OUTCASTS

Deep in the underground, Vladimir forced himself to sit down. His tired body and racing mind left him little alternative, except falling over where he stood! He sat completely still for almost two minutes, trying to calm his breathing and re-focus his mind. The magnitude of what Aurora had sent to him was by far greater than the explosion!

He tried rising from the bench, and maintaining his composure as he walked calmly to and through the door that led to the passageway. His reserve lasted all of about three steps, and it was all he could do to restrain himself from shouting as he raced down the corridor that led to the hospital!

Shazi felt someone familiar approach his domain, but whoever it was, there was such a bow wave of excitement in front him that the otter could not be sure who it was. Just as Shazi opened his desk, and put a hand on his beam pistol, he was half relieved, half annoyed to see Vladimir race into the room, like a wild kit at play!

The Skiltaire's momentum carried him sideways around the corner. He looked about, and spying Shomron's cot, made a dash for it!

Shomron was almost asleep when he felt someone grab his paw more tightly than could be comfortable. His sleepy eyes rolled open to see Vladimir trembling with excitement. The Skiltaire was shaking so hard, he could not stand still.

Shomron smiled at his second in command. In return Vladimir linked with Shomron's mind and began sending.

He bolted from the cot, the reflexive spasm of his body lifting his whole form the bed! In mid-air He let out the bark that only a cheetah could sound! The delicate web of sensor wires gave up and broke with a loud ping! By the time he hit the cot again, Shomron had his hind paws over the edge and on the floor, his heart and mind racing as fast as his body could, all thoughts of sleep and his wounds driven from his mind!

"What's all this? This is a hos--" The otter was in mid anger when Vlad took his paws and sent to him as well. The Otter let out a Trilling chirp that no other fur bearer could match, and before the echo of his protest died away, all three of them were sprinting down the corridor for the command center!

The rotunda of the observatory was strangely silent now. All of them sat in dazed silence, each contemplating the tumultuous day that was ending. Shalimar looked at his son. This day had brought to both proud cats pain and miracles. Shamir looked back at his Father. For the younger cat, this day had seen the terrible fulfillment of his deepest wish. He was free of his pain, and found a father who loved him. There was untold joy in him that he in turn had found that he could return love to his father.

But these newfound feelings did nothing to alter the fact that they were all in trouble. The weight of this trouble was made slightly lighter by the fact that they could share in it together. Each knew that the lives they had known were over. But all of them were drained, beyond tired, and all were uncertain of what the new day would bring.

"You had better spend the nite here." Shalimar said at last. "With the dragnet out, you'll be safer."

Shalimar looked at Lollo and Krista. Even the legendary strength of the wolverines was beginning to flag.

"Shamir, Your old room is made up for guests." His Father told him. "You take everyone in there, and get some rest."

"What about you, Father?" Shamir asked.

"I have work to do. Never mind about me."

"Oh, No." Lollo interrupted. "You're the best mind we have. We'll need you sharp when the sun comes up. Come on. Sleep!" Lollo ordered.

Shalimar looked at Krista and Aurora. Both nodded, their eyes heavy with sleep. Only then did Shalimar permit himself a yawn. He followed his friends thru a secret door in the rotunda wall, and into the dark comfort of the silent room. They lay down together and were instantly asleep.

The vixen padded along the ruined street, strewn with broken glass and debris. Only the width of the avenue gave her to know where the corner was. The building that marked the familiar spot was a charred stump, burned down to it's foundations. the air was thick with a gray haze that smelled of ashes and singed fur. The doctors office and the building that housed it leaned far over, blown cleanly off of its foundations like a pile of tumbled down blocks. If the sight and smell had not been so awful, Shari might have thought the former building was the cast off toy of some gigantic child.

Over here! a voice called.

The vixen turned hopefully toward the only sound to break the terrible dead quiet that hung over the block.

A lynx in a lab coat seemed to rise from the charred remnants of a former candle shop. Looking for me? He sent.

Are you the doctor?

Yes. It seems I'm also in charge of search and rescue, for now.

Can you come with me? The shopkeeper in the next street is in a bad way.

Kasim?

Yes. He fell off a ladder and hit his head. After.

After the explosion? The lynx asked aloud.

More like during the explosion, but yes.

I'll come as soon as I can. Before I get there, round up all the medical supplies you can find. I've set up a hospital in what's left of the park. I need all the help I can get!

My Mate had medical training in the Army!

Great! I'll come take a look at Kasim as soon as soon as I can. You two are going to become nurses!

Yes, doctor!

The lynx scurried away over the debris filled streets. Shari knew the Park the cat had mentioned. The vixen pair had passed it coming out. It wasn't far away, but the ruined roads made the journey more difficult. The female fox used her natural agility to dodge debris as she raced back to the shop.

**** ****

As Rocar raced back to his command, he thought of the great dome he had left and the shelter and protection that it offered him and freedom on this nite. A new idea came to him out of those granite walls of his cubhood. An Idea for a circle of wall, that would protect and shelter far better than the simple palisades the Simians erected before they camped each nite. He hoped that both the wall and company of Warriors would be strong enough to give freedom yet another shelter.

Shomron raced into the command center feeling like a cat of half his years. Vladimir was with him step for step. They split at the main console, racing into the room so fast the guards didn't have time to salute. Vlad gently snatched the communication harness from the duty operators head. The margay gave him a surprised look, but said nothing. Vladimir was already sending, because Shomron had started to dictate.

"Flash a special operations order to all command levels and sectors. Do not resist occupation forces. All sectors are to stay locked down tight! Resist only if attacked." Shomron ordered. "To all personnel." He began after pausing to breathe. "Prepare to receive and assist desertion of any and all members of the occupation force. Intelligence indicates strong probability that Army is impressing fur bearers. Disarm all former army troops until cleared. Deserters to be treated as Liberated prisoners, not Prisoners of war. Intensify at once all screening against sends of propaganda for Gifted Citizens. Got that?" he asked at last.

"Already in the waves. Sectors are acknowledging orders. offensive operations suspended until further notice." Vladimir reported.

"Good!" Shomron said, relived. "Send to all sector chiefs and heads of intelligence. Officers call, one hour, location four."

"Four is out, you might want to use six, instead. After last nite, its closer." Vladimir reminded.

"Very well. Thanks old friend." Shomron replied.

Shomron paused in his workload to turn and look at Shazi, who stood transfixed, a look of wonder on his muzzle. "Going to have to find out what was in your last IV and get a case for myself." He jested.

Shomron smiled broadly. "I need a report on that captured officer."

"Well, It took nearly three hours and eight of us healing her, but she'll be fine."

"Can I talk to her?"

"Talk yes, interrogate no." Shazi cautioned. "She's still recovering from the shock.

"Does she know where she is?"

"She's not saying anything, but I'll wager she does." Shazi bet.

"All right. Give me an hour and a half, and then, we'll try. Is she Gifted?"

"Ask my entire nursing staff. They're recovering from headaches she gave them trying to block their healing for nearly two hours straight. I should be so gifted!"

"Tell them they've all earned both combat and merit pay. That ought to make the hangovers ease a bit!"

