Odyssey (Galactic Neighborhood Book 2) Page 12

  “How was the water taken? What do you mean?”

  Sh’zul shared a memory with her of vast silvery ships which hovered over the surface of the oceans, drawing the water up through large thick tubes which resembled drinking straws. The same ships could be seen scouring the surface of the planet, removing plant and animal life until there was nothing left but rock. Kiren now understood Sahara was not the victim of a natural disaster, rather it was harvested for its resources by an alien race. This explained a number of things, but there were many questions still left unanswered.

  “When did this happen?”

  Sh’zul paused, obviously confused about how to answer the question.

  It was long ago, before I came to be. The memory has been kept by many First Ones.

  “They must have taken your own kind along with everything else. How did any of the Rxyl survive?”

  It did not happen quickly. We chose to hide ourselves beneath the surface. We took with us the things needed to live. Many Rxyl ceased to be. It is difficult for us this way, but we had no choice.

  Kiren’s heart nearly broke at the sorrow in Sh’zul’s thoughts. His people were struggling and he feared they, too, would eventually ‘cease to be’ like so many others.

  “As far as we know, there are no other Rxyl on the planet except you, but we are going to do everything we can to help. We are bringing water back to refill the oceans and lakes, and we will try to make everything green again on the surface. This place belongs to you, and we will remove the humans if the Rxyl wish it. If you choose not to remain here, we will move you to another planet where you can live freely and without fear. If there are other things you need we will do everything we can to provide it.”

  All humans will leave this place?

  “If you wish. We can still protect you without ever touching the surface. If you want us to continue to restore your world, there would be minimal contact until the restoration is complete. It is your choice.”

  And if we wish for humans to remain?

  “It will be your choice. This place belongs to the Rxyl. If humans remain here, it will be with your permission and under whatever rules you set.”

  If we choose to leave this place, there are other worlds where my people may go?

  “Yes. We would search for one which is most like what this world used to be, and then take you there. Once you are comfortable, we could leave, stay, or visit you from time to time. You would decide.”

  Sh’zul remained quiet for the longest time, and Kiren could tell he was communicating with his people. She was just catching the edges of his thoughts, and the jumbled tangle of the group conversation which was taking place. The very tip of his large tail flicked back and forth as the minutes ticked past. It was uncomfortable squatting inside the burrows, and so she crawled out of the opening into the much larger space just outside.

  There she could stand and stretch while waiting for Sh’zul to finish speaking to his people. She rubbed the back of her neck in an effort to work out some of the kinks, and her hand slipped over the slight bump of the monitoring device, wondering if the signal was getting through and what they were making of the readings. It wouldn’t be difficult for them to see she was beginning to tire, but there was too much yet to learn, and she shoved the temptation to rest firmly out of her mind.

  Moments later, Sh’zul crawled out of the burrows and joined her.

  We welcome your help, but the time to decide has not come. Do you wish to see more, or rest?

  “I would like to continue. I can rest later if I get too tired.”

  They left the burrows behind and began yet another steep descent a little further down the main tunnel. Kiren kept her distance from Sh’zul so as not to accidentally slide into the very sharp spines on the end of his tail. On the way, he told her the Rxyl rested during the heat of the day and ventured to the surface only after darkness. When the planet was green and lush, they enjoyed lounging in or near the water, but always in the shade. The patterned coloring of their scales served as camouflage and is unique for every individual.

  For humans this would prove helpful, as they are not able to detect pheromones or hear the mind-voice of an approaching Rxyl. Kiren, in turn, explained what to look for in figuring out the differences between her people. Sh’zul assured her they would have no trouble, as their sense of smell was strong enough to immediately determine who was who. In addition, a mind link with someone would also identify the person, if they were close enough to sense.

