OUTCASTS

Nachtoter needed no sight now. Instinct alone let him close with his target. The two guards cohorts that he commanded slid across the swampy ground in deadly silence.

They stalked now, hunters all, in a preserve thick with Simian scented air. Slasher was on his right, as the other wing wheeled and set lines along the Simian flank. If Nachtoter's attack broke them, the Simians would retreat directly across this ground.

In the center, Slasher saw the panther halt his line and hold for a moment, then the first guard cohort sprang forward under the burning afternoon sun, and pounced like the predators they were on a completely surprised Simian legion!

Ku Minn Li walked up quietly, reached up, and put a hand on Rocar's huge shoulder.

We must talk, My brother. Can you spare me a moment?

I seem to remember you sparing me one. Rocar replied with a gentle smile. Walk with me, if you would.

The Simian warrior and the Fur-Bearing warrior walked a short distance over the flat ground. As they moved, Ku Min Li spoke.

I am grateful to you for your treatment of me. You have let me keep my sword, and never did you bind me, nor fear my escape. Thank you. Ku Min Li said sincerely.

Rocar smiled. You are my guest, not my prisoner, and one does not bind a Warrior as he fights for himself. The White Lion told him simply.

You know me too well, Rocar. Ku Min Li said with a dash of regret.

I know the choice you face, and I feel the fight. Rocar replied.

Ku Min Li nodded. I have decided. He said flatly.

Before another word or thought could pass between the pair of warriors, the dying afternoon breeze brought them both a sound that they knew all too well. It was not far distant, for these were not echoes. Each sound was familiar and awful in it's resonance. Both took up a dead run side by side, toward the urgent and desperate sounds, as the afternoon air was rent by the sounds of battle!

Crystal leaned back, against the smooth wall of the vent shaft, and thought. For a common brain, it might have been a numbing process. But for Cystal's brilliant intellect, the entire process summed in a heartbeat.

We come from the place they least expect. Charow's drawings say that the shortest distance to the Control Center is across that swing arm.

The cheetah girl silently pointed out and almost straight up at the huge arm of steel that loomed above them, arching over their heads to span the distance between the Launch Platform above them, to the thick rounded mid body of the ship, and then over to a wide set of doors high in the cavern walls.

There are no guards, or checkpoints on this side. Cross that swing arm, and thru the blast doors and we're in the Control Center. Crystal sent.

Can you climb? she asked both males in thought.

Shamir nodded, while Lollo seemed almost hurt and indignant at the question. The wolverine's reply was to flash his long claws, accenting them with a flex of his large paws Oh, I'll manage, somehow. Lollo sent with a fang filled smile that glinted in the low light.

Crystal reached out and crumpled the grate on the vent shaft as if it were made of tin. The passage up into the superstructure of the beam work that seemed to wrap the ship was big enough for Shamir, and was hidden from sight by the great web of steel girders and braces that rose upward in a latticework of metal.

Crystal paused, looking back at Lollo and Shamir for a moment, before she led the way up and out, toward the ship side of the gantry.

The overheated Simians had forced their march for the last day, driven by the ambition of their officers and a fear of failure, They had neither rest no food in their hot and protesting stomachs when the wave of fur bearers crashed over them, with all the weight that fang, claw and muscle could bring to bear.

Nachtoter struck deep into the flank of the marching legion, rolling up the cohort that was supposed to guard the columns rear echelon.

The Simians heard nothing until they broke from the tall grasses. A massed and focused wave of armored fur bearers led by a huge black beast who was made all the more a spectacle by his lack of armor.

Yet the huge cat lashed out with his great slashing forepaws, and even his massive body became a weapon as the panther's size let him literally run over any Simian who tried to set and offer him battle as he charged forward, wading into a whole cohort, and laying it low six at a time, without sword or spear, just swipes of his paws, that sent the Simians in his midst flying thru the air. Those a step or two distant enough to be spared, fleeing in mortal terror at the black apparition that seemed to slam into them, leaving nothing or no one standing in his wake.

The cohort of warriors split, half of them along each side of the Simian's legion's flanks. After a spectacular moment of total surprise, the fur bearers seemed to be ahead and behind, closing the pincer to cut the body of the rearmost legion from the bloated column that was the Simian man battle force. They paused only where resistance could be offered, overrunning it as they did the enemy legions as a whole. Across the wide field Simians fell like nuts from a shaken tree limb. The last Simian legion in the file became the first to be rolled up, as the hundred slashing fur bearers never stopped moving, driving the remnants of the last legion ahead of them in a wild rout!

The ensuing panic was the fur bearers great ally, as a deadly cold fear swept ahead of their panicked foes, many of the remnants of the Simian legion knocking down those in rank and file before them in their blind rush to escape.

Nachtoter watched the last of the fleeing Simians run down less than a minute after he had commanded the charge, The proud and pompous Second Simian Legion, who had the misfortune to be the Simian rear guard, has ceased to exist as a fighting unit, or even as a group of soldiers. Most of them lay splayed on the mushy ground, having been simply and mercifully battered into unconsciousness rather than death by the sheer weight and size of the Fur-Bearing wave that had swamped them. Then the black panther sent to them all, ordering a regroup and recall. Just as suddenly and as massively as the fur bearers had struck, they seemed to seep back into the marshy ground, having absorbed one entire legion of Simians, while those that slogged onward at the head of the serpentine column, cursed only the heat and the mites that plagued them.

The climb amongst the steel forest proved easier and quicker than they had thought. Keeping to the back sides of the massive steel beams, even Shamir appeared as no more than a bright reflection of the work lights off the vast cocoon that surrounded the ship.

