Huntress: Sacrifice

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Huntress: Sacrifice
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Huntress: Sacrifice
by
Jaye Patrick


Huntress: Sacrifice
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Copyright 2010 Jaye Patrick
All rights reserved
First Electronic Publishing April 2010

Not for profit under any circumstances, but free for distribution





Huntress: Sacrifice
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Chapter One
Cambria Peterson winced as the door clanged shut behind her.
Raw, damp heat prickled over her skin and slick sweat bloomed on her forehead. She
lifted a sleeve to wipe the moisture away and her left hand moved to unseal the calf-length
coat. Before she could touch the tabs, cool air seeped through her clothes and she smiled
wryly.
Built-in air-conditioning, just like Caparossi said. Excellent.
She stood in an alcove at the end of a garbage-littered alley. The stench of things rotting
in the heat caught in the back of her throat. Streaks of greenish mud smeared the lower
bright blue bricks of the buildings that rose above her.
Cambria blinked with astonishment. The pavement, what she could see under the grime,
was a paler green than the mud.
She turned to the left as movement caught her eye. Bits of paper twitched in the light
breeze. Under the scent of rot, she caught a salty tang. The waterfront must be close.
Cambria checked her wrist unit. Her icon blinked green. Another icon blinked blue in
the centre of a two-dimensional city map.
Before she left, Major Caparossi made it clear that the first thing she did was check in
with the local constabulary. They would be mightily pissed at a human running around
fully armed, Hunting.
A courtesy between law enforcement agency, hed said with a slight smile and a twinkle
in his dark chocolate eyes.
The unit showed the route and she adjusted her pack. Her hands fiddled with the
horizontal holsters at her back. Her guns were secure. She was as ready as she was going to
get. A nervous breath gusted out of her and she braced her shoulders.
Cambria stepped into a broader alley and walked towards the opening. She checked her
wrist unit. The doors icon blinked red. Satisfied she could return to the exact spot, she
strode through the garbage and detritus of the poorer part of town.
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The tang of the sea grew stronger as she strode onto a concourse and she wrinkled her
nose at the bite of brine.
Her jaw dropped and she stood still at the sights before her.
Brightly coloured cargo vessels lined the dock.
Ships hoisted sails of blue and red, vied with those of orange and purple, fuchsia and
puce. Hulls painted black, gold, bronze or lavender clashed with eye-searing intensity.
Water craft of all sizes lined the wharf to her right for hundreds of metres. Equally eye-
straining were the aliens humanoid and others, too many and too quick for her to identify
- who scrambled over the riggings or organized the loading of crates and goods, shouted
commands, laughed, cursed in their native languages; blue-skinned, green-scaled,
glistening yellow or red, multi-limbed, tailed...
Cambria rubbed her eyes and slipped sunglasses over her nose. This much colour was
going to get tired very soon, she thought and followed the wharf to the left towards the
enforcement office. No one spared her glance as she dodged workers and moving
equipment, crates and nets of cargo.
The gate was another surprise and she approached cautiously.
A Nomadian stepped out of the gatehouse holding a long silvery spear with a reverse
hook on the end. It looked like a harpoon, or a spear-gun. She assumed it was a he as
studied her suspiciously through violet eyes set into the end of a curved, hammerhead
shark-like head. A circular and red tattoo marked the centre of the greyish bridge between
the curved ends.
The Nomadian wore a navy blue jacket with iridescent pink buttons down both sides of
his thick chest. His pants were bright red with a yellow slash down the legs and boots of an
iridescent green. The clash of colour was startling and she was glad she was wearing
lenses.
He towered over her by nearly a metre and she thought she was tall. Thin shoulders
sagged the material of his uniform and his arms flattened to three smaller, fin-like
phalanges.
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Cambria could easily imagine the evolution of the Nomadians, from sharks swimming
in the sea to terrestrial creatures to now. She froze as she glimpsed triangular, serrated
teeth when he opened his mouth.
What is the nature of your business here, Uman? He asked in a musical voice that
made Cambria smile. His words came out of the wrist unit and she glanced down at it. A
translator, too? No wonder Caparossi said not to lose it.
Im on my way to the enforcement office, sir. I will explain to them the... nature of my
business. Her voice sounded harsh as the device translated her words into his language.
His phalanges gripped the spear and leaned it towards her. If he stuck her with it, it
would be a painful exercise to remove.
I have no record of you entering the dock area. Please state your business. He said,
his voice lowering an octave. It was almost as if he were singing baritone, but she could
hear the dockworkers and their voices were similar; a kind of singing, in all ranges, pure,
beautiful and her heart beat a little faster at the sheer joy that rippled through her. It wasnt
the voices; the translator added the musical element.
Im sorry, sir, but my business is with the enforcers. She said with a smile. If they
want you to know, Im sure theyll tell you.
He stepped back, lifted the harpoon as if ready to thrust it into her. Umans are not
allowed on the docks unless they are passengers. You are not a passenger. I have no record
of you entering through the gates.
Cambria moved back out of range.
It would not do to upset the locals when shed only just arrived. She knew nothing of
Nomadian protocol but in a uniform was potential help, which was why Caparossi told her
to speak with the cops.
She kept her stance easy, inoffensive, hands away from her body. Would you allow me
to show you my identification?
He gave her a curt nod.
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Cambria lifted a hand, waggled her index and second finger, released the top two tabs
of her coat, dipped into her pocket and drew out a wallet.
The guard snatched it from her, opened it and glared suspiciously at the contents.
I do not read gibberish. He ground out.
Ah, that raised object is called a shield. Our World Council grants it only to Hunters
who are on a mission. The other side is my personal information and bona fides. She said
with a smile.
The guard grunted, held onto the wallet and stepped back into the guardhouse.
She watched as he lifted a stethoscope type object. One suckered end he attached to just
behind his left eye, the other, more cone-shape, he spoke into. The central line was out of
sight, but she assumed it plugged in to a communications system.
Too bad I cant lip read, she thought, but then your subject needs lips for you to read,
and I dont read sharp-tooth.
As she watched, he nodded and removed the communications device and stepped out of
the guardhouse.
An enforcer is on route. He said and crossed his arms.
Thank you. She said. Ah, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
You Umans talk too much. What is, is. What will be, will be.
His words cued the music in her head and she rolled her eyes. Shed be thinking of the
damn song for the rest of the day.
Is that a no?
He gave her a grin, exposed his teeth and she swallowed nervously.
Right.
She moved to the dockside and watched the ships, their garish colours and the aliens
who she was just as alien as the workers.
What an odd feeling.
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Even on Tudor, where that evil, corrupt judge, Bolingbroke, had exiled her, every
inmate was human. Sure, it was an alien world, and its intelligent indigenous species
looked like over-sized caterpillars, but she had no sense that she was the odd duck.
No, she thought grimly, like everyone else, she assumed she was the dominant species
because she was bigger, stronger and faster than the pillars. And it was the inmates job to
protect the pillar villages where they stayed. She recognised she was on an alien world;
not that she was the alien.
She shook her head. Such arrogance.
Here, though, up against the Nomadians, she was puny, colourless and strange. She saw
no sign of any other humans.
Cambria turned at the sound of an odd, nearly subsonic hum. A large, three-wheeled
vehicle screeched to a halt at the gate. Two more brightly coloured Nomadians jumped out
and aimed the long harpoons at her.
Cambria tilted her head as she saw the holstered pistols. Why not threaten her with
those instead of a spear?
A third slowly unfolded from the vehicle and went to the guard, lowered his head to
listen while eyeing her through a curtain of pale blue hair.
Cambria kept herself as inoffensive as possible.
The armed Nomadians approached her cautiously. Both wore jackets the colour of rose
hips, trousers of ripe limes and boots of caramel. Both had red tattoos, like the guard, but
with a series of yellow dots inside the circle.
She wanted to rub her eyes. Who knew there was such a thing as too much colour?
The guard stepped back into his guardhouse while the third Nomadian approached.
You are under arrest. The voice was different, without the low musical timbre. More
a soprano. Was this Nomadian female? She saw nothing to distinguish between the sexes.
The tattoo near glowed with yellow dots joined by green lines.
Arrest?
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You are illegal; you will come with us now.
Cambria nodded. Not how she wanted to start her day, but shed oblige. She needed the
help of the locals if she was to catch Jones. Shed explain her mission, ask a few salient
questions and go after her warrant. Simple.
One officer took her backpack, but no-one frisked her for weapons. Not quite arrest,
then, but detention.
The Nomadian officers kept back and she followed the woman...? to the vehicle.
Cambria peered through the windows, saw three seats. There were four of them so?
One of the officers prodded her with the spear, towards the rear of the car, to a cage
attached to the cabin.
Great. She muttered as the second officer unlocked the grill.
Cambria climbed in and sat on a shiny metal box. She looked around for restraints, a
seat belt, but saw none. Instead, she gripped the cage walls and hung on for dear life as the
car rocketed backwards, then forwards through the streets of the city. Nausea churned in
her stomach.
Im gonna be blind after all this colour, she thought as she squinted at the carnival-
bright buildings racing by. Sky blue, burnt orange, bright pink, the paint schemes went
through the spectrum and her eyes were aching as the vehicle screeched into a driveway
and down.
The darker garage didnt soothe her senses. She felt like shed just been through a
kaleidoscope, even with the sunglasses perched on her nose. She closed her eyes, leaned
back against the cages thick mesh.
The subsonic hum stopped and the nausea eased.
Some sort of sonic pacifier? She wondered how many captives blew chunks and
swallowed.
Out.
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How did you politely ask if a being was male or female? Cambria opened her eyes.
The red-yellow-green tattooed officer glared at her with pink eyes.
Cambria climbed out of the cage and her legs wobbled. She locked her knees and
followed the R-Y-G Nomadian toward an oversized door. The other two brought up the
rear.
The door opened into an elevator and Cambria stood between the two officers, the third
officer behind her.
Surrounded, Cambria quelled the urge to run. The Nomadians studied her as if she were
a new and interesting species to taste. God, the images of being attacked by those teeth had
sweat popping out over her chilled skin. Could they sense her fear? The terror that held her
still?
Her eyes lifted, moved from one officer to the next as she heard a hissing from both.
Cease this amusement! The one behind Cambria said and she hunched in at the
closeness of the Nomadian. The fluctuations of your bio-electrical field have increased.
Calm yourself, Uman.
Well, that answered that question: absolutely could they sense her fear. Maybe she
needed to do some research.
Cambria held her breath, her muscles ready to fight, until the elevator came to a subtle
halt. Calm herself, hell...
The door slide back and colour schemes more awful than outside assaulted her eyes.
Blues clashed with greens and reds, pinks and oranges clamoured for attention. Yellows
and magenta and violet one of the officers held her arm and guided her down a black
and white chequer floor-tiled and striped wall hallway.
R-Y-G stopped at door painted with candy green and pink stripes. An officer opened it
and pushed Cambria into the room. Expecting the worst, she was relieved at the neutral
colour scheme. Beige. Walls, carpet, table and chairs, all beige, all a balm to her eyesight.
Cambria sighed with relief as she sat in one of the chairs, or rather, climbed into a chair.
Her feet didnt touch the ground but swung under the seat.
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R-Y-G sat across from her; the other officer dumped her backpack and stood by the
door. As if shed make a run for it.
Your name. The officer asked and pulled out a thick, oblong data pad with a stylus.
Cambria turned her attention to R-Y-G. Cambria Petersen. The officer wrote it down.
Your occupation.
Hunter for the World Council of Earth.
Your occupation is World Council Unteer?
Hunter. Cambria said. We go after criminals.
R-Y-Gs head shook as if not understanding.
Your business here.
The pursuit of a known escaped felon.
R-Y-G glared at her. Your business here.
Cambria frowned and spoke slower. A serial killer has escaped to your world. Im here
to bring him back to face justice.
Cambria thought she heard the grinding of those shark-like teeth. Your business
here!
She glanced down at the wrist unit. Was the translator malfunctioning? She understood
the questions asked, but the interrogator didnt understand her answers.
Cambria pointed to the wrist unit and shrugged, then regretted the move as the officers
skin colour darkened from grey to a blue sheen. Its mouth tightened into a grimace before
the eyes at either end of the curved hammer-head stared at her. The skin around the eyes
wrinkled, then smoothed out and R-Y-G nodded, as if reluctant.
Maybe shrugging was a mortal insult here. She tried a small smile.
R-Y-G turned to the other guard. Bring me the flarosh.
Flarosh? Yep, translators on the fritz and Im guessing on both sides.
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Make sure the grasal is erkled e dandus. The officer turned back to her. Sha larosh
gill ektah us understand retrasha cohshad.
Cambria decided to keep her mouth shut; she didnt want to end up in a jail cell for
inadvertently insulting R-Y-G by misinterpreting. She kept her expression interested, but it
waned the longer the officer took in bringing the flarosh.
Unfortunately, the room proved uninteresting with its bland walls and no windows. The
only colour was the officer across from her and Cambria avoided looking at her... him...
whatever.
She heard the door slide open behind her and braced her shoulders.
The officer laid a narrow, orange, rectangular box in front of R-Y-G. It was the size of
Cambrias hand from the heel to the tip of her fingers. R-Y-G gave a nod and the officer
walked around behind Cambria.
She was about to ask what was going on when a long-phalanged hand pressed against
her forehead and an arm stretched across her chest to hold her still. He must have crouched
to get a better grip on her. Her eyes widened as R-Y-G aimed the box at her.
Cambria braced herself, lifted her hands to tug at the immovable Nomadian arms. She
couldnt reach her weapons, the Nomadian pressed her back against the chair, as if familiar
with restraining unwilling suspects.
So, Cambria thought bleakly, this is how it ends, and on my first mission, too
She stared at R-Y-G and scowled as the officer turned the box around and pointed at her
again.
The officer pulled Cambrias head back, exposed her throat. She stared up at him, into
eyes the colour of sunburn.
She felt a pinch beneath her chin and blinked.
It wasnt so bad, like a razor nick, so why hold her still?
The pinch grew to a sting as it expanded up into her jaw and sting grew to pain, then
exploded into agony as her whole face felt as if it was burning from the inside out.
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Cambria struggled, clawed at the arms restraining her, used her feet to shove away from
the desk in an effort to tip the officer. The move caught the Nomadian of guard and off
balance; both fell backwards but the Nomadian still held her, crushed the arm against her
chest as she and the chair landed on top of him, cut off her air.
She couldnt scream. She couldnt yell and she panicked, fought the officer harder as
she realised her voice was gone, consumed by the fire, but he refused to release her.
Finally, the nerve-tearing pain eased to an intense throbbing, but still the Nomadian
held her, even as her muscles relaxed. Cambria gulped in air, as much as the restriction
would allow. Her face felt hot, bruised, battered from the inside and she feared shed gone
deaf. No one spoke, she couldnt hear herself breathe either, but the pain eased and for that,
she was more than
Sharpened spikes jammed into the back of her eyeballs and horror filled her. Her mouth
opened, but no shriek emerged.
Dear God! No!
Hot, red seeped into her vision, obscured the room and she closed her eyelids as she
wept tears of blood.

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Chapter Two
The Nomadian finally released her and shifted aside, turned the chair.
Cambria rolled onto her knees, bent over to cup her face in her hands, felt the moisture
drip onto her palms. Blood and tears... blood and tears.
This one is inoffensive. She heard through the thundering of her pulse. Shist col a
carekonah came from her wrist unit translator a moment later.
Bad reaction, maybe? The officer above her said. Zaroh hruruk, daikeya?
It is not what I expected. Ill deal with the uman.
Cambria lowered her hands, saw the blood, knew it was hers and yet it looked
different: Pale and watery rather than a vibrant crimson.
What have you done to me? She whispered hoarsely. The sentence came out in
Nomadian from her wrist unit. Garoos erakt dah jedai oh daros?
Relief surged that she could speak after all, but the blood remained pale, her voice
scratchy and her ears throbbed way down in her skull like a metronome.
Take off your translator. R-Y-G demanded. Sharest nin dahke flarosh.
Cambrias fingers fumbled with the stark black unit and blinked when she saw the
internal workings of the thing. So much miniature circuitry...
The officer who restrained her gripped her arm and lifted her up, righted the chair and
pushed her into it. Then he handed her a moist piece of cloth. She looked up at him and he
mimed wiping his face.
Cambria obliged him and the liquid on the cloth stung her eyes and throat.
Her curse came out as Grek oh!
She glared at R-Y-G only now she and Cambria could now tell R-Y-G was female -
looked more natural. Her tattoo was a dark brown, with no clashing colours; her eyes a
deep sea blue with subtle make-up to highlight the colour. Cambria turned to the officer.
His tattoo was a wheat colour and his uniform a grey, a light colour for the jacket, a darker
colour for the pants. His eye colour hadnt changed. Red, still.
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Now we can understand each other, yes?
What did you do to me? Cambria asked again and realised the musical quality of the
Nomadians voice changed to a near liquid cadence.
Merely inserted a universal translator. Your wrist unit doesnt work in this
environment very well. A long-phalanged hand waved, indicating the room.
Take it out!
R-Y-G smiled at her, showed sharp, triangular teeth. Cambria thought it predatory
rather than amused. I could try, of course, but it would cause you ten times the pain as
putting it in did and the surgery is extensive, time consuming and may leave you
permanently damaged.
Smug, arrogant bitch!
So Im doomed to see and hear the world through your eyes and ears. Cambria said
bitterly and wondered if Caparossi could do anything. God, she felt exhausted.
Not at all. We wouldnt be so crude as to impose our ways on visitors. And
again, she smiled, bared pointed teeth. With practice, you will find the translator useful. It
will adjust, depending on your surrounds. Its unfortunate we had to do this without the
benefit of a pain-killer. She folded her proto-hands on the desktop. I assure you, we
wouldnt do this if not for the importance and urgency of your mission. This is a courtesy
from the Nomadian authority to a Human Hunter. Otherwise, wed leave you struggling to
adapt.
Cambria felt the anger surge. The female had understood her perfectly, used her wrist
unit as a pretext of inserting advanced technology. Would she have accepted it if offered?
Cambria would say no now, but later, if she found herself in difficulties? And the
Nomadian understood her mission, too.
The Nomadian sat back. Ardash will help you adapt to the translator.
Adapt?
Officer Ardash is what you would call a technophile. He likes to play with toys that
come our way. This translator is just one of them and he loves to teach aliens, if youll
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excuse the word, to use it. Now, to business. You say youre here to Hunt down an
intentional terminator. How do you know he is on this world and not another?
Because the name of your world appeals to him. Cambria said, rubbed still aching
eyes with the heels of her hands and then blinked. Uh, oh.
What do you see?
Everything. Cambria murmured, as she took note of the Nomadians internal organs
and skeleton - cartilaginous, just like an Earth shark. The phalanges were indeed, fingers,
with jointed structures. Legs, too, with the three spread fins as toes inside boots. Between
the toes she saw skin, as if evolution hadnt quite ruled out a return to the sea. She could
also see the remnant structure of a dorsal fin on the spine.
Wow. So not needing to know all that.
In fact, when she looked away, she saw the structure of the building, too, and the wood
fibres of the desk, the contents of the drawers.
Blink again. R-Y-G ordered and Cambria did as asked. The vibrant colours returned,
harsh and painful. Again she blinked her eyes and normal vision returned.
The translator has a number of abilities youve yet to explore, but that is for later. I ask
you again, why do you think your quarry is here?
Cambria sighed. She could not expect help without explaining what she knew whether
it embarrassed her or not. He and I met on another world called Tudor, a so-called penal
planet. I wont go into the details, but suffice to say he has an affection for me. A
twisted affection, yes, but it is me he wants Hunting him.
R-Y-G Cambria huffed out a breath, she couldnt keep thinking of the Nomadian by
the colours of the tattoo she could not longer see with her new vision. May I ask your
name?
I am Karesh. First Officer, Karesh. The Nomadian said as if the First was of
paramount importance. Cambria didnt know the organisational chart and ignored the
emphasis.
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Karesh. Excalibur Jones kills because it suits his purposes, or just because he can. Hes
manipulative, cunning, charming and deadly.
Human, like you.
Yes. He is a male. I am female.
Karesh tilted her head. You say that as if you have only two genders in your
nomenclature. Karesh said, surprised.
We do.
How... unfortunate for you. Karesh murmured. Well, you cant have everything in a
species, although some have more than others.
Cambria gave her a polite smile.
The Nomadians gills flared. We have Human enclaves here, across the planet, Hunter.
And most take advantage of our generous natures. Karesh tilted her head, as if it was an
imposition to have aliens walking around on her world. More and more arrive every day,
placing pressures on local infrastructure.
Cambrias mouth turned down. I doubt many of them are legal, First Officer, and I
shall communicate my... displeasure to a higher authority. Those who do not have leave to
be here, shall be removed on my order.
Indeed. You are a powerful female to have such influence over your government. A
membrane over her eyes flickered as if she was agitated... or blinking.
I am judge, jury and executioner, First Officer Karesh; that is the power of a Hunter.
You must tell me more. Perhaps over dinner?
As tired as she felt, Cambria didnt dare refuse. She knew nothing of the power
structure here and to offend a contact within the local law enforcement would be
considered... bad.
I would be honoured, First Officer. She said with a faint smile.
Excellent. My superiors would be unhappy if I offended one such as you.
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One such as you? Uh, oh. She wasnt a Minister or a senior officer. She was, in fact, a
former security officer, falsely accused of murder and sent to a prison planet for life.
Worse, she could not appear in public on Earth because the media had splashed her face all
over the news net as still being wanted for the killing of a much loved World Government
Minister.
Lord Montague, head of the covert law enforcement organisation that tracked high-
ranking criminals and off-world activity, used that against her in enlisting her help. The
longer she remained off-planet, the less likely some asshole with a gun would shoot her
down and claim the bounty. And shed got to know Jones well; too well, in her book...
She shook of the memories and returned her attention to Karesh.
First Officer, in order to catch and destroy Excalibur Jones, Ill need to know where
the enclaves are, the population levels and whether there have been increases in the crime
rates at those enclaves.
