Night Hawk: Battle Cries

CHAPTER ONE

"Watch your left wing. Bank. Bank."

Hold on back there, it’s about to get rough.

About to get rough? So what had they endured till now? As far as Major David Malard could tell, their flight proved nothing short of harrowing ever since they shot from the Karnoss hangar in a desperate run for the Naharan Mountain Range. The Vairdec’s small VY-Craft fighters instantly converged in a laser and missile intense swarm. Already the Predator sported several hits. Luckily the praise heralded to Commander Mikander Soerin’s flying ability had yet to fail them. Ever close at hand, Mike’s Teshian wingman attacked the enemy hoard from his sleek Max-180.

Lash, Mike called, left and low. Turn them into each other.

"Affirmed."

David reflectively reached out to brace himself, his back pressed tightly against the Predator’s fuselage. In front of him lay Phantom and Darkracer, held in place by cargo straps, both Candonians appearing none too happy about the arrangement. Darkracer gave an audible moan and dropped his head to the floor as the ship lurched to the side. A huff answered him. Nathaniel Darson watched the Candonians from his seat with what David could only describe as forced cockiness. The teenager did his best to remain calm. Despite the furrowed brow and half grin, his knuckles showed white from the grip he maintained on his sniper rifle. David glanced tentatively to where Colonel Amber Riechet sat nearby. She remained hard to read. She kept her gaze firmly set on the floor at her feet. Her behavior exhibited no trace of fear, only intense focus as she quietly listened in on her two pilots.

"Pull up. Pull up."

"Get the lead. High one."

"Got him in sights. Target the wingman."

David, too, heard everything over his comlink. Little of it made any sense since he never trained as a pilot. As long as he didn’t hear we’re hit or going down he told himself to remain calm. However, this was his first aerial battle - an experience he did not wished to repeat any time in his future. He preferred being in control of his fate. Now such control lay solely on Mike, whom thankfully David trusted as a close friend.

Lash, Mike called as he dropped his ship a good fifty meters to avoid an incoming fighter, head for Shard Row. Let’s see if we can lose a few.

"Copy. On five."

Pull wide up to four. Watch the backwash. I’ll sweep the starboard.

David felt the Predator lurch to the right, leaving his stomach behind for a brief second. Knowing he probably shouldn’t, he chanced a look out the small porthole window at his right shoulder. A flare of lasers lit up his view, followed by a VY-Craft screaming past with only meters to spare. David had seen enough. He turned his attention to Amber who remained as quiet as ever.

Aren’t you concerned?

Amber looked up at him with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

About them? She motioned toward the back of the ship to indicate the attacking VY-Crafts.

David followed her motion with his eyes. Yes.

Not much we can do. I’m no good if I worry about something outside my control. Mike’s been in aerial battles before. He’s always come back.

Rumor had it you weren’t so convinced this last time, Darkracer mumbled from his place on the floor.

Amber gave him a disapproving glare. She did not like being reminded of the emotional strain caused by Mike’s close encounter with death in a crash just days before. Neither did David. Darkracer slowly lifted his head to look briefly at the Humans before dropping it back to the floor as the ship lurched once again.

That was the rumor, he defended.

"He wasn’t flying the Predator," Amber snapped.

David wondered if he heard a slight strain in the colonel’s voice, as if she tried to appear braver than she felt. If her concerns lay with Mike’s injuries impairing his current flying, he shared her anxiety. With another sudden dip to the left, David decided not to think about the situation. Amber was right, there was nothing they could do.

In the cockpit Mike struggled to stay just ahead of his pursuers as he made straight for the distant ice formations of Shard Row. Far to the southeast it glimmered in the sun’s shallow rays, reflecting the light as a beacon to the oncoming ships. His eyes fixed on the point, Mike drove the urge to turn and fight from his mind. If any of them wished to survive, their hope lay in reaching the relative safety of those vast formations. Hopefully once there, the odds would even out. Otherwise the sheer number of descending VY-Crafts would overpower any superior flying ability Mike claimed over them.

