Scrambled, page 24
part #14 of Directorate Series
Which resulted in a lesson on how to skin and butcher a large dinosaur.
With four travois, they were able to strip the dinos to the bone, and haul all the meat away.
As he headed back toward "home" Ahco could hear Little . . . Zog . . . complaining.
"Why didn't we keep any meat?"
"Because Captain Ahco has to feed six thousand people. We only need worry about six hundred." Nick's voice dropped down into baritone range, then up again.
Poe heard him too, and glanced back. "He worries about your people as well as his. He cares. Despite all we have done to him, his honor remains intact."
Ahco opened his mouth to say that he was a ruthless killer.
"Everyone has a right to defend themselves, and a moral obligation to protect the weak." Poe looked back. "The One would not accept Abbas' refusal either. That's when the killing started. Too late for their bodies, but they saved their souls."
Ahco stopped and watched the little man walking through the tall grass, quick feet agile on the rough ground.
All priests don't feel like that. They can't! Surely they don't.
Poe glanced over his shoulder. "There are always boys who feel a calling, or try to, to please their parents. My father tried to persuade us that it was an honor. My older brother went quietly. I tried to run."
"And of course the older priests . . . they control the use of the power of the whole. I cannot say that there is not residual hatred there, but there is definitely the desire of power and determination to hold it."
"Older? You said you were . . . "
"A hundred and twenty-two. More than half are older, and the eldest, now that Emre is gone, is close to nine hundred years old. They are the sons and grandsons of Prophets. Oh, there are younger sons of Emre, but the Elders won't allow them to mature enough to threaten their power." His laugh squeaked. "You thought us so peaceful and egalitarian? No, there are always politics. The fools thought they could take Ra'd's—Nick's—power before he matured enough to hold separate from the One Mind. Fools. The personality of a Warrior Trainee was more than a match for the whole, once the drugs wore off, and then Isakson arrived . . . an hour's difference and perhaps the slaughter could have been avoided. The only wonder is that he didn't kill us all."
"But now everything has changed. You can . . . grow any direction you wish."
"Yes. As He said. I have made a start, and I will do better, now and in the future. I will seek to develop in myself His honor."
Ahco felt a shiver up his spine. Does Nick have a disciple?
***
By the end of the week, two dozen people were starting their days with meditation and magic practice on the hill.
Nick refused to take any more people . . . and as Ahco watched, and felt carefully, he realized how often Nick was catching loss-of-control bursts of power among the students as he pushed them to develop. The aura of power over the group was not a group effect. It was Nick, spreading his power to catch potentially deadly mistakes . . . and more . . . there was information in that invisible cloud. Techniques that leaked into minds that were starting to grasp the idea. Techniques that could be practiced until they were internalized.
Poe's control developed quickly, and he increased his range.
And quite apart from his magical talents, the civilians listened to Poe. Not that he gave orders. He just mentioned what he was going to do, and perhaps some of them would like to help?
And wouldn’t it be nice if someone started a restaurant? Or a store full of abandoned clothing, so people could buy things they needed with those coins the Captain had been so clever to think of making . . . Speaking of which, would anyone like to join him, in working on the pasture fence and earn some money?
A couple of retirees took over the commons in the middle building, and held half day classes for the younger half of the teenagers.
And slowly, nearly everyone started helping.
And every day started with magic classes. Ahco found himself with a headache every day . . . and a slice range double what was considered possible.
The advanced group learned to hold three shields at once. Mental, Physical, Energy. Or two shields and then slice or throw the other spells.
They were awesome. Ahco was the strongest of the Guards. Nearly as strong as Gamer. The girl was sixteen or seventeen, talented and . . . nice.
Ahco shivered. There is no way that girl would deliberately knock a building down—and now that we know her, her holding a crumbling building up is entirely credible. Why was she even accused? And . . . are we to hold the One to its own laws? Are Nick and Abbas the only boys to ever fight their way free? Did we even consider that they might have been justified?