  After several minutes of uncomfortable crawling, Kiren began to hear what sounded like the splashing of water. The air now felt cool and moist, and Sh’zul confirmed they were approaching the aquifer which kept his people alive. This particular group of Rxyl once lived along the shores of the huge inland sea nearby. In the scramble to hide from the aliens, this aquifer was discovered, and Sh’zul’s ancestors quickly made the area their new home, expanding and improving as time passed.

  Kiren followed Sh’zul through a large opening, evidently carved out of the rock by years of flowing water. It was dark gray, smooth, and felt cool even through her clothing. They stopped on an elevated platform of rock which jutted out into the cavernous room, above and slightly behind the waterline. The pool was akin to a small lake, shallow around the edges but too deep to see the bottom. Scores of Rxyl lounged in and around the edges of the water, while some were actually swimming or floating on the surface.

  The water once covered the place where we stand. We do not know how much longer it will last.

  Kiren could see the rings which stained the walls of the great cavern, starting at the ceiling far above her head and reaching all the way down to the current water line.

  “We are bringing water back to the planet, starting with the large sea nearby. If this aquifer is connected to it, the water levels here should begin to rise soon.”

  Sh’zul invited Kiren to join him in the water, but she preferred to remain high and dry, observing her new friends as they relaxed and enjoyed themselves. She sat on the lip of the rock, feet dangling off the edge, and watched as Sh’zul scurried across the smooth stone floor and into the water. Using his large wide feet, he was soon near the center of the pool, where he gradually drifted to a stop. She could sense his pleasure through their link, though he wasn’t sharing any particular thoughts with her. She had no way to control her own thoughts, and hoped she wasn’t disturbing him with all the things on her mind. She assumed he was able to shut them out, and stopped worrying about it.

  It wasn’t long before a larger Rxyl launched itself into the water, and headed directly for Sh’zul. Before it reached him, he turned over in the water to float on his back. His underside was a series of smooth interconnected scales, without the sharp spines which covered the rest of his body. The approaching Rxyl slowed its approach, and then glided smoothly over the top of Sh’zul until they were resting belly to belly. Briefly, they both sank under the water, and then bobbed to the surface vertically, with only their head and shoulders above the surface.

  Kiren blushed as she realized they were actually engaged in an intimate act, though none of the others seemed to pay them any attention. Her discomfort grew as they thrashed about in the water, Sh’zul’s pleasure carrying across to her through their link. She was relieved when they parted ways after only a couple of minutes, floating peacefully near the center of the pool.

  Kiren happened to turn her head and caught a glimpse of a Rxyl behind her on the rock, making her jump in surprise. It was incredible how quietly they could move, and she had no idea when it arrived. She pulled her legs up and turned around to face – him? Her? This particular individual was noticeably larger than Sh’zul, like his partner of a few moments ago, so she assumed it was a female. Her confusion must have registered with Sh’zul.

  She is a scout. She will protect you until I return. Her name is Sh’tar.

  Kiren looked over her bodyguard and noted the striking pattern of her scales, which were more flowing than sca
ttered like the others. They reminded her of waves of hair or curls of smoke on a darker background. Sh’tar did not move, but watched Kiren very carefully, and blocked access to her from behind with her large body. Kiren crawled forward until she was within reaching distance of Sh’tar’s face, and then took off one of her gloves and extended her hand. She was rewarded with a deep sniff and a quick lick of her tongue, and then settled back down again.

  Rxyl facial features were a strange combination of fierce and friendly at the same time. Long sharp spikes sprouted across the top and sides of the head, which melded into flat scales around the eyes, mouth and chin. They had no nose to speak of, only two well-concealed breathing holes which went largely unnoticed at first glance. The mouth was lipless and broad, giving them a rather bland expression, as though they were patiently waiting for something exciting to happen. The eyes were small, round, and black, spaced widely on the face, enabling them to see straight ahead and to the side without turning.

