Fire and Ice

Captain Everton Crane sat alone in his quarters and stared intently at the small piece of cloth which lay quietly on his desk. It had come from the creature’s body and he shook his head in silent disbelief at the name emblazoned across the material, “Lt. Nev”. Surely it couldn’t be his second-in-command…could it? He swirled the glass slightly in his hand and listened to the small clink of the ice against the side of the container as it swam through the brown liquid. His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door, “come” he called and listened as the barrier slid open to reveal the form of Reverend Aston James shadowed in the door frame. “Reverend” he acknowledged, nodding for the holy man to enter.

“Captain” replied James politely accepting his invitation and moved gracefully into the room. Crane eyed him suspiciously as he seemed to glide across the floor, taking up a seat opposite him.

“Can I interest you?” he asked raising his glass.

“No thank you” declined the Reverend holding up his hand.

“Ah, your religion…” smirked Crane through narrowed eyes.

“Nothing so mundane captain” replied James curtly, “I am merely observing the time, it is after all hardly breakfast” he indicated toward the clock which hung on the wall over the door.

Crane glanced at the clock and smiled as he realised he had been sitting here for almost all of the night lost in his own thoughts, “suit yourself” he commented draining the innards of the glass and leant over the table, lifting the crystal decanter from the silver tray and poured himself another glass. “Best Whiskey this side of the Crab Nebula” he remarked as he stared into the depths of the liquid. “What can I do for you?” he asked, his eyes moving back to the small silver picture frame resting on his lap.

“Are you alright?” asked the Reverend, concern playing across his features briefly as he spoke as he watched the captain stroke the glass of the picture frame.

“Don’t try to curt me Father!” snapped Crane, “I still do not trust you” he sipped from the glass as he spoke, “I have no knowledge of you…or your history, where you came from and how you got here or how you walked through a firefight unharmed, while half my crew…” his words trailed off as he stared at the image in the picture frame.

Reverend James strained to see the image and spoke softly, “your Family?” he asked as he could make out four people in the picture.

Crane nodded, slightly taken back by the sudden diversion in the conversation, “wife and kids” he said softly, “it’s been five years…”

“Your duty?”

Crane nodded sagely, “my youngest was six months when I left Earth for this tour, got a transfer to this mission and an extension to my duty, excellence in position” he scoffed as he spoke, “one ship to another, it’ll be around another two or three years before I get a back to go home” James could hear the regret in his voice as he spoke, “I’ve missed so much” he said looking at the picture, “first steps…first words…first day of school…losing her first tooth” he downed the liquid in the glass and poured another drink and sat for a moment staring at the picture, “sure, I get to speak to them over the Holovid, but it’s not the same” he looked at the Reverend with pain in his eyes, “I miss them so much” he admitted. Maybe it was the alcohol, but here he was opening up in a way he had never done before to a man he didn’t even know a few hours ago.

“We all have lost” said James, “all made sacrifices”

“Do you have family Father?”

Reverend James shook his head sadly, “everything I once had I’ve lost” he admitted, “the mistakes I’ve made…the people I’ve loved. It’s one of the reasons I joined the Order…to forget”. They sat in silence for a moment, each man in quiet contemplation of their own lives.

“Father?”

“Yes, my son”

“While I still do not trust you, I recognise your integrity. May I seek counsel?” The Reverend smiled slightly and nodded, waving toward the Captain, “my Mary,” he started looking at the woman in the frame, “is a God faring woman” he explained before placing the frame down on the desk and leaning forward close to the Reverend. Aston James could smell the alcohol on his breath as he spoke, “this should have been a straight forward mission…a simple rescue. In and out, no problems” he leant back and poured another glass of whiskey down his throat before resting his glass on the desk, “then all this” his hands waved in the air as he spoke, “stranded on an alien world…no communication… and you turn up…I lose most of my crew…and those I haven’t lost could turn into god knows what” he looked at the Reverend, “what should I do?” he asked.

“How many?”

“Pardon?”

“How many lives?”

“Put it this way Father, out of a crew of thirty, I have seven people left, eight if I include you…and one of those is injured”

“Does that include yourself?” asked James. Crane nodded and watched the Reverend as he folded his fingers together and sat back in thought. “How is Cadet Darby?” he asked.

“She seems fine, no obvious injuries, just shaken by her ordeal”

“Where is she at this moment?”

“We’ve placed a guard on her…just in case you understand”

“I don’t think she will prove a problem captain, I would recommend a guard on the injured guard instead”

“Explain”

“If the planet is coming to life and my theory is correct about regressing, then the effects on the injured personnel and indeed Lieutenant Nev could indicate a possible connection toward this. Before his death he regressed into a primitive humanoid. What if his wounds caused an infection to enter his bloodstream” he allowed his words to hang in the air for a moment before continuing, “what if these injuries could be the key to the regression, and if that is the case then the security guard could pose a bigger threat to your ship”

“Tell me more of your theory” requested Crane, pouring the final meagre drops of liquid from the decanter into his glass and adding three small ice cubes to the liquid.

