, whilst reassessing their situation. Stanzi correctly surmised there were more Vinctalin on Earth but they would be concerned only with the golden-skinned slaves who had failed them, and not the worthless Tajats. They could not have anticipated large numbers of Guards turning up there too. It seemed beyond credibility that against expectations they were not attacking their Vinctalin slave masters but instead the two branches of echelon Guards were fighting one another. The Earth Humans made a sound hideout in a store basement where they kept their prisoners locked up. Gradually Alex learned a little about the talents and power of these royal aliens, but not enough to prevent the bewitching new Emperor (Pakow Lam Fellen) persuading Tani (ex girlfriend of Alexander Byefield) to release them. Following the demise of the Guards at the hands of the Vinctalin Stanzi’s heroic amateur army was forced into a battle with the beasts. It was one they could not win, but there was a miraculous eleventh-hour rescue by another group of alien humans led by one calling himself Mettle. Mettle’s organised army, the Disciples of the Protectors, transported all survivors to a town in the south of England, promising them electric power, plumbing and food.

Introduction

These are the chronicles of a brave band of unexpected heroes who defy the tyranny of the Vinctalin. Schemes are devised by Jonathan, an obstinate business tycoon who has always dared to think on a grander scale than others. One outraged special-forces veteran, Stanzi, has the ability to make those plans a reality, with regret but no surprise, for the bloody results. And a compassionate doctor, Alex, expresses his own form of courage by skilfully dealing with the terrible consequences.

Survival is the first major story line within this series of tales taking us from their initial encounter with the Vinctalin, through appalling discoveries concerning the origins of humanity, to the audacious plans that will keep the survivors of Earth alive. Survival is presented in three parts. The Spawning in Book 3 reveals a far greater danger than the people of Earth had even begun to imagine. Questions are raised concerning their alien rescuers, and real help is found from an entirely unexpected quarter.

Prologue

Almost a year into their trading journey the Clan of Halbolival arrived at the next claim they expected to be ripe for harvest. As the Seconds sifted through data to send to their clan chief, Panshesinan completed its task of studying this set of old knowledge crystals.

This is relatively recent. The Clan of Castevitas claims to have encountered non-Vinctalin space-travel.

Halbolival ground out its amusement. The Clan of Castevitas is so incompetent it is about to drop off the bottom of the Hierarchy. It is more likely to invent ‘knowledge’ than to make such a discovery.

I’ll scrub it then.

No. Halbolival studied more closely the data for what could be high-grade jewels, including even lekka, on this world. Put it back in the store for cross-referencing. We are in a strong trading position. When we move on we will see if there is more evidence to support it. We should never ignore a possible threat. It could be connected to the phantom enemy a number of our brethren claim to encounter, or to that rogue signal we picked up in Sector 3.

Panshesinan soon found something else requiring attention when it began its next task of studying proposals from the Seconds. It had discarded without comment, the first four preposterous suggestions before accessing this one.

One of the Seconds persists in its attempts to make a name. It wishes to display progress with its Emperor.

It seems to want Barenbana’s name, Halbolival sneered. Tell it to prepare the evidence Panshesinan. We will go down to the surface and observe.

The Second had only one Emperor but a lot of ambition. Halbolival studied the naked creature strapped to the science bench. He had over-inflated musculature and wild eyes. Already the Second had failed the test but the clan chief allowed it to complete the demonstration. Often there was some knowledge to be acquired in failure.

It growled as the Second prepared to administer this new removable liquid metal into the Emperor’s schematics implant, claiming, I can give him temporary knowledge.

The Emperor screamed in agony as the metal insinuated its paths through his brain. The Vinctalin watched in silence.

In only two minutes, through gritted teeth, and with accuracy, the Emperor answered all technical questions relating to its new knowledge.

Halbolival was impressed.

That is fast, it conceded.

There’s more, the Second rumbled triumphantly, tasting the sound of the name it had chosen, silently inside its mouth. Because I have used this new alloy I can remove that knowledge, thus making way for new neural pathways.

