Leaving Paradise, page 22
‘What happened?’ he asked, to no one in particular.
‘I waited until the aircraft's attempted to jettison bombs from their pods. I instantly destroyed both craft. With my third and fourth shots I vaporised the first two bombs, but with my fifth I hit the third weapon incorrectly, as the bursting explosions knocked it off its intended trajectory. The effect was to split the bomb, enabling it to release numerous tiny shrapnel bomblets. Most of these bomblets were blown away from us, others I destroyed but several landed and detonated. The emitter weapons shield was positioned upwards and so I was unable to intercept the pieces of shrapnel flung out along the ground.’
It was crazy, Zenan thought. If only Nia and Leare had turned their weapons to their left-side, they would have probably still been alive. That was all it took to kill them both.
‘You shouldn't have taken off your suit,’ Khores said. ‘You might be contaminated now.’
‘Look around us - there's people. They're alive. Telre saw a bird.’
‘Perhaps they've been genetically altered,’ suggested Khores.
‘Hey. Keep it down!’ warned Telre, motioning towards the men in front. ‘We don't know what we should tell these people. I just can't understand why that plane would just attack us, without a warning, for no reason... Leare and Nia... dead!’ she began to cry.
Zenan was too distraught to speak. He put his arm around her shoulder. This was a disastrous start to their mission. Every movement took great effort. He felt no rage just immense sadness and a sense of futility.
26. The City in the Sand
In the open-top hover-transport, the wind blew Zenan's hair. The air was hot, but his clothes kept his body cool. There were no buildings or people to be seen. He looked past the driver, and could see the other vehicle in front. He examined the interior of the transport. It was well-maintained. It didn't appear to be left from before the apocalypse. It meant, this 'free state' was a moderately complex organised society. He realised that unless these people came from another planet, which seemed impossible then they must have survived the plague and built again. He wondered how far they had got.
Telre undid her environmental suit. Her eyes were red. Zenan didn't feel like crying anymore. He knew older Alsouartiscans who died, but it was natural and acceptable. These two deaths were different. Leare and Nia could have lived well over another four hundred years between them. Instead, crude pieces of jagged metal tore through their skins searing them in unimaginable pain.
Telre looked lost in thought, and Khores stared at the landscape. He turned to the Sentinel, knowing that it was the replacement for people’s flimsy bodies. The next time Zenan looked there were lots of buildings in the distance.
‘Looks like we're nearly there,’ he heard Khores say.
A shimmering heat haze hung over the city. As they grew nearer, he saw they were old, relics from the past, squalid and small. It was impossible to estimate the size of the inhabited area. There were people in the streets. Some were dressed shoddily, matching the architecture; other people and buildings looked newer as they moved further through the city. The sandstone coloured buildings appeared ancient. The vehicles were a curious mixture of bastardised and shoddy mingling with the newer, better looking ones. The locals were indifferent to their presence. They pulled up in front of a large, impressive building, and drove through the gates. The inscription above the gate read 'Free State Military Intelligence.' Inside the compound, there were small gatherings of uniformed people. There were far too many for the small party of visitors to overcome and Zenan felt resigned to whatever would befall them.
Sadjika talked to Koltar. He disappeared into the main building and Sadjika and Kani walked over. The other soldiers and guards stepped away from the vehicles.
‘Well,’ said Sadjika. ‘Our situation looks positive so far.’
‘It is?’ Khores said.
‘Yes,’ responded Sadjika. She walked to the Sentinel and asked it to remove the med unit.
‘Our driver was taciturn,’ said Zenan.
‘Captain Koltar was most informative. His actual knowledge of the last few hundred years is patchy and incomplete, but he is supportive towards us.’ Sadjika glanced at the med unit and began to query it. ‘Right,’ she said, removing her hood. ‘The atmosphere is free of the apocalypse virus. Even it cannot exist away from its host indefinitely.’
