OUTCASTS

Crystal walked behind the two of them with an arrogant swagger that bespoke the station of a Praetorian guard. Lollo kept his eyes downcast, but could see in the clear glass walls the reflections of Simians in the corridor who seemed to shy away at her approach.

No one dared question her movements or motives as the three of them walked thru guard posts and check points as if they were nonexistent!

Shalimar was surprised to find himself in command of the force, but with Lollo, His son, and Crystal below ground, he became senior to all the team members. Dasher assumed the role of a number two, establishing a parameter defense while fresh teams of scouts ranged over swamp and river itself, till all the scouts converged to taste the clean, swift flowing waters of the Silver river. They returned by two's and threes, reporting he site clear of any Simian patrols or unusual security measures.

Shalimar was instantly suspicious. Dasher doubled the watches and sent a team to the highest spot on the low ground, a stand of trees on a small Islet on a tributary of the Silver that fed the rich bottom land its water.

Waiting proved a hard lot for Shalimar, as the elder lion's anxiety grew. The reverting sun showed the hour to be near noon, and the humid air began to hang lose to the ground, making conditions and waiting all the more unbearable.

Mirika's report of Rocar' approach seemed to lift everyone's spirits, but for Shalimar, it meant that before the day grew much older, both of his sons would be in harms way.

Dasher could see the frustration in the elder Lion's eyes.

Don't worry, Shalimar. From what I've seen, your sons are both credits to you. With you three on our side, how can we loose?

I can't help feeling that Shamir may have been right. If I had come to this a lot sooner, I might be down there, instead of him.

Dasher shook his head. You know better. The Simian's would recognize you, and you know you were to small for all the passageways leading below.

Shalimar sighed, knowing Dasher was right. But Shalimar's was the soul of a worried father, and as he looked toward the river, a sparkling ribbon glinting on the horizon, his body may have been above ground, but his great heart and formidable mind were below.

Ku Minn Li stood at the edge of the swamp. He no longer needed to see the fur bearers, he could scent them on the wind. There were only two trails toward the bottom land, and both met here. He set out a small camp stool and waited, his sword across his lap. Rocar was close. It would be only a matter of minutes before they met.

Just as a part of him began to relax and admire the quiet of this untouched place, He became aware of eyes upon him. A menacing growl rose from the tall grass on three sides of him. He had to smile. So this was the fate of all he spies that they had set upon Rocar. His white brother was even more formidable than the Simians dared to admit!

He stood slowly and drew his sword. This was as good a place as any to die. He felt a pang of regret and as three huge tigers stepped from their concealment to close the circle around him, Ku Minn Li thought of Rocar.

Shomron walked into the meeting room, not bothering to hide the weight he bore.

Good Day, All. I requested this meeting to inform you of major and dramatic developments, and to obtain your advice and council. You have all read the summaries that have been prepared for you. I have withheld nothing, for good or ill. Sitting her now, you know exactly as much as I know. Shomron began.

I must also inform this council that the military option is now in motion.

This time there was surprisingly little rancor or acrimony.

What are the chances of taking the ship intact?

I would say better than fifty percent, which is why I authorized the operation. First reports seem to indicate surprise is still with us, and the Simians seem to have no foreknowledge of our intentions.

What about casualties?

We have no way of knowing. I can tell you that all of our people have been given clearance to use deadly force to protect themselves and the ship, if it is taken intact.

If?

The second choice under the military option has been left to the strike team leaders. their standing operational orders are to take the ship intact, or destroy it.

You realize this action irrevocably destroys any chance for a peaceful resolution to these issues?

Unfortunately. Yes. But you have seen all the data, and intelligence we have gathered. It is my belief that the Simians fully intend on genocide of the Fur-Bearing population before embarking on extra planetary conquest. It is no longer a talking issue, in the minds of the Simians.

Those around the table voted with a quiet nod.

Shomron's relief was visible.

I must now ask you help on the next great issue before us. Shomron continued.