Halbolival’s eyes narrowed as the Second applied a crystal rod of its own invention. If it worked this could be a major improvement in all echelons of its army. It watched the golden alloy siphon up the crystal and was just beginning to make plans when the strands of the metal escaped the rod, solidifying inside and outside of the slaves head, sending him into terrified, agonised crying, fits and spasms.

As the Emperor lay drooling and dying, Halbolival observed quietly, Now you have no name and no Emperor. Never bother me again.

It turned to Panshesinan as they left the ship. It is probably the arid conditions that spurred these Tajats into more advanced technology than usual. The metals here are not plentiful but they will be high-grade. Begin the harvest.

Chapter 1

Daniel snatched up the bowl of rinj and hurled it against the wall, yelling out his fury, causing Rachel to cringe, crying out in fear and shock. The youth noticed none of that as, still swearing aggressively, he proceeded to smash the data pad with a shoe.

You can shove your fucking work schedule up your fucking alien arses…

Rachel fled, dressing gown flapping as she chased through the halls and stairways, in search of Alex.

Outside his bedroom door Kayleigh and Tylor listened to their brother’s ranting and raving. He had lost his temper big time, and it frightened them to see that Rachel had been unable to talk him down. In fact, though his sisters had seen him like this years ago, Rachel never had. A terrible sense of dread that he might revert to pre-invasion days gripped them in its cold claw.

When Alex arrived Daniel was getting to work on Rachel’s neatly hand-written rosters of the shared domestic jobs in the hotel. The shouting Alex had heard from his east wing had turned into ominous growling with only a few clearly audible sentiments centring around ‘fucking mental Mettle’ and ‘his Nazis’.

The psychiatrist shepherded the girls away from the room and took up a relatively comfortable seat with his long arms and legs folded into the armchair. He was not quite as relaxed as usual, waiting for Daniel’s adrenalin to dissipate.

You’re going to have to clear up that broken glass, he pointed out quietly.

Daniel swung round to him, fists clenched, teeth grinding. Alex’s mild expression changed not a bit. Eyes blazing, Daniel struggled to get some control over his temper. They heard Caroline outside the door, comforting all three girls now, and ushering them away.

Don’t you care? The boy was shouting again.

Of course I care, Alex responded. And we’ll talk about it, but we also have to do something about that temper, don’t we?

Being patronised inflamed the boy even more but he knew Alex well by now and a long hard stare at the doctor’s face told him the tantrums had to cease. Alex had been prepared for this possible reaction for some time; before they even came to this town. Since they had been here he had tried on numerous occasions to get Daniel to accede to his counselling. Unable to accept that life was not now perfect, and unwilling to face up to the truth of their present situation, the boy had desperately been trying to pretend that all was well. Now he realised the truth of the matter and it had struck him hard.

We’re no better off than we were in that bloody pen! he yelled. Last year I promised my sisters we would never be slaves again. Well, just take a bloody good look around, will you? And with a lot more choice language he proceeded to shout out all the things Alex had realised long before Christmas, and now it was early spring.

It boiled down to a very short description. They either did what the Disciples said, or they did not eat. Alex, Jonathan, Stanzi and Caroline had talked about it at length but Caroline had wanted to leave Daniel and Rachel to their young love, knowing that in time they would realise. Perhaps Alex should have overruled her and taken the path he knew was better. He should have spent more time with the youth. He should have made him realise what was going on and then he might have confronted it more gradually, and with support, rather than exploding with it all hitting him at once.

Anyway, Alex generally took a philosophical approach to his situation and was often grateful for small mercies, it could be worse.

What? Daniel screamed. How the hell could it be worse?

Seven months ago you expected to die.

Daniel was about to erupt with ‘I wish I had!’, when he realised he was very glad he had not.

It was obvious really. How ever bad this was, it was better than the alternative. If it had not been for the Disciples, he and Rachel would not be here at all and his sisters would be struggling to cope without him. The infuriated boy threw himself in the other armchair while his eyes fell to the bed that Rachel had scrambled out of when he had started pacing. It was only now that he realised he had frightened her.

