Characters: Mazun Contreras, Darrurz, Arthur McClendon, Joseph
Wright
NPC: Captain Nokh Khoen, Pack Leader Kfarollakh
Location: Arthur's room at the hospital
System: Tagan
There's a knock at the door followed by its opening. Darrurz notes the scent of
the previously met Pack Security personnel. The two vargr and one human enter
the room. The vargr sniff the air while the human looks all around, noting the
room's details.
All three acknowledge Darrurz and Mazun with a nod and/or hello.
The eldest looking vargr asks Mazun a question in Gvegh which Arthur doesn't
obviously understand.
Mazun replies in Galanglic, "I don't believe he does understand Gvegh."
Arthur shakes his head.
The vargr sighs and says something else. The only words that Arthur catches are
"Fae", "Gvegh" and "Galanglic". The computer then starts to translate his words.
He addresses Mazun and Darrurz, "If the computer mistranslates anything I say,
would you please correct it for me?"
Mazun and Darrurz nod in assent.
The vargr extends his paw, "Permit me to introduce myself. I am Pack Leader
Kfarollakh of Tagan Pack Security."
Arthur shakes his paw. "Lieutenant Arthur McClendon."
He gestures to the other vargr. "This is Captain Nokh Khoen and," he gestures to
the human, "this is Ensign Joseph Wright."
Nokh sniffs the air before extending his paw to shake, followed by Joe.
Looking closely. Arthur sees that Joe's face is gaunt, grey and pale, with
sunken eyes (although they simmer with a dark glare). He looks ill at ease,
uncomfortable with something – you can see a red mark on his temple disappearing
under the beret (the obvious residue from quick heal and surgery). Another
similar mark is on the back of hand and disappears under the sleeve of his
uniform. The uniform is unadorned, with just his rank and service insignia on
one shoulder.
From Joe's POV: He sees that Arthur is a short, solidly muscular human. His hair
is short and looks like it could cut glass.
After the introductions, Kfarollakh says, "Welcome to Tagan and the Tagan Pack."
Kfarollakh stands tall, commanding attention. "I suspect that someone on the
hospital staff has explained to you, as they did to this racially mixed pack of
two," he indicates Darrurz and Mazun, "that many decades have transpired since
you were forced into a cryotube and that this part of the galaxy no longer
resembles the one you left."
Mazun notes that the computer referred to him and Darrurz as a "racially mixed
pack of two" even though that isn't quite what was said. Darrurz seems unfazed
by it.
Kfarollakh continues, "I expect your curiosity has forced you to learn your new
surroundings." He gestures at the monitors to clarify his statement. When he
sees Mazun frown, he says, "No?"
"Mistranslation," Mazun says in Gvegh. To Arthur, he says in Galanglic, "What
Pack Leader Kfarollakh means is that he expects that your curiosity has
compelled you to learn what you can about your new surroundings."
Arthur nods.
Kfarollakh looks up at the monitor and growls.
Mazun smiles, amused.
The monitor displays the message "untranslatable". To Mazun, Kfarollakh says,
"Thank you."
Mazun nods politely.
Kfarollakh clears his throat and continues, "The Vakh don't care if you're human
or vargr. We are all their prey. This is why it is important that we fight them
as unified pack."
"Together," Mazun whispers to Arthur.
Kfarollakh ignores the computer's error and walks over to Joe. "Joe was slave
aboard Vakh ship. Captain Nokh found Joe and rest of crew out in Wilds while on
a scrounging run. Vakh ship controlled crew of Joe through complex cybernetic
implants. After Nokh and his crew rescued them, ship of Nokh came under attack
from other Vakh ships. Joe took over for a prone/motionless gunner crew and
blinded the Vakh that would have prevented their escape. His bravery, not to
mention his teeth are why they are here today."
Nokh wags his tail.
Kfarollakh returns to Arthur's bedside. "We have a need for warrior wolves with
great strength and sharp teeth. We believe that you have these qualities. We
also understand from our ancestors that there were many humans who fought with
honor and integrity to rival any Aslan. I suspect that you have these traits as
well.
"We are sending patrols out into the Wilds to contact other worlds, hunt for
technology that will help us, and find Vakh nests to destroy."
Kfarollakh's voice takes on a tone of respect. "We know from our tests that
Darrurz is very good starship pilot. We have not tested Mazun yet but his
cryoberth contained his personnel file and former leaders praised his skills.
Out in the Wilds, their knowledge of the Imperium's old technology, which our
cousins could not stop themselves from wanting to steal, is highly valuable.
Your knowledge of weapon systems would add to this pack in the making."