As he climbed thru the steel threads of that cocoon, Shamir could look first over and then down as he climbed higher behind Crystal, giving him a vista of the ship itself. Her thickly rounded belly tapered into a diamond shape along her sides, while the foremost point of the diamond bore a the shape of a tapered knob that sloped downward a bit and was made to look heavy by the armor plate that came up along her dorsal spine and then flowed down and over what had to be her bridge.

The young lion was careful to note the lack of Simians around about her, and thanked greater things than he for small favours.

Ahead and above him, Shamir saw Crystal pause in the climb, as the Cheetah girl peered out over the sweeping shape of the swing arm.

Nobody here! Crystal sent with a trace of excitement. It redoubled with her next thought, one that made the lion and the wolverine smile as they came abreast of her, high up amid the steel.

The blast doors to the control room are open!

The trio sought momentary refuge in the natural triangular shape formed by the gantry, and slid down among the steel once more, out of sight for the moment.

OK, wild girl. You got us up here, now what? Lollo sent, his feeling of building excitement showing in his thoughts.

Simple! Crystal answered. I walk in and--

WHAT?

Remember, I have the pass and the station. So I'm just going to act naturally, and woe betide any Simian who gets in my way! Once I'm inside, the Simians will be to busy to notice you two behind me.

Busy? Sent Lollo.

Let's just say I'm going to give my former masters a lesson in the speed and strength they decanted me for. Crystal thought back.

Crystal? Shamir thought gently.

Yes, Shamir?

Be careful, and watch your back. We need you.

It was probably the strangest place it would ever happen, but love took no account of the location as Crystal reached out and a uniformed Praetorian Guard hugged the young white lion deeply!

The brace of warriors needed no signs to lead them true to where the battle had been joined, and as they came upon a wide swath of desolation ripped into the tall grass and the spongy ground, one of them looked on with shock and the other with pride at the sight that met their eyes.

Nachtoter felt Rocar at once, but did not distract himself from the count he kept as the last of the Simian prisoners was herded tightly together by a close ring of warriors. Only when the last of them has been collected, cowering in the tall grass far afield, and the guard ring doubled, did the panther turn his back on the shattered herd of disarmed Simians.

Rocar and his second exchanged the republican salute, and then the gigantic black mountain of cat bowed to Ku Minn Li and offered the Simian salute.

First Republican Battle group begs to report seven hundred and forty seven prisoners taken, and the Second Simian Legion shattered, My General.

Casualties?

Three Simians killed resisting overrun,Sir, Two members of the first Republican Guards cohort injured. one seriously. Both under treatment.

The look in Ku Minn Li's eyes was disconsolate.

I am sorry, My Brother. Rocar said quietly.

Ku Minn Li was shaken, and put a hand on the great white body to steady himself.

I will join the prisoners, if you wish, Rocar. Ku Minn Li said, his voice a rough whisper.

That will not be necessary. Pass the word. Battlefield parole for all who will lay down their arms. Prisoners will be given medical treatment as needed and fed from captured supply trains, and all prisoners shall retain their personal property and the dignity due their stations. Rocar ordered, speaking to both fur bearer and Simian.

As you command, Rocar! Nachtoter replied.

Ku Minn Li looked at his Brother Warrior with unspoken thanks. I see now why your command follows you as they do.

You are not, and never have been our enemies, My Brother. Rocar replied. I believe we were speaking of the choice you had made? Rocar inquired.

It had been the hardest hour that Shomron had ever lived, but also the most rewarding. His colleagues and contemporaries had forgotten device and division once the vote had been cast, and had produced a plan that was a masterwork of cooperation and coordination. It was a sweet thing to see that nearly took the acidic edge off the unbearable waiting. Yet, Shomron knew that even as they worked, there was not a heart or mind in the meeting room that was not turned at least in part toward unseen and uncontrollable events far distant.

Crystal took only a moment to appear on the great gray width of the swing arm, seeming for all the world like she had been built there, as fine and strong as the steel that she stood upon. She stretched, and then squared herself, before marching across the arc of the steel toward the Simian hive, as two sets of Fur-Bearing eyes watched anxiously from amid the steel cocoon.

The Simian who guarded one side of the huge steel door and it's vault like seal wore a surprised mask of a face as Crystal strode past him, consigning him to insignificance. The cheetah girl held her breath. The room that spread before her eyes was lined with softly polished steel. At its center was a large circle, made of displays that showed the ship from every angle and perspective. The holographic model glowed and shimmered as Simians milled about the wide room, their attention focused on the display that animated as tests were run on the ship outside.

Other than the constant display, the most pronounced feature was an old style digital clock, whose numbers rolled soundlessly backward as the activity beneath them continued.

All their hopes and dreams would become nightmares in less than nine hours!

She was seized with a sudden helplessness, that her training battered into nonexistence a moment later.

Look around the room. she told herself. Find the door controls, and count heads.

She calmed down inside, the darkness of her helmet visor thankfully hiding her face and muzzle, as she tried to look like she knew what she was doing on the outside.

She could count twenty of them in the room, all with the same white badge as she wore, so her entry would pass unchallenged. There were no weapons to be seen, and none of the Simian staff wore anything beyond their usual drab gray duty uniforms.

She was standing still, reading the room like a book, when a sweep of air brushed by her, accompanied by a massive shadow that swept across her own. Instinct made her turn to see the massive blast doors closing behind her, sealing the steel lined room like a metal casket.

Shamir and Lollo peered oddly thru the maze before their eyes, and rejoiced in silence as crystal swaggered into the room without incident. There followed a terrible split second of indecision, as both watched the massive door begin to close behind her!

Both knew that even Shamir could never have stopped or held the twin slabs of metal as the cantilevered closed, so both the lion and the wolverine watched helplessly as Crystal was entombed in the control center.

What's going on? Sent Lollo.

I don't know, but I'll tell you one thing.