I shall have those figures for you when we meet for dinner. For now, She rose to her
full height, her eyes flickering. I shall have you escorted to your quarters where you can
freshen up. A vehicle will come for you at Nazra.
At Cambrias blank look she explained. Nazra is an onrus after sunset. Nishra is an
onrus before sunset.
Karesh nodded with understanding. A gleam came into the Nomadians eyes. For your
information, I shall have Officer Ardash explain how to access the encyclopaedia in your
implant.
Thank you, First Officer, that is more than generous. Cambria said.
We are, of course, a generous people, eager to help fellow law enforcement officers.
Officer Ardash helped her down off the chair, a smile on his face well, a pulling back
of the skin covering his shark-like teeth.
I am honoured, Hunter, to escort you to your accommodation. He said and picked up
her pack.
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Cambria grunted. She could feel the blooming of many splendid bruises over her body
where Ardash held her to the chair. Every muscle ached, every organ felt battered.
Until Nazra. Karesh said behind her.
Cambria followed Ardash out of the room. In the bullpen, the colours had changed to
more subtle shades with demarcations lines separating law enforcement divisions.
In this area, Ardesh explained, we have various sections dealing with different
crimes of a similar nature. Unlawful termination, for example, has a number of factors:
emotional distress termination, intentional termination, accidental termination.
He sent her a glance. It would take time to get used to the Nomadians expressions and
she could not decipher this one. Your quarry, he is wanted for mass, intentional
termination, is he not?
He is, yes.
Then I shall contact our IT unit for information.
Thank you, Officer Ardash.
He guided her to the elevator, then down to the garage and another vehicle. This still
had the three wheels, but no steel cage attached to the rear.
Ardash tossed her pack into the back seat and climbed in.
Cambria looked for the door handle on her side of the vehicle, but the door was a
smooth metal. She heard a hissing from inside the car and the door popped open.
We forget that other species do not have the skin patterns to open doors.
She grimaced and got in.
Do you mean fingerprints?
One eye glanced at her as he tilted his head. I do. But your digits are too small for the
tech to recognise. He showed his teeth again and she sighed. The patronizing of the
Nomadians was going to annoy her, but she refrained from commenting. Shed let them
snigger, but only for so long.
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Ardash backed out with a squeal of tyres, then forward and she wondered whether it
was his learned driving skill or he was doing it deliberately to put her off.
We have arranged for you to stay at a... way station. A place where foreigners are put
until they are taken to their enclaves. It is where... ah, aliens feel more comfortable. Many
travellers cannot cope with the natural way of things. They acquire eye-sickness very
quickly.
Eye sickness?
Travellers look at our world and very quickly become ill.
Ah, the discordant colours the Nomadians couldnt see. The assault on the optic nerve
was enough to turn anyones stomach, eventually. Were some alien species more
susceptible than others?
It wasnt her problem. Jones was. She stared out the window and blinked through the
different visual systems.
Did Jones know shed come for him? Did he watch her even now with a smug look on
his handsome face, with speculation in his storm-grey eyes?
Cambria shook her head. She would find out soon enough; he wouldnt be able to resist
contacting her in some way, to taunt her. Catch me if you can.
She returned her attention to the conversation. Its nothing personal. Obviously, our
eye structure is very different.
Obviously. But travellers are easier to deal with if they are incapacitated.
She had a light bulb moment. Thats why you have the enclaves.
Ardash nodded. Did travellers not suffer the eye-sickness, they would run rampant
through our society and the corruption would spread more quickly. As it is, our Geriatha,
the equivalent of your World Council, I believe, will soon set up a special force to solely
focus law enforcement and co-ordination on off-world travellers. Some members seek to
evict all off-worlders, by force, if necessary.
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He didnt sound happy and she didnt blame him. If aliens regularly popped up on
Earth, thered be outrage and fear. Theyd be banished as quickly as theyd arrived.
Humans tended to be a xenophobic lot.
First Officer Karesh was right they were generous in their dealings with aliens, for all
the sniggering at the differences.
Ardash screeched to a halt in front of a ten storey building.
Damn, it was big for a way station. It had to have at least ninety rooms, and if they were
even ninety percent full...
This is the best of the way stations. There are others throughout the city, depending
on... means.
Do you mean currency?
I do. He nodded and unfolded his long length, got out. Cambria turned and reached
for the... hmm. Her fingers were too short for the indented three-finned print. Just to be
sure, she set her hand against the cool metal. Nothing.
On a sigh, she sat back and waited.
Ardash came around and opened the car door for her; not out of politeness, but
necessity.
Cambria looked at him and his smile hesitated. He didnt apologise and she didnt call
him on it, but he understood the petty pranks would not be tolerated for much longer.
He reached into the back and tugged out her pack.
The air tasted thick with metallic humidity and familiar rotting garbage. Thunder
rumbled and she turned her head up to the towering, blue-tinted storm clouds. Over the
scent of refuse, she detected ozone and impending rain.
You have a lot of crime in this area? She asked as she followed him into the building.
More than a lot of other areas, yes, but it is not a plague.
Cambria heard the underlying text of yet.
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Inside, she saw the foyer was small, a neutral beige. She clicked through the spectrum,
but the colour remained the same, except for disparaging remarks about aliens scrawled on
the left wall waiting area. It was only visible to Nomadian sight and her lip curled.
Racism or was that species-ism? was a universal and, to her, an unsolvable problem.
Every sentient species, every civilised race, thought themselves dominant to all others.
She pursed her lips in thought. Well, the pillars on Tudor might be the exception; but did a
species who had a convenient symbiotic relationship with another consider themselves
subservient, or dominant because they manipulated another species into serving them?
Ardash saw the graffiti and hissed out a laugh. Is that possible with humans?
She flicked a glance at the wall. No, not unless we had an extra limb.
He made a noise in his throat and approached a silvery, metal-barred window, set into
the wall. He laid his palm on a near invisible plate.
The silver slid aside.
Officer Ardash, has our guest arrived? A sing-song voice asked.
I have brought Hunter Petersen with me, yes.
The window closed and a tall portion of the wall containing the window cracked and
slid aside.
A Nomadian, taller than Ardash and Karesh stepped out. He... she... he? had a pale
yellow tattoo of a sun burst and yellow eyes that focused on her. I am pleased to assist
you Hunter Petersen. I am Nurturer Rodosh. Allow me to escort you to your room.
Ardash laid a hand on its arm. Im sure Hunter Petersen is gratified by your attention,
Nurturer, but I must speak with the Hunter alone.
The Nurturers shoulders slumped and Ardash squeezed its limp arm. Im equally sure
Hunter Petersen will require refreshment in an hour or so. You would be most welcome to
join us, Nurturer.
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Rodoshs eyes gleamed with tears. Gratitude? Cambria thought, then squeaked as the
Nurturer clasped Cambria in long arms and pressed her against its chest. It smelled... well,
sweet, calming.
Oh, I am in raptures to be in your company. I shall care for your needs as if you were
my own offspring.
Nurturer. Ardash tugged its shoulder but Rodoshs grip tightened.
Nurturer. His hands tightened and Rodosh released her.
You make me so happy, Hunter, to come to my establishment. A fin lifted and
Rodosh wiped its eyes.
Ardash blinked rapidly. We go now. He said and turned away from the fin-wringing,
star-struck Nurturer.
He placed his hand on the blank wall. The beige cracked along a rectangular seam and
revealed an elevator.
Cambria stepped inside and the door slid shut. He reached out and pressed a fin to a
drawn circle.
Ah, if the elevator is activated by a Nomadian hand, how do I access it? She asked.
There are... stairs. He said and she heard the amusement in his tone.
Right. A subject better left alone.
The Nurturer, male or female?
A Nurturer is a... third gender, in your terminology. Neither male nor female. They are
without reproductive organs, but have the emotional imperative to... nurture. I think it
came from our sea time, when a Nomadian stayed to guard the pups while the rest of the
clan searched for food. Evolution took care of the rest.
Cambria nodded in understanding. And what do I call the nurturer?
He looked down at her. Nurturer.
Well, that was simple.
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So the Nurturers behaviour was a part of that imperative to make me feel safe and
comfortable.
She thought she saw humour in his dark red eyes. The Nurturer understands the
importance of your visit, Hunter. It is a great honour to have you here.
The door opened and he walked to the left to double doors.
Cambria felt a spurt of dread. They were all acting as if...
Ardash pushed the doors wide and stepped inside. For the length of your stay. He said
and moved aside.
Windows faced her, and she saw the city beyond. But the wooden furnishings around
her were co-ordinated. Hand-crafted, human-sized furniture. In fact, it was more an
apartment than a room at a hostel. She saw a long, deep couch, chairs and coffee table. To
her left was a dining table for eight, with a side board and cabinets. She realised her vision
had flashed to her normal human sight.
Ardash marched slightly to the right and another door. He opened it and walked in.
Cambria followed, intrigued.
Everything is constructed by a human workman. He is most anxious to prove his worth
and be accepted as a citizen.
She saw the sunlight first. The whole far wall was made of glass, ceiling-to-floor. In the
centre of the room was a lake-sized bed, already made up with a quilt made of pictures of
Earths natural environments. Her booted feet sank into plush, pale blue carpet.
On the right, was another door and she opened it. A bathroom with shower, a separate
bath should she wish to cleanse herself while looking over the city, a commode and basin.
Thick midnight blue towels sat at the side of the white vanity.
This was insane! She wasnt some dignitary come to visit an allied world, she was a law
enforcement officer, come to hunt down a villain. But in explaining who and what she was,
would they withdraw assistance, exile her to assuage their embarrassment?
She didnt know; and given their perchance for petty snipes and superior smirking,
shed enjoy the luxury while it lasted.
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This is great. She said and meant it.
I am gratified it meets your expectations. Now, Hunter, we must discuss a few things
before your dinner with the First Officer.
He set her pack on the bed and turned around, walked out into the living area.
May I sit? He asked.
Of course, make yourself comfortable. She said and he lowered his long body into a
chair. His legs bent, poked up and he didnt seem too comfortable after all in the smaller
furniture.
Cambria kept her smirk to herself and sat on the couch opposite.
The implant, he began. is a specialised piece of... equipment, reserved for those of
high status.
Oh? She asked and the feeling of dread grew.
Yes. The standard model contains the language database and the vision modification.
Your set has more: it has the spectrum analysis of the Enforcers to test the veracity of a
suspects statement, whether Nomadian or alien. A suspects body temperature and bio-
electrical field will change when they arent telling the truth. The vision will detect that. It
contains the encyclopaedia of the Geriatha and it has a communications and recording
device for the obtaining of evidence which is admissible in a court of legal disposal.
It has everything, then? She asked, staggered that theyd inserted such technology.
It does, yes. I need to explain how to access each unit.
Cambria braced herself. Go ahead.
You have already grasped how to shift between the spectra. I cannot add much to the
workings of the system, except to say do not keep rotating through the vision or you will
achieve head pain.
Stay focused or Ill get a headache, right.
Hold your head still, look at my collar. If you concentrate your vision and your focus
at the tip of my finger... He raised his fin to above his head and moved it out to his right.
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In her vision, she saw tiny green lights blink on. She kept looking at Ardashs collar
even as she wanted to study the new effect.
The lights smeared, blurred and rearranged themselves into a menu, written in English.
An ache started at the back of her eye sockets.
Can you see the list? Ardash asked.
I can.
Adjust your focus by a flicker. If you please.
She did as he asked and the first line of the menu brightened, then blinked out. Its
gone. She said and wondered if shed done something wrong.
The universal translator is now initiated. Repeat the process, please.
She flicked her focus and the second line vanished. Thats gone, too.
Spectral analysis and communications initiated and engaged.
I thought that was already done. She said.
Available, but not stable. Now it is. Adjust your focus. He ordered.
The third line vanished. Done.
Encyclopaedia initiated and accessible.
The final line flared bright and she felt pressure behind her eyes, behind her whole face,
as if it was swelling. Then the light blinked out leaving her face aching and burning. The
final line is gone.
Booster and emergency protocols engaged and activated. Ardash dropped his hand.
Booster? Emergency protocols? What are they? Cambria lifted both hands to her face.
The skin felt hot, flushed and a sheen of sweat rose.
The booster is designed to ease any catastrophic injury you might suffer, or if you need
that extra... effort to do something. The emergency protocol will now analyse your entire
system. Again, should you suffer an injury, the protocol will scavenge for unnecessary
cells and convert them to what you need. Ardash eyed her solemnly. It is a development
we give to our frontline combat troops who are about to engage in anti-life struggles.
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She frowned. Anti-life? Did he mean suicide missions?
These troops volunteer; many do not survive and the protocols disengage, become
inactive.
I didnt know you were at war. She said.
We are not - at the moment. But provinces have spats, aliens try to garner more rights
than they are entitled. It is a growing problem, which is why we are so thankful you have
come to us. It is why we have given you all the technology we can.
But Im not some Paladin, come to save the day Officer Ardash, Im here solely to...
We understand your aims. We only ask, in your pursuit of this hardened felon, that
you take action where you can to... mitigate any brewing situation you may find.
Cambria resisted the urge to scratch her face. It itched as if a hundred mosquitoes had
feasted on her. First Officer Karesh...
Could not inform you, herself. The insertion of this system, Hunter, was requested by a
higher authority than the First Officer. It is an advanced model. He paused, braced
himself as if expecting... something. He started, twitched, then his frame relaxed. That is
all I can say about it. As to your mission, it would not be acceptable for a First Officer to
ask a visiting Hunter to help us. He stared hard at her.
Pride? Or something else? Was Ardash trying to tell her something about the politics
here? Karesh couldnt ask her to investigate the Humans, but Ardash could? Youre the
sacrificial lamb should I fail. She guessed.
First Officer Karesh is too important and you will not fail. As for me, when you
suppress and evict your illegal brethren, I shall be promoted to Tenth Officer. He showed
the shark-like teeth.

Huntress: Sacrifice
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Chapter Three
Cambria shook her head. She hadnt been here a day and already shed been involved in
the politics of a planet. When she got back, she was having a few words with Major
Caparossi about the benefits of covert action. Karesh seemed to expect her to be a one
woman wrecking ball, ready to carve a swathe through human malcontents and remove a
species. If it co-incided with her Hunt, then shed try. She didnt expect to succeed, Jones
was her focus, but shed talk to the enclaves.
There was a quick knock on the door and she turned.
The Nurturer, Rodosh, backed into the room dragging a three-wheeled trolley. It turned,
peeled back skin over its teeth. I bring you refreshment, Hunter Petersen. Delicacies and
liquids for your appreciation.
It moved to the coffee table and laid plates of coloured breads and fruits onto the
surface. Grape-sized globes of orange, ovals of deep blue, squares of pink and green, what
looked like sandwiches except for the blending colours. Then the Nurturer turned and
placed a jug and cups next to the food.
Even as Cambria thought of refocusing, her eyes selected the vision she wanted. The
colours turned muted through Nomad vision. Her body was already adapting without any
effort on her part, or was it the implant itself?
Could she sample the food? Was it poisonous to her? She had no idea, but doubted the
Hunters went to planets where the local food was inedible; those missions would be a real
chore.
The Nurturer sat across from her. May I serve?
Please, Nurturer. She said and glanced at Ardash. His head bobbed minutely. So,
shed have to be extremely diplomatic with the emo Nurturer.
Rodosh served her a sample of each food, then poured a cup of clear, steaming liquid,
offered it to Cambria.
The aroma reminded her of the Ssoclar back on Tudor. She suddenly missed the rich
full-flavoured brew. It might not have been coffee, but it was an acceptable alternative.
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Cambria held the Nomadian-sized cup. It had three pegs on the bottom in lieu of a
saucer. Nomadian size - as in Cambria had to hold it in both hands. She breathed in the
scent and took a tentative sip.
It was hot and... she froze, sent Ardash an alarmed look, set the cup down and rose as
the drink began to burn the soft skin inside her mouth, to burn and blister, as if shed drunk
pure acid. She walked as quickly as possible to the bathroom and spat the pink-stained
liquid out.
Cambria turned the taps on, prayed it was regular water and drew in a draughts, rinsed
her mouth and spat. More blood, damn it. What was that shit?
She looked into the mirror as her face swelled, the scar on her jaw turned shiny, then
her cheeks deflated and her mouth no longer burned.
Hesitantly, she parted her lips. She still had her teeth, her tongue looked refreshingly
pink. She pulled back her lips, checked inside for blisters.
Ardash knocked on the door and opened it. A single note of high-pitched sound came in
with him. Are you well, Hunter?
Her face returned to normal, her mouth no longer hurt. What was that stuff, Ardash?
A distilled intoxicant. A beverage most sought after by Nomadians but this is high
quality and hard to find. He glanced back. The Nurturer is most upset about your sudden
departure. The Nurturer did not mean to offend.
Im not offended. At the moment Im relieved the... what did you call it? Booster?
Took care of the burns and blistering.
He inclined his head. It is what it does, Hunter. I did not realise you would react, that
your biology would react...
Cambria shook her head. That high note...
Is the Nurturer.
I should ease the Nurturers mind, shouldnt I, be... conciliatory. She sighed as he
nodded.
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She went back to the living room and the Nurturers high keening immediately ceased.
I beg your pardon, Nurturer, Cambria said with a tilt of her head, but I cannot fully
appreciate the delicacies you have endeavoured to provide me. I am, as yet, unaccustomed
to your world. Cambria said and resumed her seat.
Oh, it is I who have made this most egregious error, Hunter. I would not wish harm to
you as you have already suffered indignities I cannot imagine. Rodosh wailed in a high
voice.
Cambria looked at Ardash. He lifted his fin and brushed the skin below his mouth and
she flushed.
The scar; acquired taking down a beast the size of a hippopotamus and with razor sharp
claws. Shed had a crossbow and a knife at the time.
Ardash pointed to just below his left eye.
A second scar, razor thin on her cheekbone from an assassins arrow. Another gift from
Tudor. And she realised that none of Nomadians shed seen so far bore any scars. Their
skin was fine, rough to the touch, like shark skin.
She lifted her shoulders slightly, at a loss to ease the Nurturers distress. Fortunately, a
saviour came by way of a soft tone, echoing across the city.
Both Nomadians turned toward the sound. Ardash got down onto his knees and folded
all of his limbs underneath his body. Rodosh did the same, but they did not face the same
direction as those of Islam did on Earth.
Cambria kept her seat. Whatever reason they had for curling into as tight a ball as
possible and she suspected it was religious it wasnt her concern.
She waited patiently until Ardash raised his head. I live with peace. He murmured and
Rodosh echoed his words.
Ardash stood and went to his seat.
Rodoshs blinking eyes stared at Cambria. I am filled with regret. It said sadly.
Why is that? Cambria asked.
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I have no knowledge of how to help you return to a more... a different... The curved
head tilted one way and then the other.
Ardash put his long finned hand on Rodoshs knee. What the Nurturer is trying to
politely say is that there is nothing on this world that can take the marks away that turn
your visage from its natural beauty.
Thats very sweet of you Rodosh, but the scars serve as a reminder never to
underestimate the environment around me. Cambria said with a hint of irony.
Rodoshs eyes grew large, but Cambria couldnt decipher the expression.
You are not... revolted?
Ardashs fins tightened.
Cambria lifted an eyebrow. I dont have to look at the scars all that often, Nurturer.
And Im disinclined to care what other people think.
Rodosh leaned forward.
Ardash suddenly stood. I think, Nurturer, that the Hunter needs to prepare for her
dinner with the First Officer.
The Nurturer turned to look up at Ardash. Then it stood, put the food, jug and mugs
back onto the trolley, its movements expressing offense.
Cambria rose, touched the Nurturer on the arm. I thank you for the repast, Nurturer.
She said and the tension in the Nomadian eased.
Ardash escorted the Nurturer to the door and had a few, private words. Then he
returned.
I must leave you now, Ardash said, but should you need any assistance, the
communicator will find me. Good fortune with your dinner, this evening.
He cocked his head, then turned and left.
Cambria went back to the couch, flopped on it. It was really comfortable. But who built
it and why?
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Ah... she wasnt the first... senior human... to have visited and she wondered if someone
ambitious and greedy, like Bolingbroke, had come here searching for a fortune.
Cambria threw an arm across her eyes and accessed the encyclopaedia, looked up the
word hunter and gasped, then laughed at the information downloaded into her brain. A
being obeyed by all; Preserver and taker of life; Judgement made flesh.
Under First Officer, the encyclopaedia hesitated, then downloaded. First Officer: First
among officers within the Province. Superior to all ranks beneath. Junior to the Senior
First Officer of Cohasha Province, and Senior Officer of Nomad.
So thats what Ardash meant. Karesh was on her way up the chain of command.
Cambria had been interrogated by the boss of the Province.
She also looked up Nurturer. Guardian of the lost. Protector of one. Sentinel of
travellers. Third gender of Nomad. Nurturers are hatched without reproductive organs,
find pleasure in the emotional well-being of others.
Protector of one? One what?
One: single unit of measure.
Well, she knew that, but in regards to Nurturers... Protector of one nurtured group. The
encyclopaedia supplied. The hostel?
On a sigh, she rose. If she had her calculations right, she was meeting the First Officer
in less than two hours. Time to check in with Caparossi.
She pulled the black wristband out of her pocket and activated it. Static erupted from
the tiny speaker.
Cambria frowned. Surely Hunter technology was better than this? But no amount of
button pressing would get the thing to work. Maybe the building interfered with the signal?
Shed try again tomorrow.
In the meantime, she had a luxurious bath to wallow in and she was taking advantage of
it; who knew when next shed get the opportunity?
* * *
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First Officer Karesh rose as Cambria strode towards the table set for two. The
Nomadian still her uniform. Cambria wore black slacks, her boots - buffed to a shine - and
a long sleeved, forest-green silk shirt under a black jacket.
To Cambria, the restaurant was oversized, as if she were a small child in an adults
environment. Large, broad windows framed the streetscape, but she heard no sounds of
traffic. She couldnt hear the kitchen either and glanced at the firmly shut door.
No buffets here, she thought. No loud conversation or raucous laughter, just polite
words between bowed heads, the clink of flatware and the mixed scents of exotic food
raw and cooked.