Kfarollakh retreats to Nokh's side and addresses the group as a whole, "I did
not say this before but will now. It is easy for you as Imperium citizens to
think of us as enemy. I do not blame you for this. It is natural given our
history. While we say Imperium is dead you do not believe it true. If we are
wrong, we will not stop you from going to them."
Nokh's head snaps to face Kfarollakh. Confusion evident on his face. He utters a
simple whine which the monitor displays as "untranslatable".
"Yes, Nokh. Our war is with the Vakh not dead Imperium. If our new friends are
to be packmates, they must want to or else they will resent us; think themselves
prisoners. As that is unacceptable to our people, so too them."
Nokh nods his head.
Mazun has raised an eyebrow at the exchange and looks Kfarollakh straight in the
eye. He nods and says, "That is much appreciated."
Kfarollakh's tail wags and he continues address Arthur, "I realize that you must
be accustomed to greater standard of living, but this is the den we have and we
will fight to defend it at all costs. Although you are new here, Tagan Pack
Security would very much like it if you would join our pack and hunt with us.
Before you give me your answer, I am sure you have questions of your own. It is
only fair. I will answer them as best I can."
Mazun looks at Arthur. "We already bombarded them with our questions, so it's
your time, Arthur."
Arthur takes a deep breath and lets it out. "While what you say sheds some
light, I am still struggling with the duration of the sleep, as well as not
knowing the details of how and where I was recovered. This makes me somewhat
hesitant of extending full trust."
Kfarollakh replies, "That is understandable."
Arthur continues, "I have fought and killed many Vargr, in my previous position,
and well deserving of their fate they were. I have also fought and killed
numbers of my own kind, for they also threatened the society I was part of, and
believed in. If what you say is true, then I’ll be lookin’ for a new society,
and might as well start here. Time will tell, I guess."
Nokh turns to face Kfarollakh. His tail wags and he pants. After his licking his
teeth, he whimpers briefly, then he says, "Sir, we should tell them something.
We did tell them about Joe."
Kfarollakh answers, "Yes, yes. We should." He licks his teeth and scratches his
neck with his paw, then rubs his snout. "I can not tell you the name of the
planet we found you on," he indicates all three cryoberth refugees, "for that
information is still classified, but I can tell you about it."
Seeing that he has your attention, he continues, "You were found in a wide open
space warehouse." Noting puzzlement on Mazun's face, he confers with him. The
adjective that the translation software should've used to describe the
warehouse was "vast".
After a brief growl, Kfarollakh continues, "One section of racks were filled
with cryoberth tubes. Human. Vargr. We do not know why you were there but the
place was run by Vakh machines. The scout pack that was sent in neutered the
machine servants. Vakh leader computer was damaged so information was scarce and
difficult to grab. It operated the warehouse under the orders of Vakh pack
leader but we do not know where its lair is. We think it is offworld because
there was no other Vakh activity on that world. The scout pack grabbed as many
cryotubes as it could and left. You were among those taken. We sent a larger
hunting party to get the rest but they are not due back for some time.
"We do not have proof, but we suspect that you were to be used as slaves just
as Joe was."
Darrurz looks into space with his snout open, showing the slightest amount of
teeth. His ears are up but his tail is still. He's surprised and fearful when
he says, "A vast warehouse of cryoberths? To be used as slaves? They are
stockpiling. Either the Vakh leader has a vast pack or we were a commodity to
be traded." He looks at Kfarollakh and Nokh before continuing, "Knowing what
currency the Vakh trade in will add another weapon to the armoury. Parts are
obvious, as are slaves." He asks himself rhetorically, "But what value do they
put on them? And what and how do they trade in them?"
Mazun rubs his chin. "Very interesting. Well, I am definitely not going to join
the Vakh. I wonder how many of our old comrades are in those berths," he adds,
with a glance at Arthur.
Arthur replies to Kfarollakh, "‘Course, this makes it personal, if what you are
sayin’ is true. Determining the veracity of your statements would seem to
involve gettin’ outta here, and back into action, with the ability to opt out,
if we determine what you say to be false.
"That option, in itself, would probably prove to be problematic, for all parties
involved.
"I’ve havin’ a tough time getting my head wrapped around this 'still secret'
puppy shit, with us locked down, not knowing anything about our surroundings,
and not knowin’ anyone, period.
"‘Less you’re worried about these Vakh recapturing us in the near future, like,
before your strike to recapture what you can of the cyrotube farm goes in, and
can get clear.
"Of course, this presupposes we're not the recovery team. If this isn’t the
case, the info transmission lag from a leak in the 'target info', to the Vakh
target itself doesn’t compute, so I’m back to the WTF, in regards to the
secrecy."