"We've got her in isolation, so don't worry about what she might have sent." Shazi told his friend and commander.

"Great job, Thank you, Shazi!"

"You owe me for that sensor array you tore up." Shazi grumbled as he turned and left the room.

Vlad smiled at his departing classmate. "He's always been that way. Don't take it personally."

"Never. Shazi wouldn't be Shazi without the grouch." Shomron said as he poured over his note for the intelligence briefing. "Have someone relieve you there, Vlad. I want you at the briefing, as well."

"Yessir!" The Skiltaire replied smartly.

"How's Aurora. Is she all right?"

Vladimir smiled at his best friend. The light in the musteline eyes told how touched the Skiltaire was!

"She's Tired, but otherwise all right. "She's sleeping at the observatory with Shalimar and Shamir. She sends that Lollo and Krista escaped the firestorm near Internal Security Headquarters, and are there as well."

"Fantastic!" Can we get them back here safely, or would they have to cross the bad lands?"

"The old Tunnel system never went out or up that far. I've got a black gang excavating an extension out there now. They send that old Mountain is hard rock, so it will take some time." Vladimir reported casually.

"Have you by chance rebuilt the Nexis while I was snoozing?" Shomron asked Vladimir in light jest but honest amazement.

"Give me time." Vladimir shot back "After all, I'm only one Skiltaire."

"If I had two like you, we might start a chain reaction!"

"Twenty mega-CHIRPS?" Piped Vladimir brightly.

Shomron laughed. As he reached for his mug, he found it full of warm soup!

"Vegetable broth, Right?" Asked Vladimir casually.

"I have to bottle you." Shomron said. "When this is over, we might not need power plants at all!"

"Shomron?"

"Yes, Vladish?"

"I'd like to make a suggestion. Ignore it, if you want, because this one is more personal than tactical."

"Shoot."

"Shalimar is coming over, but the Simians still think he works for them." Vladimir began.

"So?"

"The observatory is a key installation. They will more than likely be sending a detachment to secure it."

Shomron nodded.

"Shalimar thinks he can hold off trouble with his brains. No offense, but my Mate is up there, too. I'd feel better if we had some help up there, just in case of trouble."

"Put a cohort with that black gang." Shomron told him. "Tell them to break thru and watch. "If it turns hot, order them to evacuate the observatory and seal the tunnel behind them."

"Thank you. My friend." Vladimir said gently.

Shomron folded up his briefing book, and looked at his second in command. "Ready?" he asked.

Vladimir nodded, and they walked together down the long corridor. This time, the guards had time to salute.

Expect a stormy session, my friend. Vlad sent to Shomron gently as they entered another passageway.

The cheetah nodded. He knew that the day had ended with an operation that had gone wrong. He was responsible. His fellow leaders would want answers, and they were the one thing he was short on at the moment after a tumultuous nite.

They turned a corner, entering a large cavern cut into the deep bedrock. Near its center were a series of tables, joined into a U shape. A number of fur bearers seated around it snapped to a proper attention.

Good Morning Everyone. Be seated, we have much to do, and little time. Shomron sent to the group.

After they were seated, Shomron stepped to one side, making room for Vladimir. The Skiltaire stepped up to the rostrum, and began a direct, concentrated send into the minds around him.

The room was dark and quiet, and the observatory was peaceful and still. A comforting silence after a watershed day. They had simply done as the lions had done, and the entire group resembled a range of furred hills erupted from the thickly carpeted floor. But even as minds rested, and bodies restored, one of them was always conscious. By agreement, the job of sentry had turned from one to the other regularly, so even as their bodies slept, one of their minds stood guard over their resting place.

Daylight had become a full, soft glow in the room as Aurora took over from Shamir. He had taken twice his time, to allow his father to rest. She was the logical one for sentry, but the lions would not hear of it. They had insisted on sharing the duty, and as she awoke, the female Skiltaire was both rested and relaxed. She did not move from her slumbering posture. To any outside observer, she remained soundly asleep. But her energetic mind reached well beyond her body, and even beyond the room in which the group slept. With the Skiltaire mind on guard, Aurora could detect any movement within her range, and that let her senses roam over not only the room and the observatory itself, but beyond the structure, to the ground outside.

The cavern room fairly boiled into disarray as Vladimir finished his send. He had shared everything, sparing nothing, from the raid to Rokar's message of hope. Some wanted his head, others thought they had been saved. The ensuing arguments proved a greater threat to the movement than any army of occupation.

Shomron was never one to step back from a challenge, but stepping into the middle of a melee was not smart. Vladimir stood back in disgust. Finally, Shomron lost his temper, and filled the room with the purely animal sound that only a cat could produce. They halted, as if each of them were preserved in a hologram, some with muzzles open in mid word.

"SIT DOWN, NOW!! THAT IS AN ORDER!"

They obeyed, knowing that the elder cheetah could be a formidable opponent, both physically and in debate. None of his colleagues would risk his true ire.

"This briefing is not a free fire zone!" Shomron growled. "Each of you has been elected by your fellows to lead, now blast it, ACT LIKE IT!!" Shomron hissed. "This day and what we do, or do not, can affect all of our people. We owe them better than this."

"We owe them an explanation." the cerval on the left said. "One that seems lacking from our leader." He added.

"Kambrai is right." Shomron began. "I don't know what went wrong. But you had all the intelligence I had. You voted to go ahead. It was a good operation. Gone wrong somehow. But I take responsability. Its my command."

Kambrai nodded. "Very well." he said softening. "It is no good to dwell on yesterday. As you said, what of today?"

"That." Shomron began, "Is why I called this meeting. I need your help."

"What is the situation now?" The question came from a diminutive voice that was a pleasant change from the hard-edged tone around the table.

"In view of the situation represented by certain friendly elements of the Military, I have suspended plans for all offensive operations against the occupying forces. "All sectors have been alerted to watch for and aid any and all who wish to leave the military without bothering to notify the State."

"Very wise." The female skunk said gently. "And how many guests do you expect?" she asked.

"Reports reaching us say that as much as one sixth of the current Military could be induced to take extended leave without notice, shall we say." Shomron told the group. "While they will be disarmed until screened, I have ordered that they be treated as liberated, rather than prisoners." Shomron expanded.

There was a murmur of agreement from both side of the table.

"I can further inform you that thanks to diligent work, we have been successful in enlisting Khai Koda Shalimar to aid the Movement." Shomron went on.

"Can we be sure of his loyalties?" A gruff and aged voice asked.

Shomron looked without rancor at the elder badger "I would stake my life on it, Sharda. And moreover the life of the movement." Shomron said without hesitation.

"Aye." Sharda said. "I know that one. Thick in the head, but brilliant. Once his mind is set, nothing will change it. He was the same way in the Chambre. Good enough for me." The elder spoke with a slight wheeze, that gave a softness to his voice. But the respect of that voice carried weight, and Shomron was thankful to have it with him.

"Thank You, Khai Sharda." Shomron said formally.

"Well." Sharda breathed, "Someone has to help the younger generations."

Shomron smiled, as much from gratitude as from humor. Sharda was only about two summers his elder, but had never let Shomron forget it. Now, he was grateful for it.