And if we ever return to the One World, will we suddenly cease thinking of such things?
***
By the end of the month, Nick pronounced five of them as trained as he could manage right now. "Just practice. By next year you'll be smooth and automatic, without drawing so much power. Then we'll train more."
"Next year . . . " Myyk winced. "Yeah. We're stuck here . . . No?”
Nick was shaking his head.
"You know that all the parallel worlds . . . well, they're actually diverging . . . Just before all this blew up, I met a man, an Exterior Directorate Agent, from what he called a near split. A One World where they closed the gate to Granite Peak in the face of the fleeing colonists. The Earther's never found that One World, no invasion, no nuke."
"And you believed him?"
"Yes. And he said he was working with . . . if I remember correctly . . . the Department of Interdimensional Security and Cooperation. He said they were studying a weird phenomenon, several worlds trapped in a whirlpool." Nick shrugged. "In short, people with the ability to travel the dimensions are probably looking for us."
Chapter Fifty-nine
Six Down, One to Go
14 Rajab 1411 yp
"Yes." Ebsa tried for patience. "In theory you can all hold an election and decide for or against contact with any given world, or none at all. However, to try to avoid serious contention among worlds, Disco has opened a very nice Empty World to colonization from all these various . . . displaced messes."
"Very nice?" Skeptical tones from the Miner's rep.
"Yes. Trees, grass, wild animals to hunt, fish in the streams and rivers and lakes and oceans. So far the population is just under two thousand, mostly the people from Thousand Year War, and High Cliffs, about a hundred Purps."
"Fish is not an inducement. The ocean's twenty klicks away over those hills and we were sick and tired of fish before the mixup."
"Bison and deer to hunt. We're importing cattle, sheep, and goats from eight worlds. Fruit trees, good soil for gardens." Ra'd had given up on patience during the move from the other mining world they'd finally finished three days ago.
They are starving. And still clinging to what they knew.
Even the idiot Oners over there sort of didn't want to leave.
Utly looked around. "You know, since there aren't any Oners left, and no one is shooting at anyone else . . . couldn't we just open a gate close by and they can stick their noses through and make up their minds at their own pace?"
"Oh. Good plan." Ebsa flashed a grin at the Miner. "We'll just leave you to it. We're in a bit of a rush because the scientists think they've found the last of these mixed up worlds, and we'd hate to be a few days too late to save people. Nighthawk? How about over there just off the road?"
He ignored the tense worry in the two guards' eyes. Last chance to find their missing six thousand people. And Earth is still missing over a thousand people. One, I hope they are there, because if not, we've got to consider that they were on the water world and collapsed completely enough to be below sea level.
I really would prefer to end the search with good news.
Chapter Sixty
No Accounting for War Mongers
3 May 3513 ne
"So you guys need to keep your heads down and, and . . ."
Lou nodded his thanks for the warning. "I can't believe they want to fight again. I mean . . . we're marooned on a whole world full of potential. There's no need for 'A strong man to keep us safe' and sure as hell not General Fu."
Harrison nodded. "Nor, of course, that fruitcake mutant Minister of the Oners."
Ron sat up in alarm. "You don't actually talk to them, do you!"
"Just the Red Zoners. Civilians like us, trying to survive dinosaurs and idiots that want a war."
Paulette cackled. "Like us? Don't listen to him, Sergeant. Whores and a motorcycle gang. All led by a mass murderer."
Lou shrugged. "Okay, Nick's a bit scary, but if you need help, he helps. He's . . . actually I guess he's the strong man keeping them safe over there. But he doesn't govern, he just says, no murder, no stealing, no rape. Then he walks away to go hunt."
Harrison nodded. "It's kind of weird, over there. I guess we're so used to having, you know, contraceptives, that half the women showing pregnant is kind of creepy."
"Eww. Well, I suppose we ought to expect them to breed like Natives." Denny shrugged. "But it's nice to know some of them aren't bloodthirsty killers."