As they neared, the brilliant lights formed into solid points rising from the desert floor, growing tenfold with every kilometer cleared. Commonly referred to as Shard Row, it remained one of the wonders of Telamier. Though devoid of moisture on the surface, beneath the red rock of the desert lay reserves of liquid water that continually pressed its way to the surface from great, underground fissures. Upon contact with the subzero temperatures of the air, the water would instantly freeze, creating pillars of ice that grew with each passing year. At no time of the year did the temperature increase enough to melt the structures, enabling them to build upon themselves for countless centuries. They rose like mountains of crystal; smooth, gleaming and wondrous. And now Shard Row promised protection against a foe Mike hoped was unfamiliar with the intricate layout of the massive shards of ice.

You with me? he called as the bright points of light formed into the ice structures outside his view port.

Port wing.

Here we go, Mike muttered to himself.

With a quick hand motion he changed his view port to a shaded hue, protecting his vision from the blinding reflections outside.

Shard Row retained a dangerous reputation. The light reflecting from the ice made for poor visibility while images played across mirror-like surfaces to create deadly illusions of space where none existed. Few pilots dared venture in among the structures, especially at high speeds. Pushing the limits of reasonable velocity, Mike dared to be one of those few pilots. A sensor near his right hand warned of shots coming from enemies on the starboard side of his ship.

Pull up, he ordered. Hold the door.

Not waiting for Lash to answer, Mike turned sharply into the VY-Craft swarm while dropping his ship toward the desert floor. Skimming only a few meters above the rocky ground he avoided the shots and surprised the Vairdec with his reckless bank in their direction. They peeled off and circled wide to regain a proper angle of attack.

Taking full advantage of the brief reprieve, Mike swept his ship past the first giant shards of ice. He made straight for a narrow arch situated at the northern end commonly referred to as the Doorway. Its form came from two giant ice pillars that had fallen against each other long ago. They left just enough space for the Predator as Mike angled his ship to fit the oddly shaped opening. From there a map lay in his mind of the paths and the pitfalls ahead.

Sweeping between the glimmering arched pillars, Lash peeled off, heading around the westward edge in order to hide among the tighter ice structures. There he hoped ambush techniques would help bring down the enemy’s numbers. The majority of the VY-Crafts kept their focus on the Predator. It remained the largest and easiest target to follow since the Max-180 easily disappeared in the bright light of the reflected sun.

The first of the VY-Crafts successfully navigated the Doorway, shearing off a row of jagged cycles with its wing in the process. A shower of ice pelted the engines of the following craft, forcing it into a hard right turn. Unfortunately for it, an overhang awaited. The clearance between it and the ground proved too narrow. The metal of the craft shredded easily when met with the fierce strength of the frozen elements of earth and water. Behind, the downed pilot’s wingman banked hard to the left, hoping to avoid the same fate as his companion. A wall of ice blocked his path and only his quick reflexes taking him into a vertical climb saved him from a fiery fate.

Meanwhile, Mike kept his ship just ahead of his tenacious follower, swinging left then right along a treacherous canyon path. A large archway gleamed just ahead, fortunately still intact and clear of fallen ice particles. While Mike remained confident in his remembrance of Shard Row’s layout, the elements that created it constantly changed. The risk of continuing through the formations remained high. Arguably, so was the threat of his pursuer who opened fire as they leveled out in line with the arch. The shots pelted the edge of the formation, sending bits of it raining down around the ships.

Mike’s passengers braced themselves as the hollow sounds of the shower echoed above them. Their metal enclosure offered no clear view of the events outside. It was a feature David welcomed as he and his companions. Amber chanced a look out the window at her back to watch the blur of ice just beyond her seat. Mike refrained from any comments back to them. Flying demanded his complete concentration.

To his relief, the Predator swept clear of the arch. Immediately a glistening wall loomed up in front of him. Mike’s heart raced faster as he turned his ship quickly on its side. This was not an expected part of his run. The tall pillar shards Mike had planned for apparently succumbed to their size and weight some time earlier and had fallen in to form the wall. The Predator’s belly remained just a couple meters from the frozen obstacle as Mike held the hard bank to the left, following the wall around. Much to his frustration, it only led back the way he had come. Thankfully the VY-Craft behind him fell victim to its own shot-induced ice shower and was forced to make an emergency landing at the base of the arch. Mike, for a brief moment, had the skies to himself.