What?

When those doors opens again, and they will, grab my mane and hang on, because I don't intend to be slow or gentle. Shamir sent shortly as he watched the pair of Simian guards begin a slow march back and forth in front of the closed doors.

Inside the now sealed vault, Crystal heard a short sharp sound of a klaxon and saw all the overhead lights flash yellow.

Prepare to check all electrical systems! One of the officious Simians in a long smock barked.

Instantly the hologram at the front of the room was laced with a network of glowing blue lines. The dataflow above it slowly listed each system and component, marking each successful test by turning each item on the list a matching shade of blue.

She also watched one technician rise from a smaller console in one corner, to be seated at another main console at the front of the room, Crystal edged along the back wall, toward the same corner. She had seen ones like it in the underground command center. This one was simple. Three lights, two rows switches and a lever, that was built into the steel floor. Reading upside down, she could see the sign on the console in block Simian script.

Master door control. She thought to herself. This is the place.

The lever in the floor bore no markings, but Crystal gambled a guess. Again, her visored eyes swept the panel, and in the lower front corner, there was a single yellow button.

Emergency override read the small sign above it

As Crystal pretended to watch the fueling test on the ship, she also measured he height of the console against her own hips and tail. The fit was nearly perfect! She meandered mindlessly into the corner, seemingly absorbed in the technical readouts that flashed in front of the consoles to her right, and toward the front of the room. she stood back, against the smooth steel wall and slid into a slow lean that let her hip slide casually onto the button!

Outside, a small squawky alarm sounded, and the bank of lights above the door flashed bright yellow. The guards in front of the door broke their lockstep march and scrambled out of the way!

A short distance farther, within the steel framework of the swing arm, two sets of ears heard and saw the noise and the lights. This time, both were ready.

Shamir sprang from among the steel as if he was the missile intended for launch. Linked to the massive young lion by great pawfulls of fur, there was a squat, dark shape, as if the white missile carried a Fur-Bearing payload. Most of the Simian guards never saw the streak of white that surged toward the door as it unlocked and the sections of the steel plate parted quickly. Almost before the two nearest Simian guards could focus on whatever this was, the white shape simply ran over the top of them in a headlong charge for the widening gap in the door!

The hologram in the front of the room flashed a succession of different colors, and the squawk of the alarm over rode the voice of the Simian in the smock. The thick book from which he was reading tumbled to the metallic floor with a thud! The Simian cursed sharply, and turned with daggers in his eyes to look at the corner console!

Crystal felt the button pressed by the weight of her hip, and from that instant, she became a blur of motion. She took hold of the floor lever and wrenched it hard. The thin, hollow steel tube bent and broke two thirds up it's length, and instantly, the she cat became a snarling, slashing beast, armed not only with razored claws, and armored boots, but with a short baton that became her deadliest weapon!

The Simian in the smock, stood and took exactly one step forward, before the wind was driven out of him by a solid, smashing paw across his chest. He crumpled to the floor, unmoving.

Hers was a lethal ballet that used every part of her as a weapon. She strode forward, each paw grasping a Simian head, she rammed their heads together in the same motion, sending Simian skulls into one another, with explosive force. The two Simian technicians slumped to the floor as if someone had removed their bones.

Her legs were her next free weapon with length, so she braced herself on the console as the two Simians oozed to the floor. She sprang up sideways, holding herself up on her paws as her flying legs wrapped and locked around the neck of the next Simian in the row. There was a muted crack, and the power of Crystal's legs jackknifed the Simian body backward out of it's chair and across the room!

As her feet hit the floor again they allowed her to spring up and stand on the slightly tilted console. The last two Simians in the front row fell to an armored boot each, and Crystal never stopped moving!

She leapt over the row of adjoining consoles, landing erect at the far end. Instantly, she was in a combination somersault and back flip that let her simply roll up the line of Simians, felling each of the half dozen in the next row back with a flash of paw or a smash of boot as she flipped by. She dismounted the second row of now empty consoles and sprang toward the back of the room!

The Simians had been so intent on their displays, that only in the last few seconds were they dimly aware that something was wrong. Before any of the remaining Simians could think, something huge and fast moving seemed to crash thru the partly open door, with a sound that echoed in the steel room like all the thunder in all the world!

Some were dimly aware of a large dark shape that launched itself from the larger shape and landed with a ferocious snarl in the last row. There were sounds of Simian panic, as if someone had set off an explosion among the neatly ordered consoles.

Half a dozen panic stricken Simians left the next to last row of consoles some by leaping over the consoles in front of them. A few lunged for the open door, but ran headlong into a slashing white paw that felled them into a pile like kindling!

YELLOW BUTTON. CORNER CONSOLE. BACK ROW! Crystal sent to Lollo powerfully.

Instantly, the wolverine saw his target thru Crystal's eyes and lunged for it, almost mashing the yellow button into the milled steel of the panel.

The huge door reversed itself and began to close again just as the first and last Simian guard to wonder about the commotion came around the rim of the door seal, and was met by a mule kick from a pair of hind paws, each with a broader span than the hapless Simian chest they caved in as easily as the thin breastplates the guards wore!

The collapsed Simian flew clear of the massive door that would have crushed him anyway, and before the huge doors could open half way and suddenly seal again, the Control center was in Fur Bearing paws!

As Crystal heard the door set, seal and lock, she quickly tool off her helmet and unzipped the jumpsuit that was her Simian uniform. She stepped out of the garment and kicked it to one side, with a glower of satisfaction.

She padded to the familiar corner console. She considered the switches for a moment, and then touched a pair of them gently. Crystal looked up from the console with an even more satisfied smile.

Simian troops sealed in underground cavern. She reported with ultimate satisfaction.

