| The Past� Chapter Twelve In his shelter beneath the ice, the Articur known as Grim shut off his computer. Off all of the systems left on the planet, this was one of the few that had the unaltered history file � and it was in his possession. He had seen a lot in his time � five crushed rebellions � the construction of ten more hives � the temperature rise by at least twelve degrees and what unsettled him the most � the amassing of Jakkle and Pinciata forces on the planet. It was clear that something was getting ready to happen and happen soon � but what? He shut off his computer and returned to his room. By his count � the enemy population on Glacoria had grown by ten percent per day since last week. At this rate they would out number the native inhabitants in two to three months. If something isn�t done soon � it may be too late. He thought. He looked over at the wall and saw a trickle of water drip down. The temperature was starting to near the freezing point. If it went up any higher � the planet would slowly return to the climate of the days before the ice. �Mother? I have to go talk to some friends.� He called out. A scarred woman limped out and looked at him. Just by that glance she knew that he was going to do something dangerous � she knew that she would probably never see her son again. �I will add your name to the archive. May the winds carry you on your way Grim.� She said calmly. Grim nodded, turned and walked away. *** Moments later he was out of his home beneath the ice. He was now standing in the middle of an empty looking plain. As soon as the entrance closed behind him, there was no trace of where he exited. He looked around the barren landscape and knew that this would most likely be the last time he would see his home or family again. �The only chance our people has is if I can find the beast beneath the ice. I just hope I can find the way.� He muttered to himself. He secured his cloak and walked through the harsh winds. A short while later, Grim found himself on the outskirts of what was left of an Iceion settlement. He remembered when a dozen or so Pinciata and as many Jakkle marched on the tiny settlement. Although the Iceions, like their allies the Chillins, stayed out of anything political or military, one sect was involved in the last rebellion. As such, every Iceion settlement that was found was destroyed and the inhabitants there were either killed or enslaved. �So little is left.� Grim muttered. �It wasn�t much of a loss. Most of the people made it under the ice before they arrived.� A voice stated. Grim quickly looked over his shoulder and saw his friend smiling. He was an Iceion named Grey. �But the reports � the transmissions.� Grim began. �They do that sort of thing all the time. You know that. It helps keep moral down and adds to the confusion.� Grey retorted. The two friends smiled and shook hands. �I know � but sometimes it is just so believing it is hard to know what is truth and what is fiction. I am glad that in this case it was fiction.� Grim replied. the Iceion chuckled and sat down on a broken piece of wall. �So what brings you this far from home?� he asked. �What? Tired of my company already?� Grim replied. �Get to the point Grim. We both know that this is no time for idle social calls. So what brings you here?� Grey asked seriously. Grim�s smile faded. �More Pinciata and Jakkle have arrived on the planet.� He stated. �More?� Grey asked. �By my count � they will outnumber us in a matter of two months or less. By that time � it won�t matter. But I do have a plan � it is risky � dangerous � a little far fetched�� Grim began. �You aren�t winning me over.� Grey interrupted. �I am seeking the beast beneath the ice.� Grim added. There were a few moments of silence that followed that statement. �The beast beneath the ice? That�s a fairy tale. If it existed don�t you think that the Chillins would have found it?� Grey asked seriously. �I don�t believe it is under that ice.� Grim replied. �That ice? You mean it isn�t under water. Okay then, where do you think it is?� he asked � almost in fear of the outrageous answer he would hear. �In the area where the tropical zone on the planet used to be.� he replied. Grey almost went cross eyed at hearing that. In his mind he could see the glaciers that went down to the surface of the planet � the glaciers that stood over ten kilometers in height. �Oh. That place! Well, I�m glad it�s there. I mean you only have to dig through TEN KILOMETERS of solid ice and rock to get to the bottom of that monster! My nerves! Why there?