"Like General Fu?" Lou pointed across the center to the tall buildings. "Nick says those are apartments. They've got something like five thousand civilians, mostly office workers like here, or retirees, trying to feed themselves, hunting and gardening."
"Five . . . thousand?"
"Yeah. Civilians. Militarily, we've got them outnumbered, but not by enough to make an attack a sure thing. Or at least that's what Nick says." Harrison frowned at the buildings. "General Fu is really going to attack? I mean, if we're marooned forever . . . shouldn't we keep all the genetic diversity we can?"
Ron hunched his shoulders. "Only through the female line, according to the general. So all of you . . . "
"Need to hide. Yeah . . . I think a long gathering expedition is in order. Get everyone twenty kilometers away from the fighting. Tomorrow, you say?" I ought to warn Nick . . . I ought to not get involved . . . Oh Hell . . .
Chapter Sixty-one
Black Horse Rebellion
1 Yusef 1400 nyp
Captain Ahco watched in disbelief as the Minister outlined his plans. Two and a half weeks to recuperate, and he’s ready to do it all over again.
"With our magic, we can take them. That Priest alone can take out their soldiers by the hundreds." His gaze fell on Ahco. "And not another word from you. I don't want to hear from pacifists, and your men will be out there. Don't quote separate status of the Black Horse Guards at me. That is solely for the purpose of guarding the President and his family, and you haven't got any."
Blink. "Actually . . . we do. And I and my men will continue to put the safety of Agzo Withione Gerund Canary first."
"What! The spoiled little snot is here? Why was I not informed?"
"We have maintained a low profile and kept him out of sight. We felt that keeping him invisible was the best way of keeping him alive."
"Bring him here!"
"No, sir. He will not enter a War Zone."
"That was an order, Captain!"
"It is in direct contravention of my standing orders from my legal chain of command. And may I point out, sir, that everyone's respect for that same Home World authority is the only reason you have any authority here? Do not deny that authority."
"You treasonous son-of-a-bitch. I will have you court-martialed."
Ahco nodded. "As soon as we return home." He turned and walked out.
Ijje reached for him, winced as his fingers hit Ahco's shield. "You are going to be responsible for every man who dies out there."
"No, Ijje, the war mongers carry all the blame on both sides. My recommendation is to try and cool the minister down. There is no need for this."
Ijje fell behind and glared as Ahco kept going.
He galloped Panther back to the apartments and summoned his guards.
And sat on the horse in the middle of the road and looked them over. "Minister MacU is bound and determined to attack the Earthers. Any of you who feel the need to join them, write out your resignation from the Black Horse Guard and head for the army base. I'm going to check on the President's son, and warn the people over there that there will be a battle very soon. Then I will return and we will discuss the best way to carry out our duties."
Panther answered to his weight shift, turned to head down the now well-worn path across to the Red Zone.
He slowed down. No matter the sense of urgency thumping at his skull, it would take days for Ijje to get his plans under way.
"I One damn hope." He looked back at galloping hooves. Slowed to a walk to let Dipper and Yucky catch up to him.
"Made up your minds, eh?"
"Yep. The Minister's going to get everyone killed. Myyk's talking to all the building committees, and figuring out how to shield the towers." Yucky looked back. "No one resigned. The Army's got seventeen people now who can hold shields."
Dipper nodded. "And Poe. Poor little priest is still following orders from anyone with the faintest whiff of authority. We might actually be able to win. If we're willing to slaughter enough people."
"Is it a form of insanity? To fight without cause?" Panther had dried, so Ahco booted him back into a trot.
"Coping mechanism of someone who can't deal with the situation, I figure." Dipper raised her voice from behind him on the narrow track. "A half-panicked belief that to be safe, you have to get rid of the threat. Of course the Earther's are apparently calling us mutants and insane murderers."
Yucky laughed. "You're kidding! Where'd you hear that?"
"From the Miners. They were all born on Earth and grew up being taught that. After all, we caused the disaster forty-seven years ago—according to them."