Near the ships’ entry point to Shard Row, Lash found his maneuvers thwarted by the third VY-Craft who had been forced to turn back. Spotting the Max-180 it immediately gave chase. Lash dove down through a canyon just as the Predator swept around the far corner.

Is that one of mine? Mike asked as he spied the VY-Craft in pursuit of his friend.

They all are yours, Lash’s snarling voice replied over the Predator’s speakers.

Works for me.

Positioning himself behind and slightly above Lash and his pursuer, Mike fired down to remove the VY-Craft from the dogfight. Instantly another took its place, coming up behind the Predator.

Damn, Mike growled, you’d think they’d run out of these things.

Clearing the crumbled bits of ice on the border of Shard Row, Lash took full advantage of the open ground to flip his ship in order to face the oncoming Predator. Mike banked hard to the left, whipping around an ice pillar to leave his pursuer in Lash’s sights. The Teshian snarled with vicious delight as he unleashed a barrage of gunfire. The VY-Craft dipped away, also taking advantage of open ground to avoid crashing. The Max-180 continued into the canyons of ice once more.

The turn Mike sent his ship into lined him up once more to the giant archway only to find it blocked. Recovering from the shower of ice, the VY-Craft had lifted off and now came face to face with the fast approaching Predator. Mike pulled up as hard as he could, avoiding the missile and powering his way over the arch. His ship shuddered as bits of ice scraped its belly. Suddenly it lurched to the right, its wing clipping a small ledge. As he dropped, Mike accelerated over the icy spears below to level out over open ground.

At the same time, Lash desperately fought to avoid a collision of his own. Yet another VY-Craft had bravely entered Shard Row, heading down a canyon to find itself facing the Max-180. As they both struggled to avoid colliding, their synchronized shots passed their intended targets to erupt against nearby walls, sending sharp chunks of ice scattering across the canyon. Seeing his chance, Lash circled wide toward the canyon’s outer wall, leaving his enemy to fight the ice before giving chase.

While Lash busied himself with evading the collision, Mike picked up the VY-Craft that had circled back over open ground after retreating from Lash’s attack. Spying fresh prey, its pilot ignored the sluggish engines to fire on the Predator.

Just die, why don’t you? Mike snarled as he pivoted on his left wing back into the jumble of ice.

His daring pursuer picked up speed and fired, the shots missing as the ship struggled from the earlier attack. Mike didn’t fancy staying around to see if the Vairdec’s aim would improve and angled sharply around a corner. The VY-Craft continued straight, the Predator’s reflection appearing in the glass-like surface. A second later it erupted in a fiery explosion. The deep rumble of the shock wave raced through the ice, sending boulder-sized fragments tumbling from cracked shards. Mike cursed under his breath as ice slid past his ship’s tail, causing him to lose precious control. He pulled up to get above Shard Row. The risk of more VY-Crafts congregating above him came to mind, but no time remained to change course. Luckily only one met him, having evaded the avalanche as well.

Mike hadn’t kept count and hoped his plan to enter Shard Row really had succeeded in thinning out the Vairdec, leaving this as one of the last. He opened fire as he flew over the top of it. Sensors at his side indicated the shots failed to bring down the target who circled back to line up on the Predator’s thrusters. Lash cut a path across the two ships, firing as he went in order to cripple Mike’s pursuer. Behind the Max-180, the other VY-Craft peeled off to avoid the spin of its fellow fighter. The evasion failed and their wingtips clipped. With the ice so close, neither had the time to correct their course before adding to the rubble on the desert floor. Dropping lower, Mike and Lash wove their way through the last upper points of ice before clearing the formations and turning south. To their relief no VY-Crafts followed.

I’d take advantage of this break, Mike said to Lash. Head back to Karnoss.

Affirmed.

Stay low and move fast. Good luck, co.

And you also.