"This is all very well, for yesterday and today, but we still have the same problems long term." The dry observation came from the large tiger on the right. "How do we fight the repression of our rights? Especially now that the State will have the excuse they have sought for so long." he wanted to know.

"That's why we need to come together, not fight, not blame, but lead." Said Shomron. "What would you suggest, Kanto?" the cheetah asked the Tiger.

Her mind was active now, in the full light of dawn. All was silent, save for the sounds of the day beginning. Birds rising, bats nesting for the day.

The hum, when she first sensed it, leapt at her out of the morning calm. She was no soldier, but she had been mated to Vladimir long enough to know what this sound was!

Shomron was listening to Kanto's plan for a work slow down by the populace, when he saw Vladimir snap bolt upright from his relaxed posture! His Voice, when he spoke overrode Kanto's with the same fear that was in Aurora's mind at that moment.

"ARMOR!." He spoke urgently. "At the observatory!!"

Shomron was already racing for the door, with Vladimir across his shoulders!

The entire group was awake at once, and before the rumble had grown any louder.

"Where and how many?" Lollo said, his voice deliberately calm and strong.

"Two tracs. And Simians on foot, all along the uptrail."

"Shamir, take the front. Just watch for now." Lollo told him. The younger cat obeyed instantly. "Shalimar. You take Aurora up to the observation platform." Lollo said. "Krista. you stay with me. We'll be in the public gallery, just cleaning up. Shalimar, you have two new assistants, and a Graduate Student here. Right?"

"So it would seem! I couldn't be happier!" he replied before springing away with Aurora on his back.

The wolverine pair bolted from the room, making sure to close the hidden door behind them. In a moment, Nothing was evident but the wall of the rotunda.

There is a cohort of soldiers at the fence, Father. Shamir sent to his father, and Shalimar amplified and re-sent, so that everyone could sense it.

I've disabled the actuators on the fence. That should slow them down a bit. Shalimar sent to the group.

The communications window in the data flow came to life a moment later. It was another talking helmet.

"This is Internal Security. Open in the name of the State." He ordered flatly.

Shalimar calmly waved a paw over his interface control. "This is Doctor Shalimar, State Science Advisor." He began, summoning his most officious tone. "I'm sorry, but the blast wave knocked the actuators on the fence out of calibration. "We cannot open the fence from in here."

"Stand by, we will assist you." the helmet replied without missing a beat.

Father. Shamir sent Karnat is with them!

"I might have known." Shalimar growled, his neckfur rising.

Shamir watched as a half a cohort of Simian soldiers double-timed up to the fence gate. Without ceremony, six of them began kicking at the gate, while their trio of officers watched.

"So much for the technicalities." Shamir said soto as he watched them break in the gate. It buckled after a half dozen blows. The six Simians heaved the section of the fence off the side of the mountain, and then formed up by threes to march into the outer courtyard of the observatory.

Shamir had only one small grain of satisfaction as he leapt down from the balcony to the rotunda floor. The destruction of the fence would make his Father fighting mad!

He was standing there when the squad of Simians came thru the inner door, and into the rotunda. They fell out three deep on both sides of the door. Only then, did a shrunken marsupial figure skitter into the observatory.

"Who are you, and what are you doing on State Property?" He demanded in a shrill voice.

"He's my son, and he lives here." An annoyed voice growled at Karnat from above. "Is there a problem, Karnat?" Shalimar growled shortly.

"That's Doctor Karnat, Shalimar!" He snapped. "First I'd Heard about this. Why wasn't I notified?" He grumbled.

Shalimar and Aurora loped easily down the staircase. The astronomer stopped quite unperturbed before the Simians and the officious opossum. "They came late last nite. After the explosion, I insisted that they stay. It is my authority as State Science Advisor."

"Just who are "They", Might I ask, and who is this?" Karnat indicated Aurora with a rude poking gesture.

"She is one of my Students. In fact, she volunteered to assist me last nite after the blast shook the telescope. It needed recalibration, of course." Shalimar told him coldly, being as technical as his building anger would allow. "She and her friends have helped me clean up this place."

Suddenly Karnat looked concerned. "Was there any lasting damage?"

"Just some frayed nerves." Shalimar replied. "The explosion was so terrible. I have them looking for cracks in the dome or foundation now. This peak shook fairly hard." Shalimar told him. "We found out about the fence being out earlier when they tried to leave. I'm very glad you decided to look in on us." Shalimar told him.

Shamir stood silently and watched his father play the opossum like a harp!

Momentarily mollified, Karnat looked at Shamir again. "So this is your youngest son. I didn't catch your name young one."

"Shamir. Sir." Shalimar's son called on his reserve of enthusiasm, seeming to sound excited. "So, you are the Great Doctor Karnat. Father told me he worked with you, but I never thought I would meet you! I just wish it had been in a different time." The young lion gushed.

Karnat smiled. "Well, It's a pleasure to meet you too. Tell me young cat, thinking of following your father, hay?"

"Yes sir. I only hope I can work with you someday." Shamir said, laying it on thick.

"Well, Provided you're not as headstrong as your Father, you should do well, young cat." Karnat advised.

"Tell me Shalimar, why have you never brought this bright young one here before now?" Karnat asked.

"Well, Until recently, he was considering a career." Shalimar paused to look askance at the Simian soldiers, "In the Military."

Karnat caught Shalimar's look. He nodded. "Oh. I see. Another fine vocation, but science runs in your family, Shamir. You ought to at least give it a try." Karnat advised.

"Oh, yessir. I will." Shamir answered quickly.

"I want to thank you again for your concern, Doctor Karnat." Shalimar said. "I am a bit concerned over the fence, but."

"Oh tish-tosh Doctor Shalimar." Karnat said easily. "I can authorize a military construction team to repair it. Probably could improve it a little." he went on expansively.

Only Shamir saw the daggers in his Father's eyes. Shalimar had designed every feature of the compound! Quickly, the younger cat stepped in. "Excuse me Doctor Karnat, but if you have a moment a bit later, I have some questions about your paper on theoretical inter-stellar travel."

You mean MY paper on theoretical inter-stellar travel! Shalimar interjected mentaly. The swine stole it from me at the University, you know that!

"You read it?" Karnat interjected, His train of thought totally changed.

Oh, yes sir, It was required reading at school. I read it before that, though." Shamir paused to nod gently at his father.

"Really?" Karnat said. "Remind me to give you an inscribed copy when all this unpleasantness is over."

"It would be an honor, Sir."

He turned Karnat away, and walked with him across the rotunda, and out of reach of his father!!

Shomron bypassed central control, and headed directly for the armory. He found six pairs of paws ready to help him into his armor. Vladimir leapt off to one side, landing on the now disused bench. As six of his team helped Shomron strap in, his mind raced beyond his body. Instantly, he was in mental contact with the squad leader at the observatory.

"He sends that they broke thru the fence, and there is a cohort inside the observatory. No one has come out yet. The force has two armored transports, with another squad in reserve." Shomron said. "I want two teams with full armor. Have them follow me at half minute intervals. "I have the feeling they didn't show up for a science lecture, but they may get one in Military science."

