OUTCASTS

Deep in the command center, the ground took up a gentle roll. The room creaked ominously and then stabilized. Shomron had just looked up at Shalimar and Shamir, and the cheetah saw even the huge pair of lions stager for a moment in the doorway as the planet itself seemed to jar, and then roll to an uneasy rest.

Charow cursed as the motion spoiled his fine line.

Seismic activity? wondered Shamir.

Explosion. Replied Vladimir as the leapt past Charow to a console on the far side of the room. And a large one. but much more focused. The Skiltaire added.

Shaped Charge? Ventured Shomron. That means Military.

Shamir joined Vladimir at the console as the Skiltaire read the incoming dataflow. High Explosive, in the hundred talentum range. Vladimir reported. Then the Skiltaire became strangely quiet. Coordinates indicate the epicenter to be the compound.

Don't worry. Shamir advised. I felt nothing from Rocar.

Rocar is fine. Shalimar confirmed. It does seem that he's picked up some of my bad habits. Conceded the elder lion.

Get me all the reports, Vlad. Shomron ordered.

Reports from the Falcons indicate that the deserted compound was subjected to fire from one or more vehicles prior to the explosion. Vladimir told his commander.

Any of the falcons get caught in the blast wave? Shomron wondered.

They report some singed feathers, but nothing serious. They also add that the compound site was completely obliterated. The blast area is a neat, clear circle. Vladimir told the room.

Looks like we sent the wrong cat on the warehouse raid, hay Shomron?

The remark came from Lollo, who lurched around the corner as the last of the rolling dissipated.

Shomron smiled at the wolverine pair. Maybe. You felt the send too? Shomron asked.

Yes, Replied Krista But you should have saved the fireworks for the celebration after we capture the ship. The female added.

Wasn't my idea. Shomron answered. Of course you know what this means?

Lollo nodded. Rocar wasn't the type for indiscriminate killing or wanton destruction. It's a warning. Lollo said quietly.

Krista looked puzzled.

It was meant to tell us and him that the Simians know he has crossed over, or at least they suspect he's broken ranks with the military. Shomron explained to Krista.

So the explosion covers his trail. for a while at least. Krista realized.

Lollo Nodded. You could say his resignation was explosive. Lollo observed dryly.

The blast wave was dense enough to send a prolonged and rolling shudder thru the heavy building that was the military command center. Some of the windows bucked and shattered as the building swayed on it's foundations by the force of the distant blast.

Amid the ominous sounds of glass shattering, he corridors of the blue building were suddenly rife with panicked Simian screams, as the entire structure swayed and then settled after a moment of hesitation.

On the lower floors, Simian soldiers poured into the streets by the tens of dozens, like ants fleeing a kicked in nest. Higher up Simians dived for doorways, or anything that seemed solid, and held tight as the building was still again.

One ominous sound was quickly replaced by another, as the bellowing voice of the Simian general, enforcing order by instilling a greater fear of himself than any impending natural disaster.

Centurion of the Watch, I want all reports sent thru this office.

As you command, My Leader, but nothing is known yet, only felt. The still shaken Simian underling offered.

Fool! The Simian general snapped. Send out a scouting party in the direction of the explosion. Have them report all that they see and hear!! Korar growled.

At once, My Leader! The cowed Simian soldier shank from his General's presence, grateful to escape with his head. News of Shan Kar's fate has spread quickly and quietly thru the building, placing a sharp edge on frayed nerves, as the lumbering Simian intelligence network struggled to discover what had happened. Everyone knew the penalty that could attend their General's displeasure.

Rocar sprang down from the observation point, and felt Nachtoter waiting for him. The Panther had an uncanny sense of when Rocar needed him, and the night black cat waited patiently at the bottom of the rocky outcrop on top on the hillock.

Assemble the Command. Officers call in ten minutes. Open links to all rank and file. Rocar's order meant that the officers conference would be mentally broadcast to every fur bearer in his command.

By your command, My Praetor! The second in command answered at once.

Charow peeled sheets from the pad as fast as he could sketch. Vladimir swept them up just as quickly and scanned them into a secured crystal that tapped the data flow. The images showed the precision not only of the engineer who designed them, but one to those who had labored to build them. From the drawings of the trails that laced the lowland site, to the diagrams of the ventilation system duct work, Charow's skill and his craftiness shone from each simple sheet of paper.

As The raccoon peeled the last sheet away, Vladimir brought out a package of pads, so Charow could sketch without let up.

As priceless as the information was, even more invaluable was the mental link Charow probed for and established with the Skiltaire. As Vladimir saw each drawing, he felt Charow's mind send along with it a quick digest of experiences and sensations. From the sounds of the heavy generators to the humid closeness of the main ventilation shaft, Vladimir found himself as close to the Raccoon as his own shadow. The ringtail's memory replayed more than two years of brutal treatment, repression and labor so hard that for every foot of cavern space hollowed from beneath the mushy ground, one fur bearer had died.

Charow ignored the swelling emotions stirred by the sends. Instead, he channeled his anger and pain into action, driving himself to produce all that he could, knowing his vengeance would be meted out to the Simians in every thought he could share that would betray the secret that the Simians had taken so many lives to keep.

