The Red Rover, page 7
part #6 of The Rover Series Universe Series
“You wouldn’t happen to have a toothbrush, now would you?” She set the crystal back on its dais.
“Of course, we do. This is Fonantis.”
Kabibi approached the table with a cup. He set it down as she looked inside. It was clear. She lowered her nose over it to smell. It was odorless.
“If I was going to poison you. I would have done so already.”
She snatched the cup while glaring at him. He was a smug little bastard. She brought the cup to her lips, keeping her eyes on him. The fear she had seen earlier was gone. Now, he seemed quite comfortable. Delly took a sip and swallowed. A calming came over her as she exhaled. To her relief, it was water. She drank some more, swishing it around, hopeful that it would free some of the loose particles of food that were still clinging to her teeth.
“Do you mind telling me what happened to your hand?”
She almost choked, before swallowing, coughing to keep it from going down the wrong passage.
“Are you fucking kidding me? You chopped it off like a god damn butcher.”
“If you saw what I saw, I believe you would have a different opinion.”
“Easy for you to say, pal. Gimme a knife and I’ll cut one of yours off. Then we can call it even.”
She shook her head. Her blood pressure was beginning to rise all over again. She took another sip as he finally sat down, on the opposite side of the table.
“Were you running from something? When you crashed, is what I mean.”
Her eyes narrowed as her brow furrowed.
“I believe I’ve wasted enough of my time here. So, if you don’t want anything bad to happen, now would be a good time to take me back to my ship.”
Kabibi leaned back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
Delly held the cup in a tight grip. She could feel the moldings pressing into her palm. Crushing this cup with her bare hand was about the best she could hope for in containing her rage.
“This world is not what you think. It’s very dangerous.”
“You don’t say?”
“You don’t have to take my word for it. I can show you.”
Kabibi leaned forward. He reached for the crystal ball and plucked it off the dais. He held it with both hands between them as she sat there dumbfounded. If this was his way of distracting her, it wasn’t going to work.
Murky grey and black clouds appeared within the crystal. The kitchen lights dimmed as she looked around. They were still alone and this was making her somewhat uncomfortable, to say the least.
“What’s going on? What are you doing?”
“Patience Delly.”
Within moments, she and Kabibi were no longer within his kitchen, instead surrounded by a map of the star system. It was named Iscoa. The pink dwarf planet, Kethyrie, was glowing as it seemed like they were moving towards it.
Delly remained motionless. The visuals he was showing her were nearly identical to the ones she saw while piloting the Yellow Rover. The descent from the planet’s exosphere toward the surface would reveal a horizontal planetary map. Spread across the northern half of Kethyrie was a continental mass. To the south was a smattering of large islands.
“Long ago, Kethyrie was home to many cultures.”
Dots appeared all over the map, although, they were largely concentrated among the southern islands. There was a sole dot covering a section of the northern continent. This section went from the southernmost tip east like a waxing crescent moon up to the north.
“The majority of whom lived within the southern hemisphere. The largest among them was us, the Fonantians, along with the Motiecurons, Craekeans, Honoxians and the Rookanga.” He went on.
The map began to glow as Iscoa grew brighter. Delly partially shielded her eyes, but could not look away. This was fascinating. The water surrounding those islands was starting to evaporate, turning the islands into a land mass of their own.
“Eventually, under the blistering star above us, the fresh waters that fueled our cultures for generations dried up, forcing the survivors north in search of sanctuary.”
The map gave way to an overlook of the caravans from the five largest southern civilizations who were traveling north in search of new places to settle.
“This would have been acceptable of course, if the Paprijians had not already developed a culture of their own on this fertile land.”
The Paprijian civilization was predominantly a group of hunter-gatherers. Their physical characteristics were reminiscent to anthropomorphic dingoes. Their three settlements were each located closest to the bodies of freshwater to the north, south and east.
“An archaic species, the Paprijians rarely ventured outside of their northern environs, choosing to keep to themselves instead.” Kabibi cleared his throat. “But still, the Paprijians were benevolent, granting each culture refuge.”
The visual morphed back into a map, its focus now settling on the northern hemisphere. Small encampments from the five southern civilizations began establishing themselves around all three Paprijian settlements.
“Unfortunately, the Paprijian kindness was neither appreciated nor was it reciprocated. Over time, the five cultures grew, in all facets of society. They encroached upon the Paprijian hegemony, annexing territory from them.”
So, you stole their land?
Delly shook her head. This was a story she had read and heard about many times growing up. While her native lineage had been reduced to a fraction of her genetic material, she still empathized with her ancestors’ plight. Her second name, Etania, was a testament to how much her father respected and cared about his offspring’s understanding of their heritage.
The virtual map displayed the changing demographics of the continent, with the Paprijian settlements shrinking, while the other five were growing in varying degrees. The jockeying for power had seemingly only just begun.
