Copyright 2024 – Daemon D. Hart
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The Human Bearer
"I suppose you heard everything, right?" Riordan asked as soon as they were back to their quarters and a much in a better mood Junior was playing in his tank.
"Yes, Master Rio," Kyle dutifully replied. "While you were talking to them, I gave myself permission to peruse all the information available on Fatiah IV, their home planet."
"What have you found?"
"Very little," Kyle replied just as promptly. "That is unusual. Such information should be available for general examination."
"Hmm. Could it be that since you're no longer in Marn's service, your privileges have been revoked?"
"I do not need special privileges to access information as long as it is available. It appears that there is very little."
"Ah, Kyle, you hacker," Riordan said with a smile. And then, proudly, "I've taught you well."
"Of course, Master Rio. The purpose justifies the means. And in this case, the purpose is us finding what the guards on Tu'lek are up to."
Riordan gave Kyle a thumbs-up. "Your vocabulary keeps improving. Okay, so there's little info on this planet. What does the info say?"
"Fatiah IV is a planet with the same climate all over its single continent, the only exception being its poles, where the temperature drops to levels that are incompatible with life. A regular inhabitant's life, I mean."
"I keep calling these guys lizards, but how do they call themselves?" Riordan asked.
"Mexones. It is an approximate rendition, as their regular speech is made out of ultrasonic sounds."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these just sounds that can't be detected by the human ear?"
"You are correct, Master Rio."
"Great. So, if they talk to each other, I'd be none the wiser, right?"
"Yes. Do you approve that I install a new module to detect the range of their speech?"
"Go ahead, homie. And install everything you need so that we're on top of all that's happening around us. Wait, so you didn't have this module before?"
"I used to, but when Master Xana put me back together, he didn't have the necessary time to go through everything and get it the same way it was before delivering me to you."
"I see. That explains it. And before, when you could hear them, did these guys talk to each other? What were they saying?"
"Nothing to warrant special attention. They are loyal and dutiful. Their communication is very limited and pertains to the orders they receive and how they must organize in groups to offer the most efficient response."
"Wow. Isn't that boring, though? That lobotomy performed by their queen has to be pretty thorough. What else do you have on them? What about their queen?"
"Sheravah. She gives birth to all of them."
"It sounds like a full-time job. How did she manage to carry Xeus Sr.'s egg, then?"
"It was a part of the peace treaty. She put on hold producing more offspring of her kind to bring the egg to maturity."
"And for Xana to be born," Riordan murmured. "I wonder what kind of alien she is, my mother-in-law. But I suppose she wouldn't give a damn since she only rented her body away for a bit and nothing else."
"That wouldn't be the correct assumption," Kyle said.
"How so?"
"The fact that she also allowed for an important number of her offspring to serve under Xenos shows a certain degree of respect and a sense of duty."
"I don't exactly follow you, homie. I mean, her planet was conquered. She was forced to give birth to an enemy's progeny. And wasn't giving away her daughters part of the treaty, too?"
"Yes, it was. But she enforced the pledge of loyalty beyond what was stipulated in there."
"The guard I talked to earlier told me that's done whenever they have to serve other species. It sounds like business as usual to me."
"It should, based on the limited information you've accessed so far, Master Rio. But what the guard didn't tell you – because you didn't ask, not for lack of wanting to offer an answer – is that Sheravah must have felt a sense of bonding through the fact that she gave birth to Master Xana."
"And you say that the info you have on hand is limited. That's actually mindboggling. Still, you know that there were lizard guards on Galatea. If they're so loyal to the Xeno race, how come they were there?"
"I do not understand the question, Master Rio. They had to be there. They were under General Gafilos's command."
"Oh, so they pledge loyalty to whoever's their boss. In a way, that makes sense. And since we had these traitors, there were lizard guards with them, too. Sorry, I mean Mexones."
"Yes, that is the correct explanation."