Charow wavered after an hour, his body spent and tremoring as the rest of final thin pad dropped to the floor, and the room swayed violently!

Vladimir leapt forward, catching the exhausted ringtail around the body, beneath the raccoon's arms! Crystal was there in a moment, to sweep him up and dash back to the hospital. Hopefully, both the Charow and Shazi would be in better moods this time, she thought as she put him onto a bed and dove for a crash cart!

Shazi was there in a moment, to take over. Back so soon? The otter asked. Who did he try to push around this time? The otter inquired.

Only himself. He told us where the spaceship is. The Simians intend to launch it within two days. Crystal told him.

My stars! Shazi whistled.

That's exactly what I'm hoping too! Crystal confided as she turned to leave.

Rocar sprang into the dugout, and found his officers waiting for him. Warriors! Rocar began on a strongly upswept send. Standing at his right, Nachtoter could feel both the power and the deeply solemn attitude in Rocar's thinking, as the White lion spoke not to his command, but to them all and thru them all as friends who had known both peace and war together.

That explosion was our former home. I did not order it, but I find it fitting. Our days as Simian toy soldiers are finished. You have held to the highest standards of The Path.

Rocar sent to them in genuine admiration and gratitude, an emotional combination deepened by the pride that each fur bearer atop the hill could feel.

But as our days as tools of repression end, so must my command. Rocar told the two thousand.

The wave of disbelieving thought that swept over the hill was as nearly as audible as a roar, as every other mind registered a protest!

Rocar's calm mind stilled them in a moment. My commission is a Simian office, and I have quit it as surely as that blast. I no longer hold any rank to befit command of you. The white lion warrior told them.

I release each and every one of you from my command, knowing that your honor is intact, and that your heads and swords my be held high, in justice and peace. For myself and my Family, this is now a matter of principle and Honor. I have no right to dictate the conscience of others. And so, I release you each to follow whatever path your own hearts and honor may choose in the days ahead. Rocar told his officers and warriors.

Rocar?

Yes, Nachtoter?

Are we not free Citizens under the First Charter?

That you are. That is the Charter to which I swore the Warrior's oath.

Then under that Charter and as a free Citizen, I elect to follow you. Now, I wonder which of these might join with me?

The Wave that swept the hill this time was something more than acclamation, and nearly took the paws from under both the White Lion and the Panther!

Nachtoter smiled, a great sharp slash of pure white across a night black muzzle. It lasted but a moment, and then Nachtoter turned to Rocar and saluted.

Rocar was doubly moved, for the gesture was a paw pressed to the heart, and then held out, open and pads up.

Rocar's own massive paw quivered slightly as the Lion pressed paws with his number two gently, finishing the salute of the old Republican corps of Warriors!

Sir. Nachtoter reported aloud. I beg to report that the First Corps of the restored Republic stands ready for your orders. The Panther said, his smooth voice heavy with emotion. Justice and peace, my general and my brother.

Rocar's muzzle moved, but this throat was far too tight to answer. Nactoten had doubled the Honor once again, by using the distinctly non Simian rank and title.

Reports from the scouting party trickled across the dataflow. They were composed mostly of images sent by frightened soldiers whose quivering hands held long range scanners. The uneven pictures showed nothing beyond the rubble of the first explosion. But then, the ground seemed to change. Amid the ruins, the edge of a circle appeared. In contrast to the cluttered ground around it, this form was clean and clear, as if some great gust of wind had blown a circle of bare ground into the midst of the devastation.

Here and there, Heat had transformed sand into glass, so the circle was dotted with small beads that crunched under the Simian boots. Otherwise nothing at all remained.

The Simian general surveyed the images with mounting suspicion.

It could not have been an accident. He growled. Any sign of our missing trac, or the command vehicle?

No. Sir! The scouts voice returned over the top of the pictures, full of fear, and close to panic.

Very well. Return with your report. The Simian commander hissed. As he closed the link and the flow of images ceased, and the dark Simian's mind postulated an answer, altho it seemed impossible to consider at first.

Yet, it was the only one that made any sense.

The leader of the Simians pressed a button on the panel before him, and spoke. Get me the commander of our warriors. Tell him to report at once!

Shomron looked again at the data that flowed over the secured links. He still was not sure what had happened, but the leader of the resistance had more to occupy his mind.

I want three strike teams assembled at once. Put a black gang with each one. As soon as night falls, I want them to deploy toward the Silver river. I'll take one team, Lollo, you take the other, Dasher, you take team three.

Yessir! Dasher replied.

This is a scouting mission only. Do not engage unless fired upon. Shomron ordered.

What are your orders if we find the ship? Lollo asked.

That is your objective, But observe and report only, unless conditions change. Remember, the Simian have an assault force quartered near the ship, and they are preparing to embark. We need to know their strength and disposition before we attack.

If we're discovered? Dasher questioned.

Use your own judgment. I want the ship taken intact and functional, but I need Information even more.

If the worst happens? Lollo asked pointedly.

