DP Tool Club 12/CD_ASCQ_12_0294.iso/vrac/rune9402.zip/DUROP

Text File | 1994-02-01 | 23KB | 453 lines

 Part 2 of the serialized:

DUROPA
  by Francis U. Kaltenbaugh

  . . . In the last issue, we found Eik-bhilo and Bel-onan on a
  mining asteroid searching for duropa, the serum necessary to purge
  a virus (QSVD), which had contaminated their ship. There were four
  days left before the QSVD would begin consuming their hosts. Failing,
  to obtain duropa meant suffering a certain cruel and agonizing death.

    The mining base and asteroid were ruled by Sol-ors, who controlled
  the inhabitants as if they were on a penal asteroid. They encountered
  GarThunes, the most peace-loving mortals ever encountered in space --
  dead and dying within the mining base -- BUT WHY? These creatures
  invariably accept death before harming another life form. Read on, as
  we return -- the ship, jointly owned by Commanders Eik-bhilo and
  Bel-onan, is held in a quarantine port area!

CHAPTER 2, CONFRONTATIONS


  "Oku-pri! Three of the passengers demand to leave the ship. The
Myrmidon is among them. He's trying to persuade others to join his
cause. He stated we don't have the right to quarantine him or the others.
The other passengers are in a very frantic state. He's convincing them,
he can obtain duropa," reported the subaltern, Esu-perd.

  "We had as much chance as a glacier in a supernova, for this scenario
to get better instead of worse. When restraining the others, we should've
secured all the passengers. Come with me, and we'll stop this mutinous
action."

  "The other passengers are peace loving life forms and four humans. They
all fear for their lives. The Myrmidon will resist. You know how ferocious
and savage they are. For them, fighting to the death is more gratifying
than breathing. He is a huge one too, well over three meters in height and
weighs at least 250 kilos."

     "You know what they say. The bigger they are the higher you set the
phaser," quipped Oku-pri.

     "Do you know of Myrmidons?"

  "A little. They are fierce warriors, and dueling to the death is
their primary interest."

  "There is much more to their fighting than love of conquest. As a
warrior race, their primary purpose is to do battle. Their religious
conviction is that death during battle is the only way they can continue
assurance of their race. This is true, since it is the only time their
reproductive systems become active. Detecting the difference between
males and females is impossible. They only produce sperm and eggs --
after dying in battle.

  "The single microscopic male sperm produced, then travels to the
nearest unfertilized female egg. The body of the dead female Myrmidon
becomes a giant cocoon. If there is no female found within a few hours,
the sperm returns to the male that produced it and secretes an enzyme.
This triggers creation of an egg and then fertilization. The embryo
obtains sustenance by consuming its mother. Within forty-eight hours,
the process is complete, which produces a nearly full grown Myrmidon,"
Esu-perd explained.

  "I'm dying for a little sex myself," said Oku-pri.

  Esu-perd followed Oku-pri into the passenger's nacelle, where the
Myrmidon was arguing his case to any whom would listen. Towering over
the others near him, he was flailing his massive arms as he spoke
presenting a terrific spectacle. Standing near him were four others,
while the remaining passengers occupied lounge-chairs spread about the
room.

  The nine seated passengers were quite a distance from each other. With
only four near the agitator, quick and decisive action by Oku-pri would
be difficult. Subduing the five grouped closely together would be easy.
All eyes turned to Oku-pri.

  "Hold. What is the meaning of this dissension, Myrmidon? You are aware
of our quarantine. The Commander of this vessel, Bel-onan, has further
ordered us to remain here till his return. Upon his arrival, he will
process, and then dispense the duropa. Take your seats and await the
Captain's return," Oku-pri ordered, fearlessly.

  "I, Yag-koro of Myrmidon, have concern for the essences of those aboard
this vessel and over my impending death without "honor". Unlike you, who
is a Crasis and afraid to determine his own fate. Little one, you can not
guarantee return of your Captain, or the duropa."

