“What we’ve been doing down at Nellis AFB — outside of Vegas — is add a few new weapons systems to some of the Klin ships, some of the ones that are off-the-books. We’ve installed a new smart-missile system, a rapid-fire cannon and even a few new counter-measures. The techies tell us that most of the defensive systems of both the Klin and Juireans are centered around their energy weapons, and our tests have shown that simple ballistic projectiles can pass right through their shields with little effort.”
“No shit — sir!” No matter how hard he tried, Lee still couldn’t get past the stars on his uncle’s collar; the ‘sir’ was simply habit by now.
Allen smiled, a sly, devilish smile. “No shit. In close-in action, the Juireans could be in for quite a surprise — and same for the Klin — if it comes down to that.”
“Do you see that as a possibility?” Lee’s voice suddenly turned serious.
Allen mirrored his nephew’s solemn expression. “We may have to dance with the Klin at this time, but the fact remains that they are still the main reason we’re in this mess in the first place. They may not have actually pulled the trigger, but there are still a billion dead Human beings as a result of their action — or more correctly — inaction. That’s not something you can easily ignore. Eventually, it will have to be addressed, one way or the other.”
Lee nodded. He knew his uncle was right. Even though the truth had been revealed to him only minutes before, he fully grasped the complexity of the situation they were facing.
It had only been a few short months since the events of November 6th — a date which was now etched upon the psyche of every man, woman and child on the planet Earth — even more so than December, 7th or 9-11.
Yes, the date of 11-6 was now one of intense emotional meaning for every person on the planet, no matter their nationality, religion or ethnic background. Humanity had been staggered and stunned, with perceptions regarding the very nature of existence poured into a blender and set on high. No one could tell anymore what was real and what wasn’t; not the politicians, not the military — even religious leaders found it difficult to come up with any lasting comfort for their flocks. Everyone was just going through the motions now, trying to convince themselves that what they were doing was making a difference.
And LCDR Lee Schwartz, U.S. Navy, was no different. His sole existence now revolved around the need for revenge against the Juireans through military action. And the clock was ticking toward the time when Humanity would begin to push back. Whether that push came against the Juireans or the Klin — or both — Lee really didn’t care. Not anymore.
And no matter how long it took, eventually, someone would have to pay.
Chapter 5
Adam and Sherri covered their heads with cloth hoods and headed back toward Lann Hall. As they were leaving the shuttle, Adam got an idea, sparked by the brief conversation Sherri had had with the Hyben in line with them earlier that evening. He was hoping to locate that particular Hyben again within the mob of aliens leaving the hall once the Juirean credits were depleted or the authorities put an end to Adam’s generosity.
The problem for the two Humans was that most Hyben looked alike. This one, however, would be covered in Juirean blood….
Lann Hall was an exception to traditional Hyben architecture. It was box-shaped, having been built by Expansion designers to accommodate the needs of the majority of Primes. Most Hyben buildings were dome-shaped and constructed of mud and rock culled from the debris of the burrowing natives. This potent mixture practically glued itself together, allowing for buildings that reached heights of ten stories or more.
Adam and Sherri climbed an external metal staircase on one of the taller domes surrounding the Hall and watched for any sign of the Hyben with a blood-soaked robe. The area outside the Hall was still filled with a melange of alien creatures, most still very irate at the earlier disruption of the recruiting meeting. However, word of the Juirean killings had spread rapidly throughout the crowd; even then some of the creatures still attempted to enter the hall to get their share of the Juirean credits being handed out inside; times were that desperate on Hyben.
As predicted, the party soon came to an abrupt end when several large transports pulled up to the building and two-dozen heavily-armed Hyben climbed out to take up positions near the entrance. A panic started inside the building, and a flood of creatures began to pour from the main entrance, each not wanting to give back the credits they had just acquired.
The armed beings did the best they could to corral the mob, but the numbers were just too great, and it wasn’t long before Adam spied the tall Hyben with the red splash of blood on his tan-colored robe moving among them. This particular native had more credits than most stuffed in his pockets, and as such would be quite anxious to vacate the area as quickly as possible.
The Human assassins scampered back down the ladder and headed along a parallel street to the one the Hyben was traveling. Lucky for them, he would be easy to spot.
They continued to follow, able to move much faster than the Hyben in the planet’s lighter surface gravity. Occasionally, they would cut over through an alleyway and wait for him to pass, confirming his route, before returning to the parallel street. Even though the creature continually glanced behind him for any sign of pursuit, he nevertheless maintained a beeline for this residence.
The taller buildings soon began to thin out, replaced with smaller mounds of dirt with large double doors set within them. These were the entrances to the Hyben living chambers: deep, winding tunnels where the natives and their pods resided.
Adam and Sherri began to follow more closely now, ducking behind the mounds to remain hidden from the Hyben. Eventually, he came to a particular mound and disappeared through its double doors.
The Humans waited several minutes for other Hyben in the neighborhood to clear out before they approached the door. Adam tested the handle; it was unlocked.
They entered as quietly as possible and found themselves in a large circular room with dirt floors and dirt walls. There were electric lights lining the chamber, and leading down a wide stairway at the opposite end of the room. Drawing their MK’s, Adam and Sherri entered the stairway and began the descent.
About ten meters down, they began to hear voices, the translation bugs imbedded behind their ears deciphering the Hyben language.
“This is incredible!” someone was saying. “But can we keep them?”
“There was so much confusion there that I’m sure no one will be able to track who took them. I maintain we keep the credits and not say a word.”
“Thank all the Bello Gods! These credits will help-”
“You’re welcome,” Adam said calmly, stepping into the large cavernous room, MK-17 held at the ready.
The group of five Hyben all turned toward his voice, their mouths all forming perfect O’s of surprise. They were standing around a large round wooden table, now piled high with the credit-card-shaped Juirean money.
“I’m glad I could help. Now, I suppose, you owe me a favor…”
Adam had only been on Hyben for less than two days, and in that time he had not had the opportunity to see a Hyben female in person — although he had heard about them. A normal Hyben male was about a half-meter taller than Adam, but the females were easily twice his height and girth! They were bulky, shrimp-like creatures with three sets of two appendages each lining the front side of the thorax. As they all stood staring at each other in stunned silence, Adam finally had a chance to take a good look at a Hyben.