Hunter Petersen. The First Officer said a little too loudly and a number of diners
paused, turned to look at her.
First Officer Karesh. Cambria replied in the same voice and the diners attention
turned to the Nomadian.
Please, have a seat.
Thank you.
How are your accommodations? Karesh asked.
They exceed my expectations, First Officer; you remain, as always, most generous.
Cambria murmured.
A tattoo-less Nomadian wearing black approached and waited patiently for Karesh to
read the menu.
I understand from Officer Ardash that you had a most unfortunate reaction to the
Brindish?
The hot drink Nurturer Rodosh served? Yes, I did. I suspect there is very little local
food I may indulge in.
Karesh smiled. Then might I suggest beer for a beverage? This is one of a few
restaurants in Cohasha City that caters to the human traveller.
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Cambrias eyebrows rose and she looked around at the other diners. No humans; only
Nomadians. So... the humans have established various industries in the province?
Karesh snapped her teeth together. They have. They seek to expand, but Nomadians do
not see any value in catering to an extreme minority, although beer is seen as a useful drink
for ailing children. I believe its mildness soothes an upset digestive system. Her eyes were
fierce and without apology. Human food is as nearly indigestible to us as Nomadian food
is for humans. Yet, they demand more and more access to a population with little or no
interest, as if more of a product will convince Nomadians to buy it. Worse, we are accused
of unfairly treating the human producers because we will not allow exports off world.
Cambria she understood, Kareshs anger, but why would the humans want to expand if
they couldnt sell their products? Unless... the aim was to by-pass Earth exportation laws?
Develop and sell goods to other worlds the producers knew would be illegal on Earth?
Karesh looked up at the waiter. I will have the Rostah greens, followed by seasoned
Turiak steak, the Shinroe cream dessert with the Brindish. Hunter Petersen will have the...
She looked down at the menu again. Deep fried Lishtak slices, the spiced Turiak Gree
with... She eyed Cambria with a considering look. The Gerish sauce and Rostah greens,
followed by the Doonash with the Cahrls-berg byter. She snapped the menu closed and
handed it to the waiter. He cocked his head and withdrew.
I hope you do not mind my ordering for you, it is better that I do to avoid any further...
unfortunate events. She showed her teeth.
No, of course not. I do not wish a repeat, either. She ran her tongue over her teeth,
thankful they hadnt melted.
I have brought the information you asked for. Karesh said and reached into the pocket
of her uniform, drew out a sugar cube sized block with a green swirl on each side, and set
it in front of Cambria. You have a reader in your room that will access the information. I
will send a portable device before the work day begins.
Thank you, First Officer, youre being exceptionally helpful. She picked up the cube
and put it into her jacket pocket, leaned forward so she wouldnt be overheard. And I have
to ask myself why. I am a Hunter - I only have one target.
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Karesh met her lean with one of her own. Hers was more intimidating than Cambrias
because of the First Officers size... and teeth.
And it may be that your felon is agitating rebellion amongst your people. We do not
wish for wholesale slaughter of off-worlders, Hunter, but you will see from the file a
distinct increase in deliberate terminations of aliens and of some Nomadians. I cannot
send any of my people into the enclaves, they are unwelcome. But you look like them, you
can garner the information, put a stop to any violence before it happens. Find the... She
leaned back as the waiter returned with the beverages.
You will find the Cahrls-berg to be locally produced by your brethren. I cannot
comment as to its flavour, for I have no tolerance of... ah... weak tasting brews. Her
pointed teeth gleamed.
Cambria cautiously sipped the beer and found it satisfyingly bitter. Strongly flavoured
for a human and, she realised, no alcoholic limit either. The brewer could make it as
strong as a they chose.
The waiter soon brought their meals and Cambria grinned. For all the alien words,
Karesh had ordered her a hamburger and fries.
The First Officer picked up her flat ware and sliced the raw steak. Deep red blood
seeped out of the meat. I believe the ground Turiak with the Lishtak are a favourite
among humans. She said.
Your belief is absolutely correct. Cambria said and bit into the burger. The meat had a
similar flavour to beef, smokier, with a subtle difference, especially with the... Gerish
sauce. On Earth it would be described as a chilli burger and she loved it. This, First
Officer, is delicious.
Karesh tilted her head and continued to eat.
Cambria finished her burger and fries and leaned back, content, a glass of beer in her
hand.
The waiter replaced her empty plate with a smaller one, with a small, dark brown square
on it. If this was chocolate, she kissing the waiter, tongue and all. Thank you. She said to
him with a smile and waited while the First Officer finished her meal.
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I do love a good Turiak steak and this restaurant serves the best. Karesh murmured
with satisfaction and reached for her Brindish, sipped.
You need to understand, Hunter, that the phrase We live in peace is not just an
admonishment or a religious caption; it is a daily aim. Nomadians once fought long, bitter
and global wars over foolish things like territory or political differences. We are,
instinctively, a predatory race. Karesh said and thanked the waiter when her Shinroe
cream dessert arrived.
Humans are similar, and although no major conflicts have broken out in some decades,
a few areas always seem to be on the brink.
Then you understand how violent and destructive they can be. We have the technology
to suppress violence, but wars fought previous involved very personal conflict. She
showed her teeth again and Cambria shuddered.
It would be like being attacked by a shark. No, she thought, not like at all, it would be
a shark attack.
Unlike our teeth, limbs lost cannot be regenerated, as you can imagine.
All too clearly, First Officer. Cambria shuddered. Our wars, however, involve brute
force, rarely any personal contact and if that does happen, we still use personal weapons,
knives, for example.
Karesh nodded. And in both examples, yours and mine, there is much blood spilled,
much personal horror at the taking of a life in such an... animalistic way.
Agreed.
Karesh dipped a long-bowled spoon into her blue cream dessert.
Cambria used a fork on the... cake? It looked like chocolate cake, cut like chocolate
cake and she eyed the waiter, but when she put the confection into her mouth, the taste of
blueberries and lime exploded into her mouth.
She took a sip of the beer.
Doonash is too sweet for me, but again, humans seem to like it. Karesh said.
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Too... sweet? But then she watched Karesh gulp a mouthful of Brindish and figured the
Doonash probably was. But it made Cambrias mouth pucker.
She finished it anyway. The more food she experienced, the better she understood these
people and the more information shed be able to acquire.
So. To continue. We Nomadians set aside our war-like ways and negotiated peace.
That does not make us soft or flexible, given our natures. There are some things we will
not compromise on and conflict does break out. It is usually a short, brutal affair with the
government prevailing. In the enclaves, however, they keep using our own laws against us.
By doing this, resentment grows and if conflict came, the government would have to side
with the enclave. Technically, they have done nothing wrong, merely followed our laws to
the extreme. It cannot continue if we are to live in peace.
Cambria could imagine it. Human retail outlets popping up all over the place,
Nomadian resentment, a bit of vandalism, a few complaints, acts of thuggery, until
someone died. Then thered be protests on both sides escalating into rioting... And it
is my... added assignment to find the instigators and shut them down.
If you would, wed be grateful. We do not care for such types in our society and wish
them removed in any way the Hunter sees fit.
Judgement made flesh, she recalled from the encyclopaedia. Judge, jury and
executioner, Caparossi said. And although she had the World Councils approval, she
wondered if they expected her to also act in the same capacity for a foreign power or act as
a power. Which raised another question:
If I reported the presence of unlawful humans here, how would your Gerietha
respond?
Karesh set the empty bowl aside and steepled her long fins. A report would not satisfy
them.
To evict the illegals then, force maybe necessary.
Are you asking or telling?
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Im asking if you would allow a Retrieval Team to come in and take the... malcontents
back to Earth by force, or whether they would be unwelcome. Cambria said.
Kareshs thin shoulders shrugged. Ah, well. I would have to take that up with a higher
authority, and I shall do that. I believe they will consider all options, though whether the
humans approve of our... solution, I suspect only you can say.
Do you wish me to raise the possibility with my superiors? Cambria asked.
I do, but ask them to take no action as of yet. I will await your results first.
If you have an... immigration list, I can pass it on.
Cambria idly scratched her itching and slightly burning shoulder joint. If we can track
the illegals we can take measures to remove them. She sighed. This was a cluster-fuck of
epic proportions. Obviously, Lord Montagues group designed to find the illegal corridors
and those behind their use, wasnt in effect yet. Then again, he hadnt had the time to act,
nor did he have the staff to send through an ever-increasing amount of corridors.
The Hunters, it seemed, were on their own in the wilderness. No wonder they had the
authority to act as judge, jury and executioner.
We do not wish to see too many more humans on our planet. Karesh said with
another display of teeth. That is not to say all humans are unwelcome; legitimate
enterprises, here for their own and our benefit, are always welcome. But it is a
fundamental right of any world to decide who can and cannot settle on their own planet.
Cambria nodded. Absolutely. Illegal settlement is a universal problem. Earth had this
issue for centuries. Wars were fought over land and resources. The solution was to get rid
of borders and incorporate each individual government into the World Council to solve
provincial disputes. As the years went on so-called asylum seekers went away. If you have
a global community, a world-wide country, seeking asylum becomes redundant.
And that works for you? Karesh asked, intrigued.
Cambria snorted. Not as effectively as youd think. Even today, its not former
countries that squabble, but the provinces. People still bitch and moan about their lot in life
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and want someone to change it for them, rather than changing it themselves. The grass is
not always greener on the other side of the fence.
We have similar situations, but historys lessons are hard taught in our education
facilities and impending large scale conflicts become resolved before violence breaks out.
She tilted her head. With your species is this so?
My species seems to thrive on conflict. I guess we are, at heart, a selfish bunch who
will protect all humans against aliens, but will bicker like siblings amongst themselves for
the better toy.
Do you realise how immature you make your species sound?
Cambria nodded. I do. She lifted a shoulder. Were still... uncomfortable with the
idea of other species out there in the big wide universe. Again, for centuries, we were of
the belief that we were the only species in the galaxy. It was ours to play with, to explore,
to conquer. Now, we find ourselves surrounded.
Surrounded?
We have inter-spatial corridors across our world leading to who knows where. Were
attempting to find them and close them down, or register them and monitor the flow of
people. I have to confess, this is new to me. This time last year, I was a researcher, content
in my own little world, on my own little world, blissfully unaware that other planets were
so easily accessible.
And now? Karesh asked.
Now, I see all manner of possibilities and disasters. She lifted an eyebrow. And your
illegal, fractious humans represent the possibility of disaster for both our worlds.
Agreed.
Karesh rose and Cambria followed. I think we understand each other. I do not regret
making this demand on you.
Human problems require a human solution. Cambria said. Which makes the
Nomadians a lot more flexible and patient than a lot of humans I could name.
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Karesh walked with her outside into the muggy heat of the night. Our solution would
be to... She paused, glancing up and down the street. Then she spoke quietly. Our
solution will be to kill them all. To make sure we rid this world of a problem before it
escalated. That option is still on the table. However, we believe that all species be given a
chance to accept our ways and our laws. If they do not, they have the option of leaving. If
that is unacceptable to them, then...
I understand, First Officer, and Ill do my best. Do I have a time frame?
Your time frame, Hunter, is the behaviour of your... illegal comrades.
Cambria shivered at the thought of thousands of sharks going after the humans.
Warm, soft rain started to fall, but it did nothing to ease the chill in her soul.

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Chapter Four
Cambria dozed. She was not the kind of person for whom any surface would do as a
bed. She was in a strange place and her body felt tight with tension, as something bad was
coming. She could not relax.
She wriggled, tried to ease the itch in the middle of her back. Giving up, she rose and
rotated her aching shoulders.
Ardash had assured her no one could see through the windows since they were coated
with one-way mirrored stuff. But she had her doubts. She eyed the glittering, rain-smeared
city, nervous. It was like waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the fearful anticipation shed
felt right before stepping through the corridor.
Nothing caught her attention and she wondered at her paranoia. But shed spent too
long on Tudor watching the thick foliage for voyeurs to be at ease now.
The air inside the penthouse was cool and gusted around her legs, beneath the oversized
Manu soccer shirt. She walked to the lounge room, slumped onto the couch and flicked on
the entertainment system with the oversized remote, curious to see what Nomadians
thought relaxing.
Discordant sound erupted from the speaker and she hit the mute button.
This was a music channel? When they had such beautiful speaking voices? She watched
as two smaller Nomadians, strummed broad necked and bulbous stringed instruments.
Another band member thumped a conch shell-shaped object. A fourth member wore... a
metal band around the eye bridge. Two strands of wire ran through a device on each
shoulder and separated into three strands that attached to a ring on each fin. The player
waved individual fins, altering the length of the wire, moved its neck like the Nomadian
was dancing with only the upper parts of its body.
As curious as the instrument was, she didnt want to hear the screech and toneless
noises. Instead, she channel surfed and marvelled that the programs were similar to those
on Earth.
She stopped at a news channel and turned off the mute.
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A round table discussion was taking place with a lot of teeth baring from either side as
they argued about a local politicians scandalous efforts to introduce legislation requiring a
rethink on the education policy.
One side determined a shift to easing the requirements for further education meant a
slide into anarchy and lassitude; the other side determined requirements were too tough
and excluded certain elements of society.
Some arguments, Cambria thought, were universal. She shut off the unit.
A glance at the chrono told her it was just after three oclock in the morning, but this
world had a thirty-hour day and shed already dozed for eight hours.
Her body clock was going to be so screwed up. But... that didnt mean she couldnt get
some work done.
She retrieved the information cube from her jacket and looked around the room for the
information reader. The only slot she found was... in the remote control.
Cambria turned the unit on again and the combatants argued about a sport called
Krahbud. Apparently, Cohasha City was doing poorly and both sides were calling for the
coach to be sacked.
She shook her head and pressed buttons on the remote until the argument ceased and the
picture changed. Her internal translator took in the curiously slanted and dotted script
turned the words into English.
Oh, crap. She muttered as she read the document. The Susrah Province, to the north,
was overburdened with aliens, the majority being humans. Where had they come from?
How had they arrived? And why in such numbers?
Bollocks. Somewhere near Susrah City, another illegal corridor brought humans
through in job lots.
That theyd been quarantined in a seaside province was an added bonus for humans,
but not for the locals who were fast becoming outnumbered by foreigners. And that could
only mean one thing:
Bastards are trying to take over the Province.
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She scrolled through the numbers. They were increasing almost exponentially, which
meant damn it someone on the other side was actively recruiting colonists.
Cambrias lip curled at the sheer bloody arrogance, as if the indigenous inhabitants were
of no consequence. No wonder First Officer Karesh was so eager for her to sort them out.
If she didnt and they executed their final solution a solution the leaders up there did not
believe would be implemented it would be a blood bath.
She rubbed the centre of her forehead. The obvious answer was to march up there and
tell them all to fuck off back to Earth before she called in the Hunter Retrieval Teams.
Unfortunately, she suspected that they wouldnt believe her without a demonstration
one she was loathe to implement or shed be disappeared.
Okay, shed set that problem aside for the moment.
The next file was on criminal activity and terminations. The distressed suicide - far
outweighed the accidental manslaughter - or intentional - murder. She read through a
sample of intentional terminations and shook her head.
Jones.
Although the rise in deaths could be attributed to a similar rise in population, the
statistical rise in intentional terminations could not. And that rise co-incided with her
calculations on when Jones could have arrived. An increase in blade-related fatalities? And
disappearances?
Jones had been a busy boy. She clicked her tongue in disgust. She knew he did it to
attract her attention and she suppressed the surge of guilt.
Could she have stopped him on Tudor? Shed allowed him to charm, the seduce her;
allowed him to train her even as she knew why. If shed taken him out then, how many
innocents would still be alive today?
Cambria shook off the guilt-laden thoughts. The justice system bore responsibility for
not executing him. She bore that responsibility now.
From on the information on the screen, she couldnt tell which were his victims and
which were genuine self-terminations.
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The issues surrounding terminations would be legion for colonists on any world, from
overwhelming homesickness to an inability to cope with the environment. In all the
explanations for termination was the statement that they did not see an alternative; Jones
would use that to its extreme.
There was a connection, she knew it, all she had to do was find that connection and
shed find Jones.
Shed have to go to the Susrah Province and find out. But how did she get there?
Karesh or Ardash will have to help.
Cambria closed her eyes and swallowed hard. The translator worked automatically, as
did the encyclopaedia, without her thinking of it. Did the unit have maps? She thought of
Susrah Province and against her eyelids, a global map of Nomad appeared. Trying to
quickly zoom in brought sudden pain to her eyes and she cursed, opened her eyes and saw
the world through the striations of the diagram.
Bugger it. She muttered and closed her eyes, tried again, but more slowly.
This time, the map grew and she shifted her eyes to search for Susrah. The map shifted
as her eyes did.
How did she control the damn thing? Maybe she should ask for an instruction manual.
All she wanted was a damned look at Susrah Province and the surrounding...
The map shifted, drew out and highlighted Cohasha City in blue, then moved north, a
long way north on the western continent, and outlined the province in red.
Susrah was the size of county Alaska in the Province of Yousa. Judging from the
overlaid satellite imagery, the northern half was bitterly cold and the southern half, more
temperate.
She wondered what the dispersal rate of aliens was, but until she got a breakdown of
population and census figures if the Nomadians did such a thing she could not pinpoint
her theoretical corridor.
So. She knew where she was going, she knew what she was looking for, and knew for
whom she was searching. She had to work out the how and the why. When she knew all
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that, shed be in a better position to take Jones down and help both the Nomadians and
humans.
Her head and eyeballs ached. She twitched her focus and the map vanished.
Setting aside the remote, she lay back on the couch. At four in the morning, the sun
wouldnt rise for another five hours.
Long nights and long days. Somehow, she was going to have to boost her stamina or
shed collapse. The last thing she needed was for the Nomadians to think she wasnt up to
the task and slaughter the enclaves; then thered be the political fallout on Earth and the
search for blame. And since she was still being hunted for a crime she didnt commit, she
was a convenient scapegoat while the real perpetrators those who operated the gate
escaped unnoticed and unpunished.
Fuck, what a mess.
She dropped off to sleep with images of giant Nomadians, going after thin-skinned,
blood-filled humans, with those ferocious teeth.
* * *
An irritating buzz roused her. Cambria groaned and rolled over, off the side of the
couch to land with a thump on the plush blue carpet.
She lay face down and opened her eyes. The buzz came again, louder this time and she
leaned up, drew her elbows under and looked around. What?
The buzz turned into a raucous screech and she bolted to her feet, looked around for the
source. Bedroom. She ran in and saw a timing device.
An alarm clock?
She punched the button and slumped her shoulders, stared at the curious glyphs that
blurred into nine oclock.
A dark orange sunrise lifted the shadows of the room.
A new day was beginning and she went to her pack, dragged out fresh clothes and
scratched her butt on the way to the shower while she yawned.
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She pulled the long shirt over her head and stepped into the cubicle. The water felt soft,
but had a vague metallic scent and taste to it. Still, it was something she could use and she
shuddered as she remembered the Brindish, checked her teeth again as she brushed them.
Pure bloody acid.
Cambria decided her first job for the morning was to contact Major Caparossi and
inform him of the situation, get his advice on how to proceed. She thought she knew what
hed say: that she continue. That she had an obligation to the Nomadians and not cause any
internat... interplanetary incidents.
It was that or hed recommend she withdraw and let the politicos sort it out while she
continued her hunt for Jones.
Nup. Hed go with the first. Unless she screwed up by the numbers, that is.
Clean and more awake, she turned off the shower and got out, grabbed a towel and
rubbed herself dry.
She avoided looking at the scars on her body, courtesy of the monstrous Komatsu claws
across her back and left shoulder.
A shudder went through her. She hadnt asked what type of wildlife there was on
Nomad, but she figured the encyclopaedia would tell her once she was in Susrah Province.
Then again, the Nomadians were scary enough what else was out there if the
Nomadians were top of the evolutionary tree? Maybe it wasnt such a good idea to ask.
Cambria dressed in khaki slacks, a white t-shirt and her black boots. Then she salted her
body with knives, her Tudor knife in its sheathe at her waist, small folding knives in
pockets, cross-draw shoulder holster and pistols, then strapped her communicator around
her wrist.
Over everything, she drew on the coat. It swirled around her calves. Now she was ready
to hunt bear. Her belly gave a growl or breakfast. She didnt trust Nomadian food;
Caparossi needed a briefing. Why not give him the information while chowing down on
bacon, eggs, has browns and a litre or two of coffee?
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She opened the door to the penthouse and glared at the lift. The door to the stairs had a
human-sized palm outline. Cambria put her hand on it and the door clicked.
Ten bloody storeys.
She dragged in a deep breath and started her descent.
Near the bottom, her knees began to creak and click. By the time she reached the
bottom, theyd stopped and she wondered if it was the booster or the emergency protocol,
and whether it would kick in any time she had a minor physical problem.
And that lead her to wonder how much damage she could truly take before the protocols
failed.
Nope, she didnt want to think about.
She opened the door. The Nurturer waited for her.
How may I serve the Hunter? It asked with solemn respect.
Good morning, Nurturer. Im wondering about how to arrange for transport, you know,
human-sized transport.
Bright sun to you, Hunter. The Nurturer tilted its head. There are conveyances in the
basement designed for the... smaller sized. Would you care to reserve one?
Are any available now?
I will check for the Hunter. It went into the reception cubicle and closed the door.
Cambria turned as she heard noise in the stairwell, but no one emerged.
The Nurturer came out. I have acquired a transport for you. It held out a small black
card to her.
Thank you, Nurturer, you are most kind.
I do what I can to assist the lost, Hunter. The Nurturer said. Is there anything more I
can do for you?
Cambria shook her head. No, thank you. Enjoy your day, Nurturer.
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The Nurturer showed its teeth. And to you. It returned to the cubicle and closed the
door.
Cambria opened the door to the stairwell and went down into the basement garage.
She saw the rear blue lights of a receding vehicle and shrugged it off. She did not expect
to be the only human in the building, but as yet, shed not seen any of the other residents.