Crystal! Behind--

Before Lollo could finish, he saw Crystal pivot, quickly on her hind paws. She brought her helmet, held by its internal air hose around and over her head in a sweeping arc, and the Simian technician who had raised the stun stick took the hammer blow square on the top of his head!

The stun stick discharged as it's holder slumped backwards, It's blue ball of electric discharge becoming a ricocheting ball of current that pinged off the steel roof and down onto one of the consoles in the back row. The console erupted into a sheet of flame and oily black smoke!

Crystal dropped the cracked helmet and made a dive for the fire bottle on the steel wall nearby. She pointed it and a geyser of thick green foam coated the console and snuffed out the fire, even before the alarm could sound!

The room was suddenly still, and the lion, wolverine and cheetah girl all paused to draw a deep breath, realize their success, and to survey the control center, newly carpeted with fallen Simians!

We don't need any more of them coming to. Lollo said shortly.

Not to worry. Crystal said. I picked up a few tricks from Shomron. She dipped into her belt pouch and brought out an air injector full of Shazi's best tranquilizer!

Lollo smiled. Hit them twice each. We have more to worry about than them for now. How are you doing, Shamir?

The young white cat was gazing intently at the round main console and the display above it. The display had returned to normal, Crystal noted, and the numbers on the large clock on one wall continued to run blissfully backwards, quite oblivious to the carnage that had happened beneath them.

I can guess at most of this, but that's all it would be. We need my Father and the technical team.

Crystal sat down at a close console, and with a twist of the dial before her, the dataflow opened a window with images from around the complex and outside!

I got outside! Crystal told her companions.

Great! keep an eye on them. Lollo said. Shamir?

The young lion padded over to the console on which Lollo stood.

I need your best guess. Which system retracts that main swing arm?

Shamir suddenly wished he had spent more time listening when His father talked about the old days. Try the switches marked gantry retract. one of them should work.

Lollo nodded, and adjusted the display to show the steel framework that still wrapped the ship. He touched the center button and hoped.

While Shamir and Lollo pondered the technical side, Crystal finished with the last of the Simians, the one in the long smock. Then she noticed a thick book partly hidden under the fallen body. She seized it almost desperately, and looked at the title on the first leaf of paper.

Launch Operations Control Procedure. She read aloud for Lollo and Shamir to hear!

Fantastic. Find the way to open the dome! Lollo said.

WHAT?

You want the others down here, fast, Right?

Shamir nodded. Confusion to the enemy.

It was a big risk, but they had forced a point of no return.

While Lollo and Crystal combed the thick black book, Shamir took over the display interface. He adjusted its view until he could see the gantry and the ship in a wide view. Then his telekinesis began to work labeled buttons and switches.

The young lion watched the display with a lance of excitement down his spine as the webbed steel hand that surrounded the ship began to peel away its metal fingers!

After a few seconds the ship was isolated with her own diameter in distance between the retracted gantry and her rounded launch stand.

Found it. Crystal piped. Beginning procedure to open launch bay dome.

While Crystal worked with feline speed at the main console, Lollo took control of the dataflow and began to detect images of the outside of the great steel doors that kept them save.

He could see Simian work crews and heavy equipment beginning to collect in front of the heavy doors. He also saw gouts of bright flame spout from the gas torches that the Simian workers held!

They're trying to burn their way in. It will take them a while. Crystal, how long to open that dome?

About halfway there. still taking all the safeties off. Give me two minutes.

Shamir's data flow popped across something odd and he held on it. This was one of the images above ground, and it showed part of a marching Simian legion!

Lollo. Shamir said quietly.

Yes?

The lion directed his friend's vision toward the rather startling image!

You want to hold off opening the dome? Shamir asked.

No, it's still the best and quickest way. Remember, Rocar is up there too. We have to risk it. Now, you found the Simians, can you find you father and brother?

I can try.

Do it. Crystal?

Thirty seconds.

All right. This is a control center. Shamir, do you know your fathers inter-link code? We need to send some messages.

Shamir sent Lollo a long string of coded numbers. Flashing wolverine claws input the key local code into the data interface, and across the dataflow that he had helped create, a familiar image came to Shalimar.

DASHER!!!

The pulse send from Shalimar was so powerful it hurt, but when the margay touched minds with Shalimar, the Lion's excitement proved warranted. Anxiously, Dasher scanned the map overlay.

Send to all Teams, assemble at point four. Have then stand by for assault.

**** ****

Can we send to Shomron from here? Lollo asked.

Yes, but not until we have the ship.

Dome ready for elevation. Crystal reported.

Can you lower it if we have to?

The book says so, but it will take time.

Do it.

Dome elevating. Now.

The setting sun had just begun to cast longer shadows over the ground, as the air was filled with a new and unnatural sound. A high whooping sound knifed thru the late afternoon air, and the seemingly peaceful bottom land began to quake with a deep vibration.

Dasher's ears were the closest, and as he heard the sound, he also felt the vibration. Instinct rose within him, and he pointed his team toward the nearby sound.

The high alarm sound split the pause after Rocar's faithful question, rendering its answer a momentary mystery. But there was no mystery in the orders that Rocar gave, even as the ground he stood upon rolled slightly. He looked at his second, and as quickly as the panther and lion locked eyes, even before thought could pass between them, Rocar's guard cohorts moved surely and with paw padded swiftness toward the center of the new sound and sensation.

The strange sound and the shaking ground sent a peel of fear thru the Simian legions on the march. They stopped, stood and stared in vacant confusion as panic griped their cohorts with ice cold fingers, even in the afternoon heat.

Centurions with whips and steel restored order quickly and herded the frightened troops toward the new sound.

Shamir watched the interior image on the dataflow before him. High above the ship, a section of the domed roof began to rise on huge rams that began to push the domed roof thru the thin cover of ground above.