‘How did they avoid our detection? Zenan asked as he wondered how Sadjika could possibly say the Captain had been supportive towards them.
‘They have a kind of dampening field, combined with the banning of most transmitting equipment. They are a very cautious people.’
Zenan watched as Khores and Kani removed their hoods and stepped out of their suits. Captain Koltar had summarised the known history of Beouswera since their departure to Sadjika. When the plague struck war occurred and the elite descended into the deep bunkers and living quarters designed for protection. Attempts to find if the virus was still live outside were initially organised and coherent, later they became sporadic and unplanned. At one stage, the survivors believed that they would be unable to live above ground again. Population growth was vigorously controlled, Children grew up never having seen life above ground. When it was discovered to be safe to venture above ground, not all wanted to, and those who did found no other human life. Whole cities had burnt down, while others were overgrown.
The new regime above ground was despotic and tyrannical using forced labour. They were re-building to renew-civilisation and to gain strength to fight the Northern block, which in their mythology was held responsible for releasing the plague. The Free-Staters split off from the main group a hundred or so years ago, and moved south, far away to start again and rebuild a different society. Their enemy were known as the Lansiens. It was the Lansiens that attacked the Alsouartiscans, for penetrating the demarcation zone between themselves and the Free-Staters. They were not in continual contact with any other continents.
‘What is the central political split between the Lansiens and the Free-Staters?’ asked Zenan.
‘In the past it was voting rights, but now the Lansiens have the right to freely vote, the Free-Staters want a world of peace, by talks and peace-treaties, and their opponents want stability through the crushing of any enemies.’
‘Their level of political consciousness is so low?’ said Zenan.
‘Censorship and destruction of knowledge was rife; they grew up knowing nothing else, or only having partial, and clichéd beliefs of what Communalism is,’ responded Sadjika.
‘So, what do they want with us? Koltar seemed friendly back after we were attacked. But we didn't have many choices.’ said Telre.
‘Captain Koltar is going to see if they can help us.’
‘How?’ asked Khores.
‘Well I explained about the apocalypse virus, our fears over having no cure for it, and our interest in modifying it for military purposes.’ Sadjika explained.
‘You told him... everything?’ asked Zenan, amazed.
‘Yes. What was I to do? We can speak their language, we look the same and they are enemies of those who attacked us. It seemed logical.’
Koltar interrupted them and called to Sadjika; ‘my Commander would like to see you.’
The entire party looked towards Koltar and he put his right hand in the air, facing towards them. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Just you Sadjika and would you mind dropping your weapon while you come in? It looks hostile.’
Koltar and his troops all wore worn sand coloured uniforms. He was a tall powerful looking man and fitted his uniform well.
She gave her laser rifle to Khores, turned to her people and said in Larine, ‘if I'm not back in five minutes, rush in and take no prisoners.’
She looked at their serious faces and smiled, ‘I was joking, really.’
She turned and followed Koltar into the building.
‘Your old world... I bet you never expected all of this though, did you?’ Kani said.
‘No, it's not how we expected it to be,’ admitted Khores.
‘It's shocking,’ said Telre.
‘It's everything I expect on a world not ruled according to the values of Communalism. What have we seen so far? - war, conflict, death, material iniquity,’ Zenan said, gloomily.
‘Well, your world is... unique. It's unlike anything I could imagine. You can't expect everyone else to live up to your high ideals,’ said Kani.
‘One day I hope all people will live as we do,’ Zenan said.
‘How could it be otherwise?’ said Telre.
‘It's quite appealing... I mean this city feels familiar, to me anyway. It's not so perfect and.’ said Kani.
Zenan looked at the large complex and tall brown buildings, and scuffed the dusty ground with his boot, failing to see what was so appealing. He edged slightly away from the others, sat on the ground, released and placed the rifle on the ground beside him. He looked up at the motionless machine. ‘Sentinel, are you working well?’ Its light was white but Zenan wanted verbal assurance.