"And all this time, I found that weird. Well, not as weird as the fact that there were humans on Galatea, too. What were they doing there?"
"Should I present you with a list of possible explanations, Master Rio?"
"My man Kyle, always ready. Fire away. I mean, please present these possible explanations."
Kyle seemed slightly excited over sharing his theories. "I have been thinking a lot about the human presence on Galatea and tried to simulate the exact conditions that would have led to them being there. One of these theories is that they were taken from Earth and made obedient to the general's cause."
"Through the infallible method of brainwashing?"
"Manipulating minds was one of the general's not so hidden talents," Kyle replied.
"Then, theory number one is not that farfetched. But why would Gamni need those guys? I mean, he had those killer Xenos, also modified to fit his evil plans, and lizard guards and all. Why would he need some puny humans?"
"Unfortunately, that is as far as my theory goes," Kyle said as an apology.
"Well, it's not like you could get in the general's head and discover everything that was in there."
"No. Regretfully," Kyle said again.
"Let's hear another theory. Why do you think there were Earthians on Galatea?"
"My second theory is that the general struck an accord with the rebel forces on Earth. Since their common goal would have been to bring the Xeno society to its knees, such an alliance couldn't be out of the question."
"Enemies of my enemies are my friends," Riordan concluded for himself. "Okay, I have to admit that as shitty as this sort of situation would be, it makes sense. Do you have any other theory up your sleeve?"
"Those humans were volunteers."
"Volunteers. Ah, to the destruction of Xeno. But that's theory number two all over again."
"Not exactly. Humans can volunteer to become bearers, correct?"
"Yeah, that's how I got wrapped up in this," Riordan joked. "I signed my life away without looking at the fine print. So, these volunteers were quickly snatched by Gamni. For what purpose? The asshole general didn't believe in human bearers. He believed in the purity of his species, the evil fuck. And he wanted to become immortal, he along with those zombie Xenos. So no need for having any more Xenolites."
"Nonetheless, the general was the slave of the same determinism, to use an Earthian expression," Kyle replied. "He took young Xeus with him, although he could have proceeded otherwise. Why?"
"Because he was an asshole? Because he wanted to rub it in Xana's face that he got his kid? As a bargaining chip? I don't know."
"All you've just said, Master Rio, represent valid points. However, that is not what I'm implying. Should the general ever reconsidered his position, his need for having a Xenolite of his own could have become unbearable."
"For real? It's true that these guys are pretty obsessed with getting their bloodline going. Only that Gamni had thought he'd found the best formula to make himself live forever. By never dying."
"It is all I can say to you at this point, Master Rio. Should I keep an eye out for what the guards are talking among themselves?"
"Yep, that's a good idea, and thanks a lot for helping me. With so much that has happened lately, it's easy for me to become paranoid. I'll feel more at ease, knowing that you're in charge."
"Thank you, Master Rio. I will report to you as soon as anything worthy of being mentioned is being exchanged between them."
"You know, Kyle, I heard daddy-in-law saying that he had heard Junior's distress from a really long distance. Do you think these guys are in touch with their home planet somehow? What's the range of their shared conscience? Does it stretch all over the universe?"
"I do not have sufficient information to offer a reply, Master Rio."
"Yeah, sure, don't sweat it. I was just wondering--"
He didn't have the time to finish his thought because Xana entered their quarters. His face seemed set into a deep frown, and Riordan couldn't help thinking that he was starting to see some of Marn and Xeus Sr. in those features tightened by what could be troubling thoughts.
"Did you summon the workers to talk to them, see what happened?" he asked.
Xana moved to sit by his side and wrapped his tail around Riordan's calves, as if that were just a casual hug, spouse to spouse. "I didn't summon them. I went directly to their work station. I wanted to prevent them from trying to concoct a story they would have no trouble sustaining to be the truth."
"Because of their shared conscience thing?"
"Do you know about that?" Xana looked at him, seemingly impressed.
"I asked my security detail some questions, and that came out," Riordan replied. "What did you find out?"