The black card matched a black car and she slid the small rectangle into the door slot.
She climbed in and scratched at her ankle, sat back and studied the instrumentation.
Someone had built it using an Earth template, with speedometer, tachometer, energy
gauge, indicator lights, left brake, right accelerator.
The steering wheel fit neatly into her hands and she breathed out a breath as she shifted
the stick to reverse and gently pressed the accelerator.
The car inched backwards and she spent time adjusting her foot pressure.
When she was satisfied, she accessed the onboard map and located the dock area, where
the corridor access point was.
It brought up the route and suddenly she wasnt in control of the vehicle. There must
have been some sort of automated device that shed not disengaged.
Well, she grinned, she was up for a free ride as long as it got her where she wanted to
go.
The vehicle pulled up at the docks security post. A different guard stood duty. He
leaned down to her.
What is your business here? He asked.
Im Hunter Peter...
Proceed. He stood and lifted the barrier. Her car automatically drove through, then
came to a stop in a parking spot close to the administration building.
She tugged out the card and the vehicle subsided into silence.
Time to check in.
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The communicator still crackled with no connection. Maybe it was faulty? At any rate,
she was happy for a face-to-face briefing with Caparossi.
No big. She shrugged and got out.
The air was muggy as if a storm was coming. Under the slowly rising sun, she saw pale
blue clouds building on the seas horizon.
Shed been on Nomad a grand total of a day and already she was heading back for
advice. What did that say about her abilities? Well, she really had to warn the Hunters of
illegal human immigration, get them to track down the corridor.
And she needed a new communicator.
Cambria tucked the card into her back pocket. The guard at the gate watched her and
she gave him a wave. He turned away and she shrugged.
She walked into the still rubbish-strewn alley. The metal door groaned as she opened it.
The darkness beckoned and she shut the door, walked forward towards the access at the
other end.
Her senses swirled in the black and she staggered as her balance went. She stuck out a
hand and pressed against the wall, but she still felt as if she should be falling.
Then it stopped and she dragged in deep breaths to hold the nausea at bay. The churning
in her stomach eased, then stopped and she used the heels of her hands to rub her still
rattling eyeballs.
Damn, but she hated the spatial displacement.
She strode towards the access door, opened it, and stepped through. Then she stopped in
shock.
Sirens wailed, red emergency lights flashed and the automatic defences came on line.
Up in the corners of the room, high-powered thresher guns emerged and pointed at her.
The bullets that emerged from the barrel were expelled at such a rapid rate as to turn her
into instant hamburger.
Unknown alien technology detected. The P.A. system intoned. Emergency shutdown
initiated. The words repeated and she looked around.
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White-coated techs scrambled, for their consoles, for the door, for... well, shit, weapons!
Then the reinforced steel barriers closed over the bullet proof window, another steel barrier
slammed down over the door into the facility and another came down behind her. She was
sealed in. But with what?
Cambria stood where she was and looked around, clicked through her enhanced vision.
She was the only one in the room. Oh, hell. Did that mean the emergency was her?
* * *
Cambria waited. And then waited with her butt on the floor and her back against the
wall. And then waited some more, while her belly growled and squeaked with hunger. She
should have brought some of the rations in her pack, but shed assumed shed be in the
cafeteria by now, slaking her thirst with untainted water and stuffing her face with bacon
and eggs, hash browns, sausages and a litre of genuine coffee.
The siren wound down, but the light kept swirling bloody colour.
Please stand. A male voice intoned.
She looked at the observation window, changed her view. Strangers stood there, armed
strangers. She got to her feet.
Please take one step forward to the yellow line.
She did as asked and looked up at a whine. A square of metal descended to the ground
and up again. A flash of heat went through her as it scanned.
What the...?
Name.
Name? But...
Your name or face extermination.
Jeez, they were serious! Cambria Jaxentia Petersen. She replied, confused.
Prove it.
Prove it? How? What the hell is all this? Im a Hunter. She protested.
Last planet of assignment.
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She had no choice but to answer any question they demanded. Nomad.
Assignment.
Excalibur Jones. Execution warrant. No one moved behind the window. It was as if
their entire focus was on her and the readings they took.
Previous off-world experience.
She rolled her eyes. Penal planet Tudor.
Someone else stepped into the observation room and an intensive discussion took place.
Hands were waved, heat signatures flared, belligerence expressed.
She concentrated on the newcomer and her vision changed. Cambria sucked in a breath.
She could see right through the steel!
What the hell was this thing the Nomadians had given her.
Activity increased as the techs took note of her reaction.
A familiar voice came over the P.A. Welcome back, Hunter Petersen. Major
Caparossi said. We seem to have a little problem up here.
Yes, sir?
A small case of... unknown alien technology. Can you explain that, please?
Cambria blew out a breath. The Nomadians. She might as well give her briefing now,
rather than later. No one behind the window was excluded from briefings.
I arrived and was taken to the local law enforcement headquarters. They interrogated
me, she lifted her wrist, but the translator appeared not to work properly. I cant say I
believed them, but what I believed did not matter. I was grabbed from behind and... She
stopped as she realised she was speaking English without thought, just as she spoke
Nomadish without thought.
And, Hunter Petersen?
She looked up at the window again. Ah... they stuck a universal translator into me. It
also contains a Nomad encyclopaedia and... she frowned. Other stuff.
Where is the insertion site, Hunter?
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Cambria lifted her chin and pointed to her throat. I can tell you, it was extremely
painful. It felt like there was something crawling behind my face and then stabbing my
eyeballs. Not recommended.
And the rest? Major Caparossi asked.
The rest? Oh. Um. First Officer Karesh then informed me that theyd like me to
investigate, and find a solution to, the increasing population of illegal humans that are
settling on Nomad. Judging by the murder and suicide rate in the Susrah Province, I have
reason to suspect Jones is involved. However, I decided to return here and inform you of
my suspicions that there is a corridor again, probably illegal - in the province being used
to transport people. First Officer Karesh wants them removed or... Actually, I dont what
the alternative is, but I have my suspicions and they are not pretty. Karesh says the humans
are becoming increasingly rebellious and the Nomadian citizenry nearby are becoming
increasingly resentful. Anyway, they are fully willing to implement their final solution
should I fail in removing the troublemakers.
There was silence at her words and she continued.
The final solution, Major, is the slaughter of all the humans in the Province, legal and
illegal alike. I was asked to inform you of the situation, but to also ask that you wait until,
they believe, I can sort the situation out. She tugged her ear. I get the impression they
think Jones is behind the unrest.
There. Now they knew.
Hunter Petersen. Major Caparossi said. Thank you for the briefing, we will take it
under advisement. But its not what I meant when I mentioned the rest.
What more was there?
What rest, sir?
I meant the rest of the alien technology throughout your body. Your whole circulatory
and neurological systems are compromised with technology not of Nomadian
manufacture.

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Chapter Five
Cambria stared at her hands, turned them over, but she couldnt see the tech. Two hours
had passed since Major Caparossis shocking announcement. Even now, just the thought of
what the implant could be doing to her made her blood run cold, then heat with anger.
Shed assumed the tech was attached to her skull or flesh or something, but restricted to
her head. Now she knew it had infiltrated her whole body. Was that why shed been so
itchy? It was moving down her body?
She shuddered at the thought it was still moving, still infiltrating, but according to the
scans, it had settled in and was dormant.
Ardash had been informative about the stuff she could use for the mission, but what else
was inside her waiting for explanation? Did the Nomadians know? And where had it come
from if not Nomad. A bigger question was why the techs were so sure it wasnt Nomadian
in manufacture.
How deeply had human agents penetrated the Nomad planet?
She accessed her wrist unit to white static. Obviously still broken.
The information it contained was gone. Caparossi would have to reload... no, he
wouldnt; she had all the information she needed in the encyclopaedia.
Her belly protested again and she rubbed her stomach. How long would they keep her
here? Would she be allowed to stay, or be exiled again for something she didnt do and
would not have allowed?
Cambria got to her feet and paced. As long as she was contained, no other Hunter could
come through. Had the techs sent out warnings to them? What about the retrieval teams,
still searching worlds for that asshole, Bolingbrokes, victims? How long would they keep
her here? What were they...?
The metal barriers groaned and rose; the thresher guns retracted and the emergency
lights stopped spinning.
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Major Caparossi stepped into the room with an apologetic smile. We often have
Hunters returning with unauthorised tech attached to them. We need to establish what kind
of a danger the tech represents to the security of Earth.
I hate to disappoint you, Major, but given the spread of these illegal corridors, humans
are out there, on other worlds and no one seems to give a shit what theyre doing or what
tech theyre acquiring.
Caparossi shifted his feet. Im thinking you need a good feed, so Ive come to escort
you to the cafeteria.
Great. I am starving.
The Major gave her a strange look.
What?
Bad news, depending on how you look at it.
Cambria rolled her neck. Of course. You couldnt give me good news, now could you?
Okay. But keep it to yourself until I have my breakfast.
Dinner. He said and escorted her down to the cafeteria. Its dinner time. He
checked his watch. A quarter to nine, actually.
Christ. She muttered and had a thought. How long have I been away?
Ah. Caparossi said with a smile of understanding and chuckled. Thirty-four hours
ago.
And I was so looking forward to bacon and eggs. Cambria sighed. These thirty-four
hours days are going to get on my last nerve.
He pushed through the doors.
Cutlery clinked on plates, conversations continued in subdued tones, chairs scraped. But
what caught her attention was the scent of food.
Caparossi guided her through the diners to an isolated table.
Ill get you something to eat, sit there. He ordered and Cambria swallowed.
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She was salivating as if she hadnt eaten for days. She tried to work it out. Last night on
Nomad with Karesh translated into, ah hell. Figures were never her forte. All she knew
was she was starving and could eat the crutch out of a low flying duck should one pass by.
Major Caparossi moved along the line, but she couldnt see what he loaded onto the
tray. He eventually turned and walked towards her.
He mustnt have had his dinner, either. He set the plates down, gave her a brief smile
and returned to the line.
Que?
Hed loaded a plate with boeuf burgundy and she felt a brief flare of regret as she
remembered Louis, her former lover.
Caparossi returned, put another plate down. Eat up, Petersen, Ill get the coffee. He
said with a faint smile.
Eat... up? She wasnt a bottomless... mmm... Cambrias thoughts cut off as she focused
on the scents, the sight of the food in front of her. She barely recognised herself as she
lifted a fork and dug in.
She finished the first dish with bread rolls and started in on the lamb chops and
vegetables, then moved on to the salmon almondine. Three plates down and she barely
paused as she attacked chocolate cake with ice cream, crepe Suzette with brandy sauce and
green jello and custard.
When she lifted her head, she saw Caparossi, leaning back in his chair, nursing a mug
of coffee.
And that, he said solemnly, is the bad news.
Cambria suppressed a belch and leaned back. She didnt, quite, feel full and she stared
at the empty plates, appalled.
I have an appetite, but...
In the thirty-four hours youve been gone, Cambria, you have lost a quarter of your
body weight. Whatever that thing is inside you is using your muscles, fat and tissue. And
we have no idea how to get it out of you. Caparossi said.
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What did Ardash say about the protocols? ...should you suffer an injury, the protocol
will scavenge for unnecessary cells and convert them to what you need.
Oh... crap. She murmured and stared at the empty plates.
We will, of course, suspend you from active duty until we can find a solution.
Caparossi said with regret.
No, you cant. She said and lifted her gaze to his. I made a promise to the
Nomadians that I will keep, if I can. And I have a floating appointment with Excalibur
Jones. She sighed and made the confession. The... technology inside me also has what
the Nomadians call an emergency protocol. Its designed to scavenge unnecessary cells
to heal injuries. She twisted her lips in disgust. I didnt realise...
Youve already...
Cambria waved a hand. An unfortunate incident with the local beverage called
Brindish. To us, its pure acid. Again she ran her tongue over her teeth. Its probably
more potent than I realised at the time and the system did some instant scavenging. The
wait in the ready-room probably has helped either.
Christ. It sounds like more of a menace. He pushed a mug towards her and reached
for the thermal jug, poured the dark liquid to nearly the rim.
The problem, as I see it, is that I have no idea what local food I can and cannot eat.
Foodstuffs will only come with a guarantee in the human enclaves, and the Nomadians are
in discussions to see them evicted, or... She picked up the mug, savoured the scent before
she sipped.
They sound like real hard cases. Caparossi remarked.
Cambria shook her head. From what Ive seen, theyre not. Theyre accepting of other
species; but what they dont accept are those species demanding more rights, more land,
more assistance than they deserve or have earned. The... rumblings in the north are a
relatively new enterprise. The Nomadians are especially concerned about the sudden spike
in human migrants.
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Damn. Caparossi said. Ill speak with Lord Montague. I cant authorise an
intervention, nor can he. This will have to be discussed at a higher level than ours.
The First Officer doesnt want you to do anything until they know whether my mission
fails or not.
Caparossi raised an eyebrow. Thats all very well, from their side. From ours, we
would need to know where the corridor is, what the address is, and should it become
necessary, evacuate the migrants. We cannot countenance the wrongful detention of our
people, whether theyre there legally or not. It is for us to punish them.
Cambria looked at him. But no pressure.
The Major rubbed his chin and frustration flared in his dark eyes. I cannot tell you
how... controversial youve become, Cambria.
Oh, I think I can guess. I put together a report exposing corruption in the Judicar, then
have the bad manners to return from exile with absolute evidence. Worse, Ive
inadvertently released a convicted serial killer. It turns out the aforementioned Judicar has
been exiling innocents to a number of undocumented worlds, and hes got a list of
hundreds of other, undocumented worlds. Now, Ive gone out on my first mission and find
not only have there been illegal immigration to Nomad, but they might be planning an
insurrection. The worst thing about that, is if I do not succeed in mitigating the foment of
rebellion, the Nomadians final solution is wholesale slaughter of our citizens. Does that
sum it up?
Caparossi drew in a deep breath. In a nutshell. The bosses are wondering what youll
do once you become an experienced operative, or whether youre too dangerous to let
loose on your own.
At this rate, she indicated the empty plates, I shant live long enough to cause them
too many problems. She paused. You mean theyre thinking of giving me a partner to
ride herd on me?
Or a minder. He muttered.
And what do you think? She asked, curious.
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He gave her a sharp glance. I think, Hunter Petersen, that it is too late in the evening to
be discussing such things. He said and pushed his chair back.
Um... Her trouble was that it was morning on Nomad and she was wide awake
shed had a significant nights sleep, even if it was interrupted. Am I heading back to
Nomad?
Caparossi sighed and thinned his lips in thought. Then he smiled and amused warmth
came into his eyes. Dont be offended, but I think it would serve a higher purpose if you
did. Youll be out of the way and the bosses can get on with discussions while you further
your mission.
Cambria snorted. Now where have I heard that before?
* * *
Nomads sun was in the mid-morning sky when she returned.
She had another pack with her, this one stuffed with high-protein and high-carb energy
bars. It was all the sympathetic techs could do for her. They looked at her as if she were
dying and was bravely continuing her mission until she dropped dead.
Cambria refused to believe it, but she was going to have some words with First Officer
Karesh and demand exactly what the tech was.
Her car was still parked where she left it and she used the card, got in and drove away
from the docks. Or, more precisely, she inputted the location of the Law Building and let
the car drive itself.
First Officer Karesh welcomed her into a large, corner office near the top of the
building.
Hunter Petersen, please, sit. How is your hunt for the felon going? She asked and
Cambria climbed into the visitors chair.
My hunt is in its early stages, First Officer. Cambria said and counselled herself to
keep calm, to deal with the mission first. Ill need to obtain transport to head to Susrah
Province to start my physical hunt. The information you gave me is most useful, but I need
to see the situation on the ground for the second part.
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I will arrange for an appropriate vehicle. Was there... something else?
Yes, First Officer, there is. About this implant.
Karesh leaned back in her seat, her expression shutting down. Yes?
I returned to inform my superiors of the situation, as I said I would. And wouldnt you
know it? I set off the alarms. Turns out, this tech isnt Nomadian, but truly alien. And it
seems to have invaded my entire system. I dont suppose you have any comment on that?
No, I do not. The Nomadian shifted in her seat.
You dont have any idea, do you? The box you called for, you looked at it, had to turn
it around to point at me. You have an implant dont you?
Kareshs throat worked. Yes, I do, as do all enforcer officers and senior government
officials. But I am not at liberty to discuss the implant with anyone; not even those who
have them.
Ill say it again, First Officer: You have no idea how this thing works or what it could
do to me! Her emphasis would have been effective if she could pound her fists on the
desk, but everything was over-sized. Her feet didnt touch the floor.
I cannot comment on another officers implant. The membrane over Kareshs eyes
shifted rapidly, as if she was nervous.
Cambria was beginning to decipher the Nomadians expressions, and she didnt like
was she was hearing or reading in the First Officers face as she came to a conclusion.
No. I dont suppose you can. Cambria replied softly and the rapid eye movement
slowed, the shoulders drooped minutely, the head slightly lowered. All subtle signals to
Cambria that First Officer Karesh hid something important about the implants, wanted to
speak, but couldnt.
Surveillance?
Had to be. The next question was where was the surveillance? In the office? No, that
wouldnt cover discussions outside the building. So that meant... oh. Well. Bugger.
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She looked at Karesh. She couldnt ask Karesh or anyone about the technology,
anywhere. Cambria lifted her hand to her throat, where the implant had been injected.
Kareshs eyes flickered with confirmation.
Cambria dragged in a deep breath. Nuts. She was on her own.
Okay, First Officer, I understand. She said with a fatalistic sigh. Returning to Jones
and the situation in the north. Do you have any additional information for me?
Karesh moved another multi-hued cube across the desktop. The current migrant
registration of all humans and non-humans in the Susrah Province is on the cube. Its a
comprehensive list youll need time to go through, take the information back to your...
planet for confirmation.
Thank you, First Officer, for your assistance in this matter. I will try to facilitate the
mission and be on my way. Cambria said.
You are welcome, Hunter Petersen. We are of a like mind in this: the apprehension of
felons, be they indigenous or not.
Cambria slid off the chair, reached over for the cube without replying. Indigenous or
not? Oh, no, she was not going after aliens and no inference was going to change her mind
on that point. Shed go after her own species and Jones. No one else, damn it!
She made her way back downstairs to her vehicle and drove back to the way station,
seething with frustration.
The Nurturer did not appear immediately.
She tapped on the window, but... nothing. Well, she could always return the card later.
Cambria opened the door to the stairwell and groaned. Ten bloody flights.
Gritting her teeth, she made her way up.
It annoyed the hell out of her that by the time she reached the top, she wasnt out of
breath, but she felt a twinge of hunger in her stomach.
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She opened the door to her penthouse and went inside, dropped her pack next to the
couch and rummaged around in it for an energy bar. She gobbled it down and her stomach
settled. She lowered herself to the couch, lay down and threw an arm over her eyes.
This is so not a good thing. She muttered.
A human body was constantly in flux, creating new blood cells, using old protein for
hair and nails, ageing. And this new tech was constantly...
Cambria froze. Oh, dear lord! It scavenged cells to repair damage, using new cells to fix
naturally dying cells, replacing the normal processes!
What happened during the long months she went uninjured? Between missions when
she was researching the next target? Shed build up a reservoir of new cells and theyd
have nowhere to go because this fucking system would take some for repair work and the
rest, theyd form... tumours.
Shed have to constantly harm herself to keep the tumours to a minimum. Horror at the
thought churned her just settled stomach.
Shed also have to find a balance with nutrient intake; too much food and the tumours
would grow, not enough and her body would cannibalise itself until she was a bag of bones
or dust. Did the protocol know when to give up? That the host couldnt be saved?
Ardash mentioned anti-life struggles, suicide missions, but not what kind of
catastrophic injury would disengage the protocol and she already knew it was a version
reserved for high-ranking officers. Would that mean the protocol was more robust, more
determined to save the host?
So. Conclusions. Continually hurt herself to keep the tumours to a minimum, or limit
her food intake, when not on a mission and on foreign worlds?
She sat up and hunched her shoulders, studied her hands and fingers, with their blunt-
cut, unvarnished nails, the soft, lightly tanned skin. But there was sign of the alien tech, no
tell-tale sign.
It wouldnt matter what she decided. She couldnt manage her health properly on a
mission.
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Tears surged into her eyes, blurred her vision and her chin trembled. She didnt want to
be like this, wanted this nightmare to go away! How could Karesh do this to her? How
could the Nomadian ask for help and then slowly kill Cambria at the same time? What
selfish imperative made her do it?
Ardashs words came back to her: The insertion of this system, Hunter, was requested
by a higher authority than the First Officer. First Officer Karesh is too important. Not
Karesh, then, but someone else, to protect the Nomadian officer. And, she realised, it
wasnt the First Officer who was the sacrificial lamb, it was her, Cambria Petersen, World
Council Hunter; a human, whom the Nomadians despised, a tool to be used and then
broken.
She pressed a hand to her sternum as an aching throb started... and then faded.
Christ. Theyd given her assistance that would destroy her, all so she could sort out her
own species. And why not? What did the Nomadian care for her well being as long as she
got the job done? After that, well, she was on her own.
Double-edged technology, never meant for humans; like this planet. And there was
nothing she could do.
Her head fell back against the couch as the strength went out of her body and faced the
truth of her situation: the bloody implant had given her incurable cancer.

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Chapter Six
Cambria trawled through the information and tried not to think of the thing inside her,
where it came from and what it was doing to her.
After a good long crying jag and a wallow in self-pity, she decided she could do nothing
about the techs consequences. She would use it instead, ignore the downside and work
with the upside. Shed go mad if she thought too deeply about it. And since Tudor, since
Lord Montague blackmailed her into becoming a Hunter, shed known shed eventually die
on a mission. Why not her first? It wasnt as if she was an experienced Hunter. Shed
already screwed up and would suffer the consequences. What would Major Caparossi have
done?
Cambria shrugged off the question: he was Retrieval, not Hunter. And she deliberately
shut down her wayward thoughts.
Focus on the here and now.
She chewed on a tasteless nutrient bar as she read through the immigration information
Karesh had given her.