Save yourselves, and destroy the complex, rather than leave the ship to the Simians. You have a release to employ deadly force to protect yourselves and your commands, understood? Shomron stated.

Understood. Lollo answered for both himself and Dasher.

Shomron? Asked a voice from behind him.

The male cheetah tuned, and saw Crystal standing in the doorway. Yes, Crystal?

There's no sense risking yourself. If the worst does happen, you'll be needed here.

Dasher nodded. She has a point, Sir.

What are you suggesting?

Let me take your team.

No. Your dead, remember?

Does that matter now? I know the Simians, and how to handle them. They will respect my station. That could get us a lot farther than a firefight. Crystal countered calmly.

I hate to say this, Shomron, but the lady wins. Lollo said quietly.

Lollo could see the quiet and vicious war raging inside Shomron. All Right. Shomron said with a detached quietness.

Rocar probably has scouts looking for the ship as well. If they're out there, Crystal is the only one who can find them. Lollo advised.

Shomron nodded. If you do make contact, make send to Rocar at once. Shomron said. Ask him to re-enforce you if you need help.

Leave as soon as the light will let you. Shomron counseled. If you move all nite, you can be there with the next sunrise.

Your Orders. My General? Nachtoter asked, breaking the weight of the moment.

Maintain constant contact with Mirika. I want the entire command placed on alert. If Mirika finds her, or the Simians, he will need some help.

Yessir! Nachtoter replied. adding the old Republican salute once again. I assume that the resistance is working alone the same lines. The panther conjectured.

Yes. Rocar replied. Send me one of the falcons. Any that you can reach. I want a message taken to Shomron at once. Perhaps we can assist one another.

At once, Rocar!

The Simian warrior marched into the great marble office. The smell of blood still clung to the carpet, flavoring the room with death.

Ku Minn Li reporting, My Leader. He spoke with an easy and correct attitude, betraying no fear of what his senses told him.

You follow the ancient Path? The General snapped.

Yes, My Leader.

You know Rocar?

Yes, My Leader.

I believe he has deserted, taking some or all of his command with him. Find him and bring him to me. If he will not come freely, kill him, and all who deserted with him. No Quarter, and no amnesty. Understood?

Yes, My Leader.

You are authorized to use whatever means needed. To fail me is to die. Go.

Yes, My Leader.

The stoic Simian face was an emotionless mask as he quit the office, to return to his command. As Ku Minn Li walked out of the great hive of a building, Rocar's words haunted his every pace.

The falcon soared upward swiftly, using the thermal under his short wings to loft for altitude. The weight of the capsule around his neck was less than a flight feather, but it did not feel so.

The falcon feared no eye spying upon him, for no Simian eye could discern the wheeling dark speck that he had become against the setting sun. Yet, his flight path was not the straight line of pure speed for which his people were known.

He knew the content of the message he carried, and had seen the grave light in Rocar's eyes as the avian Warrior and the feline had shared thought.

Hamikaro was of his fledge, and had sent to him the exact time and lofting point where the pair would meet. He had nothing to do save wait, and admire the dying shadows that crept across the land below.

Swiftly, another dot rose from the land below to soar with him at a tangent to the sun, to blind any eyes on the ground to the flight path of the Falcons, as one swept wing on wing with the other towards the sun, and then steeply back towards the land below.

Shamir stood quietly in the command center. Beside him, Shalimar could feel his son's thoughts, as surely as his own. Which Team do I go with, Shomron? The young lion asked.

Shomron considered. Go with Lollo. If we get into trouble, you and he are the best we have. The elder cheetah told the youthful cat.

Where do you want me, Shomron? Krista asked.

Shomron looked to Lollo. The male Wolverine took his Lifemate by the shoulders gently.

You're staying here, Darling!

Not on your tailfur! Krista snarled. You know I'm worth my claws in a fight!

Krista? Vladimir called above the outburst of indignant anger.

What?

If it's a fight you want, I'll give you one. Vladimir said simply.

Krista looked at him in shock!

Vladimir smiled. Aurora is being overwhelmed trying to care for all the wounded, and the children. We need you. She needs you. to fight just as hard. for them.

Go on Darling. You fight here, I'll fight there. How can we loose?. Lollo told her with a gentle hug.

Oh Darling. Krista melted into Lollo's arms!

And what about me?

The question was direct and so simple that it stunned the entire room.

You, Shalimar?

The huge white lion nodded simply.

I can't allow a member of the Khai to be placed in danger. Please understand.

I understand that if we do take the ship, you need expertise. not to mention a pilot.

He's right.

All eyes in the room fell on Vladimir.

This is the most important thing we may ever do. The Skiltaire explained. It makes no sense to hold anything or anyone back. If the Simians launch that ship, they will discover orbital surveillance. It would be our downfall, not to mention that of any other world they find. No, This is it. all or nothing, and we all know it.

Join Team three Shomron said quietly. See that Shalimar is protected, Dasher.

Shalimar smiled over at Dasher. I hope we can protect one another. Shalimar said. I seem to remember where my claws are.

Standing next to him, Shamir's purr shook the entire room!