AL CLARK - Avalon -: (Book Two) Page 16

  “A what? Planetary? You can go to other planets?”

  “Yes. If there is a corresponding receiving unit.”

  “How many receiving units are there?”

  “Updates to our database stopped many years ago, but as of the last entry there were two hundred and twenty-one.”

  Again, they were at a loss for words. A minute passed as they considered the ramifications.

  The captain was the first to recover and made an attempt to understand what he was telling them. “People can teleport to other planets?”

  “Affirmative. Up to four subjects at a time.”

  “Worlds like this?”

  “Yes Captain, there are several planets similar to this one.”

  “And you have descriptions of these worlds in your database?”

  “I am afraid our descriptions are out of date; things may have changed over time.”

  “So, somebody would have to go there to find out?

  “That would be the only way to make a current analysis.”

  “What happens if there is no receiving unit?”

  “The machine will not work.”

  The possibility of winding up on a dead planet, or a world more dangerous than Avalon made Chris and the captain think it might not be a risk worth taking. Too many unknowns.

  As they were leaving, anxious to find out how Kira’s operation went, they noticed a large square door at the back of the cavern.

  Chris asked, “Where does that go?”

  Tiro answered, “That leads to the outside. It is how we got into the mountain for the construction of the complex.”

  “This far down, it must be a very long tunnel. How big is it?”

  “The passageway is thirty feet square and one point six miles long.”

  “That is a big tunnel!” exclaimed Chris. He turned to the captain and added, “Something else to explore…when we find the time.”

  The captain agreed, but said, “Now is not the time. We need to get back, check on Al and Kira and tell the others about all of this. What we have learned today helps to explain a lot about the Sansi, and the history of life on this planet. Also, there is a chance that somewhere in all the technology held within this mountain, there might be the thing that saves us all.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Elizabeth and Al left the clinic and went to get breakfast. As a cybernetic, he did not get hungry as most people did. He would experience a lack of concentration that warned him when he needed to eat, and mornings were when Al usually liked to get his nourishment. Liz wanted a full breakfast while Al decided on a slice of the local fruit.

  When the colony was young, they had a temporary mess tent that provided meals. Then they built a larger mess hall to feed the growing number of arrivals. Now they also had Maggie’s, a charming little restaurant next to the community center run by an older woman whose name was in truth Maggie. Because Al was the chief of security, she always refused payment. There was no money in Camelot anyway, as all trade was on a barter system and IOU’s were the common currency.

  They found a table at the back of the restaurant and ordered their food.

  “How are you feeling?” asked Elizabeth.

  “I feel okay, why?”

  “You look a little pale. Are you sure you feel all right?”

  “I’m all right Liz; you shouldn’t worry. It must be the lighting in here.”

  “No, I noticed it when we were outside the clinic. In here your color is even worse. Maybe you should talk to Cody.”

  “Like I said, you worry without reason, but I’ll talk to Cody the next time I see him.”

  Reassured, Elizabeth asked, “Do you think Kira will be able to adjust to these new legs?”

  “It might take a little while, but yes, I think she will eventually be able to walk. The combined technology of Earth and the Caretakers is amazing, and between Cody and Edward, I think they have a good handle on getting her up and moving.”

  The conversation moved on. Since Al’s shut down and subsequent procedure, there had been little time for talk. They talked about Chris and Tammy, and their grandson. They discussed the security risks to Camelot, and what Liz wanted for her birthday.

  Elizabeth mentioned, “It’s your birthday too, what do you want?”

  Because Al did not know when his birthday was, they had decided to share Elizabeth’s.

  “I want Camelot to feel safe on Avalon.”

  “Safe on Avalon? I think everyone knows you are doing the best you can.” She looked thoughtful; stirring the coffee in her cup. “I wish we could figure out why they are so determined to kill us.”

  Mention of the creatures changed Al’s mood, and he became serious. “There will be no talking to those animals. If we are ever to have peace on this planet, they need to be exterminated.”

  “We don’t even know how many there are. How would you do that?”

  “I don’t know, but it would sure be a nice birthday present.”

  Elizabeth said, “It sounds like a war we cannot win.”

  Al was not convinced.

  They finished their breakfast and parted ways. Liz had some work to do at the power plant, and Al needed to check with his security team. Their time together was over, and their jobs called them back.

  ****

  Most of his men were out on patrol when he arrived at the security office, leaving two men to monitor the watchers.

  “Seen anything lately?” he asked.

  “No sir, not recently. There was another sighting of one of those dogs last night, but by the time we got there, it was long gone.”

  “Well, keep watching. I’m going on a walk-about,” declared Al.

  He was not one to sit around, especially when he felt so good. His doctor friends had told him to take it easy for a week or two to give his chest a chance to heal, and to allow his systems to become acclimated to the new power supply, but he could not spend another minute sitting around. Al went back to work with the best of intentions and decided a nice leisurely walk around the perimeter would be following doctor’s orders.