For the basis of this discussion. Vladimir began. We shall assume that the ship has been taken intact, and is capable of at least interplanetary flight.

The Skiltaire's words framed an issue that had been the wildest of speculation only days before. As Aurora listened, she could see some of the weight on Shomron's shoulders slip to those gathered around the triangular table.

There was a heavy moment of silence.

Is it possible?

Shomron nodded. Everyone in the room was old enough to remember his flight with Shalimar. So all had seen space flight become a reality.

But How? I mean. We can't just leave. This planet is our home, too. You're not just moving across the city, or the island.

Yes, and have you considered the possibility that all of us may not want to leave, and that some Simians might wish to join us?

It is the opinion of the leadership that the present conditions leave us little or no choice. But this will be a recommendation, not an order, and I m prepared to allow a decision by simple majority vote. Shomron answered, and then, he paused. It is also my intention to offer space abroad the ship to any and all who wish to join us, Simian or Fur-Bearing.

You can't do that! You would condemn our children to go thru this again! We might as well just stay here.

And be butchered. At least there won't be any children to worry about then. Fur bearing ones, anyway. Nice thought. Simple. what are you, a Simian agent?

They kill us here, or we die out there. What's the difference?

The difference is life. Aurora answered. Remember, my people come from out there Do I look dead to you? You CAN live in space. and work, and build. and love there. For your children and theirs.

It is not easy. Vladimir picked up. Yes, there is a risk. Of hunger, hardship, and yes, even death. But dying for something is easy. Living for something better is harder. Ask yourselves what you, and your children, live for if they are born into a Simian dictatorship. The stars offer you one thing the Simians never will again. The chance to be free.

The room was silent.

All this is just a nice fantasy anyway. I suppose the Simians are just going to allow us to go, scattering flower petals as they wave a fond farewell.

No, we anticipated some resistance on their part. We hope to strike so quickly, that destruction and loss of life will be minimal. Shomron countered.

Like the raid on the Internal Security warehouse, I suppose. what are you going to do this time, blow up half the continent and then say you're sorry?

Aurora saw the stinging sarcasm hurt Shomron. The elder cheetah sat down without a word.

If you want the Leadership so badly, take it. But the issues now and the past remain unchanged. Aurora snapped back. What would you do?

We owe it to the charter and our principles to try talking, and not fighting.

The morgue two levels down is filled to overflowing, after just two days. We've had no fur bearer killed attacking the Simians. Not one. All of those victims died at Simian hands, all of them innocent. You still want to believe anything the Simian propaganda says? Shomron answered quietly.

There was an awkward silence in the room as Shomron's statement sank in.

I could order this, and you'd have to impeach me to stop it. Shomron began. But That would be against my beliefs, and the will of a free people. So I ask, and not order.

If it will make you happy, I won't take anything less than a unanimous vote. Shomron added.

Vladimir held his breath. Shomron had placed everything on one moment, and one vote.

If no one else has anything to say. Aurora spoke quietly, I think a vote is called for. All those in favor, stand please.

The tension around the triangular table shrank the room, as chairs and benches moved. No one wanted to be the first to stand, nor the last. Aurora broke the tension, stepping from her stool to stand on the table with Vladimir. Shomron rose to his paws behind the Skiltaire.

Shomron closed his eyes and thought of Maruda as Aurora counted.

For the resolution. Aurora began. Her voice broke, and Vladimir hugged her close, and continued.

For the resolution.endorsing the star flight by the citizens of the republic, nine votes yea, no votes nay. The resolution is therefore--Addopted.

All Right, Shomron. you get your fantasy. But what now? Even if we had a ship, which we do not, the problems begin here,they don't end.

Which is another reason I have asked us all to meet. Shomron answered. In spite of our political differences, the finest minds in the republic, and some of the most capable, are in this room.

If this is going to succeed, we still need the best minds to work together. Vladimir spoke up. This has to be a cooperative effort. He added.