� the Iceion exclaimed. �It is the oldest glacier on the planet. If the beast beneath the ice is anywhere � it would be there. I wouldn�t ask for your help if I honestly didn�t believe there was another way, but I am up against a wall. Time is running out for our world. If we do not act soon � there will be nothing that anything will recognize as Glacorian.� He continued. The angry Iceion began to pace back and forth. �IF � and I do mean IF � I were to agree to this ludicrous venture � how would we get there before this dead line of your expires? It is a long walk across half a planet during the wind season.� He asked. �I managed to procure a Snowitte glider that was modified by the Coldans. I was saving it for a day such as this. Will you help me Grey?� Grim asked sincerely. Grey looked over at his friend and wanted to beat him. Ever since they were kids he had been nothing but trouble � unfortunately, it was not a trait he outgrew. �Damn you! When do we leave for this flight?� he retorted under his breath. �Was that a yes?� Grim asked curiously. �Oh yes � let�s go.� Grey retorted sarcastically. �You know, sarcasm is not one of your better qualities Grey.� Grim stated calmly. �Don�t push me Articur.� He retorted under his breath. *** A short while later, the two were at a flat plain. Grey looked around to see what was in this area, but all he could see was drifting snow. �You drag me out of my settlement to bring me here?� he asked curiously. Grim closed his eyes and listened. The sound of the wind made hearing subtle sounds next to impossible � but for those of his line � it was an art they had mastered. �This way.� Grim stated. Grey followed his friend as he led him across the open plain. Grey looked around � to see if there was any sign of a place that could hide a Snowitte glider. After a few moments he gave up and allowed his thoughts to wander. �It should be here.� Grim stated calmly. He knelt down and thrusted his hand into the three feet of snow. Grey stepped back as a large white ramp lowly ascended. He had seen his friend do such tricks many times � every time it mildly amazed him. �Show off.� He muttered. The two entered the hidden passage. Once inside, the door began to close and the interior lights came on. Grey looked around at the hanger that was surprisingly well equipped for the times. �Where did you get half of this?� he asked hesitantly. �I found most of it. A lot of this is what I was able to salvage from the ships that were in the rebellions.� Grim began. He walked over to the glider and placed his hand on one of its wings. �You remember when the assembly yard was hit?� he asked. �I heard bits and pieces.� He replied. �I was there that day. All of the ships that were there were destroyed � all except this one. I was able to smuggle it out when the chaos hit. Although I had see the reports of what the Pinciata and Jakkle were like � seeing it first hand was something altogether different. Since then, I set up this place. I assembled what I would need � for that day when I would be able to make a difference. That day is today.� He muttered. He closed his eyes and tried to force the images from his mind. �Sounds pretty noble � but just the two of us against the world?� Grey asked. �Actually � it was more like three.� A voice added. Grey quickly turned around and saw a female Coldan watching them. �Is she supposed to be here?� Grey asked seriously. �Of course I am. Who do you think helped him set up this little place?� she replied. �If it wasn�t for her � I wouldn�t have made it off the assembly yard.� Grim stated seriously. The female raised the sleeve on her top to reveal a nasty scar. It looked like a diseased burn. �That would have hit him in the face if I didn�t knock him down. So can we keep the real enemy in perspective please?� she requested in a less than tolerant voice. Grey sighed and stepped back. �I�m sorry.� he replied. �Don�t worry about it. These are hard times for everyone. Grim, you never said that this was going to be a three-man job. I�ll have to rework the weight distribution or the ship will flop and crash. You there � new guy.� She muttered. Grey looked at her as though she was turning green. �My name is Grey � not new guy.� He stated seriously. The Coldan sighed and shook her head. �Fine, Grey � it can be a long drawn out process to correct the ship�s scale. If you help me out � it would go much faster.� She explained. �Then ask.� He retorted. �Please?� she added. �You two do what needs to be done. I have to check on the supplies.� Grim stated as he left the room. Grey looked over at his friend that seemed to vanish. �I presume that the two of you have been friends for a while.