  It was a beautiful morning, without a cloud in the sky. The air was fresh and smelled of summer. He considered getting one of the electric buggies but thought the walk would do his systems some good and help to clear his head.

  Many things crowded his mind as he walked the fence line; with the recent predator sightings, the loss of the Excalibur, and Kira’s operation, he was almost back to where he started before he realized it. As he began the second round, something caught his eye.

  Peeking from behind a clump of leaves at the edge of the forest, across the cleared area past the fence, was the face of a devil dog. A large black dog that watched as he came to a stop. Sitting down it was four feet tall, and its pointed ears stood straight up.

  The security chief quickly considered what to do. They had a known predator close to their homes in broad daylight. It would take several minutes for help to arrive, and he didn’t think he had the time. All he wanted to do was run after it.

  He understood he would be going against the wishes of two doctors and his wife, but he had been waiting for the chance to test his enhanced mode. The lure of the power and freedom the transition would bring washed away his reservations. The creature lurking in the forest stood up as he muttered under his breath, the metal of a man is measured by what is inside.

  It was like he had been sleeping, and when he changed he woke up. The ramping up of his hearing and sight improved his awareness of the world around him. Indicators in his vision came online, and he was happy to see his power level at the full mark. The power supply replacement had been a complete success, and Al was ready to go.

  The surprised dog turned and ran when Al jumped the twelve-foot fence. It bounded into the brush, desperately trying to disappear into the woods. The animal had a head start and was fast, but Al maintained the gap until it crossed a small clearing, where Al stopped, raised his sidearm, and fired.

  The dog squealed
and kept going; attempting to run on three legs. Al weaved through the trees following the dog until he got a second chance, and this time, the animal fell, bounced off a tree, and slid to a stop.

  He died with his mouth open, and Al took note of the oversized curved teeth and the cruel face. What struck Al was its condition. Thin and gaunt, it was apparent the animal was not getting enough to eat and was slowly starving. Hungry animals are the most dangerous kind, but for some reason this one chose to run. He took some pictures of the carcass for evidence, knowing that the scavengers would make it disappear soon after he left.

  Al knew he should power down, but he felt so good that he quickly overrode the idea. Half a mile now separated him from the village, and he told himself he needed to get back. In truth, he felt like running. The experience was short lived, but oh—so—fun.

  ****

  When Kira woke from her surgery, Edward used his best bedside manner and asked Kira, “Do you remember I told you that you cannot move for twenty-four hours?”

  “For one day I must be still. Yes, I remember Doctor Florida.”

  She was strapped to the bed, unable to move while the computers in her artificial legs sorted out the nerve endings and signals coming from her stumps, trying one combination after another until they achieved success. Edward’s estimate for this melding was twenty-four hours, and Tiro had concurred.

  The surgery had taken five hours and thirty-two minutes and had proceeded about as expected. Her new legs, pushing up the covers made her appear whole again, and she liked that.

  “When can I see if they work?”

  Edward could have told her of the titanium pins buried deep in her leg bones or the mating material between skin and metal guarding against infection. What he did was smile and say, “I think in a week, we will know if your real legs and your new legs will be able to work together. Until then you must rest.”

  A very groggy and exhausted Kira said, “I am tired of waiting. It seems like it is all I do anymore.”

  “Nothing good comes easy; you must be patient.”

  Cody, standing behind Edward, agreed. “Doctor Florida is a wise man; you should listen to him.”

  “You are a doctor too, and you both say the same things. I think maybe I will try to do as you say.” She yawned and then grinned. She had hope now that things were going to get better.

  They gathered in a room of the clinic, an hour after the surgery. The sun was going down, throwing shadows on the walls. Liz and Al were there along with Tammy and Ana. Toji had come down from the caves to check on her, thinking she might need him.

  When Jesse walked in, Toji noticed the way her face lit up, and it made him angry. He said nothing, but his glare was unmistakable. In line to be a leader, he knew when to hold his tongue, but it was easy to see he kept it with difficulty.

  Kira was not awake long enough to see Toji’s reaction, for her eyelids had closed, and her breathing slowed. She had endured enough for one day and had fallen asleep. The doctors motioned everybody from the room, and they stepped outside; closing the door behind them.

  Cody and the captain met Elizabeth and Al as they left the clinic. They appeared excited, with both of them talking at the same time. Al had to hold up his hand and say, “Whoa—wait a minute. Will one of you tell me what is the matter?”

  Chris yielded to the captain, who looked around and realized this was not a smart place to talk. “I think we need a meeting. Our whole group needs to be there—like soon. My house. You are not going to believe what we have found!”

  ****

  Terror waited, but the creature sent to watch the invaders den did not return. It was only a four-legged scavenger, but it was part of his pack. When the time came, he would need every set of teeth he could gather, and the missing dog made him furious.