The Max-180 dipped a wing toward the Predator before heading out across the desert toward the northern plateau of Karnoss. It was now up to Lash to provide all the air support for the war torn city. Knowing he stood a good chance at survival did little to dispel the hurt Mike felt as the two friends parted ways. He watched Lash’s departure as long as possible, hoping the Vairdec would refrain from following the smaller ship. Luckily the Max-180’s outer layer came equipped with the special ability to reflect back the desert floor and make the ship difficult to spot from above. If he kept low, his chances of making it remained high. Too bad the Predator possessed no such stealth technology.

Looks like we’re clear for now, Mike announced to his passengers.

Darkracer blew through his nostrils while cautiously lifting his head. Phantom gave a deep moan as he straightened. For the first time Amber leaned back in her seat, taking a moment to glance out the window. Her demeanor remained tense. David couldn’t blame her. He still felt as if he was lurching from side to side despite the now smooth flight. Nathan gave a stretch and shake of his head.

You think we’ll have more of those to deal with? he asked.

With an agonized groan, Darkracer let his head drop back to the floor.

Captain Keven Arzen sat on the edge of his cot in the Strategic Intelligence and Enforcement Regional Agency’s bunker below the city of Karnoss, staring numbly at the empty cots around him. Each represented someone now gone. Captain Kailyn Gilpar died along with the Manogonite, Toodat.

That mission, completed less than two days ago, remained fresh in his mind. He accompanied them to the city’s field station only to be ambushed by the Vairdec. Toodat fought viciously with a swarm of the Vairdec’s unsavory pets, the larkrae, finally succumbing to their bloodthirsty attack. Keven escaped with the Oxyran special operations officer, Yehgrett, becoming separated from the rest. He still recalled the fear he felt since David, also on the mission, ended up cut off with Kailyn. Keven found himself helpless to assist his best friend and feared whether David would make it back alive. Thankfully he had, but Keven’s elation over David’s return proved short lived for now he, too, was gone.

But not dead, Keven reminded himself, at least, not this morning.

David had left quickly, giving little time for good-byes. Such were the ways of war and they both had their missions. Keven’s was to stay and continue the fight in Karnoss. David’s was to go south. The way to the southern mountains remained dangerous at best. Did David’s empty cot signify another death? Mike’s and Amber’s also lay empty. A very real possibility lay in never seeing any of them again.

Sir?

Keven slowly broke from his musings to face Pecquin. The Airisun remained tucked against the chamber’s entrance, shyly peering in with his large, woeful eyes. To Keven, the species always looked so sad, their wrinkled faces making it difficult to tell how they actually felt. Pecquin had plenty of reason for remorse. His colony brother died in an earlier mission. Now Pecquin kept busy as the most effective data handler in the division. The Airisun’s computer-like brain certainly came in handy.

What can I do for you? Keven asked gently.

The lieutenant colonel wishes to speak with you.

With a groan, Keven rose and gave Pecquin a quick nod. Tell him I’m on my way.

Ducking around the corner, Pecquin disappeared. Keven followed more slowly. Whatever the reason for the summons, it was not urgent otherwise the acting commander of SIERA, Lieutenant Colonel Jylin Py’guela, would have called him directly via his comlink. Glancing back at the cots, Keven gave a final, resolute sigh. Those gone would be replaced as others moved up the ranks to fill each empty place. It would continue in such a manner until the end, whenever that may be.

Jylin Py’guela glanced up from the screen to watch as Keven stepped through the door of the small situation room. The Celehi’s pale blue skin shimmered slightly in the dim, computer lit space, showing no sign of color change to indicate the commander’s mood.

Captain Arzen, he said calmly.

Sir.

Are you aware of the commendations the colonel left concerning you?

Keven remained at attention without any indication of his thoughts beyond slightly narrowing eyes.

No, sir.

She spoke very well of you. With a touch of the central readout, the Celehi officer brought up the report, only casually glancing at it before turning his full attention to Keven. So did Major Malard. I read you worked with him in the past.

We served together in the CLE, Keven answered. We worked in San Terres.

Yes, and you are friends?

That is true, sir.

Close friends?

