OUTCASTS

The sunset cast long shadows over the ruined land. This hour always brought a grotesque beauty, as fallen buildings and shattered statuary cast artful shadows of dispair over the once green land. Into the dark embrace of these shadows went a trio of swiftly moving figures. The first two were of equal size and stature, while their companion's size was quickly distanced from the first two, to increase their desired invisibility as they darted here, and dashed there, crossing open space only when needed to reach the next enclave of shadow, where the pair of wolverines rested for a moment.

Upon my claws. Konitev sent, You move better than I. Have you never considered the Path?

Lollo Looked at his fellow Wolverine oddly. The thought of himself as a Warrior had always been a source of humor to him, until this moment when Warriors seemed so few.

May be when all this is done, I can make that choice Lollo replied thoughtfully. May be there will be a place for Honor amid Justice and Peace.

Konitev smiled. The motto of the old Republic was something every fur bearer in Rocar's command kept on his muzzle and upon his heart. Konitev had found not only a fellow, but a kindred spirit as well.

For now, we have a long way to go, and we're loosing time. Lollo sent. Are you ready?

Yes. If we are challenged, do not stop. Konitev warned, for the warrior knew as well as his fellow that upon the open ground now, any fur bearer was no more than a target, and a still target was easier to hit.

The shadows gave good cover for about one quarter of the leveled block of buildings. But beyond the remnants of walls and twisted roofs, there was no cover save the broken chunks of debris that they kicked up beneath their paws. The ruined Nexis here split in two, becoming boulevards wider than entire cohorts braced arm in paw. And these were always swept by the Simian patrols.

Shamir had split from his friends as soon as they had cleared the tunnel exit. His was the hardest and most vital part of their mission. Lollo's part was to ensure Konitev's safety. So scouting had to pass to another set of eyes and paws that could devote all senses to the safety of the group.

The young white lion was a powerful psionic, and could use his size and speed to spot danger and warn of it before even before the formidable wolverine duo could sense it.

He had cleared the empty boulevards in a single explosive leap that no Simian eye could trace, and now he lay flat in a pile of turned up ground on the far side of the intersection.

Shamir put his nose and ear to the evening breeze that was rising off of the fields of debris.

The youthful cat could feel Lollo and Konitev as they crouched out of sight behind the last fallen standing blocks of what had been a stone gate to the park. The wind was still and free of Simian scents as Shamir sent to both mustelids that the path was open to them.

The send had no sooner left his brain when the air was rippled by a low rumbling sound that required fine ears to detect, and Shamir's did not fail him. This was the sound of a Simian trac!

Shamir sent one thought over the other, with his full power, and saw both wolverines roll back to their hiding place just as the first of two trac's floated over an upsweep in the road, and stopped in the middle of the intersection!

The second trac stopped beside the first, and one figure emerged from the top hatch of each. Shamir lay still and listened, raising his eyes above the natural rampart in which he lay only enough to see the two Simians arguing loudly as they looked at a torn map!

The first Simian poked at the map emphatically, tearing small chunks out of the paper as he punctuated each statement. The other Simian curtly nodded, saluted, and closed his hatch. Three anxious sets of eyes watched and shared relief as the second trac floated down the crossing street and slowly drifted out of sight.

The lead trac held it's position, and the Simian in command of the armor used his vantage point to look over all the surrounding ground. Typically, the Simian's dull senses told him nothing, and after a moment, he too dropped down and his top hatch closed.

Shamir waited and hoped for the hum of the inducers to announce the trac's departure, but the night air stayed as soundless as he himself, as the Trac merely sat there!

Behind the remnants of the stone gate, Lollo saw the Simian trac sitting there, as unmoving as a boulder fallen from the mountains of debris. He cursed to himself.

Lollo sent the image he saw to Konitev, whose silent muzzle turned grim.

Lollo knew what Konitev knew. There were other routes back to the compound, but none was so direct when time worked against them. Any other path would cost them time that was as fleeting as the nite. They had no choice, if the Simians would not move, the fur bearers would have to risk a stealthy bypass of the armored obstacle.

They had one advantage. Tracs had been designed well as protection. As such their field of vision was limited, even with the sensors they mounted. Their true advantage lay not in the trac itself but the usual Simian sloth of anyone behind the scanner.