  "While a passenger, you are under the command and control of our
Captains according to U.S.C. laws."

  "I do not abide by the U.S.C. laws. I am a Myrmidon. We have only
The One Law: `Ensure continuation and passing of our individual essence
at any cost'," countered Yag-koro.

  "I do not wish to use force. However, if you do not comply, you are
begging for constraints for your mutinous actions."

  The last word had not left the mouth of Oku-pri. Yag-koro leaped the
four meters separating the two. He grabbed Oku-pri's neck with both
hands. Oblivious to anything else, he was intent on paralyzing Oku-pri.
But he wasn't quick enough. Oku-pri fired the stungun at once. Because
of the Myrmidon's rage and dense mass, there was little effect. He
fired four more times in rapid succession. From his enormous weight,
Yag-koro fell to the deck with a loud thud. The stungun held power for
only five more bursts. If all attacked at once, Oku-pri knew he may
face defeat.

  Fortunately, the others backed away, and all were sitting with
anticipation of what would happen next. Taking down the biggest, quieted
their rebellious attitudes; they were no longer eager to cause further
dissension without aid from Yag-koro. A human stood and nervously looked
at the others, then to Oku-pri.

  "Will your Captains return in time?" asked the earthling. Oku-pri
nodded affirmatively in his direction, then departed followed by the
subaltern. They accessed the main computer and secured all exits from
the compartment holding the passengers.

  "Perhaps, we could reduce the life-support systems, and soon have
them enjoying dreamstates," offered Esu-perd.

  "I may accidentally harm one of the aliens. I'll engage the computer
to refashion a minimum support system. That should be safe enough."

  "I worry for our Captains. I've heard terrible reports about the
cruelness of Sol-ors, and how he rules the asteroid as though it were
a penal planet."

  "Sol-ors merely thinks he's a Ruler of a solar system. But I think
he's a few gigabytes short of a full CPU," retorted Oku-pri.

                              * * *

  Arriving at the approach tunnel for the last rec center, provided a
very unusual display. I couldn't believe my eyes, virtually the entire
population of Bohunkia was flooding the tunnel and all were on foot. All
were traveling in the same direction, toward the last recreation center.
Standing on the carrier improving my view, I looked for a guard. None were
in sight.

  "What is happening?" asked Eik-bhilo.

"It has to do with the deaths of the GarThunes. How it relates, I'm
unsure. But, I have an inkling as to what is transpiring," I said.

  "What thoughts do you have on this?"

  "I'm sure it has to do with black market trade in duropa."

  A GarThune neared the carrier. Jumping down and landing in front of
him, I extended both arms before me, palms up -- the universal gesture
of peace. He stopped before me.

  "I am Captain Bel-onan, Commander of KerpO' Peku. May your great-
grandchildren feed you well."

  "Giving is the way. May your great-grandchildren shelter you well and
speak to you often. I am Bhad-Dens, of the orb Stei-Weik, of GarThune. "

  "I question the activities taking place. Will you please enlighten us
to what is occurring here?" I asked.

  "Word is passing by mouth, and may not pass by other means, to all on
the asteroid to meet at recreation area number three. It is a matter of
life or death to all whom reside upon Bohunkia. All are to travel by
their natural locomotion to the recreation area to avoid a horrible
death. You have received the word and must give it to those without."

  "Thank you, Bhad-Dens. Passing the word is now our duty. May your
great-grandchildren shelter you well. Giving is the way."

  I turned to Eik-bhilo, as I thought about this information and what
it may mean to us. "We better travel on foot. Getting a carrier through
this mass of entities, will be impossible. From what the GarThune told
us, Sol-ors is trying to get the populace of Bohunkia to the recreation
area in a staggered fashion. They are to receive, or do something; then
return to work."

  "What do you think they are to receive?" Eik-bhilo asked.

  "Would you believe, duropa and the antidote?" I said.

  "What? That means someone introduced QSVD into the life-support systems
of this planet. Or, they are going to, but why?" she asked.