Keven paused. He could feel Jylin’s intense stare burning into him. His stance slackened as he shifted with the unease of the memories. Yes, sir. He was to marry my sister.

The one that died?

Correct. The answer came out more strained than Keven wished. Dropping his gaze to the floor he did what he could to avoid the burning stare of his commanding officer.

Hmm. Jylin turned away, not giving any indication of emotion as he returned to the computer. My records show that you were a sergeant in the CLE. General Riechet promoted you to captain. I also know Malard was a first lieutenant while in the CLE. Why the difference in rank?

Dav… Keven bit his lip as he realized the slip. Quickly he corrected himself as he straightened, trying to appear as professional as possible. Major Malard entered the academy a year earlier.

So the rank difference is not reflective of your abilities, or lack of them?

No, sir.

Good.

Jylin stood over Keven, expressionless and authoritative, his arms folded across his chest. Keven continued to hold his ground while his mind raced with the reasons for this questioning. At least no hint of a reprimand showed. If only he could read the Celehi, but Jylin’s skin and face remained neutral.

You have proven yourself a leader as well as a good fighter, Jylin continued.

Thank you, sir.

I am choosing you to take Malard’s place as major.

Jylin held out the new insignia, waiting patiently as Keven took a moment before taking it. The shock of the announcement struck him rather hard and it took a while to register the news.

Sir, he managed to say.

With an approving nod, Jylin clasped his hands behind his back and circled his new senior officer, studying him closely. With those inhuman eyes scrutinizing his entire being, Keven suppressed any elation over the news.

Understand, Jylin said, this decision is not only because you are a good soldier. This is a Human city and most of those fighting are Human. They know to look to me as the one in charge but will respond more readily to someone of their own species. You will carry out my orders to the soldiers.

Keven gave a quick dip of his head. Yes, sir.

If Commander Soerin returns, he alone will be higher ranking than you.

Understood.

De’oolay is outside your command and use discretion when working with Yehgrett. An Oxyran’s mindset can be complicated. Leave him to me whenever possible. The rest should not give you trouble.

Keven ran the instructions quickly through his head, feeling relieved by the Celehi’s good sense when it came to Yehgrett. The Oxyran did not particularly frighten Keven. He had worked with the species in the past. All the same, he welcomed the avoidance of any unneeded tension among the ranks. His eyes narrowed as another concern crossed his mind.

And the Human officers already in SIERA? I can’t imagine they’ll find the promotion easy to accept. Especially when they’re passed by a CLE agent.

I considered this, but Colonel Riechet spoke of you. Whether this has been influenced by Major Malard or not, I do not know. What I do know is what is here. He gave a wave of his hand toward the screen. I also know your work in the field. I will trust in the consistency I see.

Thank you, sir.

If any of the officers give you trouble, you send them to me. I take responsibility for this decision. You are dismissed.

With a salute, Keven turned sharply on his heels and exited the room. Send troublemakers to the lieutenant colonel? He shook his head. Worthy leader or not, Jylin still didn’t know everything about Humans. If Keven wanted to have complete control of those in his command, he would have to confront the situation personally, not hide behind a Celehi. As great as a promotion might sound, Keven kept enough sense to know his life just got all the more complicated. Taking a deep breath, he quickly removed his captain’s insignia and pocketed it, replacing it with his new badge of authority.

CHAPTER TWO

David felt light, almost giddy, as he stepped off the Predator’s ramp and onto the soft, moss-covered earth. The world opened up around him. The burdens of war slipped from his shoulders. The oppressed world of cold stone and crumbling city felt like a distant memory. Closing his eyes he drew in a deep breath, ignoring the stabs of cold air in his lungs. The air smelled wonderfully fresh. It blew down from the higher, snow-capped peaks to rejuvenate him and clear his mind. A beam of sunlight cut through the crisp breeze to warm his face. The rustling of tall elderwoods and burtails welcomed him home.