Mazun says to Arthur, "No, we are not the recovery team. I for one am not
joining a purely military operation, and I believe neither is Darrurz."
Kfarollakh confirms, "Mazun is correct. The recovery team left weeks ago.
Darrurz and Mazun stated a preference for diplomacy. As you are packmates, we
would keep you with them.
"There are survivors out there—some struggling, others better
off—and we need to establish relationships with them, preferably favorable
ones. We could bully our way in and take what we want, and many have argued
that is what we should do, but that makes enemies of our neighbors. The Pack
needs allies. Today's malnourished vagrants can be tomorrow's packmates in arms.
This is the mission that Darrurz and Mazun have indicated a preference for." He
pauses, then adds, "For the Vakh, there is no diplomacy. Kill or be killed.
"As for you being 'locked down', I am not sure what that means entirely but the
computer says it is similar to being chained to a very short leash or held in a
small pen. That is not true. Mazun and Darrurz were taken to a park this morning
for open air. And they were told when we met with them this morning that, if
they reject our offer, they are free to go. The same is true for you. If you
reject our offer, you can go." He sighs. "Perhaps I should have waited to have
you all together so I only had to explain this one time."
Mazun says to Kfarollakh and Nokh, "Maybe it would help if we understood why the
location is kept secret. I am guessing it's a decision from above?"
Kfarollakh answers, "It is and I am not sure they would approve of what I have
told you so far as this is not public knowledge. There are two reasons. The
first answer is quite simple: fear. If the population learned that the Vakh were
stockpiling people to be used as currency or some other evil purpose, they
would panic. Surely you saw this during your own time when my greedy ancestors
invaded your Imperium.
"The second is that the world is considered a strategic asset. While not a depot
world in the traditional sense, it could still offer spare parts that we can
not replicate with our technology." His voice takes on an edge. "The Tagan Pack
is no monolithic force like your Imperium. It is held together by the faith of
the people in their leaders. Among my people, there are always those who would
seek to escalate their own charisma no matter what the costs. History shows this
to be true.
"How many humans and vargr had to die just so Dzo The Ruthless could have his
own empire?
"Idugkfuegh, the Ruler of Five, trampled over almost a whole sector of vargr
worlds over the course of your Imperium's civil war because he sensed your
weakness and wanted to exploit it. He did not care about those vargr worlds
because they were in his way.
"You look at my face and see just another vargr like the ones you fought. But I
can tell you that we are not the same. The pack follows its leader—this is
true—but he must earn their loyalty. Too many forgot that the leader must
also protect the pack. The blood of the pack is not to be spilled for personal
ambition. If the location were not secret, the avaricious would plunder it for
their own gain. Do not think for a moment that the corsairs are dead. The fools
may be dead, but the shrewd survive."
"Gentlemen, thank you very much for your frankness. Would it be possible for us
four," Mazun looks at Joe intending to include him, "to discuss your offer in
private?"
"Yes," Kfarollakh says succinctly.
Joe flicks his fingers toward the insignia on his uniform. "My decision has been
made. Even if they had not been responsible for saving my life, I would have
offered my services."
Joe's face goes contemplative. "As to cryotube farms, I've walked those
corridors with expectations to come back with replacement..." he pauses, his
face showing clear distaste for his next word, "parts." Joe shakes his head
trying to clear the word from his psyche. "There are more than one of them by
the way—at least I remember two distinct smells from the farms 'Bright
Horizons' took us to—and at one farm we were instructed to refer to the
shepherd, err I mean Vakh, as 'Mother' and at another as 'John Smith'"
"That is good you told us this, Joe," Nokh says encouragingly.
Kfarollakh nods in agreement.
Joe's face clears and opens his eyes. Whatever vision he was reliving ended.
"I'm sorry."
"Yes my decision is made! If you want me to stay and talk I will," then in
weirdly accented Anglic he concludes, "but my blade is spoken for."
Darrurz's head moves slightly to the left and his left ear drops. "What did
'Bright Horizons' pay 'Mother' and 'John Smith' with?"
Joe turns toward Darrurz. "We offloaded some cargo, each time. I can't remember
what specifically we were carrying those days, but it was probably some rocks or
minerals. We carried those a lot. Maria was our cargo specialist," he pauses to
wipe away a tear. "She wasn't one of the crew who made it."
As Nokh holds the door open for Kfarollakh, the latter says, "When you are done,
have Arthur get dressed. There is something I want to show you."
"What's that?" Mazun asks.
"Your cryoberth tubes."
Characters: Mazun Contreras, Darrurz, Arthur McClendon, Joseph
Wright
Location: Arthur's room at the hospital
System: Tagan
The Pack Security officers have left the room at Mazun's request.