The list was as Karesh had said, comprehensive and long. Five thousand humans had
come through the legal corridor in the past six Earth months. Herosha City, between
Cohasha and Susrah and the Nomadians closed the corridor down to all aliens as of
today.
Something other than natural migration was going on. The imperative to go up Susrah
and see for herself grew and she decided she had nothing left to lose should the locals
prove... fractious.
She reviewed the first cube, blended the two together in her mind: The terminations, the
migration, the sudden militancy. Someone in Susrah Province was trying to establish a foot
hold on Nomad, and anyone suspect was removed from the equation. With Jones as the
enforcer?
Cambria studied the combined information, turned it this way and that, tried to poke
holes in her theory, but seemed to be the only valid answer.
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She rubbed her eyes and realised shed been up too long. Daylight might be streaming
through the windows, but her internal clock said it was late.
Cambria shut down the information reader. Shed set out for Susrah Province in the
morning. In the meantime, she needed some sleep if she could get it with all the dark,
self-destructive thoughts swirling in her mind.
Cambria removed her hardware as she went into her bedroom, knives, guns, coat,
clothes.
She cleaned her teeth, assured herself once again they were whole and undamaged. She
couldnt look at her reflection, couldnt lift her eyes. If she met her gaze, if she saw even a
hint of tragedy in her expression, shed break down again.
Cambria put the toothbrush down next to the paste, tried to convince herself she was
fine, she wasnt dying and to look into the mirror. She felt the sting of tears, the tightening
of her throat. Exhaustion drooped her shoulders. Had she ever felt this... fragile?
Disgusted with herself, she sniffed the tears away, cleared her throat, and left the
bathroom.
She flopped down on the lake-sized sleeping platform.
Thirty-four hour days are a drag. She hiccupped and plunged into dreaming as if a
light switch snapped off.
The penal planet Tudor where shed been sent for writing a report that exposed the
corrupt Judicar, Randall Bolingbroke. Tudor, filled with lush forests, pure water lakes,
deadly rainstorms and prisoners - all of them male and most wanting a piece of her.
She found herself at the bathing pool, one set aside for just her. No men allowed here,
although many indulged their voyeuristic natures and watched her bathe. They were there
now, peeking at her through broad-leafed plants, their hands jammed down the front of
their pants, waiting.
Cool water ran down her body as she stood and walked out of the pool towards her
clothes. A man stood there, smiling, his pale grey eyes roaming over her naked body. Sun-
streaked dark hair glinted in the light and his teeth gleamed white against his tan.
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Damn, he rang her bell. Already she could feel burn of passion spark within as she saw
his erection press against his pants. His eyes met hers and she felt her insides clench with
anticipation.
Ive missed you. He murmured and suddenly his clothes were gone. Naked, they
stared at each other. He made the first move, walked to her and rested his calloused hands
on her hips, lifted them to her breasts and pinched her nipples. Cambria gasped in
anticipation.
He gave her a slow, wicked smile. We belong together, you and I. The Hunter and the
Hunted. He lowered his mouth to hers. She couldnt resist him, couldnt resist his power
over her, he felt too good, tasted too good.
Heat surged through her veins, pulsing, surging as he slid his hands to her butt, pulled
her against him. His erection rested hot, hard, against her abdomen and she allowed him to
lower her to the warm sand.
Her arms wrapped around his waist as he nestled between her thighs. His mouth cruised
down her throat and she arched to allow him access. Sharp, biting kisses, spiked her
arousal. His hot tongue soothed the minor hurts. Oh, but he knew how to play her, knew
what she wanted.
His mouth, his tongue and his teeth slowly worked their way down to her breasts. One
hand smoothed down her flat stomach to between her thighs, fingers eased inside her and
rubbed.
The first orgasm rolled over her as he bit down on a nipple. She held his head as stars
sparkled behind her closed eyes.
Oh, God, Ive waited so long for this, waited for you, she thought as he removed his
fingers and slowly penetrated her with the subtle flexing of his hips.
I know. He stared down at her, an intense expression in his eyes. I have waited and
watched, too. He flexed into her and slowly withdrew. Who is the Hunter and who is the
Hunted now, Cambria? He set his feet into the sand, hooked one of her legs around his
waist. I have you now, Hunter, pinned and helpless.
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More She breathed and stared up at his so familiar face. You know how I like it.
She set her teeth against his throat and bit down gently.
Indeed I do. He murmured and thrust harder, seated himself inside her. Her hands
clamped down on his muscled butt, her hips lifted and he slammed into her repeatedly. His
mouth and teeth held on to a nipple, drew it out painfully as he worked in and out of her.
She cried out as another powerful orgasm burst over her. He lost his rhythm as her inner
muscles clenched and throbbed. He thrust once, twice, then held himself still and groaned
as he came.
Sweat-slicked skin held them together as he lay on top of her; both trying to regain their
breath and energy. She lifted a languid hand to brush the hair back from his forehead,
searched his eyes for... But his hair was no longer sun-streaked but dark and shorter;
military short. The tan had faded somewhat too, from what she remembered and he grinned
at her.
I knew youd come. He said with a wry grin.
Cambrias eyes cleared and focused. She stared up at the man she hunted. Her arms
werent wrapped around him after all, but flat to the sheet. And she couldnt move them.
Her eyes dropped down to see them still joined, to see the subtle circular motion of his
hips, to feel him embedded within her. No she wouldnt and she thought back over the
day. Shed never seen him, nor heard him, found no trace of him. If she had
What did you do to me? She slurred. Hed drugged her, the bastard! Even
now, with her heartbeat returning to normal, she felt slow, uncoordinated, sluggish.
Just a little something added to your tooth wash to help with the reunion. Excalibur
said.
You can add aggravated rape to your many crimes. She said.
Hardly. He grinned and closed his eyes, took in a deep breath and eased it out. His
smile faded as he looked at her. Weve both missed this, needed this, and I knew youd
object if I simply knocked on your door and asked.
Jones...
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When you arrived on Tudor, you were afraid, confused, vulnerable. Malleable and
open to my way of doing things.
No, I wasnt, I...
He leaned down and kissed her, lifted his head. You did what I wanted. Its the same
thing. Now you know who and what I am, I have to be more... careful around you. Until
you understand, of course.
Cambria knew she should feel alarmed, but she couldnt find the energy to lift her hands
to push him off. You sick fuck. Rage was a distant thing, kept in check by the drug and
the damned alien emergency protocol did absolutely nothing.
Oh, sweetheart, is that any way to speak of your beloved? You did, after all, set me
free.
Liar. You did that on your own. She said and he shifted his hips. Sweat bloomed on
her forehead as she fought not to respond. Her fingers twitched on the mattress as the heat
of arousal flared. Youre a dead man.
Tsk. And here Ive come to give you some information you need.
All I need is my gun. She ground out.
One more for luck, I think. Excalibur said and began to move, gentle thrusts in and
out.
Cambria envisioned the bodies of her friends back on Tudor: gentle, mute, Juan with an
arrow protruding from his chest, the warrior, Chien, killed by one of his own arrows
through his throat and Sam big, bad Sam, missing.
The orgasm was a little one, a zing, a buzz, rather than a full body experience. Excalibur
grimaced as he flexed his hips one last time and flooded into her. He hung his head and
sweat dripped onto her face.
With a small smile, he shifted to lie beside her, one arm thrown across his eyes. You
are the only woman for me, Cambria, and I mean that.
T... t... tell someone who cares.
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Excalibur chuckled, then rose to lean over her, brushed a finger down her cheek. I
know you love me, Cambria, know it with every fibre of my being, because I feel the same.
No one challenges me like you do, no one is so fearless around me, no one but you cares
enough to come after me. How can I not love you when you stalk me this way?
She might be in a physical stupor, but she could now talk more easily. Was the drug
wearing off? Was she wrong and the tech was scrubbing her blood clean of contaminants?
Did she have a chance at him?
You would kill anyone else who came after you. She said. And the moment I uttered
the l word to you, youd kill me because the chase would be over.
True. He said on a laugh, then his expression turned serious. No one makes me come
as hard as you or as long. Just the thought of you makes me want to fuck the nearest tree.
Not so many in this city And then she had an awful thought. You havent
He gave her an enigmatic smile.
Why are you here? Its not for me, or this.
This is a bonus, its true. You are special to me. I cannot get enough of you and Ill
take you whenever and wherever I can, but youre right. I came bearing information.
She glared up at him, spoke two words. Susrah Province. And had the satisfaction of
watching his eyebrows lift.
He inclined his head and smiled. Oh, you are good. But do you know why? Slavery,
Cambria. From our world into this one. It cannot be allowed to continue.
And what do you want me to do about it? Why do care about slavery? There is nothing
noble about you. And Im only here for you.
Jones tut-tutted her. And here I thought youd never lie to me. I know youre here for
much more. Otherwise, all that tasty information the First Officer gave you would be
useless. No, Cambria, my lover, my killer, my everything, youre here for much more.
You can read Nomadish? She asked, surprised.
His face went blank.
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No, of course not. Youre here illegally and dont have a translator handy. So how do
you know about what the First Officer gave me?
He narrowed his eyes, but didnt answer.
That was fine, she had his measure now and made the leap. You want to know what it
says, but you cant read it. Youve assumed its tasty because of the amount, the two
cubes. Let me think. You put them into the reader while I was away, scrolled through but
couldnt decipher any of it. Am I close?
We dont have much time, Cambria. The drug will enter its final stage and I need to be
gone. Tell me why else youre here. Tell me everything and tell me quick.
No. She replied and his mouth tightened ominously.
Im not beyond torture, Cambria; it is, in reality, one of my favourite games. Talk to
me.
She felt her lip curl. Listen up, you prick, I dont give a shit about torture. Ive already
got a lot more than I bargained for. Because of you and your escape to this world, I am
dying a lot faster than Id like to. Killed because the local constabulary thought I might
need a little extra to deal with you and the technology is slowly using me up, from the
inside out. She was appalled to find her eyes sting with unshed tears. How do you like
them apples?
His smoky eyes flared and he stroked a finger down her cheek, drifted to her lower lip.
You know. You understand.
In other words, you dont give a shit, either.
Dont worry so. Ill move on to someone else. But... Ill give you the time to catch me
before, well... before I have to kill you. His smile reached his eyes. Ill do that for you
while youre still young and strong, not sick and ailing. I know youd rather go out loud
and proud than fade into nothing.
Jones reached across the bed and down to the floor, then he looked at her. You need to
hunt down a man called Vladimir Kekovic. Vladimir. Kekovic. He is one mean son of a
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bitch, but if you invoke my name, he said with another smile, youll get to see him. Hes
the one you need to kill.
Cambria felt drowsiness come over her and tried to focus on his face without shifting
her vision. Why? Whats he done to you?
Ah, sweet Cambria, he got in my way. His enterprise impacts on mine and I cant have
that.
Then you kill him.
He pursed his lips. Hmm no, I dont think so. But I will be watching. And waiting.
Jones showed her the infuser in his hand and lifted her arm, set it against the inside of
her forearm. Remember: Vladimir Kekovic. He pressed the button and she felt a sting.
His expression turned curious as the small hole in her arm slowly vanished. The he
looked into her eyes. Are you sure this... whatever... is killing you?
Yep. It will eventually. She murmured and drifted off to sleep.
* * *
Cambria woke with the dark orange sun peeking over the horizon. She lay there,
enjoying the lassitude that suffused her body.
What had she done to deserve such exhaustion that she didnt feel like rising? And
She sat up, set her hand on the bed as the room tilted drunkenly.
Jones. Here.
She threw the bedclothes aside and groaned, fell back and stared up at the ceiling as she
remembered dreaming about him and the reality. Yep. She was naked and felt vaguely,
pleasantly used.
Bastard.
At least she knew he was in the city somewhere. But how did he get into her room?
Cambria climbed off the platform, grabbed some fresh clothes and went to shower. She
did not look into the mirror for fear of what she might see.
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Excalibur Jones might be a serial killer, but her subconscious didnt care. And, she
suspected, her conscious might be wavering, too.
How did that work? Hed killed her friends, killed many more before being sent to
Tudor. He confessed.
And yet, hed wooed her, challenged her, tried to kill her, spared her life on his escape;
but when he touched her, all common sense went out the window and they were at each
other like rabbits. At least, he went for her, but until last night, shed not resisted. Until his
letter to her on Tudor, shed thought him like her, sent there by that evil bastard,
Bolingbroke. What she hadnt realised, was he was a legitimate prisoner, sentenced by
Bolingbroke in open court.
Cambria dressed for the day, disgusted with herself and pissed at Jones.
Bastard.
She unpacked and repacked both bags with what she needed and what she could safely
leave behind. Chewed on two chocolate energy bars to hold off the hunger pangs.
The pack was heavier than shed like, but she opened the door and went to the stairwell.
Ten floors. And down she went.
Cambria tapped on the Nurturers window. It slid aside.
Bright sun, Hunter. How may I help you this morning?
Good morning, Nurturer. Id like to see the guest register, if I may?
The Nurturer bobbed its head. Of course, Hunter. And it slid a metallic film through
the window.
Again, her vision translated the Nomadian script as she drew her finger down the list.
She snorted when she reached a name.
Nurturer, is Henry Tudor still here?
The Nurturer turned away to check another document, then looked at her, slowly
shaking its head. Henry Tudor logged out last eve, Hunter. Is it important?
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Cambria shook her head. No. Not anymore. She slid the film back. I dont suppose
anyone has been asking after me? Would Jones be that cocky?
Why, yes, Hunter, Henry Tudor did. I am filled with regret and sorrow that you two
did not meet up; he was most anxious that he see you before he went to the Girnok
Province.
Oh, Jones wasnt going anywhere near the Girnok Province, she thought. But hed play
his games with the Nomadians until he tired of it.
Maybe well meet up on his return. Did he mention how long hed be gone?
A week, at the most, Hunter. The Nurturer tilted its head. He was most forthcoming
for a human, Hunter. Henry Tudor mentioned that if his dealings in Girnok fell through,
hed return to Cohasha City to tidy up. But he failed to mention what there was to tidy. We
are proud of our clean streets.
And Cambria could think of one area that could do with a damn good cleaning; like the
alleyway near the corridor.
Thank you for the information, Nurturer.
I have more for you, Hunter. A package arrived last eve for you. I could not contact
you, so I assured the courier I would take very good care of it for you. It is from Its
voice lowered as if imparting a secret, the First Officer.
It pushed the thick, silvery envelope through the portal.
Thank you, Nurturer, I am most grateful for your attention.
I aim to please, Hunter. Good fortune to you.
The window closed and Cambria took the package with her to the basement car park.
She climbed into the black car and opened the package.
Her vision blurred as she drew out an open-ended ticket for a flying service, a vehicle
hire document, vouchers for a hotel a credit card and a bundle of brown cash. All for the
Susrah Provincial capital of Susrah City, and all in her name damn it.
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She returned everything to the envelope and punched in a request for the Flying
Service. Then she leaned back and let the car do the driving.
Cambria stared out the window. When she first arrived, the buildings were dynamic,
clashing shades; now, they were almost bland, with hues of grey, blue and brown. The
Nomadians, too were almost bland. Gone were the bright, colourful robes that hurt the eye
and in their place, lighter shades, not as intense, in near pastels. Even the smaller
children, she assumed, though they were still bigger than her wore similar garments.
She could have been driving down any street in any city on Earth.
Cambria went back over the Nurturers words about Henry Tudor and she snorted
again. Henry Tudor, a former king of the then, British Isles. It would amuse him no end.
But then, hed been de facto king of his area of the planet Tudor; until she arrived and de-
throned him. Oh, yes, the name would amuse the hell out of him.
Jones had given her a Nomadian week to sort this Kekovic out, which if her maths
didnt fail her and it usually did meant hed given her just under nine Earth days. Call it
ten if he was feeling generous, eight if he was feeling nasty. After that, he was coming for
her and Kekovic and anyone who stood in his way. For Jones, wholesale slaughter did not
weigh heavily on his conscience.
The trip to the airport took an Earth hour to complete. The car automatically parked
itself in a long-term, VIP slot and she wondered if the First Officer had pre-empted her
needs and registered her in the system as someone of note.
She frowned at the thought. The First Officer, the penthouse, the Nurturers deference,
all pointed to someone high up in Earths social strata as visiting and impressing upon the
Nomadians their own importance.
It wasnt her problem or, at least, not yet but it bore closer inspection should she
have the time. Hell, if she was still alive.
Cambria climbed out of the vehicle, envelope in hand and dragged her pack out and
coat out. She shifted the pack to her shoulder, folded the coat over her arm and walked
towards the Flying Service entrance. The pale blue building had two storeys, and beyond,
she could see the large, nay, enormous... jets, she supposed, taking off vertically.
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Like Earth jets, they had a cylindrical look, with two levels of windows dotted down the
side, but that was where the similarities ended. They were more rockets than jets, with
fairing on the nose and three wings at the rear, but she could barely hear the engines.
Now she thought about it, even on the streets the cars barely made a whisper and she
wondered what type of fuel source they used. She hadnt seen much change in the energy
gauge in the car.
Perhaps this was something Earth could use?
She walked onto the cool concourse and drew out her ticket, checked where she was
supposed to be.
A tall, as in taller than what shed seen, Nomadian approached with a show of teeth.
It held up a digital board. Do you require assistance? She translated as the board
scrolled through a number of alien languages.
Thank you for your courtesy, I speak Nomadish.
Its... his, shoulders slumped with relief. How may I assist?
She handed him her ticket and he took a step back.
My apologies, Hunter, I thought you an ordinary alien. He said and she wondered if
he recognised the insult to the rest of the galaxy. She wasnt anyone special, and yet
everyone fell over themselves to help her.
Had the First Officer communicated to everyone a Hunter was here and would cure the
human plague in the north or did it go deeper, to the forbidden subject of the implants?
Ah, to hell with it. She had enough troubles. The implant could wait, too.
Cambria put it on her growing to do list.
If you would follow me to the VIP lounge, your flight leaves in less than an hour. He
held out his hand and she looked at him. Your luggage? I shall see to it, personally.
She handed him her pack and followed him to the lounge area.
Broad windows framed the aircraft taking off and landing. Oversized chairs contained
well-dressed Nomadians, sipping from mugs or dining on whatever took their fancy,
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engaging in quiet conversations. Until they realised they had a human in their midst and
conversations dwindled as they turned towards her.
The concierge guided her to a chair and set a reserved sign on the low-ish, coffee table.
Please feel free to avail yourself of any refreshments. I shall return to collect you when
your flight is called.
Thank you, again, sir. You are most generous.
He bared his teeth in a smile that looked more like a grimace and walked away.
Cambria needed to eat and she wandered over to the buffet. What she didnt need was a
repeat of the Brindish.
Tags blurred as the letters rearranged themselves. She recognised little and steered away
from them. Even the salads could ostensibly kill her. Then she saw the ground Turiak with
Gerish sauce and deep fried Lishtak.
She loaded up a bowl of the Turiak. Must be some sort of chilli with the Gerish sauce,
she thought, and put the bronzed Lishtak on another plate and loaded both onto a tray. She
didnt dare touch any of the beverages.
On her return to her seat, she saw a large Nomadian sitting on the couch, opposite her
chair, reading some sort of broadsheet. She saw the headline Revamp for Education?
Cambria didnt mind sharing her area and she set her tray down, sat and picked up the
bowl. She eased back and began eating.
It was tasty and spicy, but her stomach welcomed it.
Humans are such dirty creatures. A voice came from behind the paper.
And she looked at the broadsheet without comment.
Like rodents or a plague, spreading out across the land without care or concern.
She had to agree with him - about the plague part, anyway. And she was the vaccine.
I long for the day someone slaughters them all and we return to our peaceful ways.
The paper rattled.
Okay, he wanted a conversation.
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Of course, that someone would never be you. She remarked and dipped into her bowl
again. Maybe she could get another bowl full?
The paper slowly lowered and the male already had his teeth showing. His skin was a
faded grey and he had wrinkles around his eyes. His tattoo gleamed bright blue with a
white cross through it. You speak Nomadish well, but it does you no favours to call me a
coward.
She grinned at him. So... insulting someone smaller, without natural weapons, and a
guest in your nation is considered... brave?
His hands crumpled the paper. I could have you killed for such a remark.
Could you now? She set the empty bowl aside and picked up her plate of Lishtak,
crunched down on a long, thick chip.
Do you know who I am? He demanded and her eyebrows rose.
If you dont know who you are, Im sure someone here will inform you. Shall I ask
around? She said with a smile and flicked on the encyclopaedia. She blinked and
wondered what to search for, but the system was already flashing green in the corner of her
eyes. It paused on an entry and she looked down to use the dark carpet as background for
the green text.
The Nomadian carefully set the balled up paper aside leaned towards her. Your kind
arent welcome here. Or anywhere on our planet and I intend to see that the Geriatha pass a
law forbidding you to be here. As for those who are already here, I will set our Enforcers
onto them with teeth and vengeance.
Cambria sighed and set the plate down, leaned forward to match his aggressiveness. If
you think to intimidate me, Minister Igrak, let me mark you down as a fail.
He cocked his head. Is that smugness I hear in your voice? It is a shame, for you shall
be the first human I set the Earth Hunter on.
She considered the look in his eyes, the satisfied expression on his face. And whats so
special about a so-called Earth Hunter?
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He leaned back, sharp teeth gleaming. The Hunter brings judgement to all who ask.
And when they arrive, I shall be speaking to them. Personally. The Hunter will rid this
world of those who do not belong. Any and all aliens who dare sully our sacred land. They
will stride the land and wipe the disease of contamination away, they will...
She waved a hand, disgusted by his expectations, as if she was, indeed, the paladin she
denied being to Karesh. I get it, I get it. So this Hunter is... what? Some kind of...
religious zealot, to bend to your will, to be instructed on how to go about this massacre?
The Nomadian made a sound in his throat. What would you know of it? Every species
has a Hunter. It is written. And every Hunter maintains the peace within its species. But I
will make sure the Earth Hunter understands the humans are a plague, unfit to stay, dirty
little creatures that you are.