Yes, David felt like he had returned home despite the many miles between him and San Terres. The Naharan Range and its outlying forests were vast, spanning from the southern border of Tralex Desert down to San Terres some four hundred and fifty kilometers away. David grew up on the forest’s edge, spending many childhood summer days exploring the crisscrossing trails behind his house. Those were the days when he enjoyed the wonders of the world, far from the hurtful confines of his dysfunctional parents’ lives. They were days of make-believe, when catchkins became spies and the occasional thornback or taljbek morphed into Vairdec warriors he bravely drove off with his makeshift Norian Blade as he pretended to be one of the legendary members of Natchua, the Humans’ first elite fighting force. No reason remained to imagine. David’s fingers wrapped tightly around a true Norian Blade, the blade of Natchuan leader Jonathan Alsen, given to him upon General Riechet’s death. Gone were the days of driving off taljbek with sticks. Now he held real weapons against the very real enemy.

Slowly David opened his eyes to observe his companions also taking in the moment of rejuvenating peace brought by the forest. For far too long they endured the imprisonment of Karnoss’s underground bunkers with nothing but solid rock to look upon. Now they relished the open air. Darkracer and Phantom fell immediately into grazing, desperate for food. Their confinement within the Karnoss Plateau proved nearly fatal. Food shortages made life difficult for the smaller Humans and other bipedal beings. For the large Candonians, food shortages meant slow starvation.

Across from David, Mike leaned against his ship, facing the sunlight with silent gratitude showing in his expression. Nathan sat against a large stone, silently chewing on the end of a grass stalk. Nearby, Amber gave a final stretch and deep sigh before scanning her charges.

As wonderful as this may be for all of us, this isn’t a holiday, she reminded. We can’t stay here for long. Prepare to move out.

No one spoke. They all knew the colonel was right. The likelihood of Vairdec converging to search for them remained high. They needed to get to Eenosha as quickly as possible. Though a target for the Vairdec’s initial attack, Eenosha remained relatively intact. As the stronghold for the Human’s military operations, much of it lay secure inside bunkers set deep in the Naharan’s foothills.

The city grew up around the military, the homes and businesses sitting in the shadow of the bunkers’ hills and facing the direction of San Terres, which rose out of the large central valley further south. Hundreds of people called Eenosha home, mostly families of military personnel and individuals signed on as military reserves. David hoped they all made it to the safety of the bunkers in the first wave of attacks. With so few Humans, every life held incredible importance.

Allowing the Candonians to continue their feeding, the four Humans returned to the ship to pull supplies and begin packing. Darkracer gave no indication that he noticed the saddle being placed on his back as he tore up one mouthful of grass after another. David silently cinched the saddle in place, not wishing to interrupt the much needed feeding. Quiet voices drew his attention to where Amber and Mike stood. Amber finished cinching Phantom’s saddle while Mike strapped the last of the supplies to the back.

Say you’ll miss me, Mike said in a soft tone.

Why?

It’ll make flying easier.

In that case… She pulled the stirrup into place and turned to face Mike. For a brief moment she remained silent, staring up at him as if in challenge. The persona did not last long and soon she gave him a gentle smile. Fly well, Commander.

And you stay safe, you hear.

Amber crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. What gives you the right to order me?

Mike only shrugged.

The same order goes for you, Amber continued gently. Stay in communication as often as possible.

I will.

He took her by the shoulders and held her at arm’s length. See you around.

Saluting her, Mike turned away and headed for David. Seeing the approach, David shifted around to Darkracer’s shoulder, trying to appear as if he had not observed the conversation.

And you, Mike said as he came up alongside. Stay out of trouble.

David stepped away from Darkracer to face his friend. A smile formed on his lips.

I’ll try.

Good, ‘cause I don’t want to have to come back and whip you into shape.

That’s my job, Darkracer said, pausing briefly from his feeding.

Mike chuckled. Sure.

It was hard for David to think of parting ways with Mike. Their friendship had grown over the past nahms to where David felt like he had found a confidant, perhaps even an older brother, in the pilot. Now he must say goodbye. Mike would not be traveling through the woods with them. Instead, his orders were to navigate the treacherous skies toward the south, connecting with the Earthenian air force in a secret facility west of San Terres. The air force would work directly with troops on the ground, so chances were good at seeing each other before long, granted they survived any attacks between now and then. In the meantime, David knew he would miss Mike’s pleasant demeanor.