Konitev had done this in training many hours at a time. Now he thanked every minute of each of those hours. If they moved correctly and well, they could advance between scanner sweeps, and be taken for debris because they were so close to the ground.

It was risky, for crawling by the yard across open roadway would leave them on the ground, unable to rise and run if spotted, without risking being overrun by the trac. Helpless as the would be, even two wolverines would be simple targets.

They looked at each other and nodded. Lollo would be first, and flashed his paw quickly three times. Konitev nodded and would count three before he followed.

Shamir saw Lollo slowly peek out of his hiding place, waiting for the boom on the scanner to swing in the opposite direction. As the thin arm started its free swing back to the head of its sweep, Lollo was moving, a rolling run on all fours that let his large body stay close to the ground. Shamir heard the sound of the boom beginning another arc in its sweep. Lollo and Konitev caught the soft sound as well, going flat on their bellies to present no more shape than the litter of debris on the ground. The scanner boom swept by slowly pointed at them, it seemed, as it moved. Yet it never stopped or slowed in the motion of its arc!

For Lollo and Konitev, the next stretch would be the most difficult, for it would take them onto the road itself, where there was no debris, and only the flat, open surface. Lollo waited for the sweep, and then crawl-rolled as quickly as his powerful form could allow, headed for the debris choked ditch that ran alongside the roadbed!

Shamir watched the scene, tensed to spring at any moment. The young lion had formed a desperate plan, and if his friends were detected, he would have less than one heartbeat to act. He saw Lollo rolling toward him as the scanner boom swept in the opposite direction. Lollo was still in the open when the boom paused at the other end of its arc and began the next scanning pass. It was just behind Lollo when the wolverine made a pouncing spring for the roadside ditch.

The world stopped for an instant, as Shamir focused on the scanner boom. It dipped slightly and held still for a moment, and then moved freely thru the rest of it's return motion. Lollo pivoted, laying flat as a pelt in the ditch, and looked back toward Konitev.

He too was fixed on the boom's motion. As It swung back, Konitev sprang into a spinning roll that was testament to the flexibility and strength of his Mustelid form. He cleared the ground about halfway between where he lay and the ditch, when a loudspeaker boomed You There!! Halt!!

Shamir sprang before the first word was clear of the speaker. It was a leap of near fluid perfection that put the youthful cat exactly between Konitev and the scanner boom. Shalimar stood still, trying to look as imposing as he could, and also shielding Konitev, as the second wolverine scrambled safely into the ditch beside Lollo!

Lollo yanked Konitev down and both wolverines watched as the top and front hatches of the trac sprang open, and each of them was filled by a Simian with a stun-stick!

Who Are you and what are you doing here, Fur Bearer? The Simian in the top hatch growled, his voice also booming from the loudspeaker.

I am Koda Shamir. Son of Shalimar. I return from his memorial place. Shamir said flatly, with no hint of confrontation.

The second name was enough to peak the Simian curiosity. The pair of Simians dismounted, still carrying their stunners. The second Simian also carried a smaller scanner that was wired to a small box mounted on his sword belt. Shamir recognized the identity scanner at once.

The pair of Simians shuffled up to him slowly. Your paw, Citizen. The first Simian said in an intimidating tone.

Shamir complied, presenting a forepaw that was the size of the Simian's torso. The second Simian swept a beam of red light over Shamir's paw, and the scanner beeped once. Its readout flashed, and then displayed his identity code and name below it. The Simians exchanged stunned looks.

So you are the son of our fallen hero? said the first Simian.

Yes, I am, great soldier. Shamir replied quietly, adding a calculating bit of flattery.

It was not wasted on the vain Simian. Thank you, but you should not be here, Citizen Shamir. he said, a bit more puffed up than before.

I know. I was walking, and thinking about Father, and not about where I was walking.

The first Simian nodded. It is well. Go directly to your home, and stay there.

The second Simian caught his companion by the shoulder. But Ki Le, you know the orders about Fur Bearers. said the second Simian urgently.

I know of the orders. But not him. not today. Ki Le snapped.

Thank you, great soldier, in my father's name. Shamir added in a humble voice.

Ki Le nodded. Go. We do not see you, this one time. For your father.

Shamir bowed to the Simian soldiers and padded off quietly.