� She mentioned. He looked over at her and saw her removing one of the outer panels. �You could say that. How about you?� he asked. �Just met the guy a few weeks ago. From what I was able to pick up on him, he�s either very brilliant or downright insane � at times like these it�s hard to know which he is.� She replied. She stuck her arm into the ship and began to turn a dial. �That�s him to a T. By the way, what�s your name?� he asked. She carefully removed her arm from the vehicle and put the panel back on. �Me? I�m Gee. Uh, this is where I�ll need your help. Follow me.� She requested. She walked around the ship and opened another panel. �There is a dial at the back. It took me a few hours to do it last time and I almost dislocated my shoulder trying to reach it. As your reach is a little longer � it should prove easier for you.� She added. He looked in but could see only darkness. �Which way does it need to be turned?� he asked. �If my math is right, five clicks right.� She replied. Grey slowly reached in as far as he could until his hand touched the back of the panel. He fumbled around until his hand found the dial in question. They both listened as the dial was turned five clicks. He then removed his arm and stepped back. �Thank you.� She said with a half smile. �How is it that you know so much about gliders?� he asked. �My father was one of the first Coldans that worked with the Snowittes when these were converted for battle. The whole family helped out. My brothers used to do the mechanical stuff, my sisters and I usually did clean up. When my brothers died � I sort of got promoted. It wasn�t easy at times � but what is?� she replied calmly. �How did you and my insane friend hook up?� he asked curiously. �He was nosing around a dangerous place asking about pilots. He was about to get his skull bashed in when I stepped in. I don�t know why I did it � but something inside me said that he had to live.� She answered. �Are you two � � he began. �Are you insane? That boy is nothing but trouble. I can tolerate him as a friend � nothing more.� She replied seriously. The answer made Grey laugh. �What�s so funny?� she asked. �Nothing. So has he told you where he is planning on taking us?� he asked. �The old glacier. Supposedly the beast beneath the ice is under that continent sized block of ice � do you believe him?� she asked hesitantly. Grey sighed and shook his head. He wanted to say �no,� but whenever Grim was involved � almost anything could happen. �I � I honestly have no clue. Grim can be a charismatic bastard when he wants to be. He�s talked me into some crazy nonsense in my day � but this time � I don�t know � something feels different.� He replied seriously. �I was really hoping you wouldn�t say something like that.� She muttered. �Why?� He asked. �Because I feel that way too.� She replied. They were about to continue when Grim returned with some maps and charts. The two stepped away from each other and attempted to look busy. �Is everything in order?� he asked curiously. �Sure. I managed to reset the scales. You don�t have to worry about crashing of natural causes.� She replied. �What about the beacon?� he asked. �That � that I couldn�t disable. It�s been jerry-rigged into the entire engine somehow. Disable the beacon � the engine won�t work.� She replied. �What are you talking about? What beacon?� Grey asked. �Shortly after the Pinciata and Jakkle managed to get a secure foothold on our world they put a beacon into every ship. Ever since, if more than two ships were in the same place at any given time they could find them and mob them before any real damage could be done.� Grim answered. �Hold on � you�re telling me that we are going to be flying across the skies shouting �here we are� to those that want us dead? My god � are you insane?� Grey asked in mild shock and disbelief. �Another problem that was up there was that Pinciata and Jakkle sometimes fly in our ships as spies. They find people like us that are flying around and report on it.� He continued. �Oh � I feel so much better now.� He muttered. �To ease some of your doubts � I have been studying the Pinciata and Jakkle transmissions for some time and have copied some of the transmissions. If we get spotted � we play the recordings and they will think we are spies.� Gee stated calmly. �That is still risky. What if you play the wrong transmission?� Grey asked. �Well � if that happens we will get shot down and die slow and painful deaths. Although it is a slight possibility � I don�t dwell on it. Good advice yes?� Gee stated in a condescending manner. �Do you want to hear what I came in to say?� Grim asked. �Sure � I don�t see what you could say to make me feel worse.