It’s been a pleasure serving with you, David said.

No goodbyes, Mike warned. It’s bad luck.

Sorry.

The pilot’s soft expression darkened as he grew more serious. Do you regret being recruited to SIERA?

No, David admitted in earnest. There are no regrets.

The smile reappeared on Mike’s face as he took David by the hand. Good. SIERA’s better off with you.

With a gentle pull of the hand, he brought David into a friendly embrace.

Take care out there, he said.

I will, David replied. And I’ll see you soon.

As Mike stepped back he gave David a crafty grin. That’s more like it. I’ll see you around.

Goodbye Mike, Darkracer said.

Goodbye, you old warhorse, Mike replied playfully, giving Darkracer a slap on the rump.

The Candonian gave a squeal of disapproval, stomping his back foot for emphasis, but David saw no real anger existed. Mike only laughed and headed for his ship.

Enjoy the mountains, he called back. I’ll be in touch.

Passing Nathan, he paused long enough to take the youth by the arm and give him a friendly slap on the shoulder. After a last, parting salute, Mikander Soerin disappeared into the Predator and was gone. David kept his eyes on the ship as it slowly lifted off. Even after it vanished beyond the tree line, his eyes remained fixed on the sky.

Are you ready?

Amber’s voice drew David’s attention to her. She stood beside him, the sunlight glowing through her red hair. He stared at her a moment. Funny, the war seemed such a distant memory. For a brief time he actually wondered what he was doing there at all. As quickly as it came, the feeling passed and he once again prepared himself for war.

Yes ma’am.

Then let’s be off.

She mounted Phantom and David followed suit with Darkracer. Nathan hurried over, strapping his pack firmly to his back before getting a hand up from David. As they settled into the saddles, the Candonians silently turned into the woods and melted in among the trees.

I don’t see why we couldn’t have flown to Eenosha, Nathan said after the first uncomfortable hour behind David. They do have landing pads you know.

And watchful Vairdec close by, Amber answered over her shoulder, her tone none too happy for the complaint. Communications across the desert are not well established right now. Without confirmation of a secure flight path to the bunkers, getting dropped off too close was too risky.

Leading any Vairdec from Karnoss to Eenosha doesn’t help, either, David added.

But did we have to get dropped off so far away?

It is what it is, Amber replied firmly.The group fell silent, no one interested in speaking further. The Candonians navigated along narrow trails nearly invisible among the broad leaves and scrubby bushes of the Naharan forest. There was no need to guide their path. They knew far better than any Human where to go and how best to get there. With nothing else to do, David took in his surroundings. Light filtered softly through the trees, creating patches of gently swaying gold across the lower bushes and bits of open ground. The crisp air swirled lazily around the great trunks to draw out their warm, damp smell. Leaves rustled in hushed tones. The chatter of small woodland creatures periodically joined the whisper of branches. Even amidst the various sounds, the embrace of the forest created a sense of deep silence penetrating right into David’s soul.

Here lay a world not encumbered by the horrors of war. No evidence of the battles raging just kilometers away existed. The natural world continued its steady beat of life without acknowledging the horrors wrought by sentient beings on distant battlefields. This place remained a precious pocket of renewal. It knew only tranquility. It knew only life as it should be. David hoped the war would not mar this natural gem. It filled his being with restfulness, with peace.

Lulled by the hushed tones around him and the steady rhythm swaying beneath, David found his eyelids growing heavy. Desperately he fought to keep them open. Enemy patrols could still penetrate the seemingly protective sanctuary. They could be watching this very minute. It paid to stay alert. Try as he might, David knew he was slowly losing the battle with his body’s wave of fatigue.

Rest, Darkracer said.

His voice remained low but it jarred David awake nonetheless.

It’s all right, the Candonian continued. Phantom and I are keeping watch. You need your rest.

You can see me?

David knew how silly the question sounded, but it was the only thing he could think to say. After all, he never once noticed his mount looking back at him. Darkracer chuckled.

I can, and I sense your mood. You have been through a lot and have not slept well for some time. There is no reason you should not take advantage of this moment. Rest.