"Yeah, after they attacked our colony and then invaded us."
"Don't yell, Yucky. We know that. But I'll bet it isn't taught in school." Ahco spotted Nick at the school pavilion and steered that direction.
Frowned at a stranger talking to the local leaders. A raggedy unfamiliar uniform.
Nick looked his way, and stepped out of the group. Looked at the sweating horses. "Problem?"
Ahco nodded. "The minister wants to attack the Earthers again. I thought I should warn you to all be prepared to run, if necessary."
Nick summoned the stranger with a wave. "This is Lou Valenti. He's a security guard for the Earth’s Main Accounting building, which arrived intact. He says General Fu is planning an attack."
Ahco slid off the horse. "Some days I feel like hitting my head on something hard . . . other days I wonder if applying something hard to my own leaders' heads might not be a better idea."
Lou barked out a laugh. "I couldn't get close enough to do that, but I'll be hauling three hundred accountants and bookkeepers out over the hills for a few days."
Ahco grimaced. "I wish my civilians would do something so sensible."
He met Nick's gaze. "I've told the minister I'm out. I'll try to protect . . . people." He tried to not let his gaze drift toward Zog.
Nick nodded, his gaze northward. "Those fools just won't stop. I feel like I'm trapped in one of those stupid movies with families fighting to the death over some slight that happened three generations ago."
He threw his hands in the air and stalked in a small circle. "I just want to be left alone. Dammit, why . . . " He broke off to listen.
A deep thrumming.
The Earther winced. "It sounds like they've got at least one tank running again."
"Damn them! They're attacking now." Nick spun and ran for the corral. He pulled a pair of teenage girls off Zombie's back and leaped aboard. Turned her north and kicked her into a run.
Ahco looked from Zog, back in the direction of the apartments. Back to Zog who met his eyes, and nodded.
"I'll get out of here. I'm just one of hundreds, here. You've got thousands to protect."
Damn. Well, he is Agni's son.
"Right. Yucky, you stay here. You can form a small Compass and raise a shield if they start firing this direction." He looked after the galloping horse. "Dipper, go . . . observe by preference, help if you can do anything, and be sneaky!"
He swung back aboard. "Sorry, boy, but I need to get back fast."
Chapter Sixty-two
A Battle, Warrior Style
1 Yusef 1400 ne
Zombie was breathing hard and dripping sweat when Nick pulled her to a halt in the wrecked ground of the no-man's-land in between the walls.
The Earthers were in ranks, ready to flank and support the single tank they'd gotten back in working order. Something that looked like a tank's main gun sat atop a concrete bunker.
I wonder what they've jury-rigged to aim it?
Nick turned and eyed the Oner soldiers scrambling to get into place, augmenting the on-duty soldiers who'd—this time—been paying attention to the enemy.
The Minister was planning on having the initiative, he's going to be poorly prepared.
Back to the Earthers. General Fu stalked up to the wall and glared at Nick. Two soldiers behind him were supporting a staggering figure.
Fu raised his voice. "My good friend Major Atzee here has told me all about you. A mass murdering eunuch. And a damned good sniper—if only you had that gun with you.
"And he says you have magic shields. We don't believe in magic, so we'll just see how good your tech is.
"I invited you to join us once, this will be the last time. And as an added inducement . . . you can save the life of one of your magic people." Fu grinned nastily as his soldiers brought the staggering bloody figure forward. "So, do you actually care what we do to Major Atzee? Or will you enjoy watching us butcher him?"
"General Fu . . . " Nick paused and brought up a magical amplification spell to broadcast his words. "Before this disaster, I was in contact with an exploration party from a near split of my world, who claimed to be working with a dimensional organization, studying the odd behavior of the local multiverse. I suspect there is a lot of attention aimed this direction, just now, and that we will be found. Perhaps not soon, but soon enough that brutal treatment of prisoners, and blindly attacking the enemy for no good reason will be an unfortunate thing to have to report to one's superiors.