Laying as still as death in the ditch nearby, Lollo felt the two Simians fade from his senses, and after a moment, there was a steady hum mixed with a slight rumble as the trac drifted on down the road and out of sight!

Shamir counted ten before coming out of the blown down stand of trees into which he had vanished from the Simian sight. He vaulted back to the ditch to find Lollo and Konitev brushing the debris of the ditch from their guardfur. Both wolverines looked at the young lion with admiration.

You take big chances, Shamir. Lollo told his friend. Thank you. Very much.

I'm a big cat. Replied Shamir modestly. He was more flattered knowing how hard it was for Lollo to say thank you to anyone.

Konitev looked on the young cat with gentle eyes. I find myself in the company of two warriors, it seems to me. Thank you, my brother. Konitev said with a bow.

Lollo smiled gently, watching the insides of white cat's ears turn a gentle pink at the double complement.

The sun was setting now, casting a dying light over the landscape. The trio waited for the fall of twilight, and in minutes, all three were safely hidden in the cloak of darkness as they raced for the compound!

Rocar was helping to benchmark a mortar in the pit on the far side of the camp when an urgent send touched him. It was from the reconnaissance skimmer, and what the spotter sent him made the warrior's blood flow cold and then hot as he bolted for the field hospital, roaring for Komar at the top of his voice!

Their commandant's roar was the only alarm his command needed. Before their leader had swooped halfway down the sloping entrance tunnel to the hospital, every rampart and battlement in the compound was crewed and ready for combat!

Nachtoter and Slasher had run full speed back toward the compound, setting a pace that could blister fur. There were still a stadia away when both cats heard their commandant's roar. Both warrior's instantly shifted speed, falling into a run that only a combination of natural anatomy and training could bring. As security lights flooded the zone around the compound with a blinding white light, Slasher sent across the killing field to the sentries. Almost instantly sections of fence rolled aside, and as Rocar ran out of the hospital with Komar practically riding his back, Nactoten and Slasher met them in the middle of the bristling compound.

Skimmer one quarter Stadia from point one, Sir. Slasher reported.

The Simians attacked Sir. We were compelled to defend ourselves, and Takagi.

Rocar said nothing and nodded tightly. Three sets of feline eyes watched the main gate of the compound open and the skimmer glided inside without stopping. Komar leapt from Rocar's back, onto the skimmers hull. The fox knelt and put a paw on the Skiltaire's neck.

Stretcher! STAT!!

Slasher took up the forth handle on the litter that floated toward the skimmer. Takagi's limp form floated off the hard metal of the hull, and Komar leapt away once more to follow the stretcher below ground. Rocar noticed the fox moved at a dead run.

Centurion! Guard post one! The call came as an icy tension gripped the compound and those within it's walls.

Konitev begs entrance sir. The send came from Mariva in the central tower. He sends that Shamir and Lollo are with him.

Admit them at once, and dispatch a cohort to re-enforce the northern rampart. Rocar sent in response.

Command assemble. Officers call in five minutes, in my bunker. Set alert condition two, and double the watches.

By Your Command, Rocar! Nachtoter sent in answer.

Rocar sprinted across the battle ready compound, and into his bunker as his command stood down, only one step away from war.

The air inside the bunker seemed close, in spite of the natural temperature of the ground from which it was dug. Shamir felt Rocar long before his elder brother came down the tunnel and into the underground room. The younger Lion's smile was short lived, as Shamir saw the depths of sadness in Rocar's eyes, and the weight of command on his brother's massive shoulders.

They shared a momentary nuzzle, which Rocar held for a moment longer than normal.

I had no idea they would send you, brother mine. Rocar said as they stayed close.

I came as the scout for the party. You did ask for a courier, so I brought one along, and brought back your messenger as well. As Rocar parted from Shamir, both of the wolverines bowed to the elder Lion. Rocar returned the gesture with a bow of equal depth. Then Rocar smiled at them both broadly. Welcome home, Konitev. Very well done! Rocar said.

Justice and peace, my Praetor. Upon my claws, this pair are warriors of the first order. If you find them wanting for assignment, place them in my cohort, for I would fight well with the likes of these at my back. Konitev told his leader and friend.

High praise indeed from a fine warrior. Rocar answered. When the time comes, we shall remember it. Take command of the Northern rampart at the change of watch. Our best eyes will be needed there when trouble begins. Rocar ordered.