The wail of the alarm sent the Simians in front of the control room doors into a scattered panic, winning the three of them at least a moment of respite from one worry.

But that worry was replaced by another as they all felt the huge lifting rams shudder into full extension. Lollo looked at the above ground image. A new feature had overtaken the swampy landscape, up rooting trees and ground, while it's domed shape also rolled back and drained away the brackish water.

Lollo noticed it's sunlit gleam and thought for a moment how much Krista would enjoy the beautiful sight. But common sense moved him, knowing that if he and his companions did not act swiftly, the glittering sunlit launch dome might be the last sight that many ever see.

Now, there was a new sound, smooth and mechanical, that sent a gentler vibration thru the steel room.

Lollo watched the outside image, and Shamir looked out the viewing window toward the ship herself, as a odd shaped shadow born of the low sun, peaked in and then grew over the ship, as the dome itself opened.

Dome open. Crystal reported. and everybody knows it.

Good. I have an idea. Shamir said to both of them.

Run with it. Lollo said

Crystal, can you destroy this room?

How many pieces you want? She asked back.

Huh? said Lollo

With the Simians scattered, we can get to the ship. her armor is our best protection, and if we have to destroy her, we'll make a proper job of it. It's the only way. Plus, her weapons might help, but we have to be sure that only we control the ship, to do that, this place goes.

OK. I get it. Let's do it. Crystal?

Yes?

Just DON'T destroy that book!

Right. The cheetah girl was already opening panels and crossing wires. In a minute, she was ready. She pointed to the familiar yellow button. Push that, and the door outside opens. It also overloads the main power cables. I crossed them, and grounded them thru the main console, just like Charow indicated. Ten seconds after that door begins to open, this room fries.

There should be a swing arm control unit on the gantry. Shamir said, as Crystal slid the priceless book into a large pocket in her pack. I'll start the swing arm moving back toward her as the door starts to open. The power should last long enough to get us at least close to the ship. I hope.

You hope?

We may have to get in thru the overhead hatch, if we can jump it.

I like it. Let's do it. Crystal, push the button. This one is for you, and all the constructs. Lollo said. For you and Krista.

Lollo vaulted onto Shamir's back again.

Shamir activated the swing arm release and set to spring.

Crystal pushed the yellow button, and as the door alarm sounded, Crystal began a countdown from ten.

The door unlocked with a familiar sound, and began to move.

Ten.

It seemed to move with a slowness born of their desperation. One second crawled by before daylight showed around the door.

Nine.

The massive door was freely moving now, it's weight working for them instead of against them now, One more second and Shamir could get by. Lollo pressed flat onto the Lion's back and braced, thinking of Krista.

Beside him Shamir could see Crystal set to pounce.

Eight.

The number became an echo lost in the rush of air from two springing forms. the swing arm ahead of them was already moving, closing the distance with the ship. They landed first side by side a quarter of the was along its arced length. The tensed and sprang together once more, their balance changed to compensate for the motion of the steel beneath them.

Seven.

They landed together near the base of the broad, rounded disc that was the platform end on the pivoting metal arm. It seemed to crawl across the distance between the three of them and the bulkhead hatch on the ship.

Six

Crystal risked a look back, and saw a flood of Simians burst into the control center thru the now wide open steel doors.

Five. She said with a trace of satisfaction, knowing the Simian soldiers could not stop them now. But could they make it?

Four.

The last of the distance closed, and the swing arm met the hull of the ship with a gentle touch. Crystal lunged for the unguarded keypad below the hatch buttons and punched in the code that Charow had sent to her.

Three.

The hatch opened and slid back with a whine. Instantly, the opening was as big as any Simian was wide and tall, and Shamir's head could fit thru! The big feline slid thru and into her air lock, sweeping Crystal inside with him as the Cheetah girl said.

Two

Crystal fell forward and down, flat on the deck inside the airlock. She rolled on her back, lifting her body in a snap with her arms, and extending her leg so her boot touched a green button. The hatch begin to close.

One!

The three of them pressed hard into the deck of the air lock, as they braced. The hatch was open just a sliver, as a lace of bright blue arcs of current fingered out and grounded along the walls and floors of the control center turned steel fuse. Panicked Simian screams and the sounds of massive current arcs were muffled as the escape hatch behind them sealed!!

Shamir moved quickly, vaulting ahead with Lollo for the smaller hatch toward the bow of the ship. Crystal followed, a spring behind, in case of trouble.

He plunged thru the bridge hatch, uncaring of danger. As Lollo fell into one of the two side by side seats and found them alone in the heart of the starship, he saw the nearly frantic expression of Shamir's muzzle change as the big cat stabbed a paw toward a group of amber buttons!

Outside, a moment before the mass of snarling current could ground itself into the hull of the ship, the launch table rose, and the swing arm disengaged from it's place and swung up and away to one side!

From the ships main windows, Lollo watched as the entire mass of the retracted gantry glowed a soft blue as the current went to ground!

Beside him, Shamir sighed, panting with relief.

Only then did it strike the three friends where they were, what they had done, and what they had to do next. They shared a smile and nuzzle together, as Crystal pulled out the black book and began speed reading the launch procedure.

Now, we contact Shomron. Lollo said triumphantly.

Shamir was already inputting the code.

Go ahead. You're on. Shamir told his friend.

No, you do it. the honor is yours, for your father.

This is Torch one on interface alpha. I have a coded message for Runner.

Shamir's words echoed in the meeting room and the resistance command center at the same time. For a moment, breath and Hearts stopped, and even hope held its breath.

This. this is Torch. Shamir said. The Takagi has wings. I repeat. The Takagi has wings.

Above the swampy ground, many sets of eyes fell on the dome shape as its top opened, and a mist of thick black smoke rose into the sky from below the oddly sleek shape that rose to ground level.