� He commented. �I checked the wind charts for the season and cross referenced them from where we are to where we have to go. Aside from potential attacks � it should be a smooth ride.� Grim commented. �If you are trying to cheer me up � I hope you�ve got more than that.� Grey stated seriously. Grim shuffled the maps and charts in his hands until another page was before him. �Most the enemy air ships will be on maneuvers and shouldn�t cause us any noticeable trouble � provided everything goes according to schedule.� He added. The last part didn�t sit well with the Iceion. �Hold up � what exactly does that mean?� he asked. �Well, as I said � most of the fleet will be doing maneuvers. There will be about six ships patrolling the area we will be flying through. If the schedule is kept and everything goes smoothly, they will pass by the crossover point before we reach it.� He explained. �And if that doesn�t happen?� he asked. �Well � you remember what Gee said?� Grim asked. Grey shook his head. �I�m keeping my fool mouth shut. Blessed ignorance is better than knowing half of the shit you�re telling me.� Grey stated sarcastically. Both Gee and Grim laughed at the response. �It is always best to be prepared for the worst � Gee, I think it is time to get this adventure underway.� Grim stated calmly. The Coldan nodded and gestured for the others to enter the ship. The Coldan then walked around the ship and made sure that all of the panels were secure. I hope that fool knows what he is doing. She thought. She then cast aside her doubts and released the docking clamps. She then hopped into the driver�s seat and put her helmet on. �This is Gee to crew. Brace yourselves. This will be a bumpy ride until we hit our wind.� She warned. She activated the controls. The lights lit up. The engine turned over and made a quiet hum. She then flicked a switch � the ship began to hover. She used the control arm to turn the ship around. She then pushed in the code to open the launch ramp. She took a deep breath as the doors slowly opened. �Time to fly.� She said to herself. She activated the accelerator. The ship soared through the narrow tunnel. The end of the tunnel was just a glimmer of light. Just then the light seemed to explode as the ship soared out from its hiding place and into the sky. The ship shook violently as opposing winds attempted to control the ship, but with skill and precision she navigated through it and guided the ship into the wind stream she desired. �Gee to crew � all clear.� She called out. Grim and Grey made their way into the control room of the ship. �I�ve got the beast on auto pilot. What�s the game plan?� she asked seriously. �We stay in this stream until we reach the Great Lakes. There, we shift into the south wind and with any luck, it should take us right to the glacier.� Grim instructed. Gee programmed the request into the computer. �Where exactly is the crossover point? The place where we might encounter trouble.� Grey asked calmly. �Can you get me a map?� Grim asked. Gee pushed a few buttons. A map of the area appeared on the monitor. As if anticipating his request, she overlaid their flight course. �We are here. The six ships that might encounter us should do so here.� Grim stated as he pointed to a spot on the southern wind route. In his mind he reminded himself about not asking questions. �Sorry I asked.� He muttered. Just then, one of the lights on the panel began to flash. Both Grim and Grey looked over at Gee. She flicked a few switches and let out an uneasy sigh. �We have trouble. A scout noticed our beacon.� She mentioned. �Can you feed him the codes?� Grim asked. �I could if you let me hear the message.� She retorted. She put on an ear jack and listened to the transmission. The language was Pinciata � she mentally decoded what was being said. �Flight authorization? Sure � feeding it right now.� She muttered to herself. She accessed her archive of voice transmissions and downloaded the necessary authorization code. There was a moment of silence as the three waited to see if the plan worked or if they were found out. Just then the panel light beeped again. �Authorization � accepted. Good hunting.� She translated. She fed in a closing comment and then shut down the communication�s channel. She removed the ear jack and helmet. �That was too close.� she muttered. �You speak Pinciata?� Grey asked in modest disbelief. �A girl has to have some hobbies. Grim, watch the scanners like a wind hawk. I might have convinced them � or they might be setting me up. At this point in the game I don�t want to take any chances.