Mazun looks around for a place to sit and motions everybody to get comfortable.
He looks at Arthur, Joe, and Darrurz in turn.
"This is quite a strange situation. I'll be honest, I spent some time thinking
this was some elaborate plot, but it makes so little sense that it has to be
true." He smiles. "It still feels like it was yesterday that I was a commander
and Chief Engineer fighting a fratricide war. I guess you feel all the same."
Joe doesn't feel the same, but remains silent. He just smiles. He has a warm
feeling in his gut at Mazun's accidental phrase of inclusion, even though his
head tells him his experience is nothing like theirs.
"No use hanging on to that. I've mostly made up my mind. I want to go into space
again and see what is there now myself. The Tagans' offer seems to be
reasonable and it is not as if we had a lot to choose from. And it seems to me
they have done a good job in putting us together. It's a reasonable fit for the
crew of a bathtub, er, a small starship."
He sighs.
"It will take a while to accept emotionally that the Imperium is gone, and I am
not sure I will be happy staying in the Extents for long, but one step at a
time. I think the best for us is to get out there and spend some time collecting
information with a friendly place to go back to, before, well, maybe thinking
it over again. And I intend to be quite honest with the Tagans on that, I am
only signing on for a period, not for life.
"That said, I also think we should get the better deal we can before we sign
on," he says, winking at Darrurz.
Darrurz laughs. "You can only negotiate if you have some position to negotiate
from. We have very little position.
Joe has a puzzled look on his face. "You keep speaking of this Imperium place so
highly, yet I also hear of you talking of a fratricide war. That doesn't sound
so idyllic to me. If I also believe what the Tagans are telling us, it is that
same Imperium that is responsible for the Vakh!"
Mazun looks at Joe. "I understand how it might sound to you. Well, I don't know
about the Vakh, and I doubt anybody knows who was responsible. But the Imperium
lasted well over a thousand years and believe me, it was worth having. Then some
mad men took it down. Anyway, it's not important now."
Joe continues, "Now I know I've got more holes in my head than some cheeses, but
I remember seeing many places, and everywhere I remember, every face I saw was
one of despondency and failure. But when I woke up here things were different,
the faces were full of hope, full of purpose, full of...," Joe pauses, "light.
You may not agree, but I want to do all I can to see that light spread and grow
brighter, and I have committed the rest of my life to that end."
Mazun nods. "Fair enough. Then we'll be partners for some time." He smiles. "I
just want the option to reconsider down the road. Might well be years, and I
might sign on again. But I am not ready to commit the rest of my life after just
a few days of rather limited experience."
Mazun turns to face, in turn, Arthur and Darrurz. "What do you two think? This
is a rather important decision and it is imperative that we voice how we feel."
Arthur responds, "Oh, I agree, particularly about leaving our future options
open. This looks and sounds like a good deal, at least for the short term. And
if they meet their commitments, it'll look even better."
Darrurz speaks, "The Extents is not a 'human' area of space. You will be the
minority where once you were the majority. I understand that. I was in that
position in the Imperium. Pack Security aren't asking for us to sign on for
life; that's not the way we work. The Tagans will be fighting for their state to
stay together in the medium term, as they have an external enemy in the Vakh.
They probably have a good chance. They know division will mean their downfall.
But with us, things change. This is normal. Our only lifelong commitments are
generally to our mates and our pups.
"I believe that this is where I was brought, where I can do the most good, where
I am needed, and Pack Security have offered me the opportunity to help. I think
we can all help and benefit the Tagan Pack as well as ourselves. We can help
build a society. If there are other better opportunities for us to take then we
can take them. If there are better ways for me to help then I hope I will see
them when they come."
Mazun nods. "Then it's settled, right? We will tell them that we agree to join
their exploring-trading service." He smiles broadly. "Just two things: first, it
might not be necessary to make it explicit that this is not a lifelong
commitment, but we still expect to be paid, so there will be some sort of
contract and time frame for it, right? This we just need to clarify, but I see
it as filling in the details.
"Second, I do not think we have no bargaining position. Our skills are valuable,
and securing our loyalty is important, they can easily figure out that if we
are forced to sign in under unattractive conditions we might not stay long, and
that's not in anybody's interest. So I would still haggle a bit. Again, details,
and these I am happy to leave to you, Darrurz."
Darrurz tilts his head slightly to the left and he smiles, showing a small
amount of teeth before he nods his head. He lifts his muzzle and takes the air.
His ear twitches as he notes the subtleties of each of their scents to impress
on his memory.
Next: Cryotube Storage Room