Dasher and Shamir led a Fur-Bearing charge to ward the dome the faltered slightly as every eye within sight was overtaken with the wonder of the sight.

For two more sets of eyes, also not far distant it was a moment of pride and proof, Rocar's heart nearly burst as the sight of the intact ship met his eyes, and as Ku Minn Li could see all that Rocar felt in the Lion's eyes, so the warrior cat could see all the hurt and pain in Ku Minn Li's eyes, as they charged onward, side by side.

Simians! The call of warning shot thru Dasher's team like the voice of death itself.

The margay and the lion paused to look back. The glint of the setting sun on the Simian armor as they came thru the tall grass beyond doubt.

Instantly Dashed knew his advantage. The Simians were looking into the setting sun! He had been given an unexpected ally and did not intend to loose it.

Team, Charge! Dasher ordered, fixing his eyes on the dome ahead of him and not looking back!

Inside the TAKAGI, her pirate crew could see the sweep of fur bearers approaching. At the same moment, they also saw the glint of the Simian armor. Crystal bolted from the bridge like a cat with a mission!

Where are you going? Shamir sent.

Get me Power to turret four! She sent back urgently.

Shamir complied, powering up the section of the main panel marked weapons It was then that the young cat remembered that the ship had been intended as a weapon all along. He pushed two sets of buttons and a blister opened on the topside of the ship, facing starboard.

Crystal checked the ammunition feed on the auto cannon in the turret by letting her first shot land in front of the advancing Simians, but safely behind the advancing fur bearers. She flipped the automatic feed to full, just like in training and re-checked her range, counting the Simians paces. She counted ten, forwards, this time, and then pulled the twin triggers four times in rapid succession!

The first shell blasted up a geyser of torn ground far in front of the first cohort. As the commander of the fifth Simian legion advanced with his troops, his and other voices ridiculed the poor gunnery of the soon to be dead fur bearers. The sun posed more of a discomfort as they marched forward proudly.

This would surely be a great victory. His troops had closed the net. They would not only recapture the strange ship before them, they would also crush the foolish fur bearers who dared to resist the State! And all the honors would go to one commander and one legion alone!

Dasher heard and saw the turret open on the ship but had no time to worry, less than ten lengths from the ship now, the cannon could not depress enough to fire on them! The margay and the huge cat at his side were surprised to see the wide hatch of the ship slide open to greet them, as the cannon above them issue four shots that sailed toward the Simian ranks. Whoever the gunner was, Dasher blessed his luck and plunged with the other two strike teams into the safety of the armored hull before them!

Rocar broke thru the tall grass with his guard cohorts and Ku Minn Li just in time to see four perfectly placed rounds of grapeshot rip into the front cohort of the advancing Simians. Their four detonations seemed as one, and when the paul of thick gray smoke and torn up swamp settled, the foremost cohorts of the fifth Simian legion had simply ceased to exist!

A great cry of pain and anguish rose from Ku Minn Li's tortured throat, as the two warriors raced ahead quickly to intercept the advancing legion. The shelling showed it's awful effects, as those walking wounded in the cohort now in front wavered in their formation. Suddenly, there was another armored Simian before them.

Arms down! Ku Minn Li commanded.

Instantly, the shell shocked remnant of a legion obeyed, as they would have obeyed any order that took them far from this swamp, filled now with death as well as discomfort. A thousand and more Simian blades and pole arms fell to the swampy ground.

Legion, retire in order! Their new officer Simian officer ordered.

They obeyed at once and more than willingly, fearing they would meet the same fate as their former commandant at any moment!

Rocar split off from Ku Minn Li, racing toward the ship as fast as he could run.

Nachtoter wasted not an instant, ordering the two cohorts he led to form skirmish lines two ranks deep around the ship!

Crystal saw them first, because she was the highest, but on the bridge, Shamir felt his brother almost before the anxious send from his father as Shalimar raced thru the ship to join him!

Rocar could sense a fine and keen Fur-Bearing mind behind the armored glass. As the warrior cat plunged headlong for the sanctuary of the open hatch, he desperately sent two words towards the gun blister.

Cease Fire!

Over her sights, Crystal felt the powerful and commanding send. It broke her combat instinct and her paw relaxed on the twin triggers. Then she broke down and wept.

Shalimar's quick glances at Charow drawings paid dividends now in saved time and saved lives. He knew where he was, and even before the thick hatch closed behind the assembled strike teams, Shalimar was springing for the elevator that would let him bypass the narrow hatch in the bridge.

He gave the thieving Simians credit, except for her size and intended purpose, the Simians had followed his designs, right to the last bolt! He reminded himself to pay them his respects, if any of them lived thru this day!

One the bridge, Lollo and Shamir saw different groups of lights and indicators flash and jump, and the starship came to life under the paws of those who knew and remembered what it had been like to launch a spaceship years before!

The elevator ride was short and fast, about twenty feet in one quarter as many seconds. When the doors snapped open, the wide semicircle of bridge seemed to fill with Lion!

Father! Over here! Shamir indicated the cramped space behind the curved main console where he sat. More than life itself, he needed to greet and touch him, but time was against them now, and that would have to wait.

Shamir sprang forward, out of the way, sailing down to the lower wider, part of the bridge in front of the main holographic display.

Lollo watched Shalimar's eyes sparkle, as the elder lion set his paws on what seemed to be a memory, wonderfully laid out before him!

Shalimar tried to reach for a switch on the main console, but his reach was cut off by one of the two padded chairs that had been added to his design.

Lollo comprehended the problem at once. The control space and seating was for two Simian pilots!

Lollo slid standing into one of the chairs. You push my buttons, I'll push these, Shalimar. Fire away.