Vladimir was far from idle. He had linked with Aurora a moment before, and began his report as Shomron locked and loaded.

"We have nine inside. Karnat is with them. Aurora sends that Shalimar and Shamir have them occupied, but she is still not sure of their intentions." he said. "The Simians are all in the rotunda, near the man door. Standard sidearms only. all the heavy weapons are outside." Vladimir added.

"I don't like the feel of this." Shomron said. "You don't send two cohorts and heavies to garrison an observatory without reason."

"Agreed. They have come for something or someone." Vladimir reflected. " Reports from around the City and Nexis say that all buildings are under guard, but by no more than two or three soldiers at best. They appear to be trying to be unobtrusive." Vladimir added.

"That's not exactly a Simian specialty." Shomron noted. "Get those teams up and ready. Let's go."

"Shomron--"

The cheetah turned, and looked into the Skiltaire's worried eyes. "Don't worry, she'll be all right. " Shomron told his number two.

Shomron turned, and shot down the tunnel like a rifled bullet. Vladimir knew that even for his Homeworld's fastest runner, the observatory was five long minutes away.

While Shamir sidetracked Karnat, Shalimar kept the Simians in sight. He recounted them twice a minute, making certain they stayed where they were. The elder cat was not so green or foolish as to believe Karnat's banal pleasantries. Karnat was unprincipled and opportunistic, a perfect match for the Military. They had come for a reason, and sooner than later, Karnat's ego and his newfound enforcers would take over. All Shalimar could do was wait and hope. Shalimar glanced over at Shamir and reminded himself to complement his son. He had picked up the line of flattery, and stalled Karnat dead in his tracks. What ever the marsupial's dark intention, he had been kept from it for almost a score of minutes. When time could be potent ally or implacable enemy, his second son had won them one aspect of their struggle seemingly without effort. Shalimar hoped that elsewhere, others had used the precious time to equal advantage.

Shomron poured his body into his run. He raced along the tunnel sections, a blur of speed and fur. He ignored the pain of strained muscles, as his body reminded him it was still lightly injured. The tunnel around him changed, and Shomron was plunged into blackness as he outran the regular lighting of the tunnel system. The rock beneath his paws was slightly warm, having been cut only a short while before. He sent ahead of himself, alerting the tunnel workers and the squad leader up ahead of his approach. The thoughts shot ahead of him now by only seconds, and Shomron slowed to a stop a few lengths distant from a mixed group of fur bearers, all bathed in an errie yellow light.

Situation? Shomron sent to the squad leader.

A falcon perched on one of the many armored shoulders in the group turned, and sent to him on a pinpoint beam of thought. We're thru, sir. Behind the second of two carriers that brought the soldiers. We can go above ground and stay hidden behind it. The observatory is due east. Friendlies and hostiles still inside. We are linked with Aurora, who's sending us images from inside, So far, they are all right.

I have two strike teams on the way. If we have to take them back, I want you and your team to take out the Simian sentries, and capture the second squad out there, to prevent their reinforcing the Observatory. Shomron ordered.

We have their pickets marked just in case, sir! the falcon replied.

Excellent, Commander--

Hamikaro, Sir

Shomron nodded. It was a name he would remember.

I'm going to drop back, and bring up the force. Shomron sent to Hamikaro. If things get ugly, you are authorized to use deadly force if required to defend your command.

Yessir!

Shomron would not have far to go. The two squads were less than one minute behind him. As he fell back along the tunnel to bring them up, he hoped he would have that minute, but he could never be sure.

Lollo and Krista bustled here and there, sweeping, polishing and wiping. They looked both innocuous and industrious, to keep the soldiers from getting too good a look at them. Krista noticed Lollo using the reflections off of the display cases to get the position of the troops in the rotunda.

"Doctor Shalimar!" he called out loud.

"Yes? What is it?" Shalimar answered, trying to sound properly annoyed at the help.

"There is dust and fine debris all over the floor in here. May I have your permission to mop, Sir?"

"Whatever. Go ahead, but don't bother me, I'm extremely busy." Shalimar replied, his voice sounding tired.

Come with me, Darling. I have a plan. Lollo winked. Krista smiled and followed.

Shamir listened to Karnat's steady drone. Pretending to listen and be interested became a greater challenge as the self-centered scientist turned the discourse to his autobiography.

Father,Help! Shamir sent in near desperation.

Above him, on the observation balcony with Aurora, Shalimar smiled.Now you know what your father has endured. I'll be right there!

He looked at Aurora I'll be below, rescuing Shamir. Shalimar sent with a touch of humor.

Aurora nodded, making a supreme effort to stiffle a laugh!

Shalimar's leap directly to the rotunda floor was nothing he had not done before. Yet, watching from the observation platform high above, Aurora noticed the reaction of the Simian soldiers. Some tried to back away, others shuttered, stifled sounds whose meaning was beyond mistaking. The Simian troops were afraid! Their fear showed in their eyes as the Simian force watched Shalimar walk casually across the rotunda. Most brought their weapons closer to their bodies, while seemingly hiding behind them. Their group gaze never left Shalimar. The posture and intent was all too easy to see.

Shalimar. Aurora sent quickly The Simians fear you. but their eyes also mark you as their target.

Shalimar's thoughts in return were unperturbed and sober. Yes, I have thought so from the beginning. Now we can be certain. Please send to Shamir.

Aurora did so. She watched Shamir for any outward sign of concern. She breathed a sigh of relief when there was none. Shamir kept up his front, keeping Karnat tied up with his own ego.

Shalimar padded easily up to the two of them and bowed. "Excuse a proud Father, Doctor Karnat." But I require the aid of my son for some observations. Young eyes can often see more and better."

Karnat made an obsequious bow. "Of course, Doctor Shalimar. Perhaps a little practical experience would be good for the lad." He suggested.

"My thoughts precisely, Doctor Karnat. Could you please excuse us for a while? The dataflow awaits." Shalimar said.

"Delighted." Karnat replied.

As the brace of lions turned to walk up the staircase, Karnat also turned, and spoke again.

"When your work for the Morning is concluded, Doctor Shalimar, I wonder if I might beg a private conference with you?" he inquired, trying and failing to sound casual.

"Of course. Tho it may be sometime later." Shalimar responded evenly, looking back over his shoulder.

"Please, do take your time, Dear Doctor Shalimar." Karnat said with a flourish.

As Shalimar and his second son paced slowly toward the ascending staircase, Only Shalimar could see the lights of worry in his son's eyes.

Father. They mean to--

Never Fear, my son. Shalimar shared reassuring thoughts with his boy. Your father has not survived so long by being so very simple.

Shalimar linked at once with Lollo and Krista above, as well as with Aurora. When the elder cat sent once more, all of his friends could share his thoughts.

They don't want me, directly. They want what I know, and what some of you have seen tonite. Never fear, They shall not have my works or my body. I have prepared long ago for this possibility. My son and Aurora carry the secret. They can send to anyone what they know, and what I have given them this evening just past. It is my intent to offer no resistance--

Father! --

Shalimar!