"The high commander approved the modifications, not Drato."
"Okay, but Kanto has no recollection of doing that. So, how is it possible? Ah, could it be Drato hypnotized them and made them believe he was the commander?"
"Such things are approved via a special signature, to say in terms that are close to how you might understand the situation," Xana explained. "The commander didn't have to be there in person."
"Oh, I see," Riordan said.
"But he was in this case. And no, Drato couldn't have hypnotize the workers to make them believe that."
"No freaking way," Riordan couldn't help exclaiming. "I mean, what's the explanation here? Either the workers are lying, or--"
"The commander is," Xana finished his thought. "What is even more peculiar is the timing. Drato, as much as he could have thought ahead of protecting his family by fitting a scout ship with everything needed for a long flight, he was caught in too many things at the same time. No, I'm starting to think something else happened."
"Can you communicate with Kanto and see what he has to say? He seemed quite surprised that those modifications happened with his approval."
The frown on Xana's face deepened. "That is part of the problem. The commander refuses to communicate. And another troubling detail is that I just got word from the rest of the search party. Kanto Vai ordered them to return, although it wasn't his call to make."
"What? What the--" Riordan caught himself in time before using any dirty words, although he wanted to use a couple to describe Kanto at the moment. "But why did those guys listen to him if they weren't under his direct order?"
"My position is still new," Xana explained. "They also know of the great closeness between the commander and I. They assumed Kanto delivered the order on my behalf."
Riordan groaned and covered his face for a moment. "What the heck is going on? I think I stopped understand anything days ago."
"It is not your fault. The situation is puzzling. I will continue to attempt communication with the commander until--"
Xana suddenly stopped and he seemed to listen to something. Riordan felt his ears perking up and realized that there was a bit of static that reached him. And then, words, probably made available to him with Xana's help.
Your Excellency, I am here.
Here where? Commander, you must explain yourself. Xana's authority shone through his telepathically transmitted words.
Close to boarding back Tu'lek. That if you still approve of me being onboard the ship. By now, you must have discovered my treachery.
"You must be kidding me," Riordan whispered and closed his fists. Kanto, a traitor? What the hell?
You were the one to order the modifications made to the scout ship that served Drato to flee Tu'lek.
Yes.
You're not denying it?
No. I acted in good faith.
"How can you even say that?" Riordan said through his teeth, although his verbalizations couldn't reach Kanto.
Commander, I will not say it twice. Explain yourself or I will order open fire on your ship.
Riordan caught Xana's arm and desperately shook his head at his husband. No, there had to be an explanation, something that didn't make Kanto a traitor. That would be too hard a blow after everything they'd been through.
Yes, Your Excellency. Counselor Menor couldn't keep the secret of what was happening to his son. The Xenolite himself randomly transmitted his distress to others. I had to act quickly to offer the counselor and his son a fighting chance.
"What the heck is he talking about now?" Riordan murmured to himself.
I also helped the counselor escape from his quarters and get his bearer and his Xenolite from where they were hidden.
"Oh, great, and how did you know where they were?" Riordan huffed and pursed his lips.
Please let Riordan know that I apologize for searching his mind in hope for clues.
"Motherfu--" Riordan bit down on his closed fist hard.
I did everything because I knew what the presence of a Xeno empath would do to the fragile balance we reached on Tu'lek.
The commander's voice was even as he talked about his treachery. The nerve on the guy was something else. Still, Riordan hoped that Kanto's words would start making sense at some point.
No one could have offered the safety they required. Unless you would have considered imprisoning them for their own good, Your Excellency.
Riordan scoffed, annoyed of how much sense Kanto made at this point. Hadn't he done the same to save Cario and his son? That had been his logical conclusion after seeing what those Xenos were capable of, attacking one of theirs, in fear that who knew what a little Xenolite could do to them. It looked like Kanto had thought the same.