  "Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but I think there is a new strain of
QSVD in this galaxy. That would explain how our ship received
contamination so easily. Of course, a passenger of ours may have
been a carrier of QSVD. How he received authorization for travel,
without detection, is beyond my comprehension."

  "We must concern ourselves with saving the mortals on the ship, as
well as ourselves. Getting duropa to our vessel is our primary goal.
If you are right, we will find the needed duropa at the recreation hall."

  "Running should easily get us there ahead of this crowd. They are
traveling very apprehensively, since they're unsure what'll take place
at their destination. Upon arrival, we should be able to enter the front
of the queue, because of our rank. Stay close to me."

  Our running didn't arouse interest in the creatures around us; we
increased speed. Passage became difficult through the throng of bodies.
About one-half kilometer from the recreation area, running became imposs-
ible. I thought of a ruse allowing us passage through the mass of beings.

  "Make way for the guards. Make way for the guards," I shouted. I pushed
on the backs of the creatures directly to my front. They quickly moved to
one side or the other making a path Eik-bhilo and I could use. I continued
chanting, "Make way for the guards," as we briskly walked the remaining
distance.

  We covered the half kilometer in a few minutes. Arriving at the
recreation area doorway, we discovered it protected. Ten guards, all
human, formed a semi-circle standing before the entrance. Behind them
stood ten SPS-bots. Gaining entry, without causing a turmoil, wouldn't
be an easy task. There was no queue as I thought there would be,
instead all were standing in extremely crowded conditions.

  "What should we do?" whispered Eik-bhilo.

  "I must think a moment. Stay to the right of the doorway. We need to
create a diversion, which allows us to gain entry without arousing the
guards. Speaking to one may give us our needed information."

  I noticed four Myrmidons standing a few meters left of the doorway and
just beyond the guards. With them, I could probably create a distraction
for the guards. Moving near the closest guard, positioned right of the
doorway, I studied his face. He looked grim and determined; the type who
would follow his orders to the letter. I stepped before him. "I am Captain
Bel-onan, Commander of KerpO' Peku. Report what is taking place, for we
received the word," I said in a very commanding voice.

  "Captain, we are to secure the entrance until we receive orders from
Sol-ors, then allow a line entering the room. There is to be no entry
till then. We're to protect the entrance with battle phasers at full
power. That is our mission."

  "What is the purpose of the queue?"

  "Captain, I do not know. However, we're to receive relief and enter
the line ourselves," replied the guard.

  "Thank you, guard."

  Returning to where Eik-bhilo stood, I explained what the guard had
said and what I was going to do. I joined the Myrmidons, then milled
about them attentively. All vehemently complained of the delay they
were enduring. I spoke with each quietly for a minute or so, starting
with the largest, then the others in turn.

  Returning to the largest, I motioned him to bend down so I may speak
with him alone. I whispered in his three ears, "Your smallest companion
stated your parents are peace-loving weaklings and they were born on
GarThune. He also mentioned, you were a lover and never have been a
warrior." I quickly joined Eik-bhilo.

  "I see results of your handy work already. Look," she said, and
motioned toward the Myrmidons.

  The biggest Myrmidon was pushing the smallest, and then trumpeted a
challenge, which echoed through the tunnel. The challenge call commences
with a very low bass hum. Then increases steadily to an extremely high
pitched whine lasting over a minute. The high whine is very irritating
to all beings who can hear it. Unfortunately, it's within the range of
human hearing. We covered our ears with our hands. The answering call
erupted. Two of the guards and their SPS-bots moved toward the source
of the cacophony.

  "The two remaining Myrmidons will chose sides, when the head-butting
of the ritual begins, then join the fray. If the guards attempt
intervening, all four Myrmidons will turn on them, and should bring the
additional guards and SPS-bots into the melee. Thus, creating our
opportunity to gain entry," I said.

  "Well done," shouted Eik-bhilo.