Huh. You seem very confident. Why did they have such high expectations of her?
Shed have to look up the mythology.
He made a hissing noise that she equated with laughter. I am the Minister for External
Affairs, and I have met my Earth counterpart. She assured me the humans would leave
once the Hunter arrived to make it so.
Uh oh. And what did you have to give up in return? She asked.
We gave up nothing. We are currently entering into trade negotiations. Legitimate
trade negotiations, for goods we need, not what is pressed upon us.
Oh... crap. She turned slightly as she saw the concierge enter the room. Let me give
you some advice. Cease all negotiations and kick the sorry sod back to Earth where she
belongs.
I will do no such thing! She is a respected member of your World Council, where as
you are nothing more than filthy...
Excuse me for interrupting, Minister. The concierge murmured and turned to her.
Hunter, we will be boarding soon. He said and the Nomadian Minister gasped.
Be careful who you insult, Minister. The unintended consequences could get ugly.
Cambria said with grin and followed the concierge out.
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Chapter Seven
Cambria sat in the First Class section and felt like a kid in an adults seat. For a
Nomadian, there was plenty of space, for bulky torsos and wide heads. For her, it was
ridiculous. The seat belt stretched over her like a lap blanket and the attendants kept
looking at her as if they didnt know what to do with her.
She tried a smile on them, but it had no effect. In the end, she kept her attention on
beyond the window.
The flight took seventeen long Nomadian hours.
The attendants kept offering her food, but until she knew what she could eat without
adverse effects, she had to decline.
Their expressions slowly changed from bewilderment to confusion to near insult, even
after she explained.
The senior attendant turned up and crouched before her. As a human, you must eat.
This journey is longer in your hours than in ours.
I dont know what I can eat except for Turiak, Lishtak and Doonash. She said with a
shrug.
The attendant nodded. It is a good start. We have some Hemrik, well try that.
Thank you, sir, you are most generous.
He showed his teeth. Not at all, we aim to please.
Oh, hell. He was a Nurturer and shed called it a him. Youre a Nurturer. My sincere
apologies, I meant no offense. I did not recognise your form. And her gaze went to the
yellow sunburst tattoo similar to Rodoshs. She should have remembered.
Humans rarely do, but I am gratified that you seek to redress your error. Ill see to your
meal.
The Hemrik, when it arrived, was a spice-ladened gruel that nearly filled a Nomad sized
bowl. Grey with orange flecks.
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Nomadians find it too bland without a shot of flavouring. We went easy on you. The
attendant said with a flash of teeth.
She chuckled. My thanks to you and your staff.
The Nurturer left her to the enormous bowl. The spice buzzed through her system and
she wondered what the Earth equivalent was. When she was finished, she surprised them
by asking for more.
With two bowls in her belly, Cambria relaxed and stared out of the window. There
wasnt much to see. Faintly blue clouds and in between verdant green forests. So, they had
chlorophyll and carbon dioxide. But what made the blue? Potassium? Chemistry had been
a long, long time ago.
Eventually, she dozed and thought on what Jones wanted her to do.
But she couldnt just kill a man because Jones said to. Shed make that decision herself,
thank you very much. Although... if she didnt, Jones would do it and then come after her.
Hed done something similar on Tudor. Manipulated the men and her into challenging
situations to see how shed react.
Bastard.
Shed assess the situation when she got there. Find the illegal corridor and shut it down.
Oh, well, after shed banished the illegal humans back to Earth, that is.
Shed have to come up with a plan for that and she doubted the humans wouldnt
believe her even if she clued them in on what the Geriatha planned for them if they didnt
stop pissing the Nomadians off.
The jet came into land and she gripped the seat expecting a bump, but there was
nothing. The landing was so smooth as to be imperceptible.
Nomadians rose from their seats and collected their baggage. Cambria waited until
theyd disembarked. She did not want to be accidentally bashed in the head by an
inattentive Nomadian who didnt see her.
Once they were gone, she climbed out of the seat and went to the hatch where the
attendants were clustered, farewelling the passengers.
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She caught the eye of one. Thank you, Nurturers, for you care and attention. You have
been most generous to me.
All of them turned to her with a near sigh. Welcome to Susrah City, Hunter. Please, fly
with us on your return journey and good fortune to you.
I shall make every endeavour to do so. Cambria said and exited the plane.
She walked down the corridor, following the other passengers and out onto a concourse.
The air was chilled, as if the air-conditioning was on high, but it was the air itself. The
concourse was open to the street, with pillars holding up the building. At the top of the
arches she saw slits as if when the weather turned really cold, barriers would descend.
Cambria was glad for the coat.
On her left was a map of the city. She pulled out the envelope and checked the hotel
Karesh booked her into. Susrah City, she saw, was half the size of Cohasha City.
It would make moving around much easier, she decided, and turned away, searched for
the car rental area. Should she check in with the local constabulary?
On a shudder, she thought not given what happened the last time she followed
Caparossis rules for Nomad.
For the first time, she saw humans milling around a stall. Their clothes did not suggest
they were passengers, but they werent so poor as to be panhandlers: stained jeans, boots
and lumberjack shirts in a multitude of colours.
She walked over and peered over a mans shoulder.
A Nomadian sat on a three-pegged stool avidly watching a game of three-card monte.
Across from him a grinning, skinny human, man, with unkempt dark hair and brown eyes
flicked the cards around.
This isnt good. She muttered and the man looked up at her.
Whajoosay?
Cambria cleared her throat and spoke again, in English this time.
I was merely commenting on your prowess, is all.
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The Nomadian lost and stood, wandered away. The crowd left as well.
How come youre scamming the natives? Cambria asked and the man.
Gotta make a livin and it aint illegal. Hell, no Earth laws here, we can do pretty much
what we like. Where you come from? I thought I knew everyone who haunted the port.
Elsewhere. She said and turned away.
He jumped up and grabbed her arm. Hey, let me give you a clue. You wanna register
with the boss. He dont like no interlopers and he dont like strangers wandering around.
And where might I meet this fine fellow? She asked, but the sarcasm was lost on him.
You need to git yourself up to Kekotown and check in.
Kekotown? That wasnt on any of her maps.
Boss named it after hisself. Hes God Almighty up there and hell... damage anyone
who disobeys his laws. And that includes people who dont come through his corridor. He
frowned. So where did you come from?
She shook off his hand. Sorry, Ive got a meeting. She turned and tried to walk away,
but he grabbed her again. You do not want to be laying hands on me. She said and
slowly turned.
He gave a sharp whistle and the crowd of six returned to surround her. Tell me where
you came from.
Let me go and we wont have a ruckus.
Someone snickered behind her.
You think these shark-heads will help you? They hate us and if we beat the snot out
you and dragged you off to bury you somewhere, they wont lift a finger to help. One less
uman to deal with.
Yeah, the ugly, bigoted, ignorant human trash, come to Nomad to make an impression.
No wonder Karesh was eager to get rid of humans if this mook was an example. Cambria
glared at him. If you dont release me, you will be the one less human.
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Gentlemen, I believe this young lady has threatened me. What do we do with young
ladies who threaten men here?
A hand landed on her shoulder. We teach them the error of their ways, Eddie.
Ah. Cambria said. So Kekotown is a patriarchy and all the women are oppressed.
The women are whores to do with as we wish. We need children to hold our land.
Cambria gasped with outrage. Your land?
Thats right, our land. These shark-heads let us have it, never fought for it, never even
questioned our being there. So, yeah, our land.
And thats what you all believe. Just so she was clear.
The chuckles went around the semi-circle. Well, yeah. But with the growing
population, Mr Kekovic figures he needs more. The shark-heads are a little unhappy, but
they aint doing nothing to stop us.
You dont see this as... wrong, in any way?
You keep what you can hold, aint that right fellas? Eddie said and she heard the
murmurs of agreement. And weve got the weapons to deal with anyone who disagrees.
Oh, dear. She said. It just isnt right. She shook her head. Well, Id best go see Mr
Kekovic, then.
You aint going nowhere until you tell me where you came from.
A double negative, great. She muttered. I dont have to tell you anything and youre
in my way.
And as they started laughing, she slammed her elbow into the upper belly of the man
who held her shoulder. He went back slightly then bent over. Cambria slammed her fist
into Eddies nose and turned, her knuckles connecting with the other mans jaw.
The five men remaining gaped at her and she kicked the knee of the closest one to her
right, turned to punch the second man in the solar-plexus and lifted her fist to the next
three as the two men fell. One trying to gasp in a breath, the other holding his knee. The
three backed up.
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Bitch! One of them growled.
Cambria sneered at him. You say that like its a bad thing.
He reached into his pocket and drew out a blade.
Oh, excellent. She thought and drew her own knife from the sheath behind her back.
Hers was bigger and she felt anticipation surge through her blood.
Lets dance. She said and walked towards him. He backed up again as if unsure.
Jimmy, Pete, grab her. The man said.
Jimmy, Pete, if you want to die, just try it. She replied.
You fucking broke my nose! Eddie wailed behind her.
She turned and marched back to him, held the tip of the knife to his throat. He stopped
wailing and looked at her over his blood-stained hands. Call off your men or Ill fucking
kill you. She said with barely suppressed rage.
Since completing that stupid report for Senator Dortmund, it seemed men always came
after her as if she was nothing. And always they were surprised when she didnt give them
what they wanted. Was it bad luck or were all off-world men simply assholes? Let me
make it quite clear that I will do whatever it takes to protect myself, even if it means killing
you all.
You dont wanna do that. He said.
She nicked his throat. Do not tell me what I want to do. Call them off and go away
quietly, or so help me in the next five minutes, there will be only bodies.
He said nothing, his eyes shifting over her shoulder.
God damn it! Why did she have to kill someone to make a fucking point!
Whoever is coming up behind me better step away. She said in a loud voice and she
watched Eddies eyes crinkle at the corners as if he didnt believe her. Fine, but Eddie?
You are next.
His gaze met hers and widened as he understood his final mistake. Too late. She was
already turning, shifting the hunting blade and slammed it deep into the chest of the man
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behind her. It slid in easy, too easy and blood erupted, spurted over her hand as she
withdrew the knife and completed her turn, the crimson-stained blade slashed across
Eddies throat in a backhanded strike.
Both men fell at the same time and she glared at the remaining thugs. Anyone else
want to get in my way?
Fuck me, you killed them. The man clutching his knee blurted with disbelief.
She gave him a glance. Do I need to repeat the question?
The one shed punched in the belly got to his feet, still gasping. No, you go on now,
peaceable like. He met her gaze. Well leave you to Kekovic.
She lowered the blade. Good. She glanced at the dead men. You created this mess,
so you get to clean it up. And she walked around them.
Not one Nomadian spared any of them any attention; it was as if the humans didnt exist
for them.
Cambria read the signs and walked over to the door marked Females. Inside, she
washed the blood off the blade and her hands and face, dabbed at the red stains on her
shirt. Shed have to wait until she got to the hotel before she could clean her knife
properly.
Ruined. She muttered and brushed at her shirt. She lifted her eyes to the bottom of the
mirror. She wasnt tall enough for a full look. All because men are assholes. She said to
herself and her mind flashed onto Jones. Yeah, you, too.
She cleaned up as best she could and went to the luggage claim area, picked up her
backpack.
Behind her, she could hear the humans cleaning up. She didnt want to know what they
did with the bodies. On Tudor, the pillars made a meal of any remains - and she provided
most of their meat.
Disgusted with herself, she went to the car hire counter. The Nomadian, another
Nurturer looked down at her.
How may I be of assistance?
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Cambria handed over her documents. I apologise to the Nurturer if my actions caused
the Nurturer any distress. She said and the Nomadians eyes flickered to the humans.
I am gratified you should think to apologies for the actions of your breth... The
Nomadians demeanour changed as she read the documents. There is no need, Hunter, for
you are judgement made flesh be it your own kind or mine. Please, accompany me. The
Nomadian came out from behind the counter and Cambria followed it, aware of human
eyes watching her every move.
* * *
The car was a similar model to the one she left behind in Cohasha City. This one was a
silvery-grey, larger, with thicker tyres.
This is a Nomadian model, but it your key has been modified to allow you access.
The Nomadian brushed a hand over the roof as if the vehicle was everything it had
dreamed of.
My thanks to you, Nurturer, you have been most generous with your time. Cambria
said and the Nomadian stepped back.
You are welcome, Hunter. Good fortune to you.
Cambria opened the door and tossed her pack onto the passenger side, then climbed in.
This sucks. She thought and stared at the instrumentation. The Nomadians were
bending over backwards to help her; as if she was some holy Paladin come to save the day.
And she wasnt, damn it. She was a simple Hunter on a mission to execute a warrant on a
convicted felon.
She shook her head and punched in the destination for the hotel First Officer Karesh
arranged for her.
She needed a feed, a shower and a nice sleep. Not necessarily in that order.
The car moved off.
Kekovic had some serious explaining to do, but she figured hed surrounded himself
with like-minded assholes to protect him.
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Five thousand humans, one corridor, an oppressive despot, an unknown number of
guards and a Nomadian week to get rid of them all.
No wonder she could feel a headache brew... nope, there it went. No headache after all.
The lack of an earned headache deteriorated her mood.
The vehicle took little time to pull up at a light-blue stone, four storey, box building
with an arch for an entry.
The car slowed to a stop and she got out, dragged her bag with her.
A grey robed Nomadian came out of the entry. You cannot park there. He said and
she looked at him.
Why not?
Because... because...
It parked itself. You want it moved? She tossed him the card. You do it. She went to
march off, then paused with a huff and turned. Please and thank you. She said and
showed her teeth.
He blinked at her as if unsure of what to do.
Cambria shook her head and went inside.
The interior was carved stone, pictorials done in a precise and creative hand all around
her. She saw images of wars, of peace, of birth and death. It was strangely beautiful and
repellent at the same time.
A Nomadian looked at her from behind the counter and Cambria approached.
I regret to inform the human, but we do not serve your species here. It was a polite
voice, but she heard the underlying tension as the Nomadian kept glancing at her blood-
stained shirt.
Cambria brought out her documents, slapped them on the counter top. Yeah, you do.
She said and the Nomadian opened... its mouth without glancing at the papers. Look,
Nurturer, before you offend me again. She warned and the Nomadians eyes lowered to
the pages.
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I do not understand this. It muttered. We do not serve humans.
Then I suggest you get someone who does understand. Cambria drew in a deep breath
and eased it out. I beg your pardon, Nurturer, that was inexcusable of me. Perhaps youd
be more comfortable consulting with a colleague?
Yes, I think I shall. And the Nurturer went through a door at the back of reception,
closed it with a snap.
Maybe it was better if she was evicted. Any trail would then end here and she could get
on with finding Kekovic. Since the local Nomadians had no love for humans, she was
fairly confident her presence in the Province would remain a secret. Of course, the way
people were acting, someone might let slip that the Great Earth Hunter had arrived to
save them all.
A Nomadian with more experienced eyes emerged from the door.
I regret you have been treated in such a distressing way, Hunter. Please accept my
most sincere apologies. He said with a slight bow of his head. Under normal
circumstances, we do not allow any other species into this establishment and that includes
humans.
So they discriminated against any species not their own.
Think nothing of it. She lied and showed her teeth.
The First Officer of Cohasha is most eager that we facilitate your mission. I shall
endeavour to fulfil her request to the utmost of my ability.
You have my thanks, Nurturer. Damn, but she was tired of the formalised language.
I regret I cannot supply you with the best room, but that has been taken by a visiting
dignitary.
I thank you for your generosity, Nurturer, however a simple room would be most
welcome.
Indeed. Then it is most fortunate that we have one of those. He leaned over and gave
her a card. Allow me to escort you.
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Please. She murmured and he came out from behind the counter.
This way, Hunter.
The room, on the second floor, might have been small by Nomadian standards, but it
was nicely large by hers.
A blue-curtained window, a platform bed with side tables, a desk and chair with a small
entertainment unit and a bathroom. All she needed.
My thanks to you, Nurturer. She said and he dipped his head.
You are most welcome, Hunter. May your stay be refreshing. The Nurturer said and
left.
Cambria dropped her pack and flopped onto the bed.
She was tired, out of sorts, pissed off with everyone and everything: The First Officer
for blackmailing her, Jones for manipulating her and the great sex, the bastard the
unknown authorities for the technology inside her, the bloody protocols when dealing with
Nurturers and Kekovic for thinking he could just come here and make his own country.
Oh, and the politician who thought to trade with the Nomadians without checking if the
human had the authority.
It was all a fucking mess. She just wanted to go home to her apartment and... Cambria
no longer had a private home all her gear had been disposed of while she was on Tudor.
She was a woman without a home, without even the smallest of personal memorabilia.
She closed her eyes and dozed, uncaring of the time or the unfolding events here or on
Earth. All she could do was sleep when she was tired, work when she wasnt and sort out
the time differences and events later. God damn it!

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Chapter Eight
When she awoke from a surprisingly good sleep, she rose and showered, dressed in
fresh jeans, a white t-shirt and flannel shirt. Shed run out soon if she didnt find the
Nomadian equivalent of a laundry. Maybe in the basement?
Her belly growled and popped and squeaked with demands for food. Cambria rearmed
herself with knives and pistols, stuffed some cash into her pocket and chewed on an energy
bar on her way down to the foyer, while putting on the alien-tech coat.
A different Nurturer stood as sentinel.
Excuse me, Nurturer, is there somewhere I can find human food and information about
your province?
Black eyes looked her over with contempt.
She lifted a finger. I am a guest. Should you doubt it, check with your concierge, but
do not make any comment about my status here.
If the... human wishes to feed itself, it need only walk out of the hotel and into the alien
district. If the human wishes to educate itself about the local environment, it need only ask
another human. It showed teeth.
Yeah, you just had to be a shit. Nurturer, I am disinclined to lecturer you on manners
since the majority of Nurturers are already well-tutored in them. However, while I am
away, perhaps youd like to discuss with your boss why youre such a fucking asshole to
the fucking HUNTER!
She heard the intake of breath as she strode away; she didnt care if it was because of
her intemperate language or her final word.
Cambria shoved the doors open and dared the doorman with her eyes to say or do
anything. He retreated and she turned towards the street. An alien district?
Her encyclopaedia came online and a map with directions appeared. It was as if a
translucent line was painted on her eyeballs. If she moved her eyes, the line stayed steady,
like a compass. She followed the line away from the hotel, one hand casually tilted on her
hip for ease of access to her blade and pistols.
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The air held the scent of snow, but the streets remained clear. Cambria walked to the
intersection and saw the sign to the alien quarter to the left. In this part of the city,
Nomadians, bundled into thin-shelled coats walked the streets and shopped.
A kilometre away, she saw the first alien. A short, rotund being, the colour of
raspberries, undulate towards her. Cambria kept her head raised. She guessed it was rude in
anyones culture to stare. Of course, that was human assumption.
The noise increased as she approached the quarter and she felt her shoulders begin to
relax. Aliens of all colour and sizes walked along the footpaths, drove or rode by on
vehicles acceptable to their own species - some unknown species, but humans, too.
Maybe they were becoming a plague or an invasion force if Kekovic couldnt be
stopped from implementing his mad scheme. She prayed she was wrong, but...
The humans, male, female, children, all bundled up against the cold, stared at her as she
walked by. She didnt stop to ask, nor did they turn their gazes away. It was as if they saw
in her a different species.
And, she supposed, she was. She came here willingly, to do a job; they came here to
start a new life and from the hollow-eyed look of them, wished they could return.
Cambria looked at the signs and smiled. She stepped into the restaurant and drew in the
fragrant scent of roasting meat.
Table for one? A young, blonde teenage girl with light blue eyes asked her and she
nodded.
Please.
She followed the girl to a table set against the wall. We dont get many strangers here.
The girl said and handed her a menu.
Do you know everyone in the quarter? Cambria asked.
Mostly, but you have a different look about you, more... She shrugged. Dunno, just
more.
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Ill be having the roast beef with all the trimmings. She said. Followed by the sticky
date pudding and brandy cream. All of that pre-cursored by the honeyed prawns. Her
mouth salivated just thinking about the richness.
Is that after dessert? The teenager asked and Cambria smiled.
No, thats before the roast beef.
Huh. Okay, if youre sure you can fit all that in. She took the menu and eyed Cambria
with doubt.
Ill eat it all. Cambria assured her and the girl went into the kitchen.
For what was on the menu, someone had to import all the ingredients, or had brought
livestock and seeds. Either did not bode well for the indigenous species.
The girl retuned with a glass pot in one hand, a mug in the other. Coffee?
Cambria looked at the dark liquid. Real coffee?
Yeah. Beans are from Kekotown and ground right here in the quarter.
Then Id really like some, please.
The girl set the mug down and brown liquid poured into the ceramic. The scent nearly
had Cambria groaning.
The one thing that she missed most of all on Tudor was a freshly brewed, strong cup of
coffee. Ssoclar was good, hell, it was great, but it wasnt a Brazilian or Peruvian blend.
She nursed the cup between her hands and studied the diners. It was as if she was back
on Earth sitting in an ordinary restaurant, except for the occasional alien passing by the
front door. And how long would it take for that image to become a reality in the cities of
Earth? Would that be such a bad thing?
Then she thought of Kekotown and knew such open immigration could lead Earth to
disaster, whether it intended to or not. Any invader could...
The young waitress slid a plate of honey prawns, dipped in batter, fried and covered
with sticky honey and sesame seeds onto the table.
Sticks or fork? The teenager asked and she looked up.
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Chopsticks, please.
The girl handed them over and turned as the bell rang above the door. Cambria dived in.
Uh, oh. The girl said. Enforcers. She scurried back to the kitchen.
Cambria lifted her head, expecting to see Nomadian Enforcers. Instead, two burly, bull-
necked human men surveyed the diners, batons at their sides. Each had identical short dark
hair, each had an identical look in their eyes that meant trouble for anyone who stepped out
of line.
She dismissed them and went back to eating the fabulous prawns. Her system delighted
in the sweet, crunchy, oh, yeah, prawny flavour.
The last prawn went into her mouth and she closed her eyes to savour it. There was a
bang on a table top and she opened her eyes.