Konitev bowed deeply and retired. When he was gone, Lollo spoke up.

You have more like him around here? the other wolverine asked.

Many. Answered Rocar. But few wrought of so fine a steel as he.

And You're fortified against them? Lollo asked. They should just surrender now, and save needless pain. the wolverine observed.

We have come to see the refugees safely to the underground Shamir told his brother.

To the list of them, you must now add a name. One that Father must hear. Rocar replied.

Shamir nodded, I bear you a message from him, for your mind alone. Many things have come to pass in the day just ended.

More than you do know, brother mine. Khai Takagi lays near death a few paces distant.

Shamir gasped. Now he saw the reason for the dread light he could see and feel in his brother's eyes. The elder Skiltaire was as good as an uncle to both of the brothers. The younger lion's head bowed with sorrow.

All is not without hope. Rocar told them. A healing circle will be joined within the hour, so I am glad twice that you are here. Your Healing gift is strong, Not so little Brother.

My Officers await you, but before we attend them, I would feel Father's words. Rocar told Shamir. The younger lion nodded, and approached his brother, the two siblings locked together at the eyes. Shamir's mind opened into Rocar's and both brothers could feel their father with them.

My Beloved Sons. This is an hour of great peril and great promise. We have been told that the Simians have built a spacecraft, and intend upon planetary conquest once we fur bearers are done away with. It has been decided that we must prevent this, at all costs. The Spacecraft, if it can be found must be captured or destroyed. Never before have our people committed themselves to such a struggle, not only for our own world, but for worlds beyond our own. Draw upon one another's strengths in this hour. Unity will be our best ally. I love you both.

Rocar and Shamir broke the contact, and both stood still, to stunned for thought. Rocar then re-sent the message to Lollo, unaltered in its weight or words. The light in the elder Lion's eyes grew deeper and graver as his mind formed seemingly separate events into a logical sequence that frightened even the warrior!

Rocar's thoughts flowed from his mind, to every mind in the room, and Rocar watched his younger brothers expression change as Shamir came to the same conclusion his brother had reached seconds before.

Lollo was strong of body, and not at all slow of wit. The three minds touched the same point in logic almost at the same instant! The wolverine's understanding succumbed to a hard, and boiling anger at the Simian's wanton bloodlust.

I have assembled my command and my officers. They should know of this, as well, Agreed?

Yes, Brother. Shamir said quietly.

The pair of Lion's looked at the wolverine, whose silent rage was warming the air around him. All Lollo could do was nod tightly. Rocar. Lollo said. If you do need another warrior before this is done, I am yours.

The trio moved with a new purpose into the next room, were Rocar's officers and command staff waited. Their leader laid out all that they knew, while Shamir and Lollo filled in the awful details. Within five minutes, every fur bearer in the compound was ready to declare war on the Simians with bared fangs and claws alone, if it came to that!

But Rocar's warriors knew the danger of anger in action. A ballot was held from mind to mind, thru every fur-bearer in the compound. Rocar offered them an open choice of joining the resistance, or staying as a unit within the Army until the time was right.

To the end of his life, Shamir would remember the glowing light in Rocar's eyes as his command re-formed in the compound, with no one absent from the solid ranks of warriors.

After all was quiet, Rocar crossed to the other side of the compound. He stood openly before them, opened his mind to theirs and addressed them.

My Brothers. My Friends. Thank you. I now propose to this fine brotherhood that we commit ourselves to a new mission. None which we have done, nor any battle which we have fought together shall be more vital or more dangerous to you as individuals. Our brothers in the Resistance are doing all they can to protect and provide for the innocent victims of this Simian plague. They now have need of our minds, our eyes and our paws. The Simian spacecraft must be located. And it is my promise that it will never be used to draw innocent blood. It is the Simian design to gain by military adventure and conquest. I now propose to this brotherhood and to all our repressed brethren that she be used for adventure, and for conquest. The adventure of colonization and the peaceable conquest of a new world for ourselves. Will you support me in this?

Standing to Rocar's right, Lollo and Shamir were stunned. In one bold stroke, Rocar had given voice and form to an Idea that only a few had dreamed of until this moment in time! Shomron had been right!

Rocar's command voted with their paws, as was their custom. By the Cohort, then by the Legion, Every last Fur Bearer in the ranks stepped across the compound to stand once more behind Rocar!