  I could see gathering Myrmidons, forcing their way down the tunnel
toward the sounds of the duel. At least thirty, in a tight group, were
moving to our position. I heard a loud thunk, as the first head butting
started. The guards commanded them to cease their activity and were
gesturing frantically to the two engaged in dueling.

  Touching the smaller Myrmidon, was a terrible mistake for the guard.
Both Myrmidons ceased their fighting, and then turned on the guard, who
was interrupting their ceremonial and sacred rite. The guard found
himself grabbed by his arms, one for each combatant, then flung high
above the crowd. It happened so quickly, as he sailed through the air,
the other guards did nothing but stare. The ruse I started quickly
escalated much beyond my expectations and intentions.

  Recovering quickly, the guards began blasting the Myrmidons with
battle phasers. A moment before there had been two beings, now there
were two wisps of billowing vapor and two piles of ash. Now, tightly
grouped in our immediate vicinity, were over fifty Myrmidons. Seeing
the denial of their comrades to complete the ceremonial ritual sent them
into a rage. Their bellowing drowned out all existing sounds and started
causing us pain. All guards faced the group moving toward them. Raising
his arms, the senior guard, signaled them to halt.

  The guard's lips moved; hearing his shouted warning was impossible
over the piercing bellowing. Moving toward the approaching group, the
other guards and SPS-bots followed his movement. Raising his phaser, he
aimed center mass at the Myrmidons. All the guards followed suit, so did
the SPS-bots. He fired, and almost in unison every phaser was blasting the
oncoming mob.

  The center of the onrushing crowd received a horrific blast. This
allowed a large number, at the edge of the swarm, to rush the guards.
The Myrmidons also formed attack lines, several of them following
directly behind one another. They formed four attack lines. They did
this, attempting to defeat the phasers. It even takes a battle phaser
a few seconds to eliminate a mass, as dense as, a Myrmidon.

  During the melee, we seized our opportunity. Racing through the
doorway, we found the large room deserted. There were forty tables
arranged to form aisles between them. This was surely where the
inoculations of the antidote and duropa were to take place.

  "Check the tables on this side. I'll check the other side. There
should be duropa and the antidote at each table," I said.

  "There are several satchels under that far table," said Eik-bhilo.

  She ran to the table and checked the satchels. "Just as I hoped, the
inoculation kits of duropa and the antidote. There are a hundred sets
in each satchel," she said, joyfully.

  I ran to her and picked up another satchel. "We need to get out of
here quickly. Let's check the rear for an exit."

  Moving to the back of the room, we discovered a corridor with several
doors along each side and a cul-de-sac at its end. I feared splitting up,
but there was no alternative. "Check the doors on the left of the hall
and I'll inspect the right. If anything looks promising, call out," I said.

  I found three dead-ends in a row and was becoming anxious about finding
egress from this chamber. Checking the fourth room, I heard a muffled
cry from Eik-bhilo. Quickly, I retraced my steps to the hallway.
Listening attentively, I didn't hear a repeat of the call that would
determine her location. Crossing the hall, I entered a doorway into a
large room and saw nothing of her.

  "Bel-onan!" shouted Eik-bhilo, in warning. I turned and saw a monster
sized GarThune rushing toward me. Seeing another six meter tall GarThune,
made me wonder if there was a special breed. I took only a split-second
to ponder its lineage. The distance between us closed in two giant
strides. If I had my phaser drawn and at the ready, this GarThune would
be space dust. It halted less than a half-meter from me. Instead of
battling, with the giant before me, I saw four outstretched hands, with
palms up -- the universal gesture of peace. Shocked, I stood there, my
mouth agape.

  "Greetings," was all I could stammer, instead of giving the customary
mention of great-grandchildren. I waited for a reply.

  "Giving is the way. I am Yag-pes, Commander of the Great Guardians of
GarThune. May your great-grandchildren feed you well and furnish you with
many wondrous gifts of life. Our quest will not meet denial. Earthling, I
can tell you are a human that is benevolent. Your inner-self reveals your
external actions."