The swelling of shocked thoughts and near panic almost overrode the elder's calmer send.

Now, Now. He sent soothingly. Should I resist, that would only cause their suspicion. If I am to continue to aid you, I must seem above reproach.

Shamir looked sidelong at his father as they climbed the staircase Through the fear of the moment, those youthful eyes paid and repaid years of lost admiration and love in the span of a glance.

I say if they try anything, we fight. Lollo sent. I have a surprise prepared for our Simian guests. I think we can take them, if surprise is ours. Lollo sent.

Yes. Shalimar replied in thought. But they are many, and we few, Even with the troops disarmed in here, could we hold them for long.? And then what? We would be trapped here, with more on the outside.

Lollo admired the great cat's thinking. Aurora had been right. His was a superior mind. Bitterly and against his own will, the wolverine gave up the idea. Or most of it.

Will they harm you? Aurora sent.

They dare not, for now. Shalimar answered mentally. As long as I have knowledge they can gain nowhere else, I am reasonably secure. Altho I dare say some of their requests for information may become rather physical. Shalimar sent frankly.

They harm you, and I will hunt them down. This I swear, Father mine.

No, my Son. Your youth and spirit cannot be wasted on vengeance. You and others are too badly needed. When this dark time is done, Our world will need your light, undimmed by hatred and violence. Shalimar sent to his offspring.

Aurora looked at Shalimar and fought back tears. The same words had been Maruda's last.

Wherein you found the bottle of brandy, My Son, you will also find a crystal holder. Within it are six crystals, with all my work and data stored within them. They are encrypted, but any with a sharp mind will already know the key. Shalimar sent quickly, not knowing how much time might be left to him.

Where will they take you? Asked Aurora, still fighting to quell her rising emotions.

Probably Military Headquarters. Shalimar conjectured. Above all, you must make no effort beyond the Charter to gain my release. I must seem distant from the cause you have rekindled in this old heart tonite. If these dull ones suspect my true heart, I would be no longer free. Shalimar cautioned.

"Doctor Shalimar. Might I see you for a moment?" Karnat's voice grated upon their ears like grinding teeth.

Aurora fought a sudden burst of sheer anger that brought with it the urge to shout her true feelings about the miserable marsupial and his impending act of betrayal.

"A brief moment, if you please, Doctor Karnat." Shalimar spoke aloud.

Shalimar looked at her and read her heart, as well as her mind. He stepped closer to the Skiltaire and nuzzled her gently. Maruda loved you most of all. I know your pain, but as you have recalled to me, no anger is worthwhile unless it is focused on change. You can help me best by seeing to it that my works are used to make a better world.

All Aurora could do was nod.

Shalimar turned, without any backward glance, and leapt smoothly to the floor of the rotunda.

Above, from the balcony, Lollo watched as three of the Simian soldiers separated from the squad, leaving the main door guarded by the other three. The second trio crept slowly along the curve of the round wall, and slithered into Karnat's office.

"I'm ready now, Doctor Karnat." Shalimar said with absolute sang froid.

"Good. Good. Step into my office, if you please. I want to review some of your data and observations." Karnat replied, his voice steady and factual.

Aurora stood on the observation platform with Shamir watching the scene unfold. Frantically, she poured power into her mind, and the Skiltaire's sending brain lit up like a disaster beacon!!!

The power of a familiar pulse nearly buckled Shomron's knees, as the energy struck his senses a palpable blow. He staggered, and in the fraction of a second that followed the pulse he nearly collapsed, as his mind digested the thoughts that came with the mental scream for help!

Shomron tensed his heavy runners legs and sprang in one motion straight up thru the tunnel entrance!

No one needed to tell Hamikaro twice. Cohort,Advance! He sent, and a moment later, the cheetah was followed by a feathered missile!

Shalimar walked toward the door, his gift telling him from a distance that Karnat's office held more than data and observations. The lion noticed the opossum lagging behind him a step or two. Shalimar braced himself, thought of Maruda, and stepped casually thru the door.

Shamir's heart held, until he saw his father enter the room, and then saw Karnat dash into the same room, pulling the door shut behind him!

He had the will and the power to race down, explode thru the door and stop this ambush. But all he heard in his ringing, hurt filled ears were his father's instructions. The crystals. They were the important thing. If his Father's works were to be vindicated, those crystals were beyond value. He submerged his heart and his feelings, forcing his body to move. Slowly, deliberately, he walked down each step of the staircase to the rotunda floor, his pawfalls heavy with all his youthful strength and purpose. As he made his way across the observatory, toward the small alcove that held his Father's office, he found himself begging for one of the Simians to get in his way.

Lollo and Krista stood together as they watched Shalimar walk toward the trap. Krista's normally clear, gentle mind was a black morass of the most vile curses any thinking Fur-Bearer could feel. Like Shamir, she seethed with purpose. She gave not a wit now for herself, but if harm befell Shalimar, she swore to her generations past that she would feast on Karnat's viscera.

Shomron's massive legs virtually exploded, propelling him up and out so quickly that there was no sound at all. While he was still in mid-air, he saw a large avian shape rocket out of the same hole below him, and swoop past him, high into the morning sky. Shomron landed on the rear deck of the armored troop carrier, just in back of the round top hatch. It was open wide, and seemingly unguarded. The Cheetah knew better.

He sprang forward rapidly, plunging one thick arm down into the hatch up to the shoulder. Those same runner's muscles rolled his paw around rapidly, his hard claws slashing around in the inner space of the carrier's drivers seat. It was odd, but Shomron felt no regret this time as his natural weapons sliced into something more solid than air, and minced the form into a sticky pulp.

As the cat withdrew his sticky red paw and shook it clean, he saw the other fourteen members of the first squad climb nimbly from the tunnel's mouth. The armored vehicle's bulk hid them perfectly, and the driver had no chance to raise any alarm. He deployed them telepathically, ordering encirclement of the Simians. Shomron counted twenty, and then set his predator's eyes on the next target, a Simian sentry with a pulse rod. The still unseen cat set to spring, blood in his hunters eyes.

Shalimar strode right thru the door, seeming to be unaware of the three Simians, two of them pressed along the wall to the right side of the door, trying to be unseen. Karnat darted in behind him, closing the door. Only then did Shalimar turn toward him.

"Now which of my--" Shalimar stopped in mid sentence. He tried, but could not fake surprise as he saw the soldiers pointing pulse rods at him. Framed in the middle of this bleak scene was Karnat, smiling a smile that only an opossum could.

"So, you show your true mettle at last, you miserable swine." Shalimar said with a tone free of pretense.

Karnat looked genuinely hurt. For one split second.

"You may dispense with the pleasantries." he hissed. "I have orders for your arrest."

"Upon what charges and authority?" Shalimar demanded. "I am the State Science Advisor."

"That may have been true. Yesterday." Karnat snapped. "But today, you are being charged as an enemy of the Military Government and with sedition."

"Under the Charter, I have the right to--"

"The Charter is suspended, and so are your "rights" Karnat bantered.

But then, the opossum seemed to soften a bit. Shalimar knew that was when he was most dangerous.