“For over multitudinous intervals, these six cultures fought one another in a devastating conflict for these exiguous lands.” Kabibi said.
The map underwent another transformation as Delly watched as the boundaries redrew themselves over the years. The Paprijians had been pushed to the west-center of the continent, in an area described as the batstu. On the western side was a series of mountains that were uninhabitable. Motiecura took the place of the Paprijian southern settlement, with Rookanga grabbing the north. Fonantis was left with most of the eastern seaboard, having become the largest and the most powerful of the three civilizations.
The map dissolved as Delly was shocked back to reality. Once again, she was sitting opposite Kabibi at the kitchen table. He had returned the crystal ball to the dais. His face looked well beyond introspective, slanted more towards melancholy than anything else.
“Like those who have existed before them, the Craekeans and the Honoxians have become mere footnotes, historically speaking. Their regioners were conquered, while the citizens unable to assimilate were consumed. The unending animus devastated the northern hemisphere of Kethyrie nearly to the degree as the southern before it. The standing citizenries begrudgingly accepted an abatement, which has remained in effect for over two hundred intervals.”
Kabibi brought his eyes to meet hers.
“Our citizenry no longer have allowance. No, we chose convention instead.”
“And what of the Paprijians? What happened to them?”
“They still exist.”
“In what way?”
“They’re not the Craekeans nor the Honoxians. But they’re also not one of us either.”
Delly buried her face in her left hand. The history of this planet was even more revolting than the cuisine Kabibi had served to her earlier. Not to mention, the relaxed manner in which he explained the Paprijian genocide and property theft was disconcerting.
While she had previously agreed to spare their lives, Delly also knew that she could no longer stay in a place such as this. She needed to get back to the Yellow Rover and resume her cosmic travels. If going back to the Rover Base all by herself was her only option, that was still better than remaining on a world that could break out in civil war at any given moment.
“Kabibi, I really need to get back to my ship.”
“I understand—”
“No, I don’t belong here. All right! This isn’t my home. Now, I appreciate the history lesson of your little pink planet here, but my patience, right now—is nil.”
“You still don’t understand. I need to get permission first.”
“What?”
“My research expeditions are only permitted once every forty-five cycles.”
“And what exactly is a cycle?”
“The combination of the light and the dark.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
Kabibi looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. He was obviously having a hard time understanding some of her nomenclature. She released an exasperated sigh.
“So, when exactly will you be allowed to leave next?”
“Thirty-three cycles from today.”
Delly scoffed, slapping her forehead in amazement. She had to chuckle to keep from crying. This was the last thing she wanted nor needed to hear.
“Until that time, the best course of action is for you to remain here with us and out of sight.” He went on.
A brief silence fell over the room as Delly processed the totality of his words. From the way Kabibi spoke, it was now clear that her being in his home was illegal. If she was to ever escape Fonantis and return to the Yellow Rover, it would only be possible through him.
She raised her head as their two eyes met once more.
“How will your wife feel about all of this—you know, considering how I threatened your lives?”
“You just leave that to me. I will deal with Citera.”
“And what about this?”
She held up her right arm. Pointing the nub towards him.
“I will work on something to rectify that as well. You have my word.”
She sucked her teeth. This experience was testing her resolve more than any other, which was saying something a lot considering she had survived multiple shuttle crashes.
“Lucky me.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
UNEASINESS REIGNS SUPREME
Jovan marveled at the unidentified pink planet up ahead in the distance. It was noticeably smaller than all of the other worlds the Red Rover had passed, throughout this star system. The beacon signal had only grown stronger since his last shift. It wouldn’t be long now until they were invading another world. His concentration was broken as he glanced to the copilots seat where Marius sat, hunched over. He had been coughing from the moment he entered the cockpit.
“Are you sure you’re all right, sir?”
“Yeah.” He responded, in-between another coughing fit. “Jesus, what’s taking Gordie so long? I give him a simple task and—”
Marius snorted, pounding his chest, before swallowing whatever was trying to escape his body. He wiped his mouth and looked at Jovan.
“Just a little cosmic sickness, that’s all. I think I’m not getting enough sleep.”
Jovan nodded, giving him a faux smile. Marius was lying right to his face. Growing up in a physician’s household, he learned from an early age what a sick person looked like, especially when they were in denial.
Still, if Marius stated he was all right, Jovan would give him the benefit of the doubt. He had at least earned that much. This was the same man who had risked life and limb to save him and the other cadets time and time again. No one would ever be able to question his love and devotion to his troops.
The cockpit exit door opened. Marius swiveled his chair around completely, while Jovan only went halfway, preferring to keep one eye on the space in front of them. The other six cadets entered, passing Witchy who remained perched in her usual position—the captain’s seat.
“You wanted to see us, sir?” Andrew asked.
“There’s a lot going on, so no point in me wasting precious oxygen.”
Marius cleared his throat, before pointing back towards the stars ahead of them.