  Eik-bhilo had joined us and heard the exchange. She looked at me
with a puzzled expression. Both our faces openly displayed confusion.
This GarThune was female, evidenced by the small blue circles above
both her eyes. A female GarThune never reaches four meters in height,
or so I had thought. We turned to Yag-pes anticipating further explanation.

  "Sol-ors is seeking his death," said Yag-pes.

  We anxiously waited for her to continue. In the excitement, I forgot
that whenever a GarThune mentions anything of death or loss of essence,
they silently pray for their ancestors. She gave a barely perceptible nod.

  "What has he done to seek death?" I asked, breaking the silence.

  "You must be aware of his actions!" vociferated Yag-pes.

  I explained our situation of receiving contamination with QSVD. Also,
how we had been traveling for three days at hyper-warp to find duropa,
and could not communicate, because of our older ship.

  "Upon arrival, our ship entered quarantine restrictions, and we've
been seeking Sol-ors and duropa. We have not communicated with our base
port, or U.S.C.  What news have you of Sol-ors?" I asked.

  "Sol-ors is out to conquer this galaxy, in which our home planet
resides. He has recruited a group of denizens, from his guards and
workers, who will share in the spoils. He plans to contaminate all
planets of this galaxy with a new biogenetically engineered strain
of QSVD, which can penetrate all known closed life-support systems.

  "Demanding payment for the duropa, has placed a financial strangle
hold on all beings in this system. If they do not follow his demands
-- all face complete annihilation. Five of the ten planets are facing
QSVD contamination already, GarThune is among them. Four can meet the
demands, while the fifth, JeJune, can not. Multitudes from JeJune have
banded together and taken to piracy. They are raiding the uncontaminated
planets to obtain the ransom for their group only. These planets are
very poor and are unable to afford the duropa. There will be galactic
war. Sol-ors does not care. His predetermination is extracting riches
and making himself the most powerful," explained Yag-pes.

  "He is mad," exclaimed Eik-bhilo.

  "Since QSVD affects virtually all intelligent beings, this is merely
a test of his grand scheme, to rule all universes. Then he claims the
title, Deiwos-Ayro, Lord Ruler of the lesser gods. The Great Guardians
of GarThune have made their way here to stop his madness. There were
forty of us, at last mental union thirty-two survive. We fear further
telepathic uniting, due to possible discovery. Many have mingled with
the workers to infiltrate and obtain duropa. Then we are to assassinate
Sol-ors," said Yag-pes.

  "But . . . ," I stammered, "I thought a GarThune incapable of
killing another being?"

  "The Great Guardians of GarThune consumed an ancient mind altering
palliative, which allows us to accomplish forbidden and unthinkable
deeds -- not unlike Earthlings. Some of us will not survive the
dastardly actions we must perform. It will destroy our psyche. Those
of us, so affected, will wither and return to the Great Guff,"
responded Yag-pes.

  Eik-bhilo and I exchanged glances. Both of us knew, we would help
Yag-pes. But first, we must insure the safety of our ship's passengers
and crew.

  "Yag-pes, the entry we took is under guard. Is there another exit
we may use?" I asked.

  "Yes. The one I used to gain ingress is farther down this hall. It
enters an inter-connecting tunnel to a smelting complex. There was no
one there, when I made my way here."

  "If Sol-ors has such a grand scheme, there must be ships ready to
deliver the duropa when he receives payment. We can make those ships
ours," said Eik-bhilo.
========================      ? ? ?     ==============================
Copyright 1993 Francis U. Kaltenbaugh
----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Get the next issue of RUNE'S RAG for the exciting conclusion of
DUROPA and the adventures of Bel-onan and Eik-Bhilo.
======================================================================
Francis U. Kaltenbaugh is a 40 something computer enthusiast,
who enjoys video stimulations. Two children keep things interesting,
one an 18 year-old Marine, and a ten year-old girl, whose only
response is, Why? Francis, who has two books in progress and articles
out everywhere, feels fiction is a mainstay of life for everyone.
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