Lollo pushed the open book beneath Shalimar's eyes, and saw the white lion smile. After a cursory glance, he shut the book and heaved it telekineticly out of the way!

You've read it? Lollo asked.

Read it? Replied Shalimar I wrote it!

Lollo beamed.

Prepare for a full power up.

At your command, Shalimar! Lollo's voice seemed to ring with the words he had waited so long to say!!

Rocar stood still for a moment behind the closed hatch, while the ship around him came quickly to life. It was then he noticed that the was the object of several sets of eyes, most of them wide with amazement!

One set that was not at all surprised stepped forward, with Mirika wrapped around them. One cat saluted the other, and Rocar smiled.

I beg to report, Rocar, that I am very glad to see you!

Rocar smiled. Thank you Mirika. I feel the same way about you! Where are my Father and brother?

They appear to be on the bridge, sir. Elevator around the corner to port.

Rocar nodded, and looked at the fur bearers around him. Any casualties? He inquired.

Dasher was just finishing an ear, nose and tail count. He turned and saluted smartly. Dasher, Sir. Republican resistance. I beg to report no casualties among our strike teams.

Rocar returned the Republican salute with special snap. Very well. Your technicians are sorely needed. This is not a two passenger starcraft.

Yessir! Dasher replied.

Charow had briefed the technical team from his hospital bed, and each group of two or three knew their tasks well. All of them moved with fresh energy and determination as they spread out thru her, both to look for Simian stowaways and to take control of her in the truest sense.

Chaunci was an engineer at heart and paws, and a sense of the wonderful and the dangerous mingled in his eye and flowed together from his muzzle to his tailtip as he led his section aft, towards her engine room.

Here and there, some split off from the main party, to check corridors, rooms and hatch spaces for Simians. To his delight, Chaunci and his armed escort found nothing beyond the silent engine room!

For the moment, the cougar had nothing to do, so he lead his team out of the engineering section, sealing it behind them with psionic locks. He lead them down another passageway, this one different from the rest by the markings on the deck where they walked and on the bulkheads around them.

Chaunci had seen Charow's diagrams of the ship. The cat knew that this was supposed to be nothing more than an a cargo space that could be loaded from the rear and underside of the ship.

Danger markings on a cargo deck and the plain looking hatch before them were enough to peak his feline curiosity. Yet the cougar also knew that curiosity without caution could mean death, so he quickly sent for another section of troops before he turned his ability on the locking mechanism next to the yellow rimmed hatch.

It was a simple code lock, and the three digits that opened it were fed to the lock in less than a half a second, along with all the other numbers between zero and a thousand.

The cargo doors snapped open and the overhead lights cast a hard glow across the oddly full cargo hold.

Great racks held huge tanks all of them connected by pipe and then hoses to what Chaunci could see was a simple spay manifold whose outlet jets went thru the hull to the outside.

The Cougar was still tracing the unusual plumbing, when out of the corner of his sharp feline eyes, he noticed the markings on one bank of smaller tanks, nearer the wide forward end of the hold.

He had seen those markings before, as had any fur bearer with even the most rudimentary education. They moved him to careful action as he sent to the members of his section and their escorts.

Everyone. Stand still. Move slowly toward the hatch. and don't touch any of those tanks or anything else. Everyone OUT. Carefully and slowly. Now!

Chaunci held his breath and waited as his team reassembled at the far aft end of the hold, as far away from the cargo as they could get, and where the deck sloped into a hatch that would open the hold to the outside. Quickly, he double timed them out of the room and far up the corridor.

Only when they stood safely in the engine room again did Chaunci send forward, to command, requesting a biohazard team and equipment.

Nachtoter? Rocar thought-sent, trying the hatch and the hull for telepathic resistance.

Yes. My General? The reply came on a wonderfully strong and active wave, as if the steel and alloy between them was nothing but paper!

Establish type one security parameter around the ship, and place guard units on all major and minor entrances to the underground complex. Officers call in fifteen minutes. And expect lots of Fur-Bearing company!

I have three teams below, one of them fighting what appears to be a large electrical fire. One of the control rooms has been gutted by fire.

Casualties?

They managed to rescue most of the Simian technicians. Only two were dead, the rest had been drugged.

Send out Runners. Have them contact Ku Minn Li. Invite him and his command to be our guests at Officers call.

Justice and peace, my general.

Rocar smiled, and spring with lighter paws toward the elevator, and a reunion!

Good Said Shalimar, offering encouragement over Lollo's shoulder. Now. Pre-start the engines. The panel section at your lower left with the bank of six switches.

These?

Yes. Those are the safties. Open each of the six guards and turn those switches OFF. Shalimar said with added emphasis.

Six switches, One thru six. OFF. Lollo repeated.

The elevator doors snapped open, and the bridge was filled with lions!

Rocar! Shamir said happily.

The teardrop shaped bridge was wide enough to let brother pounce brother, and the two of them came together in an unabashed display of leonine love and affection,

Above, Shalimar looked up, and watched his sons for a moment, and then looked back at the main console.

Lollo's paw turned the huge head gently, stopping Shalimar before he could go on.

Go on. Love first. The stars will wait a few more minutes. Go on, Now!

Shalimar's mind collected the discarded book from the deck and floated it onto the console, open to the correct page. Lollo took it up, and with a silent nod, commended the father before him to his sons. Silent thanks glowed in Shalimar's eyes, and then he tensed to half spring out of the cramped space, and forward, to embrace Rocar and Shamir!

In a great building far from the love and history of this nitefall, a fuming Simian general waited, pacing angrily, as his armored boots rang on the scared and chipped marble.

Still no reports from our legions. Any of them? The Simian growled at his orderly.

No My leader. The battle may still be in progress.

Then get me their battle reports! The Simian leader growled.