The logistic problems are daunting, but not insoluble. Aurora said. The largest single consideration is moving all of our people.

We have solid information that the ship has been supplied and equipped to support a Simian army of invasion, as your summaries indicate.

Exactly how much material does this entail?

We cannot know until the ship is in our hands. Shomron answered. But reports from rescued fur bearers who designed and built the ship were told to four thousand Simians for up to four years in flight.

Aurora's slide rule moved again. Given the lesser number of us, over the same period. we might have from six to ten years of provisions and stores.

Which brings up another interesting point, not covered in your summaries. Where do we go if we can get away from here?

Aurora smiled again. Shalimar and others have found possible colonization planets.

There was a look of universal surprise around the three sided table!

And where is the former State science advisor?

He is with the technical forces making the assault on the launch complex. Shalimar said quickly and calmly.

Wonderful! The only one who knows where we MIGHT go, and you paint a target on him!

He is also the only one among us with experience as a pilot and navigator. Vladimir interjected. He was right when he volunteered. He is the only one who can fly the ship when we capture it.

You mean IF we capture it.

I said what I meant to say. Vladimir snapped back sharply.

Enough bickering! Aurora said quietly and firmly. This solves nothing, and our time is fleeting. Each of you has had civilian or Military experience that can help us in the few hours that we may have.

Vladimir took a crystal from his belt pouch and dropped it into the central interface. The dataflow opened, and the displays before each of them filled with the models of the evacuation plan that Aurora had finished a few days before.

Diverted from politics, the Skiltaire pair could almost feel the keen minds around the room pounce on the problem, the same way a child takes possession of a new and favorite toy. Within seconds, the room had been transformed from a political battleground to a place of deep thought. Aurora hoped to herself that the sum of their wisdom would be enough to give life to their hope.

Even as the shared displays around the room began to assimilate data being input by all of them around the table, part of Aurora's mind turned to whatever events might be unfolding far to the south. Whatever the dreams in that room, the substance of all their hope lay buried beneath the now sunlit swamps so very far away.

Rocar felt something oddly familiar touch his mind, and then his ears brought him the sounds of fur bearers fighting, not far up the trail. As he moved toward it, Rocar thought perhaps Mirika had been taken for a Simian by the resistance. But this thought died after a step or two, as the white lion heard the low throaty sound that was a tiger's growl! It was Simar!

Rocar tensed and sprang, sailing into the center of the fight. As he landed on the edge of the wide circle of torn down grass, even the trained warrior's eyes could not hide their shock and surprise!

Crystal mimed the occasional shove as she hurried Shamir and Lollo thru the corridors. They were becoming more crowded now, mostly with what passed for technicians among the Simians. Even they did not interfere, or ask any questions. Any Simian knew that when it came to the Praetorian guards and fur-bearing prisoners, it was better not to think about it.

They made good progress, but their next obstacle would not be as easy as a storage room. Ahead of the trio lay a section of a corridor bathed in red lights. Drilled into the overhanging rock were bolts that held up a sign. The message it bore was simple and as direct a warning as the sudden change in color.

Command Center

No Entry without Pass

Nachtoter had Rocar's send fixed in his mind like a beacon. He had taken a calculated risk, ordering the second legion to follow the Rocar's guards, but as nite had become day, and the panther sensed more and more Simians on the wind, he was convinced that his decision had been the right one. Now, as the sun rose high, the greatest danger was that even as spread out as they were, almost eight hundred warriors moving thru this ground would be almost too easy to spot.

Mirika and Rocar had left them a trail that no Simian could see, but to a trained pair of eyes, the route seemed to be lit by torch light.

The panther got a message of another kind from his leader and friend as he saw the subtle trail in front of his eyes suddenly spread out in the grass to become as wide as a road!

Instantly, Nactoter sent to each officer and cohort to form up, and prepare to move at double quick time!