Shit, Daniel blinked at the unmade bed. I scared her didn’t I? She didn’t think I would hurt her did she?

Alex was cross with him for this. When Rachel reached his room she was still shaken.

She’ll be O.K. He gave the lad a cold, hard look.

Because he was not entirely sure Daniel would not lash out at his girlfriend, he had come to a decision.

You won’t be left to your own devices until I’m convinced this won’t happen again.

Daniel was shocked. He knew Alex would actually do that, whether or not it was fair. Law and order these days was whatever the council said it would be. And the council had the full mandate of the people. They had kept these people alive against all the odds, for ten months. Accepting that the doctor would have the greatest say in whether or not he would even be allowed to try to keep Rachel, Daniel wanted to know what Alex had in mind.

I know you would be devastated if you ever did hurt her, so I’m going to suggest you have separate rooms until I feel confident you are in control of your temper. Alex felt he should have taken charge before but there was always so much to do, and he had failed to make the youth a priority.

Daniel began objecting but Alex cut him off. You’ll have counselling with me; one hour twice a week.

‘Shit, I must be a complete nutter if I have to have counselling with Alex.’ Now the boy was beginning to feel ashamed.

This is not punishment, Daniel. Alex had correctly read the lad’s thought. You have stood up to the most appalling trauma and now you have to deal with it.

He would see if Stanzi would tell the boy that he regularly made use of the psychiatrist’s therapy. It would make him realise that even the most hardened veterans need help, and that it could work. Everyone knew Stanzi wouldn’t waste his time on mumbo jumbo.

I suppose you think we should be grateful to them, Daniel was dwelling on the Disciples again. Almost everyone eventually became frustrated by Alex’s ability to accept his circumstances and make the most of things. They called it ‘giving up’.

To a certain extent, that is how I feel. Really he just didn’t want to be forced to fight any more. We could be very comfortable here.

But we’re not free! Daniel was still exasperated. It seemed so clear to him.

That could be just a state of mind. Alex could choose to be free in these circumstances, and so could the others. His view was that they chose not to be. He was in a minority of one.

Anyway, I don’t propose to change your point of view; only to provide a mirror to enable you to regain proper self-control.

What the hell does that mean? Daniel had no patience for the psychiatrist’s obtuse communication.

Noticing that, Alex chose to keep his language simple for the time being.

When we begin your therapy you’ll just talk about how you feel, he explained. The rest will happen.

Before starting on that he was obliged to give some basic orders to the youth. I want you to get showered, dressed, breakfasted, Alex looked around, and tidy up this room. When I check it, I want to see it properly clean. We all have to live together here and you have to pull your weight. Good hygiene is essential. Get those clothes washed and ironed, and do it yourself. I need to see some self-discipline going on Daniel. Don’t always wait for Stanzi to be around to tell you what to do. Think for yourself. Take responsibility. Make an effort to help yourself.

Daniel stared at the doctor. He felt as though he was having everything he wanted taken away, and every aspect of his life dictated by others.

When you care for yourself properly, you’ll find a freedom which is far more satisfying than being slovenly.

How the hell did Alex always know what he was thinking?

Remember I was your age once. I do know how you feel. I had to be taught, and so do you. You’ll get what you want by cooperation and negotiation, not by rebellion. Decide what you want and set about getting it.

I thought I was supposed to talk about how I feel, Daniel sulked.

You will Dan. Now Alex showed a little more sympathy. But I’m afraid that’s the hard part. Do the tidying and self-care, because that’s necessary for everyday life in a community. Do the therapy, because that’s necessary for your happiness. Alex evaluated Daniel’s expression. Does that all seem too hard for you?

Recognising the psychiatrist’s sincerity, as well as his expertise, the boy replied sullenly, No, I can do that.

Now he was willing to take the help. Now he could see he needed the help. Now he could begin facing up to reality with hope.

Alex stood.

Good man, he said firmly, and ruffled Daniel’s flopping hair. Great hairstyle.