"I have no wish to see such a fine mind wasted so." Karnat began "As the new Military Science Minister, I could use my influence to reduce or eliminate the charges brought against you." Karnat told Shalimar.

"In exchange for?" Shalimar continued to fence.

"Sharing certain elements of your work with myself and several other distinguished representatives of the Military Government." Karnat told him flatly.

"Oh really?" Shalimar said, pretending to contemplate the outrage. After a moment of careful consideration he added "Have you ever contemplated biology, Karnat?" Shalimar asked.

"That's DOCTOR Karnat. Why?" he asked, his suspicions rising.

"It may help you accomplish an impossible act of self replication that I would suggest."

The opossum's narrow, pointed muzzle fell. Karnat's eyes flashed like black marbles. "Perhaps you care nothing for yourself. We anticipated a certain amount of resistance on your part. But perhaps you ought consider the welfare of others." Karnat told him in an icy voice.

"What do you mean?" Shalimar had five times Karnat's intelligence, and twenty times his strength, but he had almost none of the opossum's natural gift for subterfuge. Yet the astronomer never lacked subtlety. He could tell when a threat had been made.

"Consider for a moment the future of that bright young lad and the others." Karnat replied. "These are uncertain times." Karnat cautioned. "Their future welfare may very well be influenced by your vision, or lack of it." Karnat concealed.

Shalimar gave in, and cast the briefest of glances back towards the rotunda. The awful implication came to him at once. When he looked back at Karnat, the opossum wore a predatory smile.

"You must understand." Karnat added. "Who knows if or when this small band of malcontents could strike out again, in yet another senseless act of violence against the State or one of its leading scientists."

Karnat saw Shalimar close his eyes slowly. Outwardly, it was a tacit admission of Karnat's position. Inwardly, it was a needed moment of focused calm that prevented the Lion from simply killing Karnat where he stood.

"Yes." Karnat said. "Consider the consequences. But also weigh the rewards." Karnat said slyly.

Shalimar thought about it. Any world without Karnat would be a better place. But, he let the marsupial live, for a while longer.

"The military is about to undertake certain programs that will need your knowledge and wisdom. Funds and resources will be unlimited." Karnat expanded. "Why not secure a portion of this bounty for yourself, your family, and your friends?" Karnat questioned. "After all." Karnat went on "Some of the greatest advances in science have been military in origin." Karnat reminded Shalimar.

"Science could make a killing, is that it?" Shalimar observed coldly.

The humor of the phrase was not lost on Karnat, any more than the insult had been. The opossum smiled broadly. "At last you take my meaning, esteemed Doctor Shalimar." Karnat said with a sigh of relief.

"Yes." Answered Shalimar slowly. "Indeed I do."

"Owing to your long service here, and your dedication to the former government." Karnat told him, "I shall grant you some time to consider your final answer." Karnat instructed. "You may go, but do not leave here." He added.

Shalimar turned, and without word or thought, padded from the room, leaving Karnat alone to gloat. Only after Shalimar was gone did Karnat notice the expressions of fear fade from the flat Simian faces as they peaked from hiding on the other side of the door. Quickly Karnat motioned them to get back. Their job was not done, only delayed a bit.

Shamir stalked across the rotunda, his whole posture a warning. He smiled in satisfaction as expressions of fear filled the three Simian faces that guarded the door. The youthful cat was inwardly glad when none of them followed him into his Father's study on the far side of the observatory. He knew he could not close the door without arousing suspicions. So as he stood before the framed picture of his Mother on the wall, he did the next best thing. His senses swept out from where he stood. they returned to him with an image of everyone in the observatory. He made certain that no one was spying or eavesdropping, and then opened Shalimar's safe for the second time.

The crystal container lay exactly where his Father had said, hidden to all unknowing eyes. Gently, Shamir focused on it, and it floated out of hiding. Gingerly, the young lion took the small case into his mouth. He looked around the room for another hiding place, and then he saw one! He padded quickly toward the small pot of flowers that stood in one corner. White roses had been his mother's favorite. As he considered what he was about to do, he silently implored her aid.

Lollo's downcast look vanished as he saw Shalimar pad quietly thru the door again. The wolverine was so happy that his sending pulse set Krista's backfur up! Krista looked over and down, her sad expression changing. She swept Lollo off of his feet with her hug!! From his slightly elevated position, Lollo watched as Shalimar climbed the staircase to the observation platform. The male wolverine's own private elation vanished when he saw Shalimar walking up one stair at a time, his head down and his tailtip dragging behind him.

Aurora was praying when she heard the staircase below. She looked up from her supplications to find Shalimar standing with her once more! She thanked greater powers than she for her wish fulfillment, and threw herself around his neck, and held on with all her will, vowing never to let go again!

Shalimar purred thunderously for a few moments, and then fell silent. Telepathically, he touched selected minds in the rotunda and beyond. Once the links were formed, Shalimar sent to everyone the content and context of his "conference" with Karnat.

Shamir finished smoothing over the dirt at the base of the rosebush. His telekinesis left no telltale marks. He bowed to the beauty of the flowers, and his mother's memory. He was just turning around when he felt his Father's send!! He looked back, thanked her, and then raced for the rotunda!!

He was brought up short by what his father sent to him. By the time his young paws hit the polished floor of the rotunda, he could have raced thru the office door, and throttled Karnat, uncaring of the cost of his life.

Above him. Lollo's anger stormed back, redoubled by the fact that he had been made a pawn in blackmail. If Shamir elected to drive for the office, he would have help, and plenty of it!

Shalimar sensed the rage and anger building in those around him. To their surprise, it was the elder lion who stayed them.

Please. What I must do now is mine alone to do. No one else must be held to account. He sent somberly. I created this monster, from years of sightless indifference. Now I must stop him. I and I alone.

Shalimar raised his head, lifting Aurora from her hind legs, and setting her gently on the control interface for the telescope array. From you, My Darling Aurora, I will beg only one more boon. What I must now do may result in a frenzy from the Simians. Guard well this panel. You and the resistance may have need of it, in better times.

They shall never lay digits upon it. Aurora sent on a wave of resolve fueled by her own rare anger.

He nodded. From the elder lion's eyes, the Skiltaire could see both resignation and resolution. He stepped past Aurora to one side, toward the memory matrix for his interface. He paused before the panel, looking at it lovingly one last time. He sighed.

He had designed it to the last detail. His design breakthroughs had made the system possible, and his system was the most powerful of them all. Now it had come to this.

He let go of all his anger, allowing his rage, regret and outrage move him. He swept the safety locks from the top of the matrix interface. It opened smoothly, quickly, as he had designed it to do. He took no time to enjoy the triumph of his work. Rather he dipped his huge paw into the panel space below the top of the panel. With one sweep of his paw, he ripped the four crystals from their suspension in the magnetic sphere. It took only a moment, and within the space of a single breath, he held in his paw the heart and mind of every Datalink on his homeworld, and with it, all the work of a lifetime of peace and science.

As Shalimar turned, he held the crystals aloft by telekinesis, the four of them floating between the back of his head and his back, so that they were shielded by Shalimar's massive body. He squared himself.