His sudden appearance prevented the killing bite. Samar and his twin brothers had kept their usual swift and deadly efficiently. One of the three tigers had a slight sword wound across one shoulder, but between the iron hard muscle and the genetic engineering, the wound was already closed, and on it's way to healing.

Their victim lay sprawled in the grass, semi-conscious and bleeding lightly where tiger claws had cut neatly thru the thin Simian armor.

Simar and his brothers snapped to instant attention. Rocar padded over to the fallen Simian and as their eyes met, both Simian and fur bearer smiled.

Crystal took in the sight of the guarded checkpoint for future reference, and without stopping, walked the wolverine and the lion past the two guarded tunnels and over to the side, where the tunnel split off to one side, just as Charow had indicated. Once they were out of sight, Crystal scanned the wall of rock ahead. It's flat ash gray color was broken by a silver panel bolted into the rock.

Shamir and Lollo understood at once, and the unseen vent shaft cover soon fell victim to lion paws and wolverine claws.

The passageway presented to them was narrow but walkable without any danger of being given away. Even for a cat of Shamir's size, the passage proved an easy one. The other end of the vent shaft had been left strangely unsecured, and issued downward into a branch of the wide, black maw of the corridor ahead.

This passageway was a marked contrast to the other. The corridor before them was wide open, and Crystal could surmise why. This corridor was below the level of the launch bay. As the ship rose from it's launch stand, this passageway would become a channel for the hot gasses. Anything or anyone in this passageway would be roasted when the ship took off, so the Simians were not going to risk troops or equipment where no one in their right mind should be.

The echoed sounds of machinery and voices now came from the far end of the sloping passageway just ahead. There was a thick wire mesh over the inside if the wide scoop that would serve as a channel for the blast of the engines firing. Lollo and Shamir crawled on their bellies, to lay on either side of Crystal, as the trio of fur-bearers looked up and out, to a sight that filled Crystal with satisfaction, Lollo with frustration, and Shamir with all of his Father's wonder.

Greetings, brother. Rocar said casually, Looking down at the fallen Simian. Rocar could see the shame in Ku Minn Li's dark eyes.

All I ask is a swift death, with honor. Ku min Li replied, his voice hollow and distant.

I think the matter of your death is best left to time, and the honor to your Grandchildren. Rocar replied. Get up.

You're not going to kill me?

There's been enough bloodshed.

Ku Minn Li nodded. You know they sent me to bring you back or kill you?

Rocar nodded simply, completely without fear. I trust that you know that both are impossible.

This Time, it was Ku Minn Li who nodded. Rocar had spared his life. Honor and gratitude now forbade the Simian from doing what he no longer wished to do. Yes Ku Minn Li replied.

Come along then. I think there is something you need to see, My Brother Warrior.

As they walked thru the tall grass, led by the tiger triplets, The Warriors talked easily, and Rocar told the Simian of all that had come to pass in just a few remarkable days.

Well? Thought Crystal barely hiding the flash of excitement that fueled her mind.

Well, What? Sent Lollo, a good deal more taciturn in his feelings.

That's exactly what I meant! Crystal thought back. Shamir?

Crystal could see the young cat's eyes shimmering in the low light. His vision set and unmoving on the sight that lay before them. It took a gentle claw touch from the Wolverine to break the spell.

Ouch! Hay!

We're not up there yet, Shamir. We need you down here. The wolverine sent calmly.

Can you? Crystal thought at Shamir.

Can I what? Thought the young Cat in return.

Fly a Spaceship, Of course!

In the low light of the shaft, Shamir saw Lollo's eyes go wide!

And you think I'm the wild one! I may be wild, but she's crazy! Lollo sent at both of them!

On the outer edge of the swamp, Nactoter called a halt. The ground before him was thickly mottled with Simian traces, wide swaths of it laid bare by the passage of many a sword blade and spear point. Legions. Many of them. and less than half a day ago!

The huge Panther sent to Slasher, who seemed to be there almost before the huge night black cat could finish thinking his name. Two minds thought the same thought, and in a moment, both Rocar's guard cohorts and the Republican legion became one force, and formed battle lines!