“Certainly” replied James locking his fingers together and placing them beneath his chin as he leant forward. “We have both detected unusual readings from the planet, both geographical and animal behaviour. The recent displays from both polar regions and the increased simultaneous volcanic activity there could have forced the planet to alter its natural axis. If this is the case, then we could assume a complete contrast to the natural order that this biosphere originally held and with the change in rotation could expect other changes. A regression of biological advancements could be one of the effects”

“Then, why aren’t we all affected?”

“We may be captain” sighed the Reverend reluctantly, “it may take longer in some to manifest than others...or perhaps an open wound such as the one Lieutenant Nev showed sped up the process”

“How would that even be possible?”

“Like an infection” explained James, “the process could be accelerated once a physical weakness has exposed the carrier”

“Your logic seems sound” agreed Crane reluctantly.

Reverend James stood and placed a hand on Crane’s shoulder as he moved to leave, “your stratagem is sound captain” he said gently, “continue with your original recourse. Do what we both came here to do. Remember, we were both called as a rescue mission, not only for the lost mission, but for the colonists on this planet. We both serve higher forces, yours your higher command, mine the greater good of god”

Crane nodded his understanding and listened as James left his quarters, “first thing in the morning” he said forgetting the time again as he downed another drink and once again stared at the picture of his family on the desk. “My love…” he said softly.

“Sorenson!” yelled Crane as he strode outside the hull of the craft and glanced around the small clearing. He gazed out into the jungle which was closer than it had been the previous night. The engineer came to stop at his side and breathed heavily from his sudden bout of speed, “status?”

“Still no communication network sir” he stated simply, “it would appear the change in atmospheric pressure coupled with climate stability and localised vegetation increase have blocked all off-world communication, but we do have limited short range communication”

“As expected” commented Crane nodding.

“Initial engineering report sir” continued Sorenson, “we have extensive foliage infestation through the engines causing massive energy inversion within the power units”

“In laymen’s terms Cadet”

“Due to extensive growth, the engines cannot obtain the power needed to obtain flight”

“Three days” commented Crane turning to look at Sorenson.

The engineer swallowed hard under his commander’s gaze, “yes sir…my findings…”

“Your findings are worth nought Cadet” snapped Crane, “without engines we are trapped on this planet” he turned and stared back into the jungle, “Very well.” he said eventually, “I intend to lead a diplomatic mission myself to find the lost colony, while I am gone I would suggest you lead the efforts to clear the engines and get this ship ready for take off.”

“What about the search for survivors from the other party and the hunt for one of the animals?”

“Cancel that order, I believe there are no survivors from the first mission as and for the animal life...” remarked Crane casually his voice trailing off briefly for a moment, “we have a suitable cadaver in the hold, I would suggest you dissect that instead”

“Lieutenant Nev…”

“That creature is no longer Lieutenant Nev!” snapped Crane, placing his hands behind his back. “Order four ponies to be unloaded from the ship, I shall lead the party myself with the Reverend and two troopers”

Eyes watched intently from the trees of the jungle as activity spun around the craft in the clearing. Four large metallic objects were pulled from the ship and checked as two men stood staring into the jungle, one spoke as he glanced over his shoulder toward the metal objects while the other stood stock still staring off into the foliage.

“What are those?” queried Reverend James as he glanced back toward the massive metal construct.

“We call it a Pony” remarked Crane simply turning to face the object. “If we are to travel to the colony, we will need to transverse the terrain quickly, these steeds will navigate our progress simply and efficiently” he strode across to the lead pony and climbed up onto the back of the device. The Reverend eyed it warily and ran his hand along the back of the pony. He could see exactly why it was called a pony, it resembled the size and shape of a small horse…minus the head and legs. Its segmented body curved from the pinnacle of the device through and over its back until it curved around a rounded rump, which housed small motors on the base of the pony. Either side of the device, two footrests protruded from the mid-drift and Reverend James lifted his foot and placed it into the stirrup before hauling himself over the ‘animal’. He rocked slightly as the servo-motors powered beneath his body and grasped at the reins while the pony bucked violently. Crane laughed at the Reverend’s unease as the holy man struggled to regain his composure in the saddle.

“Sir?”. A female voice disturbed Crane’s amusement and he looked down at the figure of Cadet Darby, standing at the front of his mount. He nodded toward her and she spoke, “permission to accompany the diplomatic party?” she asked hesitantly.

“Cadet…” began Crane delicately.

“Please sir” she begged, “the first mission and the incident” she said looking back at the ship, “please, let me make up for my mistakes” Crane looked at her considering his options, “I need this sir” she said desperately.

“Your condition…”

“Is fine captain” she reasserted, “and I’m no good here” she said nodding back at the ship, “I have limited knowledge in engineering, and I am keen to atone for my previous…” her words trailed off through the air as she averted her gaze to the floor embarrassed by her recent panic attack.