Once more, Rocar looked upon the muzzles of his command. He had known most of them since cubhood, and more of them these three years past. Their loyalty was Rocar's highest decoration. He could not bring himself to speak or send. He merely looked at the front corner of the first cohort. Nachtoter understood without being told.

Four cohorts will form search and rescue parties. The remainder of the command is to prepare to break camp. The Panther sent in silence so that no spying ear might overhear. The Command moves at first light.

Justice, Peace, and Praetor Rocar!

Nachtoter's call was taken up by the first cohort, as the white lion's staff let ring a mighty shout, uncaring of danger, and intended for Simians to feel as well as hear. It rang in unison thru the legions in order until the cry rose from one hundred score warriors, within the vast compound. There was no silent throat among their whole host, and as the legions moved spontaneously to ring their leader, and sound the call again and again, Brother gently nuzzled brother as Rocar wept like a yearling cub!

Shomron and Crystal held their embrace for a moment, but the commander of the resistance was granted no more relief. Dasher hurried into the command center's meeting room with a sheaf of messages. He handed the digest to his commander, a grave look on his muzzle.

Shomron could read entire pages at a glance, and these reports were far indeed from his favorite literature.

Have everyone on staff with any medical training at all assemble in the main hall at once, The only exceptions are security personnel and communications. Shomron ordered.

Yessir! Dasher was gone before the echo of his reply.

Crystal rose to follow.

Where are you going? Shomron asked.

Where I'm needed. You said no exceptions. The Simians taught me medicine so I could kill better. Now I get to do some good with it instead. Crystal answered.

Shomron nodded. Reports every quarter hour. He said.

Crystal nodded, and then vanished down the corridor in a blur.

Vladimir and Shalimar padded into the room. Both looked at their friend with concern. He seemed to have aged more than a year per minute in the last quarter of an hour.

Any rhetorical question about Shomron's well being was superfluous.

Aurora has gone to the main Hospital, to do triage. Vladimir said. She sends that the watch and the rescue teams are having trouble with larger and larger groups of wounded and refugees. I've ordered the black gangs to open every bit of tunnel space we have. I think we can handle the first wave. After that, I just don't know. The Skiltaire told his friend and commander.

Shomron nodded. Any news from Lollo and Shamir?

Not since their safe arrival send. The walls of the compound are telepathically inert. We can send in, but they cannot send out.

Shomron nodded again. Have communications and signals eavesdrop on Simian military traffic. If the Simians move outside their barracks, I want to know almost before they do.

They seem to be staying put, altho we have noticed more and more Simians being granted leaves and passes. Vladimir told the cheetah.

That's where these Citizen's groups are coming from. Shomron observed.

Without a doubt. Vladimir answered.

How many absentees have their been from the regular military? Shomron asked.

There's good news there. More than two hundred fifty since yesterday. This morning, two feline code clerks handed the brand new Simian code books to communications. We're reading their messages and orders while the Simians are still decoding them!

For a moment. Shomron had reason to smile. Great! We'll save a lot of lives that way!

It's already happening. The Citizen's groups get their orders from feeds on the military dataflow. We can now know exactly were they're going to hit next, and evacuate the area before they hit, and not after. Vladimir explained.

Casualties?

Vladimir turned quiet and sober About three hundred and fifty dead so far, all fur bearers. Four thousand wounded at last report, only about half treated and released.

Released? Shomron questioned. Don't you mean buried alive down here? Shomron asked ironically.

We've been stopping some who want to go back for personal belongings. Vladimir said.

Shomron nodded. Pull all the security you need. Once they get in, they stay. The Simians catch just one sneaking out of the tunnels, and it's all over in a blood bath.

Yes. And you and I both know that we can't secure this hive forever. Vladimir said soberly.

I know. Shomron said, with both dread and woe in his voice.

As quiet fell and the formation broke, Rocar joined Shamir and Lollo. The trio loped toward the hospital, where Rocar knew he would be most needed. As they arrived in the main room of the hospital, they saw Komar and a small group of fur bearers standing before the first in patient in the double row of beds.

Both Shamir and Lollo had done healing before, so each took their places in the circle without prompting. One of the ferrets pulled the bad sheet down and away from the female Raccoon who lay semi conscious on the bed before them.