It turned its head towards him and responded, ‘all systems functioning acceptably.’
‘That’s good. You don’t talk much.’
‘My programming enables me to perform numerous tasks and to mimic human behaviour. Conversation was not prioritised in our build. If it would reassure you I can express my numerous thought processes on the mission so far if you require?’
‘No, thanks. You're fine just as you are,’ he responded.
He was reassured. He was aware the Sentinels made them virtually obsolescent in combat and was glad. The Sentinels were limited machines, not sentient AIs. He looked around, and in the distance could see people in uniform, moving in formation, as if they were nothing more than limited machines. His thoughts were interrupted by the emergence of Sadjika from the building. She was alone.
Zenan stood and they all walked towards her.
‘Well?’ asked Khores.
‘And what about the other Sentinel and transport?’
‘Our meeting was productive. Koltar's boss will give us access to their virtual viral units tomorrow. We've had no contact with the other Sentinel and nor has No Turning Back and I’m sure it's the Lansiens which have attacked it. Since we're the first visitors for many years, he wants to hold a banquet in our honour and help us in any way he can,’ she explained.
‘He's genuine?’ asked Zenan.
‘It appears so.’
‘Why is he so keen?’ asked Khores.
‘I made him fully aware of the war between us and the Regulians. He is a realist. We are powerful, and have a strong military fleet. He wants us on his side, when we have dealt with the Regulians.’
‘Does he expect us to help them against the Lansiens?’ asked Zenan.
‘He made no indication to me about that. We are only a handful of people and one robot.’
Sadjika edged away from the group and spoke into her comm unit. They patiently waited for her to return. As she walked back to them she said, ‘it's fine. No Turning Back says whenever we need the transport it’s in orbit above us. All systems are normal above us,’ she reported.
There was a feeling of relief at the message. The Sentinel confirmed it was still unable to contact its comrade. From the main building a group of armed men and women exited and came striding towards them. They were not wearing uniforms but varied clothing which they had seen the civilians wearing as they were driven in. They greeted the visitors politely and explained they were assigned to escort them around the city if they desired. The guides were neatly dressed, with short hair and carried no visible weapons. The man who spoke introduced himself as Meti. He was young, handsome with a tanned complexion, blue eyes and a strong nose. His smile was pleasant.
‘Would you like to be escorted around the city?’ he asked.
The Alsouartiscans exchanged glances with one another. The Free-Staters tried to avoid eye contact as far as possible. They agreed to go on a short tour.
‘Would you like to leave your weapons behind?’ asked Meti, looking at the slender emitter rifles and paying special attention to the Sentinel's bulky weapon. ‘Feel free to carry them with you, if you wish, though it’s our duty to protect you.’
‘If you aren't offended, we would prefer to remain armed,’ stated Sadjika.
‘I understand, especially after the regrettable outrageous action by the Lansiens. I can assure you they are our enemies and to protect you is our goal.’
‘Would it be possible to tour the city on our own initiative?’ asked Khores.
Meti turned his gaze to Khores. ‘Unwise I am afraid. When this city was first founded, or rather re-discovered, it would have been possible to wander around freely. But times change, and the expanse of the population make certain parts of the city... better to avoid.’
The sound of wheels cracked across the dusty ground and three large black coloured transports came towards them making them stare. The transports were bulky - excessively so, shiny and exquisitely clean.
‘Will your... metallic friend be accompanying you on your tour?’ asked Meti.
‘I could stay here and protect the med unit,’ suggested the Sentinel.
Meti replied, ‘I assure you, you are our honoured guests. Your equipment shall not be... molested.’
‘You stay here,’ Sadjika said and they walked towards the waiting transports. Khores, Sadjika and Telre entered one vehicle, while Zenan and Kani climbed into the second.