Mirika's continuous send led the two warriors into the midst of the Fur-Bearing force with the ease of a nature walk. There were some gasps and odd looks when Ku Min Li was noticed walking with Rocar, But Dasher was nonplused as both warriors walked up to him and bowed!

The Margay was never so glad to see anyone!

Greetings, Dasher. You looked lonely, so I thought I would bring some company.

I see. Welcome. Dasher replied, a trace of suspicion in his voice that was not lost on Rocar.

You need not worry. You see, a change of heart has overtaken Ku Minn Li. This swamp seems to be a wonderful place for that. Rocar added.

Dasher smiled broadly! Can I get you both some water?

Both the Simian and the fur-bearer nodded, and Ku Minn Li walked over and sat quietly on a huge tree stump, to think. Rocar was now at ease, knowing that escape was the farthest thing from his brother warrior's mind.

Dasher felt the weight of command slide easily onto the huge white shoulders, yet the relief was short lived, as the margay gave Rocar his first situation report!

The Simian commander smiled, as best his flat face would allow. He had been expecting this order for days. Now sitting in this filthy swamp was finally to be rewarded. His legion had the honor of the kill!

He Growled for a runner, and sent copies of the battle order to his commanders. After days of sweltering weather, no hot food, and boredom, his troops were in a mood to kill. Before sunset, if luck of battle was with them, both he and they would get their chance!

Ku Minn Li sat pensively on the stump, his cup of water untouched. He was torn both from inside and outside. Years of blind obedience had taught him never to question, Yet the Path demanded that he now evaluate not only the orders he had been given, but the validity of everything he thought he knew.

Rocar's words had hit him like anvils, each one ponderous and heavy enough to tear a hole in that which the Simian had always thought to be impregnable. Yet, Because they had spoken as Warrior to Warrior, Ku Minn Li knew that Rocar could not be lying about all that he had said. The Simian sat in the swamp, lit by the hot noonday sun, and suddenly felt very cold and alone.

Had Simian troops actually killed innocent citizens?

The idea sickened him enough to make even the water his body craved seem unappetizing.

Yet, deep within him, he knew that it was true, and that sickened him even more.

Crystal looked at Lollo oddly. You know that's what we came here to do. She thought at him simply.

Don't misunderstand. Lollo thought back. If you want to take the ship, I'll lead the way. The ship is easy. But the Simian assault troops down here are something else. I don't think even we could handle a legion each.

Crystal's muzzle fell. Lollo was right. This was no time for heroics.

They aren't aboard yet, but Crystal is right, in a way Lollo.

The wolverine blinked.

We've got to find some way to put them out of this fight. If they get loose when the rest of us get here, it could be a short star flight.

The barracks are separated from the rest of the complex. They were built into a separate cavern. Crystal remembered. Shamir. Isn't there a set of blast doors that close off the launch bay and control center from the rest of the complex?

Charow's drawings are exact. The controls for all the doors are in the control room. Shamir s thoughts depressed notably at the last two words.

Then our problem is solved! Lollo sent easily.

How so? Crystal thought in wonder.

Before, there were three thousand of them and three of us. Now, there are only about one hundred of them. Who knows, Maybe they'll surrender! What's say we find out? Lollo thought glibly, his fighting spirit restored.

There's something else that needs to be thought out. Shamir sent to the two of them.

What's that? Crystal sent in return.

If we can take the Control room, and manage to seal ourselves in, that also cuts us off from the ship. What then?

"Times New Roman"'>ADVANCE L 9.0You think too much for your own good! One miracle at a time! Lollo returned.

Fellows?

Yes, Crystal?

If something happens. Tell Shomron I love him. and you too.

You'll get a chance to tell him yourself, and litters of kits, about how their mother got crazy one day and decided to liberate a starship. Now C'mon. we got too much to do. Lollo thought at her as they crawled out of the shaft, and upward.