  Kiren reached out once again, slowly, and gently rubbed a finger tip down the side of Sh’tar’s face, careful to avoid any of the spikes. The scales were pebbled and cool, providing what Kiren assumed was a very strong armor. Sh’tar’s tail began to thump softly against the stone floor, her eyes half closed as she basked in Kiren’s attention. Sh’zul’s mental presence was suddenly very strong, and she knew without turning he was behind her on the rock shelf. She withdrew her hand, but remained where she was.

  “Please thank Sh’tar for protecting me, and tell her I think she is very beautiful.”

  She is pleased. She wishes to share your thoughts, as we do.

  “Yes! Perhaps we can arrange it when I return.”

  Sh’tar turned slowly, making sure not to strike Kiren with her tail, and left the cavern.

  There is more, Kiren. Come.

  She gathered up her things and followed Sh’zul into the outer room, and then down a series of similar tunnels, turning so many times she lost count. Occasionally, they encountered other Rxyl going about their business, waiting patiently for them to pass. This was their active time of day, and she wondered why there weren’t more of his people about.

  Few need to come this way. We are near the birthing chambers. Our young cannot be disturbed as they grow.

  It took Kiren a few moments to put two and two together, but if she was right it would make a lot of sense.

  “Is that why you tried to stop the digging and buried our equipment?”

  Yes. The chambers were very close, and the young were in danger.

  Kiren winced as she considered what their activity might have cost the Rxyl.

  “Was anyone hurt? Are the eggs safe?”

  All are safe now. Your thoughts tell me you stopped the digging to protect us. Why?

  Before answering, Kiren explained they needed to stop soon so she could relieve herself. Sh’zul suggested they return to the surface, and led her to a nearby exit. She was not familiar with the location of this tunnel entrance, and Sh’zul explained it was rarely used. They emerged in a shallow valley, strewn with crumbling rock in all shapes and sizes.

  Sh’zul gave Kiren the privacy she needed, waiting near the tunnel entrance for her to return. She sat down on a flat brown rock next to where Sh’zul settled, and pulled a bottle of water from her pack. After offering him a drink, which he refused, she refreshed herself and then answered his question.

  “I was in charge of the project to bring water back to the planet. This area needed to be prepared before we could get started, but then strange things began happening. I stationed a buoy out here to find out who or what was disturbing our work, and I saw what your people were doing.” She sent Sh’zul an image of a buoy, and tried to explain it’s ability to hide itself from view.

  “Your actions revealed you were an intelligent species, and our activity was disturbing you. I decided to move the project to another site, and then we stationed some of our people out here for your protection. The next step was to find a way to communicate with what we called the sand dragons.

  I sensed the sky watcher, though I could not see it. It watches still.

  Kiren wondered how Sh’zul could possibly have known the buoy was there. His senses must be different from hers, and she wondered if they could some day learn more about it.

  “Yes, the buoy is still there. It helps us keep you safe and learn more about how you live.”

  It is not alive. I cannot speak with it. We do not wish to be watched this way.

  Kiren was not surprised by his comment, and could understand why the idea of the buoy would be unsettling to the Rxyl leader.

  “I’m sorry, Sh’zul. It would be too dangerous for you if we removed the buoy right now. We have a responsibility to protect your home and people, and the buoy watches even if we cannot. When the danger has passed, I am hoping our peoples will be communicating often, and we will not have to rely on the buoy any longer. I will share your concern with my leaders.”

  Sh’zul was quiet for a moment before he spoke again.

  A hatchling is about to emerge. Come quickly.

  Kiren reattached her pack and crawled in after Sh’zul, retracing some of their steps back to the tunnel they were traveling before. She moved as quickly as she could, still keeping her distance from the formidable spikes on the end of his tail. Along the way, Sh’zul explained how the limited food and water supply meant only a small number of eggs were allowed to develop at any given time.

  Apparently, all fertile females would normally lay anywhere from one to four eggs in the Spring of the year, but this was no longer the case. Kiren assumed it meant the Rxyl were forced to kill their own offspring to keep the population in balance. Her horror and sadness at the thought prompted Sh’zul to correct her thinking.