‘This is the plushest vehicle I've been in,’ Kani said, as she sank into the large soft chair in the back. Zenan sat next to her and his gun shortened to fit inside his jacket. Two men were in the seats at the front while a third sat next to Zenan. His name was Refhs. He looked young, healthy with a clean-shaven face but serious expression.
‘Why aren’t we in a hover transport?’ asked Kani.
‘They're mainly for military personnel and especially useful... well indispensable across difficult terrain. This vehicle is so smooth that you'll think you're still in a hover transport,’ he replied.
‘What's your role?’ asked Zenan.
‘I'm your guide. See me as a cultural guide and a bodyguard. It's my duty to protect you.’
‘From what or who?’
‘Anyone if necessary.’
The transport moved, and the soldiers and military buildings faded into the background. The city streets were far busier than he was used to and Zenan hoped the transport had inhibitors built in. The man in front talked, invariably in a monotone voice, only occasionally brightening his speech at certain destinations. Outside they could see newer apartments, houses, work-places, production units and from the signs what they thought were entertainment and recreational retreats. Everything Zenan saw he saw through Alsouartiscan eyes - the city was too cramped and compacted, as if it was constructed on a high, tiny plateau with sheer drops on all sides. It lacked parks, trees and flowers though he knew that must be due to the climate, they were so backward they had failed to alter the weather. There were uniformed men and women posing on many street corners and sitting atop of weapon-clad vehicles. The civilians acted as if they weren't there and walked past them hurrying to their destination.
‘Why did the Lansiens have aircraft, while you came in a hover-transport?’ Zenan asked.
‘During the split, when our ancestors separated from the Lansiens, we lacked aircraft specialists, but we had people skilled in defensive knowledge and so we use defences against air attack. We are a defensive city, we do not aim to attack the people to the north; but we can defend against their air attacks.’
The transport moved around for several hours, pausing to stop at large monuments and extravagant looking buildings. When they came to a set of gates, they found themselves back at the Military Intelligence Complex. The sun was beginning to set. They came to a halt right beside the Sentinel who was stationary exactly where he had been when they'd departed.
‘Your rooms are ready now. We will escort you to them.’
Zenan wondered what kind of place they would stay in at a Military Institution. Refhs pre-empted him, and explained their accommodation was of the highest standard.
Kani and Zenan found their companions well and together with the Sentinel, they were led up to three adjoining rooms onto the fourth floor of a large building, overlooking a small copse in the grounds of the base. The door to the corridor was closed and they were alone. It was cool inside the rooms and smelt pleasant.
‘What do you think?’ Khores asked Zenan.
‘Our 'guide' was not the most communicative person. I’ll be glad to leave this world. What did your guide say?’
‘About the same as yours,’ replied Khores.
‘Don't you feel any affinity with these people? I mean they even speak a language you can,’ said Kani, sat on the large bed.
‘An ancient language and some genes are all we have in common.’ Sadjika explained.
The rooms were ordered and spacious.
‘Probably designed for Generals or elite prisoners,’ muttered Telre.
Zenan walked on to the balcony and looked at the lights stretching to the horizon. The base was set on top of a rise, overlooking the rest of the city. He scanned to see what else the place was comprised of, but the buildings looked like one another. He guessed they were barracks and training facilities. He smelt the odour of some unrecognisable food drifting past him from what he presumed were the kitchens below. Shouted conversations, barely audible and cheers from inside the base. He heard distant unidentifiable rumbling. It was all so unexpected and unreal. Beouswera was alive with people and animals, but Nia and Leare were dead. He felt an uncontrollable shudder and shiver pass through his shoulders and his chest and closed his eyes, feeling tears about to fall. He stopped this time, as it was strange to think how few times he had cried in his adult life, but he cried more times in the last year than in the rest of his life. One day perhaps, all human worlds would be like theirs, he thought but didn't smile. Because how many deaths, how much sorrow would occur between then and now? He shut his mind to the horror and was comforted physically by Telre and Khores, who came up on either side, placed their arms around him, and rested their heads on his shoulders.