You. Show me some identification.
They were at the table next to her and the young father brought out his wallet, handed it
over with a shaky hand.
The teenager came out, turned her back to the Enforcers and lifted her empty plate.
How was that? She asked, fear widening her eyes.
Excellent as usual. Cambria replied with a smile and the teenager set down the roast
beef with vegetables.
Do you need a top up of coffee? Her voice trembled slightly.
I sure do.
Right. And she moved away for the carafe.
Cambria focused on her meal. Real, live... er, well, beef. With roasted potatoes and
pumpkin and peas.
The teenager returned with the carafe.
Well be having a cup too, Wendy. A rumbly voice said above Cambria and she kept
her attention on her plate as the men sat down in front of her.
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They didnt speak while she consumed her dinner, but she did see them exchange
glances as Wendy placed mugs in front of them and poured the coffee.
One had the temerity to slap the girl on the backside as she walked away. Wendy
scurried quickly into the kitchen without a backward glance.
The men let Cambria finish her meal.
Oh, that filled the spot. She said, picked up her coffee and leaned back in her chair,
waited for one of them to speak.
So, the one on the left with blue eyes said. I understand youre not from around
here.
From whom do you understand?
He gave her a smile. Nope. You are definitely not from around here. So the question is,
where are you from?
She sipped her fresh brew. Why does it matter?
Because, the other one said, Mr Kekovic likes to keep an accounting of the
population. For infrastructure purposes.
Oh, so you two are...?
Enforcers. Civilian enforcers. The first said with a smile and drank from his mug.
I thought enforcers were Nomadian. Cambria said with a smile.
Not in this part of town. This is the alien quarter and so only aliens can enforce order.
The second one said.
How... odd.
Not really. The first said. You see, the Nomadians have a real nasty temper when it
comes to aliens. And when they go off, well, lets say the results arent pretty given those
teeth.
Cambria shuddered. Oh, I can imagine. But I thought they were peaceful.
They are, until provoked into a temper. So, youre from...?
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Hmmm? Oh, Cohasha City. She replied and watched the eyebrows rise.
We didnt know there was a corridor there; Mr Kekovic isnt going to be pleased. Are
you registered here yet?
Cambria shook her head. Im not staying. Just passing through.
If youre thinking to use Mr Kekovics corridor, its going to cost you a lot. And thats
if he allows you to leave. Hes always on the lookout for attractive women.
Why?
To procreate with, or to use as labour. He needs to increase the population base here to
defend it. The first one frowned. Why are you passing through? Whats your true
purpose here?
Twofold really. One is to speak with Mr Kekovic about his illegal land grab and the
other is to warn him that if he doesnt stop, the Nomadians will initiate their final solution
against all humans on the planet. She lowered her mug as amusement drifted in their eyes.
They keep withdrawing; they dont fight. Why would they now?
Because the population is getting out of control and there is growing dissent in the
Geriatha. Legislation is afoot, you know.
The frowns returned, deeper. And you know this... how?
Time to invoke the great name. Cambria sighed. Excalibur told me thered be days like
this. She said. Because...
You know Excalibur Jones? The first one said and exchanged a sharp glance with his
colleague.
I do. She said and raised an eyebrow. Then turned as diners shifted away from her
table as if there was about to be violence.
Oh, boy. Mr Kekovic is going to want to talk with you. Would you mind coming with
us? They pushed back their chairs, hands on batons.
Ive got sticky date pudding and custard...
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The second man turned towards the kitchen where the door was cracked and eyes
peered out.
Wendy! Bag and tag! He shouted and door shut.
Cambria rose with a sigh and dug out some currency, set the amount down with a
generous tip.
The first man snorted. Shark-head money. Well, its worth more than our local. But I
get the feeling you are in a whole lot of trouble and youre not going to be able to buy
yourself out of this.
* * *
Outside, a four-wheeled vehicle nudged the curb. The first enforcer opened the back
door for her and she climbed in, ignored the staring eyes framed by the restaurant window.
The second man came out with a bag and handed it to her. Then both climbed in and the
car pulled away from the curb.
The second man drove; the first leaned over the seat. Youve got time to finish that,
Kekotown is about two hours north of here.
Great. Ive missed this.
Yeah? Been away long?
She opened the bag and the container, breathed in the fragrant scent of home. Oh,
baby. She murmured, then gave the men a sheepish smile. Sorry, Im having a moment
here. She swallowed the first mouthful. Yeah, Ive been away. Thats how I know
Excalibur. He and I were on Tudor together. But you know he was there.
The man nodded. Yep. Nasty guy or as charming as hell, depending on his mood.
Cambria rubbed her cheek, just below the thin scar. You got that right.
He give that to you?
Indirectly. He caused it to happen and that makes him guilty.
And the other? His voice softened.
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Protecting him. And the other villagers, though Jones had expected her to die at the
gate. Fortunately, Chien saved her.
No wonder you know him. Thats just the type of prick he is.
Cambria finished the dessert in silence and the two men kept glancing at each other as if
sending psychic messages.
She watched the countryside out the side window. Half an hour outside of town, she
saw a field, or meadow, the pink-tinged grass carefully kept short and yet it wasnt used
for agriculture. Gatherings, maybe or just a buffer between the forest and Susrah?
The driver stepped on the gas and the car sped down the dirt road. The field disappeared
as they entered the forest. Tall, evergreens with broad leaves and dark trunks, pine-like
trees that looked subtly wrong until she looked through the human vision. Whoa. Pink?
And the broad leaves were orange?
She shuddered. Colourful foliage this time of year. She murmured as the scenery
raced by. Hadnt they heard of speed lim... of course not. No Earth laws here.
Autumns worse. Purple, blue and yellow, with some green and violet thrown in just to
make you ill. The driver said.
Did it take either of long to get used to it?
It takes everyone time to get used to it. Nature is truly fucked up here, but Mr Kekovic
is working on changing it by planting some real stock, especially grass and eucalypts.
Well soon have a home away from home.
The Nomadians wont allow it. She said and saw something dart into the
undergrowth. Mammal?
The Nomadians wont stop us. The driver smirked and earned a nudge from his
partner.
Oh... dear. She murmured. Was Kekovic building an army or had he brought through
weapons of mass destruction? Either was bad, but she had to look at the other end of the
corridor, with or without Kekovics permission.
Why do you follow him? She asked.
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Because he came here first and created a settlement for those who followed. Without
him, wed never have survived. The passenger said.
And what made you come here in the first place? Why leave Earth?
The driver huffed out a breath. Personally, I got sick of all the rules and regulations the
World Council kept passing. All it did was make the situation worse, not better. Bloody
high-minded assholes passing laws that made no sense in the real world. Got fed up and
when the offer came along, well I jumped at it.
You? She asked the blue-eyed enforcer.
Ah... had a few problems with the local constabulary. Thought it better to remove
myself from temptation their temptation to incarcerate me, that is. How about you?
Me? Well, as you know, I was on Tudor with Jones. Not a place for your average
felon. When the retrieval squads came, well ah just threw mahself upon the mer-say of the
soldiers and they took pity on lil ole me. She met the drivers gaze. Tudor is a planet
reserved for men only. As you can imagine, it was not a happy time for me.
The drivers eyes widened, then narrowed with speculation.
Do not think of acting on that thought. The one thing I learned from Excalibur Jones,
was how to defend myself. Jones is the kind of man who throws you into a situation where
you lived or died. Experience, Enforcer, is the best teacher.
His gaze shifted away and Cambria decided to take a nap. The men spoke in low voices,
but she couldnt hear the words, content to drift in the limbo between sleep and
wakefulness.
The slowing of the vehicle and rattling bumps over a wooden bridge brought her to full
consciousness and she sat up.
The landscape changed and Cambria saw shirtless men cutting down the forest with
noisy, chemically-fueled chainsaws. They were clearing up to the rivers edge and she
shook her head.
Man never learns, she thought with disgust as they came into a village built of felled
trees and painted brown. She looked at a new construction and noted the raw pink logs.
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The village had streets all the way down to the golden sand and green ocean. But it wasnt
the village outpost she expected: it was a town. How many people were really here? And
how badly had Karesh underestimated the human population?
Her suspicions of Kekovic planning a provincial takeover solidified to dreaded
certainty. This was going to be more difficult than rounding up a few hundred people.
There are a lot more people here than I thought. She said.
Sure are. And those shark-heads dont know or dont care. The driver said and pulled
up in front of a two storey colonial-style log cabin... well, house really. It was larger than
any of the others nearby. He leaned over the seat to face her. Anyway, its not as if you or
anyone else can do anything about it. We are here to stay. He grinned with absolute
assurance. Now, out you get. Mr Kekovic is waiting.
Cambria climbed out into the cold air. Phew. Chilly up here. She closed up her coat
and the internal heaters warmed.
Mr Kekovic is working to change that too.
How? She turned to the enforcer who sat in the passenger seat and frowned. Then she
stared at him, tight-lipped. Hes planning on expanding his territory to the land to the
south.
Now, youre getting it. Come along. He lightly grasped her elbow and walked her up
the wooden stairs and through the double doors.
Here is the admin centre that processes every arrival. As you can see, it can get quite
busy. We cant keep up with construction, though we are making a mighty effort.
Whats your population now?
He cocked his head in thought. Um... about eighty-five hundred.
Oh, boy. And how many do the Nomadians think you have?
He laughed at her question. About one to two thousand. We like to keep it that way,
too. The less they know about our numbers, the more surprised theyre going to be when
we expand.
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Karesh thought the total human population on Nomad was five thousand. Now, the
driver was telling her there were an extra six thousand plus.
But they have satellites, aircraft.
They dont come here, dont fly over at all. We think its to do with the weather. Too
cold up there for aircraft. He lifted a shoulder. Weve never seen them, anyway. Plus we
have most of the extra population in houses in the forest; the sharks cant see em.
Christ. How naive was that?
The enforcer guided her up the wide, hand-carved stairs to the second level. Here it was
quieter and he led her to another double door. He tugged down his uniform jacket and
knocked. A deep, accented voice bid him to enter.
He gripped the door knob, opened the door and ushered her inside.
Cambria felt her eyes round. He as big as Sam!
Vladimir Kekovic must have topped out at close to seven feet tall and four axe-handles
across the shoulders, all bone and muscle. He had the look of the Slav about him, with the
high cheekbones, the lantern jaw, close cropped grey hair and light blue eyes. He looked at
Cambria, his gaze drifting from her head to her boots and back again as he stood behind
his hand-crafted desk.
Come in Enforcer James... and guest. His voice boomed, or was that just the sudden
spike of fear that blasted through her?
James led her to a chair. Nodded she should sit and stood behind her when she did.
Well, now. What do we have here? Kekovic boomed. I dont believe weve met and
I assure you, Id remember an ugly scar like that on your face.
Well, hell, she knew where it was, everyone who looked at her knew where it was so
why... oh, he was going after her vanity.
I wouldnt have let you come through my corridor. So, who are you, where did you
come from and what do you want?
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His pale eyes bore into hers and she swallowed. My name is Cambria Petersen, Ive
come from Cohasha City and Im here to warn you that if you keep expanding your
population and stealing land, the Nomadians are coming up here to kick your butt.
Kekovic grinned, his wide smile showcased his white even teeth. Then he laughed, a
big booming noise that echoed around the room.
Cambria leaned over the chair arm and looked behind James. People. People who drank,
or lounged, or simply watched the events. And sycophants every one of them, unless shed
missed her guess; men and women, maybe ten of them.
She sat straight and paid attention to Kekovic as the laughter died down.
Oh, oh, that was a good one. I havent had a spontaneous laugh like that since... well,
for some time. What makes you think the Nomadians are capable of anything? Theyve
done nothing but shift backwards since I got here. Theyve retreated, girl and not done a
damn thing.
Why would you think they wont do something if you push them too far? Have you
seen their teeth?
Pah. So theyre evolved from sharks. Not much caring on this side of the fence if they
dont use them. And Ive seen nothing but appeasement since I arrived. I fully expect that
to continue. So. He crossed his thick arms over his massive chest. What to do with you.
Ill not have you contaminating my breeding pens and I doubt youd be much good as a
worker, what with those clothes.
Cambria slowly stood. You might want to pull that macho stick out of your ass and
listen to me; or are you too much of the ego-maniacal, thick-headed, blunt-ended, nut-job
of a tosser Jones said you were, to listen to anyone elses point of view?
She heard a collective gasp behind her and James laid a hand on her shoulder. Not to
detain, but to warn.
Kekovics expression closed up tight. His mouth twisted. Excalibur Jones.
Cambria felt a moments fear at the look in Kekovics eyes, then a spurt of anger at
herself and Jones. Hed dumped her in it. Again. Sam had a similar look when shed first
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met him until she proved an able apprentice and tested his weapons. She didnt know what
changed Sams mind, but hed become a friend. Now, he was missing, and only Jones
knew what happened to him. This man-mountain, however...
Oh, she was going to kill Jones stone motherless dead when she saw him next.
Kekovic came around the desk. Excalibur Jones. He said again and leaned his butt on
the desk edge. Owes me.
Owes you? She swallowed over the sudden dryness in her throat.
Hes a fucking psychopath, but I guess you know that if you know him. My question is
why youre still alive.
She was on Tudor with him. James put in and Kekovics eyes narrowed.
Tudor, is it. He tisked and sexual interest entered his expression. Well, I guess you
know him very well, indeed. Weve all heard about it, of course.
He reached out his ham-sized left hand and brushed the scar on her jaw with a finger.
He do this?
No. A Komatsu. About the size of a hippopotamus with the temperament of hungry
tiger. Cambria said and he continued to stare at it, kept brushing his finger along the dead
skin.
And the other one?
Assassins arrow. A little too close for comfort. She met his gaze. Theyre dead
now; the Komatsu and the assassin.
Hmm. He said softly. A propensity for violence. Not so good unless I order it.
She would have said something, but his right hand came around like a pile-driver and
hammered her.
Stars exploded in her vision and she flew back, hit the wall and bounced to the ground
on her hands and knees. Through the bell-ringing in her ears, she heard shouting, the
trample of a crowd departing rapidly, then his boot connected with her ribs and lifted her
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off the floor. Her back hit the wall again and she crashed to the ground her body screaming
with the agony of broken bones. But Kekovic wasnt done with her yet.
He grabbed the front of her coat and lifted her clear off the ground and tossed her
towards the now vacant lounge area. The room spun, swirled as she went over his
shoulder.
She had a moment to think, this is going to hurt, and she slammed into the furniture,
broke the coffee table. Her vision flickered through the spectrum as Kekovic advanced on
her, dragged her upright again.
You think you can come here and insult me? He demanded. Me? King of all I
survey.
Hot blood dripped from her mouth. Yeah, I do, you stupid fuck. She said and found
herself airborne again.
The wall didnt seem so hard this time and she didnt feel the floor at all when she
landed.

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Chapter Nine
Cambrias eyes opened to darkness; absolute, total darkness. The smell of soil, loamy,
freshly dug soil tickled her nose. She lay face down on the dirt, but didnt feel the weight
of earth surrounding her. They hadnt buried her.
She shifted onto her back and stared up.
Her vision rearranged itself. Someone had put her into a hole but she could see through
the wooden hatch to the deep orange glow of sunset. A punishment hole or an intended
grave?
As beaten as they thought her, an interrogator could stand above and demand answers
or close the hatch let her suffer some more until she gave in. If she didnt comply, they
could leave her here to rot and fill it in later.
She rolled to her knees and crouched.
Score one for the alien tech. Her injuries had healed, now she was just starving.
Oh, but Kekovic had made a mistake in his handling of her. But shed made the mistake
in her dealings with him. Subtlety wasnt her strong suit, unfortunately. Something else
Jones trained out of her, damn him.
She got the impression Kekovic didnt truck with anyone disagreeing with him, with
publicly contradicting him, or insulting him. And it was the insults hed taken personally,
the sensitive little flower, she smirked.
Cambria set her shoulders against the hatch, braced her feet and pushed upwards. The
hatch popped off more easily than she expected. Not locked in, after all.
She looked around at the forest. Trees rose above her, straight, strong and most
definitely in danger from Kekovic and his colonists.
She climbed out, shivered and checked herself over. Theyd taken every weapon,
including her favourite knife, but theyd left her with her clothes and the coat. She brushed
of the dirt, sealed the front and the inside began to warm.
Her belly was on the growl again. Given the beating shed taken, a four course meal
wouldnt satisfy her.
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She flipped the wooden hatch back into position.
What to do now?
Kekovic, from her short conversation with him, was a narcissistic, ego-driven bully
with delusions of grandeur. And he cared not a jot for anyone or anything that got in his
way. He was determined to take this planet through stealth, if necessary, and didnt
understand that inaction didnt mean no action.
The fool.
His arrogance could get his whole village town - wiped out. But he wouldnt care,
because he had close access to his corridor should the Nomadians invade.
And the corridor was on the first level of his house. All she had to do was get in and
check it out. Send a message through to Caparossi and bring in the Retrieval teams without
the Nomadians finding out.
Simple in thought, but not easy in execution.
She used her new vision to search out the village, used her ears to listen.
The hush of the cold breeze through the leaves, the moan through the pines, the subtle
scratching of ground dwellers, but she detected no human activity, no sound of the sea or
river. Shed been dumped in the middle of nowhere.
Her eyes searched the ground for the trail. She walked around the pit, searched for the
tell-tale signs of disturbed ground. There. The fallen pine needles, inadvertently scuffed
aside as two men adjusted position to toss her into the pit.
Cambria stepped forward, searched for another disturbance, found it and lifted her head.
They went that away. She murmured and began to walk.
Night came slowly to the land, but it didnt matter to her. Her stroll through the quiet,
fragrant forest soothed her tension and relaxed her mind. How could Kekovic wantonly
destroy the forest? How could his colonists do it for him when their own planet was still
recovering from centuries of deforestation?
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They had no right. No right at all and shed do everything she could to convince them to
leave Nomad and return to Earth.
Night drew in as she walked. But her eyesight still sought out disturbed ground.
The scuff marks on the ground ceased in a clearing where the vehicle had parked. She
saw the larger blood spots stain the dirt. Where to now? She wondered and the
encyclopaedia clicked on.
Cambria closed her eyes and focused on the Province.
Kekovic would want her far away from his village, somewhere no one would find her.
The map showed her position. And hed put her a long way from his village, indeed, but
not from civilisation.
* * *
Cambria saw the sign first and snorted. Idiot man.
The night sky glittered above as she walked to the limits of Susrah City. Street lights
glowed bright and people still walked the footpaths.
She jammed her hand into the pocket of her jeans but some mongrel dog had stolen her
money.
The encyclopaedia directed her back to her hotel. At least she had the sense not to take
all of the Nomadian money with her on her foray for food.
The original Nomadian was at the desk and its eyes widened at her appearance.
She dug into the back of her pocket and drew out the blank door card. Obviously, who
ever robbed her didnt think it important.
The Nomadian watched her walk past without speaking and she locked herself into her
room, dragged out half a dozen energy bars and consumed them quickly as she lay on the
bed.
Bastards. Assholes. Pricks.
With her belly slightly mollified, she sat up, then stood to peel her coat off. Her lip
curled. Her white shirt and jeans were heavily stained with dirt and blood.
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She had one last clean pair of clothes. Before changing, she picked up the strange
telephone thing, stuck one end in her ear and hoped she had it around the right way. She
called down to the front desk.
How may I assist you?
Good Eve, Nurturer, this is Hunter Petersen. I would like to know if you have a clothes
cleaning facility within the hotel?
Silence greeted her request and she could imagine the Nurturers nurturing side battling
with the need to deride an interloper.
I had a run in with some stupid humans and I need to wash their blood off my clothes.
She lied. She hadnt laid a hand on Kekovic; but she would. Oh, yes she damn well would
and hed know hed been kissed.
Yes, Hunter, we do. But allow us to clean your clothes for you. We are, as always, at
your service. The unctuous tone grated on her nerves.
Thank you, Nurturer, however I have some... anger issues I need to work out and being
domestic eases my mind. Cambria said and realised it was true.
Then please, make use of our facilities on the basement level.
Thank you, Nurturer. She said with her teeth gritted. You are most generous.
You are welcome. Good Eve, Hunter.
Cambria could have sworn she heard a smug, condescending tone, but she let it go.
Laundry waited. She showered and climbed into her last set of clean clothes, then bundled
up her blood-stained garments.
Downstairs in the basement, she stared at the egg-like machines. She eased out a breath,
rotated her neck, rolled tight shoulders as she realised she had no idea how to operate the
machines, or even which one washed and which was the dryer.
She stomped upstairs to the reception.
Hunter. How may I assist you?
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Dozens of replies all of them nasty sprang to mind, but she resisted. I beg your
indulgence, Nurturer, but I cannot operate the cleaning devices.
The Nurturer bared its teeth and brought out a laundry bag, set it on the counter. I
anticipated the Hunters needs and prepared a bag.
As always, you are most generous. Cambria said on a sigh. Mouse-trapped and hoist
on her own arrogant petard. Thank you, Nurturer. You have taught me a valuable lesson.
We aim to please, Hunter, in all things. The Nurturer opened the bag and she dropped
her laundry in. It shall be ready by morning.
You are a Mechdar fruit. Cambria said and frowned at the foreign word. It was the
Nomadian equivalent of a peach.
The Nurturer exposed more teeth and tilted its head. Good Eve, Hunter.
Cambria walked away, heard the hiss of laughter behind her. She figured that if the boss
heard the Nurturer, Words Would Be Spoken.
Tired, emotionally and physically, Cambria trudged upstairs to her room. She studied
the drugged tooth wash and shrugged her shoulders, used it. No one knew shed returned
and she could do with a long rest. She stripped off, lay her clothes at the end of the
enormous bed and climbed in.
Kekovic could wait; but only until shed had a solid eight... or more.
* * *
Dawn eased back the night to a grey, rainy day.
Cambria lay in her warm bed and brooded as she watched the rain streak the window
glass.
The Nurturer on duty last night probably hadnt expected to see her because it had
been shifted to the graveyard shift as punishment. No boss to chastise it for its language.