  The little black scavengers kept telling him now was the time to attack, but he remained cautious. He knew the invaders posed a dangerous threat and would not fall easily. He would have to continue recruiting other creatures to his cause, building his strength until he thought there was enough to exterminate the intruders.

  His mate was irritable, like the rest of the Riktors, and would not always do as he said. Still he waited. His pack was growing, and as a group they were growing stronger. But the time was drawing nearer, for he feared hunger would tear his little army apart. Some time soon, he would be ready, and only then would he strike.

  Chapter Fifteen

  They met that very night at the captain’s house. It was late by the time they gathered, but the captain had insisted. The first six people to repopulate Al’s life were present: Al, Chris, Elizabeth, Cody, Ana, Kayla, Tobias, and, of course, their honorary member Robot Nine, were all there.

  They were seated at the large conference table overlooking the village, snacking and talking among themselves when the captain walked in and stood at the head of the table. His face told them he had something to say. “Chris has found a button in the library that leads to a secret chamber underneath. Tiro reluctantly showed us around and what we found is hard to believe.”

  Chris could hold back no longer and blurted out, “The cavern is enormous, and they have a cold-fusion power plant down there!”

  “Hold on Chris. I think there is something we need to get clear before we get ahead of ourselves. The information we will be discussing is to be considered highly classified, and needs to remain within the confines of this room.” He thought for a second and added, “Unless overruled by consensus of the entire group.”

  Al started by raising one hand, his silent oath of secrecy, and everyone else followed his example.

  Chris and the captain took turns filling them in on what they uncovered: The button that would only work with Al’s badge, the thirty-foot sphere that could power a city, and the wide tunnel leading all the way outside. Only then did they tell them about the teleport machine that could take them to other worlds.

  “Transport to other worlds?” repeated Al.

  Chris volunteered, “Up to four people at a time to over two hundred other worlds.”

  Several seconds passed while they processed the information. Robot Nine wanted confirmation, “There are records and descriptions of these planets?”

  The captain answered, “Yes, but that was the good news. The bad news is there have been no updates to their records for hundreds of years as if something might have happened.”

  Al followed the thought, “You think the Caretakers are gone…like extinct?”

  The captain sat back in his chair. “At this point, it is just speculation, but the evidence seems to point that way.”

  “A whole race…gone?”

  Chris and the captain had discussed this, and his response was, “We don’t know enough yet, but there is more we need to tell you. They brought a dozen kids here and set them free nearly a thousand years ago. We think they are now the Sansi.”

  “The Caretakers seeded Avalon with people?”

  “Not only that but there are two hundred planets in their database that are worlds where we think they planted people.”

  “So they should be populated?”

  “More than likely. Once again, this is speculation up to this point. But man, the possibilities!”

  The discussion became lively in a hurry, and they talked through the night. Robot Nine served coffee and cakes. Sworn to secrecy, they left as the sun began to rise, signaling the dawn of a new day.

  ****

  Kira managed to endure her twenty-four hours of immobilization. Two weeks passed, and her legs gradually began to sync with her body. Five days into her recovery, she stood for the first time and managed a few tentative steps. Her new friend Jesse was standing behind her with a chair, and Edward was before her if she were to fall forward. Her progress was increasing exponentially, and they shared in her success, yelling as loudly as she did.

  Toji had not returned since the day of the surgery, saying he had duties to perform.

  Al’s wound was beginning
to heal, the redness leaving the stitches, and his overall color was coming back. The replenishment systems for his Tru-Skin were finding an equilibrium, allowing his skin to regenerate and repair the damage resulting from the surgery. The top of his head healed enough for him to wear his old cowboy hat, which he did until Edward could replace the missing patches of hair.

  It was only a few days after their late night meeting that the group took a tour of the secret underground cavern and saw the wonders with their own eyes. Tiro accompanied them, and they spent the better part of a day just wandering around, and asking questions. The computer generated hologram answered all their questions, but sprinkled his responses with warnings and advice.

  It had taken more than a week before they could gather to return to Overlook and continue their exploration. They arrived in the afternoon at the mountain facility and went inside to explore. On the outside, as the day wore on, a light rain began to fall.

  It was unusually warm that day, and the misting rain was causing a fog to develop in the valley; an insidious fog that gathered close to the ground with questing tentacles that twisted and coiled among themselves. When the volunteer stationed at the lookout called, they were down below, exploring the spacious cavern under the library.

  He reported, “We can’t see anything of the village because of the fog, but when I went outside a few minutes ago to make my check-in call, I was told they are under attack. I think the village is in trouble.”

  Terror had decided to come to Camelot. With the leaders absent, the ground-hugging fog hiding their approach, and the coming darkness that would soon cloak them from sight, it was time to wipe the invaders from the valley.

  ****

  Two big birds with dragon-like wings dropped rocks as heavy as themselves onto one of the sonic fence poles, opening a gap for the Riktors and dogs. The intruders ran inside the fence line until they could attack from all sides; moving quickly they made their way ripping and tearing towards the community center.