  No. That is not our way. All fertilized eggs are allowed to hatch, though our females must take turns producing. The light-giving moss, when eaten, prevents the formation of eggs.

  Kiren was stunned. The Rxyl actually had a working contraceptive plan which allowed each female to produce children when it was her turn. Apparently it worked well for them, given their circumstances, but she longed for the day when the restrictions would no longer be necessary.

  When they arrived at the entrance to the birthing chambers, they were met by four Rxyl scouts who took up protective positions in front of the tunnel opening. Kiren’s training enabled her to recognize the precautions they were taking to safeguard the vulnerable hatchlings. This was a high security area, and no one gained entrance unless it was necessary. The scouts all lifted their tails in salute when Sh’zul appeared, and then silently parted to allow him and Kiren to pass.

  When they were inside, Sh’zul stopped and allowed Kiren a few moments to look around. There were several narrow tunnels leading away from the entrance, deep into the rock. At widely-spaced intervals along each one, smooth, shallow alcoves had been carved out, leaving enough room for a single adult female. Most were empty, which was not surprising given her earlier discussion with Sh’zul. She had many questions, but once again, he began to explain before she could ask.

  Once the eggs are laid, the female keeps them warm. If she needs to leave the chambers, others come to take her place. The young will not thrive if they are left alone too long. Food and water are brought here as needed. All Rxyl work together to support the hatchlings.

  Kiren wondered if the males took part in raising their young.

  Yes. The hatchlings do not remain here for long. Once they leave the chambers, all adults help guide and protect them.

  Kiren knew it was a personal question, but she wondered if any of the hatchlings here were his offspring.

  Come, Kiren. Slow and quiet movements. Speak only with your mind until we leave here.

  Sh’zul headed towards one of the tunnels on the right, Kiren following behind him as quietly as possible. They passed several empty alcoves and she noticed near the center of each one was an oval depression. Apparently the eggs were deposited here, and the fe
male laid over the top of them. It looked incredibly uncomfortable to her, and she wondered how long it took for the eggs to hatch. There was no point in asking Sh’zul, since their concept of time was so totally different from the orderly segments humans were used to.

  Finally, they stopped next to an occupied alcove, and Kiren was surprised to see Sh’tar warming eggs. Her eyes were closed and her breathing regular, but she did not seem to notice they were nearby.

  She is aware, only resting. The hatchling will emerge soon.

  “Are these some of yours?”

  Yes.

  After several more minutes the end of Sh’tar’s tail began an almost imperceptible back and forth movement. Suddenly, she pushed herself up and to the side to uncover the eggs beneath her. There were three large teardrop shaped eggs resting in the depression, their shells speckled and streaked with different shades of brown, black, and gray. Movement caught her eye, and she could see one of the eggs was cracked from top to bottom. Kiren caught herself holding her breath, and realized she was the first human to ever witness the birth of Rxyl.

  “Sh’zul, can you allow me to hear your and Sh’tar’s thoughts?”

  Instead of responding directly, Sh’zul began channeling their thoughts to Kiren. She gasped quietly in amazement as their joy, pride, and excitement poured into her through the link. Sh’tar welcomed her with her own mind voice, and Kiren was surprised she could so easily tell it was her and not Sh’zul. Just as human voices sounded different, each mind voices had its own distinct quality.

  Her attention quickly returned to the egg, as several more cracks appeared just before the hatchling’s head emerged. The eyes were still closed, and she noticed instead of the sharp head spikes of its parents, there were only tiny rounded bumps. The hatchling took several deep breaths, followed by its tongue darting in and out. The eyes finally opened, and the tiny creature looked at its surroundings. Neither Sh’zul nor Sh’tar were making any attempt to speak to the hatchling, but then Kiren remembered their young were mind-blind at first. Sh’zul mentioned something about this earlier, but she wasn’t sure what it was which caused the hatchlings to be able to communicate.