“It could be useful to have a female presence when addressing the colonists captain” remarked James as he still struggled to still his bucking pony which was still moving violently beneath his body.

“I’m not sure…”

“Her presence could diffuse any potential hostility between ourselves and the colonists”

“Agreed” sighed Crane nodding eventually, “very good Cadet, saddle up” he looked around at the small platoon around the ponies, “Cadet Dev Wheler, take the final mount and take point at the rear of the party, Sorenson get to work on the engines and ensure one man is on guard duty at all times on the security guard. Set an automated perimeter network around the ship with full defence perimeters armed, keep all weapons set on full power and remain vigil”

“Sir…” began Sorenson.

“Yes”, Crane’s eyes narrowed…more bad news, he could feel it.

“The weapons sir, there not stabilising power”

“Meaning?”

“Once the battery goes, we shall be defenceless”

“Just one more thing Cadet” remarked Crane shaking his head as though he were expecting this, “just one more thing”. He looked at the jungle and kicked the sides of the pony firmly, “move out!” he commanded as his steed moved slowly into the jungle followed by the three other ponies.

“No animals” remarked James as they rode.

“Is that significant?” asked Crane, straining his neck at the remark.

“Not really, just an observation. It’s just that every scan from your craft has shown a high concentration of animal behaviour”

“Could they be nocturnal?” asked Crane glancing around him as they rode through the jungle.

“Perhaps, but highly unlikely” replied the Reverend as he urged his steed close to the captain’s. “I suppose they could fear our ‘animals’” he said nodding down toward his own steed.

“You’re getting the hang of it” laughed Crane.

“They’re actually quite simple to ride once you get use to their motion” said James, holding onto the reigns around the pony’s neck and digging his feet softly into the side of the pony, “although I never had anything like this during my time in the military”

“You served?” the question was more a statement and James smiled at the shock in Crane’s voice and nodded.

“Your surprised?”

“Yes…actually” admitted Crane, “I thought…your faith”

“We are more alike than you think captain” said James, “I wasn’t always a man of the cloth. I served…and I killed more than I care to imagine. I joined the service to repent my sins, not just to forget”

“What happened?” asked Crane, glancing over at his comrade.

“A failed mission, a mistake” his words bounced off the trees as he gazed into the past. Crane nodded his understanding and decided the best recourse was to leave the question hanging and slowed to a halt, raising his hand.

“Your ship…should we?”

“No…” said James firmly, “Sister Lott has her instructions” Crane looked at him for further information, “if I had not returned within two hours she was to leave the planet and enter a low level atmospheric sweep, monitoring for any emergency transmission. She will be safe” he waved forward, “if we could proceed, I have the oddest feeling we are being watched…”. His eyes glanced around the surrounding woodland as he spoke and their meaning sent a shiver up the spine of his companions.

“Very good” remarked the elderly man as he gazed at the figure kneeling before him, “I shall inform her Grace immediately. The semi-naked man stood and turned on his heels leaving the old man in the wooden corridor. He turned and straightened his long black robes which hung over his wiry body and pushed at the door to the throne room and walked confidently across the palm encrusted floor. “My Lady” he oozed as he bent low allowing his clothing to drape across the floor.

A large woman turned from her silent vigil at the window and gazed at him for a moment before turning back to stare over her kingdom. “Speak Chamberlain” she said simply and her vision ran across the canopy and the small domed buildings which sat high above the ground. The Chamberlain gazed at her back for a moment and stood to his full height, grasping at the lapels of his cloak.

“I have news from the patrols, Lady Theye”

She turned and gazed down at him, pulling herself to her full height and dwarfing over his body. She was a powerfully built woman, with a bronzed body which glimmered in the sunlight which streamed in from the window behind her. Her muscles swelled against the fragments of clothing which hung from her body and strained under the slight pressure of the cloth which covered her breasts and groin. A symphony of colour erupted from an elaborate headdress which sat on the crest of her long flowing cloak. A small furry creature sat on her shoulder and wriggled under the shift from the silver chain around it’s throat. “I said speak” she commanded, her voice heavy and intense which caused the Chamberlain to bow deeply in servitude to her.

“Four riders have entered the forest my Lady” his voice oozed as he spoke.

Lady Theye walked across the floor, her feet swathed in thick fur boots making no audible noise as she moved and taking her place in the large throne she shifted her great bulk in the fur lined seat and smiled, as the small ape-like creature ran down her arm and settled on the arm of the chair, purring under her attention. “Excellent” she cooed.

“Three males my Lady, two at the front of the party and one at the rear…and one female”

“Even better” Lady Theye exclaimed, “bring them here” she commanded.

The Chamberlain bowed even lower, “and once they are here?” he asked.

“Bring me the two leaders” she remarked her eyes twinkling, “I wish to survey them…the other find him a wife”

“And the female?”

“Have her assessed” she said smiling rubbing her finger beneath the chin of her pet. “and then have her placed into the breeding programme…”