As Aurora watched, she saw the elder Lion compose himself. She saw age seem to melt from him, and within a moment, he was the soul of the huge, and powerful cat that he could be.

He looked across the upper balcony at Lollo and Krista. He smiled and dipped his head briefly.

Below, Shamir made eye contact with his father. The dread Resolution that he saw in his Father's eyes made him panic! But before Shamir could think about moving, or feeling, he was nearly blasted from his paws by the reverberating thunderclap of Shalimar's roar as it filled every corner of the observatory with an unmistakable challenge!

The acoustics of the roar shook him from his small pedestal chair. Behind the door, where the Simian soldiers waited in ambush, they dodged shards of glass from the broken pane in the door.

"KARNAT!!!"

Outside, in the midst of the now pacified ground, there echoed what seemed to be an explosion from inside the building. He waved quickly, sending his squad racing toward the building itself.

The marsupial picked himself up from the floor shaking. With an annoyed growl, he bolted for the door, his own anger boiling.

He dashed into the rotunda, and looked up. There he stopped, and stood stark and still, near catatonic with terror at the sight before his eyes.

Shalimar looked down on him in more ways than one as he swept the data crystals from behind his head. He commanded them to rise, suspended in a blue ball of mental energy made visible by the radiation of the crystals themselves. Together, the four of them floated to the very apex of the rotunda dome, far beyond the reach of any save himself.

"You filthy Traitor. Colaborator." He growled, venom dripping from not only his voice but his posture. "You wanted my mind, my Heart, and my work. You wanted others to pay the price." he snarled. "No. You are paying the price for your ruthless ambition. And So am I."

Shamir could only watch, his heart rocklike in his throat. He had forgotten how to breathe.

Standing helplessly across the circular rotunda's balcony, Lollo cursed his form for the first time in his life. Silently helpless, he wished for wings.

"You and your Simian masters want these." He half roared "More than Justice, more than Peace, More than the lives of innocents." he snarled, his anger and rage coming to full flow. "No wisdom, just power." he roared. "FOOLS!" You think yourselves worthy of these." Shalimar angled his gaze upward slightly toward the peaceful blue sphere.

Across the rotunda, Karnat saw on of the Simians raise his pulse rod. It began to build an orange ball at the tip.

The horror of this sight was enough top make Karnat move. "No,idiot!" He barked. "Kill him and the crystals fall!"

Instantly, the rod dipped, its orange energy fading away.

Shalimar smiled a bitter and ironic smile. "Now life matters to you, you insignificant insect. But this life is nothing. Principle is everything. And so, I do as I must."

As he spoke the final word, he dropped his eyes, but did not look away from Karnat as the Opossum saw the telepathic energy that suspended his prize simply fade into nothingness. There was a pacific satisfaction in Shalimar's heart as he watched Karnat. The black hearted marsupial could not react before the crystals tumbled from the apex of the dome, and shattered as one on the hard polished floor with an out of place, almost plaintive pop!

At first he made no sound. His body wavered in shock. Then he let out a screech. It was not born of right or wrong, insult or vindication. It was more the sound of a spoiled child denied his playthings.

Karnat's shriek moved the soldiers guarding the main door to motion. For a split second, they were directionless, and then the trio of armed Simians lunged for the strains, racing up toward Lollo, Krista and Shalimar beyond!

Lollo was anything but directionless. He snatched up the bucket of soapy water, and dashed it down the stairs. Not at the Simian bodies, but beneath the tangle of feet that now tried to ascend the narrow staircase! They tripped, slipped and tumbled in a ball back down the stairs! Lollo had already tossed the bucket over the Balcony at Karnat as he leapt down the stairs, teeth and claws flashing, into the fallen Simians!

Krista looked down and over just in time to see the other three soldiers dash out of the office. As Karnat dodged the empty bucket, he motioned the trio of soldiers not in battle into the fray. Krista grabbed the fallen mop, and using it as a vaulting pole and quarter staff, she sailed off the far balcony in a diagonal leap directly into the other three Simians!!

Shamir's springing leap had been picture perfect. He caught the leader of the three Simians just above waist high! The enraged lion simply mowed them down. The last of the them was trying to rise from his back, and aim his rod when Krista sailed down, and in one quick circular motion, clobbered the Simian with the mop!

Shamir had never stopped moving, and after sinking his claws, he spring again, rebounding in a single motion, straight for Karnat!

Karnat saw the oncoming cat, and had skittered away before Shamir landed on empty space. The slight marsupial congratulated himself on a superior bit of maneuver, and turned to dash out the door of the observatory, only to be knocked senseless by the swipe of a cheetah's paw!

Aurora looked down and over, past Shalimar, across the rotunda, and nearly exploded with happiness!

Shamir looked up, for his target, and looked squarely at Shomron! The young Cat managed to smile at his hero!

"SHOMRON!" Aurora shouted with glee!!

The Cheetah nodded at the young lion, a light of admiration in his elder eyes, and then Shomron sprang up the main staircase.

Below in the Rotunda, Shamir, Lollo and Krista watched As Shalimar and Shomron came nose to nose. After a moment, they nuzzled one another gently.

"Long Time, Young One." Shalimar said simply.

Shomron blushed. "Almost too long. Khai Shalimar. Welcome back to the fight."

Shomron's squad re enforced, and took charge of the now captive Simians inside the observatory. Their fellows outside, taken completely by surprise seemingly had been spirited away, only a shard of fractured pulse rod here and there marked this place of science as a battleground. At last, only one groggy prisoner remained.

Karnat revived just in time to see the last of the wounded Simians being lead away. Then the opossum saw himself ringed by hostile muzzles.

"Let us have him. For just two minutes. Alone. We won't hurt him. Much." Lollo begged for both he and Krista.

Karnat cowered.

"I think I'll count some stars." Said Shamir.

"I have to go see to my teams." Shomron remembered.

"It's more than he deserves." Shalimar said. "I think we should let him go."

"WHAT??"

"I think we should let him go." Shalimar explained. Karnat brightened for a moment. Then Shalimar went on. "Of course, I'd hate to think what the Simians would think, after loosing their chance to have me and my work, not to mention the loss of two cohorts of soldiers and all their equipment."

Lollo caught on. He beamed. "You know they don't like failure. They'll have to blame someone." the wolverine mentioned. "Come along, Karnat. We will see that you get back to military headquarters all alone, won't we, Darling?" Lollo asked Krista.

Krista nearly doubled over. "Yes!" she giggled. "THAT will be a REAL Pleasure!"

"NO!!!! You CAN'T. You. Wouldn't." The opossum blubbered.

"Well." Shalimar pretended deliberation. "If you did escape while we weren't looking. And if you were NEVER to be seen again."

"EVER." Injected Shomron "Because, if you were, the Resistance would want you dead too." The cheetah explained.

"YESYESYESYES!!! Anything!! ANYTHING!!" Karnat stammered.

Shomron looked at Lollo and Krista. "Well. We'll see. Maybe you two could take him on one of your famous overnite endurance runs. You know, the ones where you go as fast as you can all day and all nite. And if this could not keep up, after some encouragement, of course, I don't think I'd be mad at you if you two happened to come back alone." Shomron told the wolverine pair with a wink.

