Compromised

[Crash Calestorm 0]

Away Team Alpha

Hill Tribe Territory

Federation Observation Outpost

 

After the initial encounter between the Hill scouts and Calestorm’s away team, and introductions had been made, Jiornoth had offered to show the three Travelers of the Stars the interior of the now abandoned outpost that they seemed so interested in.

 

The chief scout and second chieftain to Tyree watched the women carefully, staying with them himself while his guards manned the outside perimeter. Despite his original intentions, his instincts spoke to him and he began to feel no true reason to distrust these new arrivals.

 

While the two younger women set about to work to look over the strange metal objects contained within the structure that spoke in strange voices, their elder leader seemed increasingly incensed at the whole bit of nonsense, as evidenced from her pointed questioning of the big tribesman. She spoke with a strange accent that differed from those of her companions.

 

“So Lester informed y’all of the Sage Devils, before this outpost was attacked?”

 

“Uh, yes. She spoke of the Sage Devils, and the Villagers agreeing to an alliance with them. Soon after, our patrols first encountered the fire sticks.” The big tribesman was not following the line of questioning regarding Lester, as evidenced in his tone.

 

Cale picked up on his hesitation. “By our—,“she searched for the correct words, “tribal laws, she should have not spoken to Tyree until it was absolutely necessary.”

 

“I would say that we would have realized something was amiss when the metallic rocks of the firesticks first shredded into our people.” Jiornoth’s deep voice came out deadpan.

 

Did she just get schooled? Yes, in fact she just did. “I didn’t mean to imply anything. Lester did right by your tribe, and I know that you and your people are not simpletons."

 

The Hill man merely nodded. “Yes, my people are not slow Calestorm. We came to appreciate Lester’s warning words. Unfortunately, our understanding came too late to save Tyree’s wife Nona.”

 

The captain mulled that over, her jaw set tight as her gaze wandered to the now exposed clear glass picture window that had offered the civilian Federation scientists a view of several hundred acres of the Hill territory.

 

“Will the female Lester be punished by you for speaking to us?” Jiornoth’s question was gentle, at odds with his leather and cloth hunter’s garments and appearance.

 

She turned her attention back to him. “No. I’m here to bring her home. Our elders, the people who make our tribal rules, will decide should there be any punishment. Though to be honest, I believe she will be cleansed of any wrongdoing based on what you’ve told me of the Devils. Where is Lester located?”

 

“To the North, with a shepherding tribe friendly to my people. I will provide escort if you wish to speak with her?”

 

“Yes I do wish to speak with her, and your chief. I’d prefer to meet with Tyree first.”

 

This one was used to giving orders, Jiornoth mused to himself. “I suggest we leave as soon as you are able. Your companions may stay at my tribes main campsite should they choose, or they may stay here,” he indicated the strange outpost uneasily, “and I will leave my men as protection.”

 

The captain cocked her head to one side in curiosity. “From the wild Mugato?”

 

“From the white ape, yes, but also from the green skinned ones. The Devils come on metallic birds that ride the air, enabling them to shoot freely at those of us on the ground.”

 

At that, Calestorm swore in an undertone. “The bastards are using hover sleds.”

 

Jiornoth might not have understood the more colorful wording and gutter phrases, but her anger was evident. He raised a brow and regarded the captain with a somewhat amused look. This one has fire as well. “I take it that this does not please you.”

 

She opened her mouth to respond hotly, noted his expression, and toned it down somewhat. Great, just what I need, to be teased by the local second in command. She offered a wane smile. “No, this does not please me; are the Villagers with the Devils during the hunts with the metallic birds?”

 

“At times, yes. It is usually Apella who accompanies the green skinned ones.”

 

“If you’ll allow me Jiornoth, I wish to contact my Second Leader,” she indicated the sky above with a hand gesture, “to inform her of what you have just told me. I also have a scouting party at the Village, I must speak with them as well.”

 

The scout leader became concerned, reaching out to touch at Cale’s bare arm with a surprisingly gentle yet firm grip as he moved closer into her personal space. “You must recall your men from the Village! If they are discovered, their souls will escape when the metallic rocks of the boom sticks puncture their hides.”

 

“Hey, easy Jiornoth.” Her voice came out gentle. He’s a big boy. Cale was tall for a woman, but the top of her head just cleared his collarbone. She automatically placed her opposite hand over his, the gesture of comfort coming easy. Their eyes locked, his blue eyes a shade darker then the sky above his world, and she held him there with her equally intense hazel colored eyes. “I know that the…boom sticks of the Villagers are dangerous. So do my scout mates. They’ll be fine--”

 

TBC in Sim