� She stated seriously. The Articur nodded and sat down at the control console that displayed the scanning grids. �Grey, the weapon�s console is the console beside the scanner. I�ll need you there in case we encounter trouble.� She requested. �I�ve never used this system before.� He warned. �It is set up like a video game. Try not to worry too much about it.� She reassured. The Iceion made his way over to the weapon�s console. Sure enough it was designed like a video game. �Just so you know � I was never really good at video games.� Grey warned. �No one is at first. Survival is one hell of a motivation.� Gee retorted. No sooner did she say this than one of the consoles beeped. Gee checked her controls � it wasn�t one of hers. �It�s not a ship problem � what is it?� Gee asked. �We�ve got friends. Most likely the ones that found us. Two gliders � no support. Probably just checking up on us to make sure the report wasn�t false.� Grim stated. Gee activated the window tint. The glass turned pitch black. She pushed another button and activated the exterior camera. The darkness lit up and displayed what was in front of the ship. �That�s what�s wrong with our world today � no trust. Grey � get ready � if they don�t buy our story this time, we�ll have to shoot our way out.� Gee said humorously. Just then one of the lights on the console before her flashed. �Show time.� she muttered. She put in her ear jack and flicked the switch. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath. �Ga � to ne na. Mak tor an kell inbon.� She uttered into a microphone. She received a message in Pinciata. She took a deep breath and mentally tried to understand what was being said. After a few seconds she believed she knew. �Soma soma. Me carra te selma. Cora ge. Heh! Cora ge. Karaka? Sormenta.� She uttered. The light turned off and she removed the ear jack. She looked over her shoulder at Grim. He smiled and nodded. �Whatever you said worked. They left.� Grim stated. Grey sighed and leaned back in his chair. �Okay � what exactly did you say?� Grey asked. Gee smiled and turned her chair around. �They were the ones that noticed us. They were checking up to see if we were what we claimed. They asked � what are you doing in this area? I answered � what about you? I reported my presence here already. They then tried to trick me by asking me the password I used. I told them � green green. I then said, Look, I am here on official business. They questioned me again. So I politely told them to fuck off and if they questioned me again I would have them sent to Soarania. They backed off after I said that. Apparently they like the Soarans about as much as we like them. Imagine that.� She concluded. She looked over at Grey with a serious look. �How much time was in that window you spoke of? I had to slow down a bit while I talked to our friends.� She asked. Grim almost turned pale. �How much did you slow down?� he asked. �I reduced speed by half.� She replied. �Not good. If we go to full speed?� he asked. �Our friends will come back and ask why we are in such a hurry.� She answered. �Not good. By my estimate � we won�t make it through the crossover point unnoticed.� He replied seriously. Gee shrugged her shoulders. �What? You thought things would go easy?� she asked. �As silly as it sounds � the thought had crossed my mind.� He replied. �Can�t we just bluff our way passed them like we did those two ships?� Grey asked curiously. �Unfortunately not. I just know a little Pinciata � not enough to get through their military. Brace yourself people. This will be a bumpy ride.� She concluded. She turned her chair around and undid the window tint and shut off the camera. If it came down to a fight � which it was � she would need more visibility than that camera could provide. �I�m just curious about one thing � you called the Soaran home world Soarania right?� Grey asked calmly. Gee recalled the conversation and nodded. �That � could pose a problem.� Grim added. �Why? Everyone knows of the troubles between the Pinciata and the Soaran.� She replied. �True � but Soaran is a Glacorian word. The Pinciata might know them by a different name. If they make the connection�� Grim commented. Gee leaned back in her chair and silently cursed the obvious oversight. �They would know that we are imposters.� She added. �They might not pick up on it.� Grey suggested. �I would like to believe that � but I doubt it. Gee � how close are we to the crossover point?� Grim asked seriously. Gee did some quick programming and the turned around. �At current speed � two hours � forty six minutes.� She replied. �The squad of ships will be there in two hours fifty minutes. Unless of course they picked up on your slip of the tongue. In that case they would be on an intercept course.