Severe head injury. Komar told the grouped circle. They nodded one to another and took paws, or touched shoulders in Shamir's case, forming an unbroken circle in which the first and last of them laid paws on Komar. The Healer in turn lay gentle paws on the she coon in the bed. Together every fur bearer in the circle set his mind and energy flowing thru one another, in an uninterrupted line into the Female's head and brain. Komar focused the total, and directed it thru his patent like any other healing tool.

The raccoon in the bed began to breath deeper and more steadily than she had before, her autonomic brain responding to the flow of soothing energy. Komar used his own gift to direct the delicate work, using the rush of energy to dissolve clots and relieve pressure on her brain. Within a minute, her body's own healing processes had accelerated tenfold. Bruise and marks on her face and muzzle faded, and mis-shapen swelling of her limbs sank slowly as the moments past.

As he watched with concerned intensity, Rocar could see her injuries seem to melt away. Two minutes later, the female ringtail lay in the bed, the sheet drawn back up around her peacefully sleeping form!

But Rocar knew better than any that the healing gift was not without cost. As Komar and the others in the circle moved on to the next bed, one of the ferrets was slow to follow. He paused, leaning on the bed frame for support. When he did walk over to take paws and close the healing ring again, Rocar saw a wobble in the ferret's steps. The lion held his place. Healing was done by need, so the worst of the cases had passed, but there were still almost a full score sore in need. He would have to replace someone all too soon. For Warrior and Healer alike, this would be a short night, filled with heavy labors.

The Simian general fumed, his anger rising like steam as he read the reports.

You mean that two fur bearers with stick and claw ran off twenty of you?

Thirteen. the battered Simian corrected meekly.

And what of the State's property? The Simian asked, a razor edge on his sarcastic words. Trucks are worth more than you are. The Simian castigated. And then, you let them get away. Seven to one, and you ran? You sicken me! Return to duty, at once!

Yessir. after I have seen the doctor.

NO! I said at once. The doctor's medicine is not to be wasted on cowards. Live with your pain and dishonor until sunrise. If you do not die tonite of shame, you may report for sick call instead of the morning meal. The General snapped.

The humiliated Simian saluted and sulked out. If the General's luck improved, the shamed Simian's cohort would see to it that he died in his sleep, to regain their lost honor, if not the lost lives. The thought came to the Simian officer that the honor dead soldier might have company, for the General himself still had to report up the chain of command!

The night was a hectic one, even for the super capable Skiltaire. Aurora had lost track of time, but not of numbers. The young ocelot whose temperature she took was patient number three hundred. Shazi was not far distant, the otter's energy serving him well. He finished a light healing on a burned paw, and gave the white tiger the last of his yellow cards.

Five hundred gone already? Aurora, how many shelter tickets do you have left? Shazi asked.

Aurora looked down at the thinning yellow pad that hung from the strap on her pouch. About Fifty. Here. split them with you. Aurora chirped, pealing half the tickets away and handing them to the otter.

This means the shelter in shaft three is nearly full. I was hoping not to, but send to Vladimir, and tell him to open up the sub-tunnels.

Heat and lighting are limited down there. Aurora reminded him.

Shazi nodded. I know, but it's the last room we can spare, and most of these will need to sleep anyway. Assign all condition three patients to shelter there once they are finished here, and the tunnels open.

Yes, Doctor! Aurora chirped brightly.

And issue another call for blood donors, all species and classes. Shazi added.

Yes, Doctor. Aurora repeated, sounding a bit less enthusiastic. Her forelimbs still smarted from the last call; but as soon as she could, she would go again.

Shari scooped up the baby and cuddled him close as the two vixens walked down the dim corridor. He had been so good thru all the moving that they had done. Shantal reached over and caressed him as he lay purring in Shari's arms.

Here we are love. Section twenty, room three. She sent.

The door opened revealing a neat cavern room with rows of bunks set along each wall. Shantal smiled warmly as another vixen turned easily to smile at them.

Welcome! She sent. My name's Shandar, and this is my mate Jomo. The amber eyed foxette sent with a smile that broadened as the other female saw and sensed the baby.

Shari smiled warmly at Jomo. He was the biggest male fox Shari had ever seen!