“If you look out that window, you’ll see that we’re nearly to our destination. ETA—a few days. Right Jovan?”
“Yeah, I’d say that’s accurate.”
“Somewhere down there is a ship. One of ours. Now the way I see it, they could’ve established a colony or—well, we’re all adults here. You get it.”
There was a laser-like focus amongst the other cadets that Jovan had never seen before. Their experiences since leaving the Rover Base had hardened them. Risking their lives had somehow become old hat, which was a mixed bag as far as pride was concerned.
“So, from this point on, tighten up your rotations, in here and around the ship, do your strength-training, but most importantly, get your minds right. I have a feeling life is about to get hectic again. Any questions?”
Marius looked around the room. No one said a word. He made eye contact with Jovan last. He held back a slight cough as Jovan nodded. He would keep Marius’ sickness between the two of them, at least for now. However, if anyone else brought it up to him, then all bets would be off.
“Carry on then.”
He lifted himself out of the copilots’ seat and headed for the exit as the other cadets parted ways allowing him to pass through. Once he was gone, they all just stood around for a few moments, collecting their thoughts.
“Hey!” Jovan said.
They all turned to him.
“Will one of you please give Witchy a bath or get her the hell out of here? She stinks to high heaven and it’s making me nauseous.”
<>
“Heart rate looks good. Blood flow too.”
Callista removed the heart monitor from Rio’s chest, setting it down on the infirmary countertop.
“Was there ever any doubt?” Rio remarked while zipping up her uniform.
“I don’t know, you can never be too careful. We just went through a traumatic experience. You can’t be surprised if the body reacts in a negative way to something like that.”
“Yeah, I see what you mean.”
Callista grabbed the heart monitor and returned it to its place within the cabinet.
“Can I ask you something?” Rio asked as she turned around.
“Sure.”
“What do you think about me and Orion?”
Callista was taken aback. Rio looked sincere in wanting her opinion. Not that it made any sense to her, considering their relationship was none of her business.
“You’re gonna have to be a little bit more specific, Rio.”
“Do you think it’s a good idea that we’re a couple?”
“Is that what you are?”
“Yeah—I mean—I think so. You don’t think so?”
Callista shrugged. She was tongue-tied. Far be it from her to have a better understanding of the relationship Rio had with Orion than Rio herself.
“Rio—I don’t even—”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. The last thing you need to do is hear about this shit.” She headed for the exit.
“Rio. Wait.”
She stopped and turned around.
“What the hell’s going on?”
“I don’t know. Ever since I told him I love him and he said the same to me, it’s like our relationship has changed. I get it, it sounds stupid, but hear me out.”
Callista gestured that the floor was hers.
“Our interactions—it’s like—they flipped overnight. Whereas we used to have fun all the time, now everything’s so serious. Is this really what being in love is about?”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been in that kind of love before. Perhaps you would be better off asking Andrew.”
“No. The last thing I wanna do is spread this around. And I wanted another woman’s opinion.”
“You mean who wasn’t June.”
“Exactly. By the way, has she said anything about my relationship with him?”
“If she did, do you really think I would tell you?”
“Probably not.”
“My mother always told me that nothing good ever came from engaging in gossip. It’s self-destructive behavior. We all need to be aligned, in-sync. How could we possibly do that if we’re all talking shit about each other?”
Rio scoffed. Callista was hopeful she had made her point without hurting her feelings. Although, it was hard to tell from Rio’s body language. They stood in awkward silence for two to three seconds while Rio just shook her head back and forth.
“Wow. I feel like an idiot.”
“Rio, I didn’t mean it like—”
“No, you are absolutely right. I’m moving way too fast. I doubt it’s been even three months since we said those words, but I’m already losing my mind. I need to slow down. If not for nothing else, my own health.”
Callista approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She smiled as Rio’s eyes met hers.
“That sounds like a good idea. But a word of advice.”
“Please.”
“Don’t say any of this to Orion. You don’t wanna freak him out.”
Rio nodded in agreement.
“Good point.”
<>
June sat on the locker room bench rubbing the exterior of her sidearm. Her primary weapon was propped against the door of her locker. Her eyes were red as she had been crying. Outside of eating and her time learning how to pilot the Red Rover, she spent most of her waking moments wracked with guilt.
She was one of the lucky ones, along with the rest of the Red Rover crew to escape the Draconoire station with their lives. Not a day went by where she didn’t wonder what happened to those alien women, who she and Callista shared their imprisonment with. Unlike them, those women were probably not so lucky. All she could hope was that they were no longer suffering.
Her breathing intensified as she clutched the trigger, pointing the sidearm at her locker. She repositioned it to her temple while closing her eyes. She gently tapped the weapon against her head.
Would ending it all really be so bad? At least then, I wouldn’t have to deal with the suffering. Why can’t things just go back to the way they used to be? None of this is right.