Daniel hadn’t had his hair cut since he’d seen Pakow Lam Fellen seven months ago. It was a concept the psychiatrist enjoyed observing.

See you later, he smiled kind reassurance before preparing to depart.

Daniel forced a sad smile in response.

There’s something I have to tell you before you leave, Daniel had no desire to upset the compassionate psychiatrist. There was no peevishness in the tone with which he imparted this information. He genuinely felt this was something the doctor should know. Never the less, what he said wiped the smile off Alex’s face. The doctor turned on his heel and stalked purposefully out of the room.

Since the Disciples brought them here Alex’s skills as a psychiatrist, along with the medical skills he’d developed in the harshest of learning arenas, were in full-time use. He felt to be the only person in town with a proportioned over-view of their situation. Still Jonathan pushed for survival at any cost, while still Alex questioned the value of that when held against the quality of life. Now he knew of one more area in which those standards were being eroded. While he was on his way to find Caroline she was busy dealing with the fallout from Daniel’s display of violent temper.

She had taken the girls to a corner of the large lounge in the other wing of this floor in the luxury hotel, well away from Daniel’s shouting. The four of them sat in a small circle of blue armchairs.

He said we’re still slaves, little Tylor cried. She had been both frightened by his temper, and by what he was saying. Is it true?

Depends who you ask, Rachel answered the question quickly, whilst Caroline was still trying to formulate an accurate response. Rachel carried on, If we don’t do the work the Disciples demand, we don’t eat. So I agree with him.

But Alex says, and they all, including Caroline, sighed, because for Kayleigh what Alex said was Gospel. We are only slaves if we choose to think like that. It’s a mental state.

Caroline tried to be diplomatic. Kayleigh dear, she started gently, but might as well not have tried at all.

Don’t patronise me, Kayleigh responded firmly, rather than rudely.

‘She’s becoming an Alex clone,’ Caroline thought.

I’m sorry Kayleigh but I really do think that some of Alex’s concepts are too obscure for you.

No, they’re not. I understand what he’s saying and I agree with him.

I don’t understand, said Tylor flatly.

I do, Rachel butted in hotly. He’s saying we should be grateful for being alive, work our butts off for strangers who treat us like dirt, and basically just do as we’re told.

The fact of the matter is, Caroline decided to take charge of this conversation just as she seemed to have to do in so much of the town’s daily life, Right now, we don’t have a choice. Yes, we do have to work very long hours but we are safe, well fed and living in very comfortable circumstances. When Rachel was about to burst in with a ‘big deal!’ Caroline held up her hand, saying, And I want you to know, Alex rarely even has an entire evening off because there is always someone needing his help. I don’t agree with his whole philosophy but I do believe in being grateful for being alive. We could put more thought into how to make the work more pleasant. Can you think of anything Tylor?

Stanzi said I should sing while I’m working on the conveyor belt.

Caroline suppressed the smile. He would have said that with a straight face, amusing himself because the child wouldn’t have understood his sarcasm.

Have you tried that?

Yes.

And?

I get muddled up with the work, we fall behind schedule, and everyone gets cross with me. Tears were squeezing out of her eyes, leaving Caroline with no more humour.

The hours were much too long and the work much too tedious for the older girls, but for little Tylor, at only eleven, this seemed particularly harsh. It was all very well for Alex to be able to find satisfaction in hard work and long hours but no one had told him properly that the children were having to work like this. With so much on his plate Jonathan had told them not to burden him, but someone would, sooner or later. In fact, Caroline could make a good bet that he would not leave Daniel’s room without being told. Then he would be cross because they’d kept it from him. Jonathan had expected only to have to use the children like this for a day or two but it had been over a fortnight, and still Mettle demanded more.

Rachel knelt in front of the young girl, took her hands and said, It’s O.K. Tylie. I’ll work next to you today. I’ll help you keep up.

Me too, Kayleigh chimed in gamely.

Caroline smiled and told them once again how proud she was of them. Then she told Kayleigh about her tin of peaches she had been saving and said she could take Tylor to share them. That brought a smile to both their faces and