For the first time David noticed Amber appeared to be resting as well, though she kept her gun across her lap. No doubt it would take little to make her fully alert again. Nathan, too, rested. By the weight against David’s back he figured the youth slept more deeply than Amber. With no reason to argue Darkracer’s suggestion, David adjusted himself in the saddle, checked the readiness of his weapons and shut his eyes. It felt good to be aware of nothing more than the peaceful forest sounds and gentle rocking motion of his mount. Before long David was asleep.

The realization that Darkracer had stopped jolted David back to reality. He gripped the front of the saddle tightly, surprised by how deeply he managed to sleep and thankful he had not slipped from the saddle in the process. Around him the forest had dimmed with the onset of nightfall. Already the forest floor lay in deep shadows that slowly crept up the trees. Checking his timeband, David discovered actual night still lay a good two hours away.

Amber jumped to the ground, surveying the tiny clearing the Candonians chose. Without a word she began unsaddling Phantom. David nudged Nathan who woke and looked around. He accepted David’s hand down, stumbling awkwardly back as he tried to get his numb legs to work.

Fia, he grumbled as he caught himself with the aid of a tree.

David stifled his amusement. He still had to dismount and figured he would be no better off than Nathan. Carefully he slid from the saddle, keeping a tight hold on it until the feeling began to return to his legs. Darkracer stepped away, dragging David along as he hunted out choice tidbits growing at the edge of the clearing. Motivated by hunger the Humans unpacked and set up camp quickly. Seated on blankets around a small portable heater they ate in silence, avoiding any talk of business until they finished.

We leave at five-oh tomorrow. That should put us at the Eenosha’s bunkers by midday at the latest.

Are people still there? Nathan asked as he settled back on his blankets.

Latest intel indicates the west bunkers are intact and in use. That’s where the military is holding position.

David wondered where Mike might be at the moment. He knew only that the pilot joined the air force, having refrained from asking for further details.

And the air force? he ventured. What intel do we have on them?

There are still fighters stationed west of the capital. They keep on the move. We won’t know more until we reach Eenosha. Amber paused to look directly at David. I’m sure Commander Soerin is safe.

David nodded slowly. If anyone could out maneuver the Vairdec, it was Mike, but he still worried for his friend.

Racer, Phantom, get some rest, Amber ordered. I’ll take the first watch. Malard, take the second. I’ll wake you in three hours.

David settled himself back on his blankets, giving Nathan a tentative sideward glance. The youth already lay wrapped in his blankets, breathing the deep, steady breath of sleep. It never ceased to amaze David how quickly Nathan could fall asleep. He considered offering to stay up for both the second and third watch, still not entirely sure he wanted to trust Nathan with his protection. Thinking it over, David figured Amber gave Nathan the last watch of the night when the Candonians would probably already be stirring.

He tried to relax only to become more agitated when sleep refused to come. Staring up at the night sky, he worked to spotting the pinpoints of starlight between the gently swaying branches. He was in the Naharan heading south ever closer to home. Would he see San Terres? He feared what it may look like now. Would Earthenia’s capital even be there? He shut his eyes tightly in an attempt to ward off the swirling questions. They were headed for Eenosha, not San Terres. There was no reason for him to worry about seeing his home. Home - it held devastating memories he longed to forget. The battles raging in Karnoss forced the tragic night he lost his fiancée to the very back of his mind. Now, the closer he ventured to San Terres, the more vibrant the memories became.

With a groan he rolled to his side, rubbing his brow as a stinging headache grew from the tension. Amber looked across the heater at him, quietly studying his behavior before speaking.

You should sleep, she whispered.

I can’t, David admitted quietly as he propped himself up on his elbow. I guess there’s too much going on.

He gave a sweeping motion toward his head. Amber nodded her understanding. Carefully she scooted closer to David, settling herself near his side. He sat up, wrapping his blanket around his shoulders. Amber did the same and placed her gun in her lap, making sure to position it for easy access should the need arise.

What are you thinking about?

At first David wasn’t sure how to answer. With no good way around the subject, he gave