A Narrow Escape

[Cmdr JFarrington 0]

A Narrow Escape

Kai of Qin-a

 

The young female’s normally soft, smooth, tan fur was matted and caked with mud. Her lithe arms were heavily bruised and her breathing came in quick gulps, like one who had been traveling a great distance in haste. Still, her eyes were keen and sharp, alert for movement in the vegetation, as was her duty. It had taken Kree a moment to recognize her when she arrived. She was Kai, Prime Sentry of the First Guard.

 

From beneath them came Ne’e, still as stealthy and agile as in his younger days. Within seconds he was with them, curious to see what had caused Kree to convene on the dark of the moon, the most dangerous time for predators.

 

For several minutes they remained still, listening to the forest, discerning the language of its creatures, silently scrutinizing the smallest movement in great detail. In the distance the lintu-saal attempted to broadcast new feeding grounds to the flock. The Qin could hear and scramble the frequency, but Kree wondered about the Travelers. In precaution, he had sent Sentries of the Second and Third Guard to scramble for them. Kree, Ne’e, and Kai listened with satisfaction. No more would be taken this night.

 

The three sat outside Kree’s sheltered nest high in the forest canopy. Kree had felt the need for conference; the Travelers were an inexperienced, naïve group, worse than he had first thought.

 

“They feast,” said Kree, his eyes searching the patches of dark sky still visible between the leaves above them. Then he dropped his vision to Ne’e. “You heard the kill?”

 

“I did,” said Ne’e. “Regrettable.”

 

His wording angered Kree. “You still believe we can not interfere?”

 

“We must not. We dare not.” Ne’e was adamant. “It is our creed. It is necessary for our survival. And perhaps,” he paused as though not wanting to voice the next phrase, “perhaps if they lose enough they will leave.”

 

“And if they do not leave? Are we to stand by while a helpless species, one new to our galaxy, possibly the only of their kind, is completely wiped out?”

 

Ne’e’s eyes flashed, and for a moment Kree thought he had overstepped his bounds, but rightfully so. Though Kree was Shaman, Master Scientist, and acknowledged leader, the Council listened to Ne’e. Ne’e was First Elder, and as such was the speaker of wisdom. Yet, despite their differences, Kree trusted Ne’e’s judgment. No other had discerned the Arcarian deception. But this time Kree could not help feeling that Ne’e and the Council were wrong.

 

Ne’e’s anger lasted but a moment. Then he turned to Kai for her report.

 

After a respectful bow Kai began, “The First Guard was posted before darkness around the Travelers’ camp. Their hearing is within Arcarian range, yet they seem to be a group of several species, one of which has hearing that is more acute. Some of them experienced symptoms of illness at our probes; all seemed to be agitated in some way. We stopped the probes as soon as we heard the attack call of the lintu-saal.” Here Kai paused, a look of sadness disrupting her martial demeanor. “It is possible that our probes drew the lintu-saal to their camp. We may be responsible for the taking.”

 

Ne’e gave a look of surprise and concern. He sat back as though digesting the information, and for a moment he seemed to be experiencing conflicting emotions. “Go on,” he said.

 

“Just before the attack, one of them saved my life.”

 

Now Ne’e was truly surprised. “Saved your life,” he repeated as if he had not heard correctly.

 

“Yes, Elder,” said Kai. “I was so intent on watching the Travelers, then in evading the lintu-saal, I made an error in judgment. I was unaware of a serpent.” Kai paused in embarrassment. “It dropped from above and wrapped itself so quickly around me, I… I would have died were it not for a Traveler. The serpent was ready to strike the death blow when the Traveler fired a weapon. The aim was off. It hit a branch. The branch fell on the serpent, injuring it. It relaxed its grip enough for me to get away.”

 

“He saved you,” said Ne’e in a more contemplative tone.

 

“Yes.” Kai shot a questioning glance at Kree, who motioned for her to continue. “They are a peaceful people,” she said, her head bowed. “All they want is to find a way home.”