� Grim stated calmly. �Excuse me for trying.� She retorted. �Hmm? Oh � sorry. I wasn�t trying to blame you. It was merely an observation. Nothing more.� Grim replied. Gee scowled at him but shook her head. This whole mission was making her edgy. �Don�t worry about it. Let�s just keep focused on the current task.� She offered. �Done.� Grim replied. *** A little over two hours later, the ship was nearing the crossover point. As of yet there had been no sign of enemy ships or of enemy transmissions. Although they were all grateful for the silence � it was a bit unnerving. �This doesn�t make any sense. All of my calculations said that they would be here at set time. Yet they are no where on our scanners � long or short range.� Grim commented. �You aren�t alone on that one. I know that we are flying into a trap � but where is it?� Gee added seriously. Just then a light on Grim�s console began to beep and flash. �Incoming! It isn�t a ship � it is smaller and is moving much faster.� He relayed. �Shit � missile. Hold onto your seats boys � this will be a bumpy ride.� She warned. She yanked on the control stick to quickly alter the ship�s course. Just then they all saw a slim projectile explode meters away from the ship. Luckily for them � no lasting damage was caused. �Great news � our six friends were playing possum. They were on the ground to avoid early detection. They just took to the air and look like they want to play.� Grim commented. Gee pushed a button to see what was happening from her exterior cameras. Sure enough � six gliders were flying up to greet them. �I guess this is where you earn your keep Grey. Get rid of as many of them as you can.� Gee stated. Grey looked at the controls and sighed. The monitor blinked on. He moved the joystick around and attempted to get a lock on one of the ships. Before he could, the ship quickly changed positions. �You want to play like that huh? Okay � let�s do this differently.� He muttered. He moved the joystick around again and saw another ship that was closing in. this time he rapidly fired at the ship. Most of the shots missed � but one hit the main engine and caused it to explode. �Yeah!� he called out. Just then an explosion rocked the ship. �Save the celebration until all of the pests are down.� Gee warned. She altered the course of the ship just in time to avoid several blasts. She arched the ship away from the enemy ships. Grey smiled. Once again � two ships were on his monitor. He quickly moved the joystick and fired. Ten shots missed. One hit the wing of one ship and caused it to spiral to the ground. The other ship that he missed fired. Another explosion shook the ship. �Grey! I am doing what I can to line these butchers up! Please don�t get us shot down.� She scolded. The Iceion glared at her but decided to keep his comments to himself. �Two down so far. The others are regrouping and are coming at us in formation. Make it good.� Grim requested. Grey sighed. The remaining ships appeared on his monitor. He subtly adjusted the weapons array. He did not shoot. �Hey � big guy! What are you waiting for? Them to ask you to shoot them?� Gee asked nervously. Grey remained calm. �Stay on target � trust me.� He requested. Gee didn�t like the way that sounded � but at this stage � anything was worth trying. She looked out at the ships that were flying towards them in a pyramid formation. She was about to comment again when all of the guns on the ship fired. All of them hit the lead ship. The ship exploded violently and took out the other ships with it. Gee flied straight through the carnage unscathed. �Good work � nice shooting.� She said with a smile. �I do what I can.� He replied. �Quick! Change course!� Grim shouted. The warning came too late. A missile exploded into the bottom of the ship. Grim and Grey looked at the gaping hole in the ship. �Oh � no. Tell me there wasn�t anything useful there.� Grim asked. �Just the part of the ship�s computer that controls weight distribution � altitude control � fuel absorption � and several other vital functions.� She replied. The ship began to violently shake. �In other words � we�re going down.� Grim replied. �You catch on quick.� She retorted. *** Down below, a small regiment of Pinciata was watching the ship they had hit quickly losing altitude. One of the soldiers pointed to a mountain made of ice. The others noticed it as well. The ship slammed into it and exploded. The leader of the group smiled and gestured for them to follow him. They had shot the ship down from the sky � now it was time to make sure that there were no survivors. |