Their presence on the ship would have continued to drive a wedge between those in favor of keeping them with us and those against them. And it wouldn't have been a good life for them, either. They would have become alienated from the rest. Dario, our first Xeno empath, would have been deprived of the connections he requires for his development. Since he is only a Xenolite, he would have invited trouble by trying to connect with any Xeno, without understanding whether he was friend or foe.
What was he going on about now? Riordan frowned, searching his brain for a counter-argument. But it did make sense, what Kanto was saying. He must have learned about all these things from no other but Florent. Florent's suffering must have prompted him to do that.
"Ask him," Riordan said as he squeezed Xana's arm. "Ask him if he did this for Florent's sake. Because of him."
Xana's face was dark, and Riordan could tell that rage was beginning to simmer under the surface. He removed his arm from Riordan's hold impatiently and moved away. And then, Riordan couldn't hear anything more.
"What's going on?" he asked, determined not to allow to be pushed aside, when things of such importance were at play.
Xana stared at him, his eyes unblinking. Then, he talked. "I have a mind to blast the traitor out of our lives for good," he said. "But you keep looking at me with such eyes. Full of pity. What would you have me do, Riordan? The high commander went against my direct orders. He read your mind without asking for your permission. He chose death."
Riordan jumped to his feet and hurried where Xana was standing. He took his husband's arm again. "No, no, don't do that. Look, he did wrong by going against you, but don't kill him. He makes sense, you know? Dario might have been a target for some assholes here on the ship, who knows?" He talked quickly, trying to get as many words in as he could. "And Florent? What will happen to him if he ends up with a second bond getting shattered? Can an empath even survive something like this?"
"Your views are narrow. The high commander didn't commit treason only against me. He committed treason against us all. I cannot trust him again."
"So don't. Put him under lock and key until you establish whether his actions came from a good place or not. What else did he tell you? Did he reach Drato and his family?"
Xana gave him a chilling look but Riordan didn't relent. He kept staring back. "Yes, he did. So that he could insert the coordinates for Tanez into the ship's guidance system. That was something he hadn't managed to achieve during the early phases of his going against the entire Xeno race."
"Come on, don't be like that," Riordan begged. "I mean, I'm with you. He should have brought them back, we would have taken care of them and silenced the naysayers, even if it took us years or whatever. But he didn't do it because he meant harm. He did it because he thought of protecting them. Please, Xana, don't kill him."
Xana pushed a tear away from underneath Riordan's right eye. "You'd cry only for the wrong reasons." His face was hard, and his eyes unyielding.
"Florent is my friend! He helped me give birth to our boy when I thought I would die!" Riordan trembled.
Xana shook him off, pushing him slightly back. "Very well, let's have it your way," he said in a voice that could freeze boiling water. "But stay inside today. Let's avoid meeting each other by accident."
Riordan stared in disbelief at the door closing behind his husband. "Kyle," he said softly, "did you see all that?"
"Yes, Master Rio. Please remember, Master Xana is young. He may still experience bouts of jealousy."
"Jealousy? I'd name it a bout of being an asshole," Riordan said through his teeth.
"They don't exclude each other," Kyle replied serenely.
The sound of his own laughter surprised Riordan. Count on Kyle to say it like it is.
"Do you think he's jealous of the commander? He thinks I'm having the hots for Kanto or something? Under the current circumstances?"
"Dada, what does it mean to have the hots for someone?"
Riordan had been so caught up in all this drama with Xana that he missed Junior getting out of his water tank and coming to him. He took the boy in his arms. "It's a stupid expression."
"Dario's not coming back," Junior said as he wrapped his arms around Riordan's neck. "I know."
"But we will see him again. On Tanez," Riordan said and pressed Junior's wet cheek against his. His cheek was just as wet but for a different reason.
"Yes," Junior confirmed in the simple manner of children.
He seemed to have made peace with his kid. Now, he had a husband that needed soothing and convincing that no one would ever replace him in his bearer's heart.
tbc
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