And this must be Samir! The male fox sent. We were told to expect you three. The male fox thought at them warmly. Shari gently took the baby from her shoulder, and gently showed the sleeping lion cub to their new room mates while Shantal beamed.

We're sorry that it's so crowded. Shandar sent. We've been moved twice today. The number of us keeps going up. They put six into our old room.

Dirty Simian beasts! This is our world too! Shantal sent shortly on a flare of temper.

Calm down, Honeypaws. Shari told her with a reassuring touch.

We'll do all we can to make the three of you comfortable. Since you're a family, you can't be moved again, so welcome home!

And if you two need some time alone, just let us know. Shandar and I work security down here, and we can always pull an extra shift! Jomo sent warmly.

The occasional quiet of the compound's hospital was broken by the sound of working parties and equipment moving above. But as the first weak rays of morning twilight lit the tunnel of the underground room, Rocar, Shamir, and Lollo joined Komar to close a tight circle around the last bed. Takagi had refused healing unless all the others had been done first, so the small circle approached his bedside on leaden paws.

Rocar brightened as the elder Skiltaire stirred, and opened his eyes weakly.

Now is your time, Khai Takagi. Rocar told him gently, adding a soft nuzzle.

All the others will live? The young? The Skiltaire whispered, thru a voice shaken by a hollow rattle.

Yes, Master Takagi. As you asked.

The aged Mustelid smiled, the dimming life light in his eyes turning soft and gentle. Good. Remember me to them.

You can teach them yourself Master. Remember, we have books to write together, for Maruda, and for them.

I can turn no more pages now, my young Warrior. How much like your Father, are you. So I make you a gift-- from Maruda, and me. To them. Takagi whispered.

Takagi's deep and sad eyes locked with the young lion's. The river of thought that Takagi poured into Rocar's mind was wide and warm, and it set all of Rocar's body tremble!

Then, Rocar saw the old eyes brighten, their sadness gone away, filled instead with a serenity and peace. Those eyes closed, and Takagi was still.

Komar moved close to test for a pulse. He set paws upon Takagi and fused the ebbing life force with his own. Rocar Joined the touch in a desperate bid to pull Takagi upward from the long slide. The young Lion fought now not only for history and principle, but to save someone he knew and could feel as well as himself!

Komar fought a battle with his conscience, and then reached to his belt in desperation.

There was a pop and a soft hiss as the air injector activated. Finally Komar's paws drew back and away as Takagi rested peacefully. It was disquieting to Rocar, for not even his ears could detect the Skiltaire's breathing.

Slow-time was the only choice. Komar said at last.

It was the right one, Thank you Komar, for all of us. Rocar answered.

He's still in danger. We need to infuse him slowly, and heal him gradually. We had seconds. Now we may have an hour, maybe longer. Komar told his friend. His life signs were nearly gone, Rocar.

The white lion nodded. I hope he will not resent the choice we made. Since I am the freshest, I will begin. Rocar said.

Twilight cast an uncertain light over the future that morning, but nearly half an hour before Dawn would betray them, Nachtoter looked down the last column, and thru the last cohort. The entire command stood to post, ready to move.

Rocar stood to one side, making sure the last of the hospital was loaded. He walked Takagi's litter up the ramp himself. When he came down again, to take Nachtoter's report, he felt strangely older than he ever had before. Yet this was not the hour for nebulous feelings. He shook it off, and turned the power of his mind to his command.

We stand ready, My Preator, Your Command, and by your command! Nachtoter's send echoed thru each of the hundred score minds, as did their Commandants reply.

Thank you, my friends. This position is no longer defensible, tactically or morally. We of the Path have always stood for Justice and Peace. I promised you that that vow would remain unbroken. What is broken is the Peace. It is without Justice. Our people are the victims. The weak have died before the power of an awful injustice for too long. Today, we shall act as warriors, to restore the right.

Justice and Peace, My Preator. Command us. We follow, Heart and sword. Nachtoter replied.

We shall dissolve from this encampment to positions in the Hills above the City. With us, we shall bring all arms, equipment. It is my proposal to place myself and this command at the disposal of the resistance, to undertake any task they set before us, Including defense.

Rocar's send was followed by silence that brought only the rising wind of the dawn. No mind nor voice spoke decent.

The gates of the compound rolled aside. The first light of a new day lay before them, as Rocar lead three legions toward the hills, westward, into the rising sun.