Lollo and Krista snatched Karnat from the floor and were gone in a blur, with Karnat sandwiched between them, his short legs barely touching the ground!

"Well." Said Shalimar lightly. "We finally found something the Simians are good for!"

"What's that? Shomron asked with a smile.

"Helping to put out the trash." Shalimar said without humor.

Rocar stood in quiet amazement in the center of the compound. They had worked all nite, but working together, three legions made anything seem simple. The hardening wall round about them was grayish-white in the low light. The last of the forms had fallen away, and the cement would cure quickly beneath the sun of the new day.

The white lion felt a swell of another sort of pride, as his command moved within the walls, digging the remainder of their bunkers into the solid ground within the new, round wall. Rocar had inspired these fortifications, a new idea in the face of Simian military doctrine. Now he hoped that the new idea would give shelter not only to his command, but to the higher principle that had moved him.

As Shomron's first squad was preparing to return to base, the sharp eyed cheetah noticed a familiar avian shape swooping down from the cloud decks above the city. The cat saw the falcon loft into view, riding the air currents, even with his short wings! He settled onto the tallest tree branch on the observatory grounds.

"You did remarkably well today. I'm recommending you for promotion." Shomron told him

He gave the falcon's wing tip sweep salute and made his report. "I went up twenty and out twenty. Nothing unusual moving in the Nexis, tho there is excavation activity at the site of the Internal Security warehouse, or what's left of it."

Shomron frowned. "Unusual."

"There's something else, Sir."

"Yes?"

"The excavation crews are being guarded by troops and heavy armor. They are no regulation clean up crew, altho they're wearing the same uniforms. Whatever they are searching for, they want Citizens kept far away."

"Can you set up a flight to keep high altitude recon on that site at all times during daylight?" Shomron asked.

"Yessir!" The able falcon replied.

"Good. I appoint you chief of special fight number one. Watch and report, but don't gamble any lives to do it. Just keep the reports coming in. You'll report to myself or directly to Khai Shalimar. Understood?" Shomron asked.

"Affirmative, Sir. And thank you." He took off again soaring into the clouds, this time without help from the wind!

"Ranger Latto!" Shomron called into the observatory.

One of the larger wolves trotted out of the building, his combat helmet beneath his arm. It still bore fresh scorch marks. "Yessir?" The wolf inquired.

"Report on evacuation status for Khai Shalimar." Shomron Ordered.

"All personnel have left the building sir, on route to point twenty six. The Khai asked that certain of his affects be removed before we detonate the charges he placed." Latto told him.

"Must be very hard on Shalimar, Sir." Latto ventured.

"Yes." He lived here half of his life. But he is determined to deny them the telescope. I think I can understand why."

"He won't be completely blind, sir." Latto told Shomron "My engineering section managed to steal--liberate two of the smaller spotting telescopes from the array. Not much, against the whole telescope, but each of them is twenty times the power of anything we have at this time."

"That's fantastic. Good work, Ranger!"

"Yessir. That's what we're known for! Latto replied.

Shomron saluted, and let Latto get back to work. It was already past noon, and with each passing minute, the garrison force was becoming more over due for check in. His second and third teams could hold this place, but he had no real wish for a second fire fight this day.

Aurora and Shamir led Shalimar down the extension tunnel, and into the old underground system. Shalimar seemed fascinated as he looked about, his sharp mind absorbing every detail. It was nearly enough to make him forget the pangs in his heart, and the wrenching sensation in his stomach. The elder lion hid it well, but never well enough from the keen insights of the Skiltaire. Aurora could practically see the burden Shalimar carried as they walked away from the peak.

She reached over and touched him gently, as if to have her paw pass thru the snowy fall of mane, and warm what had suddenly become a very lonely heart.

"Don't worry, Shalimar." We can bring everything away from the observatory. Nothing will be left behind."

"Except an old lion's memories." Shalimar answered, downcast. "I have no one to blame but myself. I know feeling sorry is selfish, but I can't help it. Just be sure to destroy everything that's left. Miserable militarist bastards have taken enough from me. I don't propose to make them a gift of anything beyond rubble and scrap." Shalimar said flatly.

"Have a care, Great Shalimar." Aurora counciled. "Bitterness could yet accomplish what Karnat failed to do."

Shalimar nodded. "Well spoken. The past is history. Now we must look to the future, both near and afar off."

"That is why you are so sorely needed." Aurora confided. "Vision and wisdom together are rare gifts, and in this hour, none are more sorely wanted."

Shomron looked at the mid-day sun as the sections formed up for final evacuation. The last two out were his own guards. They brought with them the set of detonators. The cats stopped before their commander, saluted, and held them out.

"This one is the master. For the tunnels below the peak." Said the first cheetah.

"And this one is the secondary, for the observatory and the telescope. Sir." followed the second cat.

Shomron took both of them, one in each paw. Together with his command responsibility, each felt like it weighed as much as he did. His guards fell into line, and Shomron lead them double time down the extended tunnel. He did not bother looking back. He piled one squad apiece onto each of the captured troop transports, and they drove off down the main tunnel.

At the juncture of the main tunnel system, he ordered his transport to halt. He dismounted, and waved both of them on up the tunnel. After they were gone from sight, Shomron walked up to the trio of fur bearers standing near the cavern's smooth rock wall.

"You the engineers?" he asked.

"Yessir! replied the serval. "We were ordered to observe the blast, to be certain the tunnel sealed."

"Let's get this done." Shomron said somberly. "FIRE IN THE HOLE!!" He and the servals dashed behind an iron sidewall,and Shomron touched the switch on the second detonator first.

Guard duty in the Nexis was considered a choice post. The duty was light, and the view of the mountains was beautiful. Those same mountains brought a cool breeze after mid day which help cure the oppressive heat as the excavation crews worked.

Both of the guards were looking at those same mountains as the sun seemed to rise behind them for the second time today. This light was just as bright, but not as long lasting, and it came with a pair of new and ominous sounds. The first arrived almost two full seconds after the second sunrise. It was another explosion, but this one shorter and sharper in sound. For a moment, the soldiers thought that lightning had struck the distant mountain peak, yet the sky was cloudless and bright.

The second sound came only a moment later, a deep throated rumbling following on the sharp report from the first blast.

The results of this sound went far beyond the first. The guards watched in amazement, as the mountain that brought them their breeze seemed to smoke for a moment, and then abruptly changed shape, as most of the promontory that was her peak tottered, broke apart, and fell away down the overhanging side of the slope!

Before the echoes of both events died, the strange scene had lost both spectators, for alarm sirens were wailing all over the City.

In a distant and well protected section of the old tunnels, Shalimar felt the ground shudder. No one had to tell him why. He paused for a moment, cleared his throat with some difficulty, and the chalk continued its calculations. As it floated, Aurora saw Shalimar's precise line of numbers waver ever so slightly. She padded up to him, and hugged him deeply. Above her, Shalimar's silent tears pooled in the chalk ledge of the blackboard.