At Once, My Leader! The orderly scurried away, while his head was still safely attached.

Shalimar was still the biggest of the three, and his gentle pounce on both his sons shook the ship. All three collapsed into a great purring pile of white fur, as eyes met eyes and heart joined heart again.

Oh my sons. My Precious sons. Shalimar sent as his head rubbed softly with Rocar's, and his body pressed deeply into Shamir who lay beside him. The waves of thought and feeling that poured across three minds was so warm and bright that Lollo contemplated turning off the overhead lights and power, and allowing the TAKAGI to run on lion power!

Rocar and Shalimar were grooming Shamir gently when a gentle send touched each mind in turn.

Ku Minn Li with a Simian delegation approach, under a flag of truce. Nachtoter's send was gentle, and bespoke no concern. The Pride of Lions looked at one another with a happy and collective sigh, and rose to their paws again. Shalimar let his sons lead the way to the elevator, which was only large enough for two.

The feline cosmonaut caught Lollo's eye. Thank you, Lollo. So much.

Lollo smiled. You're welcome, Doctor Shalimar. Lollo Replied, sounding formal as his smile got bigger. What next?

Shalimar considered for a moment.

The ship is fueled. After you finish the power up, go to the next section and start down the launch checklist. If we need to get airborne in a hurry, that's the best and fastest way.

Right! Lollo answered. As he worked down each item and page, the wolverine felt for all his fur as if someone had given him a new hobby to play with.

The lower edge of the sun disc met the swampy land, sending a strange light across the land and over the ship. Fur bearing runners returned over the now familiar ground, leading a group of Simians under a flag of truce.

The double ranks of Rocar's command had turned out, not to mount guard over the ship, but to form a cordon of honor for the Simian Warrior and the officers with him.

On the dry ground a safe distance away, a fire was laid, but not yet kindled.

At the end of the cordon, on the other side of the laid fire, Stood a nearly matching trio of White Lions!

Ku Minn Li lead the way for two other Simians following behind him.

Rocar steeped forward one pace and exchanged bows with Ku Minn Li. As both rose, Rocar made the introductions.

May I present my Brother, Shamir, of the Republican Resistance?

Ku Minn Li bowed deeply My brother's brother is my brother. The Simian warrior said.

He cast a backward glance, and the pair of Simians behind him reluctantly bowed in turn.

I also have the honor and privilege to present my Father. Khai Koda Shalimar. Rocar and Shamir stood aside, so the larger Lion partly hidden behind the other two could be clearly seen.

Ku Minn Li was too well trained to show his shock, but as he bowed, the two Simians behind him instantly recognized the famous fur bearer! Each of them took an unsteady step backwards, as if the unkindled fire between the Simians and the fur bearers had issued forth a ghost!

You dead! One of the two of them hissed.

Shalimar smiled. Only if you believe a lie. Now is the time of truth between us, I live, and you, and we have been lied to. Shalimar said. Come, sit in peace with us, and we will share truth and reason.

Ku Minn Li bowed again, and made a point of removing his sword before being seated. His gaze commanded the Simians with him to do the same. Slowly, they sat on both sides of the Simian warrior, their eyes still full of fear.

You appear to be a healthy martyr. Ku Minn Li offered.

The only death in this has been the death of the truth. What I tell you now will be the truth, I swear it on the lives of my sons.

Speak, Shalimar. Ku Minn Li replied. My Mind as well as my eyes begin to open, and I would know more.

Across the unlit fire, three muzzles shared the same smile, and Shalimar began to speak.

Ku Minn Li listened as Shalimar finished his chronology of the remarkable days just passed, which had led them to this meeting. The pair of lower raking Simians showed their doubt and mistrust in their eyes, but as the elder lion finished speaking, their leaders face was a mask of both terrible belief and a deep sorrow. Across the circle Rocar could see the same look in Ku Minn Li's eyes as he had seen in the bunker, but this time, there was something different in them as well. As the Simian warrior sat stunned and silent, absorbing all the awful truth that had been set before him, Rocar saw Ku Minn Li's eyes glint with anger!

The Simian warrior hung his head. His shoulders bowed with deep pain. In just one moment, Ku Minn Li and his companions came to an awful realization.

Death. Useless death. Your people and mine. Innocents, and good soldiers. Wasted,in dishonor. We were never told,any of this. Ku Minn Li whispered. His voice broken with sorrow, regret and a tone of responsibility. We did not know. I did not know.

Rocar stepped forward. Your honor, and that of those you lead has been a tool of blind ambition and power. You cannot be blamed, but you might be able to set it to right, My brother.

Ku Minn Li looked up, across the circle at his brother warrior and listened.

Despotism and freedom are much alike. Rocar said. Both need tools to take root and prosper. The difference between them is only in how the tools are used.

Shamir nodded, and looked at the Simian group. If you have been used in the wrong way, you must change how you are used, and what you are used for. The younger lion said.

Across the circle, three Simian heads hung low.

Then Ku Minn Li's rose, and he locked gaze with the trio of fur Bearers. He nodded tightly. As I have said twice, and now trice this day, my mind is set. Ku Minn Li said.

He rose from his place around the circle. His companions rose with him, and snapped to attention.

Sound general recalls. Assemble the remaining legions. As soon as they assemble.

Across the circle, three hearts froze for a moment in time and history.

We march. Finished Ku Minn Li.

March? Inquired one of the two officers.

Yes, said Ku Minn Li with resolution. On the capital.

Ku Minn Li? Rocar inquired across the circle

Ku Minn Li Bowed again. Yes, most Honored Khai?

I was just thinking. why march, when you could fly?

Shalimar's idea stunned the circle with its simplicity, and within moments, a plan began to form, born of the needs of both and a want for freedom.