She wouldnt underestimate the Nomadians again, but especially the Nurturers. They
were cagey beasts with all manner of lesson to teach unsuspecting humans interlopers
like her assumption about the laundry being human-friendly.
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On a sigh, she sat up and stretched the kinks out of her body. She needed a big feed, a
plan and some replacement weapons. The first two she could manage, the last... was
problematic.
It wasnt as if she could go down to the front desk and ask, either. Still, did Nomadians
hunt with weapons, those harpoons, or did they use their teeth?
She smiled as she got up and dressed. She eyed the tainted tooth wash and decided to
dump it; shed buy more later. She grabbed some cash and headed out.
A new Nurturer was at the desk. Hunter, your clothes have been refreshed and will be
available in your room by hours end.
Thank you, Nurturer, you are most kind.
Teeth. Lots of razor-sharp teeth, rows of teeth.
Cambria went down to the alien district. She did not go into the restaurant of last night,
but headed into a cafe and perused the menu.
Waffles? Here? Oh, she was so having that!
Help ya? The cook was pot-bellied and unshaven with a just-got-out-of-bed puffiness
around the eyes.
Ill have the waffles, two plates, eggs sunny-side up ham, hash browns and the
biggest mug of coffee you can rustle up. She beamed at him.
Right. He turned away without a flicker of an eyelid.
Cambria found herself a seat a little back from the window so she could watch the
street. The last thing she needed was for Enforcer James and partner to see her wandering
around, whole and unharmed. Theyd want to know why.
And she preferred to kick seven shades of shit out of them and answer no questions at
all.
Very few humans were out on the street, which puzzled her, until she thought of the
time. Days and nights were long here. Was the shift responsible? No one could continually
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work a fifteen hour day, so maybe shopping and shop staff rotated in shifts. It was a
thought.
If true, perhaps the village operated on a similar scale, with shifts on and off for the
construction workers and administration staff.
Did that give her an opportunity? Maybe, but she thought shed await full darkness
before heading in to kick some butts and take names... take names. The Administration
centre would have a register of all immigrants. Useful when she contacted Caparossi... ah.
No communicator.
She really needed to access the corridor, dial up the... Hmm. No communicator with the
emergency code.
Then again, she could go through to the source point, find out where it was and return
as an immigrant. As a plan, it was fraught with opportunities for discovery. If she invoked
her Hunter status, pandemonium would break out. She had no doubt the colonists knew
what they were doing was illegal, but did they know about the despot they were heading
towards?
Probably not given the lack of enthusiasm of the village. Yes, they built houses, yes,
they dealt with the administration and incoming immigrants. But now she thought about it,
the only people who were excited were the immigrants.
Order up! The cook called and a waitress, with equally puffy eyes grabbed the plates
and wandered over.
Here you go, hon. Enjoy. She said in a monotone and Cambria looked up into her
sleep-glazed eyes.
Long shift? She asked.
Yeah. I cant get used to the thirty-four hour days. No one can. She shuffled away and
came back with Cambrias coffee.
Looks like you could use a shot of this. She said and the waitress shrugged.
Sleeps all I need, preferably back on Earth where the hours are reasonable.
Why dont you go? Cambria asked and poured syrup over her waffles.
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Kekovics exorbitant tax. No one can afford it. Once youre here, here you stay.
Cambria mulled it over. And if you complain? She finally asked the near asleep on
her feet waitress.
Sends his boys around to remind us whos in charge.
Man needs to see sense. She muttered.
No one around who is strong enough, since that Jones fella got the giblets smacked out
of him. Hes gone now. Dead, or disappeared. Everyone else is afraid and buckles down.
And that was why Jones sent her in. He saw her as his own personal assassin and, damn
her, shed proved it to him time and time again that she was willing to kill.
It didnt affect her appetite and the waitress left to get the eggs and ham.
Got an appetite goin there, hon.
Can you keep a secret? Cambria asked.
The waitress looked at her and wandered away. She poured coffee and came back, sat
across from Cambria. Yeah, I reckon.
Im here to take on Kekovic and kick those illegal immigrants back to where they
came from.
Aw hell, hon, now why did you have to go and tell me that?
Because everyone needs hope and you look like you could use some. Cambria smiled.
Right. Just so Kekovic can come along and push us further under his thumb. Thanks,
but no thanks. You wanna go and get yourself killed, make sure you pay your bill first.
Well, if you hear of anything happening with the Nomadians, let me know, Ill be
back. If you hear of ructions up at Kekovics village, that will, in all likelihood, be me and
you should pack your bags.
Huh. Ill think about it. She pressed her hands against the table top and rose.
Cambria enjoyed her breakfast in relative silence and peace. She saw more than one
enforcer vehicle slowly patrol the rain-slicked street, more than one alien shift their eyes
away to avoid being noticed and hurry away.
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The people here lived under oppression the humans, at least. But what did the other
aliens have to fear?
She sat with her second cup of coffee and watched. No one smiled, no one enjoyed the
cold morning air. All huddled in their coats, their eyes darting as if... if they were spotted
something bad would happen.
This was ridiculous. How could one man hold so many people in fear?
Because he ruled the corridor. He ruled the land and ergo, ruled the people with an iron
fist.
Sad that. Such a big man should have looked after his people, not scare them like this.
She had to do something for them, free them from the crippling weight of fear and the
only thing she could think of was to kill Kekovic and show his followers, his sycophants,
just how wrong they were to pick Kekovics side.
Cambria drained her mug, tossed some bills on the table and went outside into the
street, stuck close to the sides of the shops to stay out of the rain. Like everyone else, she
huddled into her coat, even though the internal heaters kicked in to warm her.
A little window shopping was in order. Maybe shed find exactly what she need in the
form of a sharp, long handled blade.
Kekovic knew his people, understood the fear and what frightened people might do to
their overlord.
The best knives she could find were small kitchen knives, utility, paring and bread.
None of the bigger knives. The cleavers, boning or carving. There were no gun shops at all.
And that fit. Kekovic controlled the food and equipment sources. Cambria had not seen
one item of Nomadian manufacturer in the alien district.
She moved through the streets, head down and collar up. Shed look at the Nomadian
side of the city and returned for her vehicle.
The map kindly told her where to go and she found a parking spot up the street from
what on Earth, would be called a Sporting Goods store.
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Inside, Nomadians shifted away from her as if she smelled nasty. And given the
behaviour of the Enforcers and Kekovic, they were right to assume she was up to no good.
A big Nomadian approached her, his eyes blinking. We do not serve humans here. You
must go to your own quarter.
I cannot get what I need there. She replied, squinting up at him.
That is not an issue for us. Please leave, you are making the other customers nervous.
Can you tell me where I can get a hunting knife?
He leaned down to her level. Humans are forbidden to carry weapons.
O-kay. What about sticks? Are we allowed to carry sticks?
Sticks?
Yeah, like, metal ones, batons like the Enforcers, are we allowed to carry them?
He shook his head again. Humans are not allowed to carry weapons. He repeated in
the same tone.
Cambria turned around and walked out onto the street. No weapons. No... obvious
weapons.
She did an about face and went back inside. The same Nomadian approached her again.
Human... He began.
I just wanted to ask you were I might find a car parts stores. The car I hired its
Nomadian has a few... issues with it.
His head moved back as if surprised. There is one down Krashtar Street. Turn left at
the end of this one.
Thank you. You have been most generous with your time and your patience. Cambria
said.
Youre welcome. Automatically popped out of his mouth and he bared his teeth.
Cambria escaped to the street once more and walked back to her car. She inputted the
address and the vehicle happily obliged.
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Streteshs Car Parts was just where the Nomadian said.
She climbed and went in, searching for an alternative weapon.
While she looked down the aisles, another Nomadian approached.
We do not serve humans here.
Yeah. I get that a lot. She murmured.
You must leave before the Enforcers spot you. The Nomadian said and she looked at
him.
Whos in danger? You or me?
His head tilted slightly. Both.
Cambria blew out a breath. This is insane. Why arent your own Enforcers walking the
streets, protecting you?
They were withdrawn under an agreement with the First Minister. The Nomadians
display of teeth wasnt friendly.
Why would your First Minister do that?
You ask a lot of questions for a human.
Cambria wandered down an aisle and the Nomadian followed. Im new in town. She
said and he hissed out a sigh between his teeth.
The humans promised to stop... injuring establishments, if we kept the humans to their
own quarter. He said.
That asshole. She muttered. Kekovic was nothing more than a thug, the new mafia,
and the Nomadians, wanting to live in peace, didnt see this as anything other than a
leaders attempt to control his own people.
I need to look at your heavy vehicle aerials. She said and his jaw dropped a little.
Now, he looked like a hunting shark.
You are employed by Nomadians? He asked and led the way to another aisle.
In a roundabout kind of an oblique sort of way.
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He glanced back at her and she smiled.
Here. He said and pointed to the aerials of varying thicknesses. From personal
vehicles...
Too thin.
...to heavy mining vehicles.
She picked one up out of its bin. It was thick, segmented, too long and too heavy. She
said as much to the Nomadian.
He looked at her, curiosity in his black eyes. Try this one. It is used for construction
vehicles.
This one was a bit narrower, lighter, but still too long.
I need something of this size, but with short, but thick segments. She said and if hed
had lips, he would have pursed them in thought.
He turned to look at the array of bins, from the personal vehicles up the line to the
heavy models and in between.
His long-fined had reached out and lifted a black, segmented aerial. Try this. It is used
for cargo haulage vehicles, short run, inter-Provincial trips.
She held it in her hand. Not too heavy and not too light with a solid construction. The
box and the wire for the electronics that raised the aerial, she could take out.
Cambria stepped away from the Nomadian, held the aerial up and whipped it down. The
segments extended with a satisfying metallic crack, like the steel asps on Earth.
Oh, yes. She smiled wickedly at the non-plussed Nomadian. This will do nicely.

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Chapter Ten
Cambria thought of her to-do list. Was ridding the Province of Kekovic more important
than finding the other end of the corridor and stopping anyone else from coming through?
She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. From the Nomadians point of view,
yes. From an Earth point of view, not on your Nelly.
That one source corridor could lead to a hundred worlds. All they needed were the
spatial codes.
Shut down this one and the people here would have to travel to Herosha City, but the
Nomadians had closed the facility down. The only other corridor she knew of was the
Hunter one further south in Cohasha City. Too far and too complicated to get Kekovics
group to before the Nomadians acted.
First Officer Karesh said were humans scattered around the planet did Kekovic know?
Those thugs at the airport... but Kekovic must know... unless... crap. She recalled the
conversation. He demanded to know where shed come from; that hed never have let her
through his corridor.
Her fingers brushed the scar on her jaw. Kekovic wasnt in as much control as he led
her to believe. Someone else, on Earth, pulled his strings and limited any Nomadian
information. And Kekovic was stupid or arrogant enough to think he didnt need any
help from the indigenous population, except for them to get out of his way.
If she evicted these humans through Kekovics corridor, would the other humans
around the planet be safe from the Nomadians final solution? Would those people hear
about what happened here and decide to leave on their own?
Time. That was her problem. How soon before Karesh moved against the enclave?
Excalibur had given her a Nomadian week to kill Kekovic and now she thought she
knew why. Jones did not appreciate being bested especially when it came to violence.
Should she oblige him? It would solve a number of her challenges. Kill Kekovic, evict
everyone; problems solved.
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She shook her head and directed the vehicle back to the alien quarter. She needed to
load up on some instant consumables - her stash at the hotel would not last long enough
oh, and tooth wash, she really needed to get the fuzz off.
By mid-afternoon, she had everything and headed back to the hotel.
This time, she parked on the street; she wasnt staying long at the hotel. In fact, all she
needed was to collect her gear and head north. First though, she needed a shower and a
nap.
The reception desk was empty as she walked by towards her room. She wasnt in the
mood for nice banter anyway. The morning Nurturer had said her clothes would be back in
her room and thats all she needed to know.
The card slid into the slot and she opened the door, let it close behind her as she peeled
off the coat. And froze, packages in one hand, coat sliding off the other to the floor..
Excalibur grinned at her, then swallowed the mouthful of energy bar hed been
chewing.
These are good, not great, but good. He said.
Get off my bed. Cambria said with a snarl. And leave my God-damned food alone.
Pissy today. He deliberately chose another bar.
Cambria dumped her packages and reached around her back while his head was
lowered.
Her hand was just above the aerial when he pointed one of her pistols at her. Nope.
Not today, Cambria.
He lifted his gaze, a cold, empty grey.
Cambria snorted. He couldnt use the weapon - it was genetically bonded to her...
wasnt it?
Why is Kekovic still alive? He asked and slowly got off the bed. His white t-shirt
stretched across his broad chest and his stained blue jeans hugged his hips and legs. Hed
already taken off his boots to relax.
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How can such a monster look so damned gorgeous?
She shook off the thought. Because I havent killed him yet. She replied. And let me
remind you, Henry Tudor, you gave me a week.
His teeth were white against his tanned skin. So I did, but youve also had the
opportunity. He dipped his head, indicating the gun.
As you would know, Mr Jones, getting the snot kicked out of you kind of puts a crimp
into those plans.
His grin dropped away as suddenly as a light turned off.
She held his gaze. People talk. And, according to them, you were their last hope.
He dropped his eyes, turned away and leaned his butt on the windowsill.
I was never their last hope, you are. He said and she rolled her eyes.
Please. You know, Im getting a little tired of people setting me up as some sort
magical person who can save the world. I, in case you havent noticed, am one woman.
His lips curved slightly. Oh, Ive noticed. He murmured and she rubbed a spot
between her eyebrows.
Not happening, Jones.
His smile widened. Your mouth says no, but your body says come and get me babe,
Im yours.
What? Then she dropped her own eyes to her chest. Her nipples were outlined against
her t-shirt. Oh, great. Its bloody cold out there, okay?
Darling, if you have a headache, just say so. He smirked.
I have more important things to do that to pander to your licentious needs, Jones.
She bent over and picked up her coat, then sucked in a breath as the tip of her own
hunting knife touched her chin, forced her to stand.
There is no one more important to you than me, Cambria. He said with soft warning.
Everyone and everything are secondary. I suggest you remember that.
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She stared into his eyes, cold, flat eyes and swallowed. He wouldnt kill her now, this
was merely a reminder.
Something flickered behind those eyes and he reached out a hand, cupped her breast.
Her nipple pebbled under his warm palm and he slowly moved his hand lower, to her
ribcage, and around to her waist to her butt, inched her towards him, while keeping the
blade at her throat and his eyes on hers.
Excalibur held her against him, hip-to-hip and she felt him press against her lower belly.
You need to touch me. He ordered softly. But keep your hands down or an accident
might happen.
She uncurled stiff fingers and set them on his hips. Her hands flexed as if they wanted
to be there.
Excalibur shifted his head, leaned in to just above her mouth, kept the blade against her
skin. You have, he whispered against her lips, the most beautiful and dangerous eyes I
have ever seen.
Cambria held herself still as his mouth slanted over hers.
His hand moved up her butt and into the back of her jeans, pressed her harder against
him and fire streaked through her veins.
God, how could she still want this bastard?
Kiss me back, Cambria. He murmured.
The knife.
She felt the sting as he deliberately nicked her, then his arm swept around her and she
felt the blade against her lower back.
He tilted his head to the side and she looked into his cloud-grey eyes. She saw hints of
the palest of blues, and his head lowered to hers, his mouth plastered to hers.
Oh, he was way too good at this, she thought vaguely. She was ready to tear his clothes
off, then hers and have her way with him. But she couldnt. He spoke of torturing her for
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the information on the cubes and shed sneered at him. This was torture: her wanting him,
needing to feel him against her, inside her when she knew what he was.
This man was a killer, a murderer, a...
His tongue dipped into her mouth and tangled with hers. And memories of Tudor, the
pool, cascaded over her. Her heart pounded, her blood heated and arousal pooled as she
recalled. When they first came together, the heat, the longing, the slide of his body within
hers... and later when hed taken her in anger.
Excalibur tried to change the angle of the kiss, shifted a knee between her legs.
This had to stop before she did something fabulously regrettable. Even now, her fingers
sifted through his silky hair and she was pressed against him like a limpet. And he
managed to unbutton and unzip not only her jeans, but his as well, all without her noticing.
Why do you have my knife? She asked hoarsely and licked her lips, tasted him.
He froze and opened his eyes to stare at her.
He didnt answer, brushed a light kiss on her mouth, eased his fingers along her lower
belly and down to cup her, pressed his fingers against her.
Oh, God. She shut her eyes tight and ripped away from him, uncaring of the...
Hed dropped the blade. Sometime during his seduction of her, hed dropped the knife
and shed never noticed.
Her eyes searched the floor and saw it at his feet. No way she could get to it in time.
She lifted her gaze slowly up his body and trembled. Could she really plunge a knife into
that broad, muscular chest? See those eyes close for a final time and hear his last breath
ease out of him?
Her gaze met his.
Why do you do this to me? She asked.
Because I can. He said with a nod and kept his eyes on hers as he scooped up the
knife. I got this, and your gun, off some rube. I knew they werent his, I recognised the
blade. Of course, the guns were useless, but he thought to intimidate the locals with it.
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Cambria rubbed her eyes with her fingers. Then she lowered her hand and went into the
bathroom, tossed cold water on her face and stared into the mirror. Dark blue eyes with
sparks of gold stared back. And her expression: fear, frustration, guilt. A fear of Excalibur,
sexual frustration and the terrible guilt she felt over her dead friends on Tudor.
The fear would leave when he did; the frustration wouldnt pass until she got laid, but
the guilt... the guilt lived within her every single day and Excalibur was responsible for it.
It was an immovable stain on the twisted relationship he sought to make with her.
I guess if were not fucking, wed better talk. Excalibur said behind her and she stood
straight.
She reached for a towel and blotted her face dry. Jones, my life would be so much
better without you.
Something flickered in his eyes as he turned away. Talk now, bitch later. He said.
Cambria drew in a shaky breath, quietly sighed it out and followed him.
He laid back on her bed, propped up by pillows, one arm behind his head, his fingers
tucked into the band of his underwear. He hadnt bothered to zip and button.
Did he still plan on...?
Cambria sat on the chair near the desk.
So, my sweet, tell me why you havent killed Kekovic.
Its complicated.
Excalibur snorted. Whats so complicated about taking out your knife or gun and doing
him? Its not rocket science.
Rocket science... She bit out, then stopped. She did not want to get into a fight with
this man, hed roll her. Easily.
Look, Jones, Kekovic controls the alien quarter and Kekotown. He also controls a
corridor at this end. The more people who come through, the more he controls and the
bigger his army grows. He wants the province for himself. But hes also thinking beyond
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that. Hes got a town - eventually hell have a Province, and then move on to Nomad
itself.
The Nomadians would never allow it. Excalibur grunted.
No, they wont. Instead, theyre planning to slaughter the humans, all humans, if they
step out of line one more time.
He rolled his eyes. Theyre not the most violent of people, Cambria, havent you heard
their I live in peace prayer?
I have. But Excalibur, the First Officer of Cohasha has blackmailed me into finding a
solution to the problem.
His gaze turned interested. Oh, yes? And what filthy little secret did the First Officer
discover about you I wonder.
None, you wretched piece of shit. She wants the humans to behave or leave. She wants
them to be legitimate migrants or removed my way or her way
Ah. Remove the humans or she will.
Yes. To make the situation worse, the World Council are currently discussing how
they can defend the humans should it become necessary. Or remove them. But they dont
know where the source corridor is. Are you now coming to an understanding of the
complications, meat head?
Excalibur grinned at her. I love it when you talk dirty to me. But, yes, I am
understanding you. He sighed. Damn shame though, I liked this planet.
Relief drooped her shoulders. Youre leaving.
Eventually. He hedged and shifted his head slightly. Whats your plan?
Why? She frowned. So you can fuck it up for me? And before you answer, you set
me up with Kekovic. What was it you said? Oh, right. Invoke my name. Youll get to see
him. Only, you forgot to mention you owed him. Well, he took it out of my hide, not
yours.
And not a scar on... well, no new scars at least.
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Ha, bloody, ha, ha.
He sat up and shifted to the end of the bed, planted his feet on the floor and stared at
her. Not a new scar to be seen. How does that work, Cambria, if youve been beaten up?
It took me a few weeks to recover fully. And this happened when? Yesterday? The day
before?
Cambria felt sweat pop out on her forehead and her blood ran cold. She swallowed
against a suddenly dry throat, licked her lips. Remember the alien tech I told you about?
The one thats killing me? It has an emergency protocols that uses my own body for
repairs?
His eyes were blank as they stared at her. Then he blinked. Jesus. You know what that
means dont you? Youre nearly fucking immortal.
It means, Excalibur, that the longer I go without injury, the more build up I will have
of naturally produced cells. This protocol takes over and repairs any injury. But the new
cells? Theyre not damage. So theyll build up and... She rolled her hand.
Tumours will grow. He nodded with understanding. Well, that sucks. But, as I said,
Ill kill you before you become too incapacitated to do it yourself. Ill also still move on.
No point in weeping and wailing over something I cant change.
Real compassionate of you, Jones.
Only for you, sweetheart.
He shifted back up the bed, resumed his comfortable, but visually distracting position.
She watched him and he grinned as if he knew what she was thinking.
I dont owe Kekovic a thing. He took his piece of flesh when I disagreed with him.
Excalibur said.
And he still lives. She sighed.
Its a little hard to kill someone, when youre tied up.
Huh. I guess it is. She shook off the imagery of an infuriated, raging Excalibur taking
punches from that man mountain. Bastard.
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Me or him?
She looked at him. Both. But... I dont think killing Kekovic is at the top of my agenda
yet. She kicked out her legs, rested her heels on the bed. I need to isolate him. While he
thinks he has an escape route the corridor hell continue to agitate. And when the
Nomadians come, ready to chew, hell simply slip away.
Hes the sort. Excalibur agreed. He only uses violence when he has an audience.
Most bullies are like that, but Id still hesitate to take him on when hes alone.
Anyway, she shrugged, I need to isolate him. That means, securing the corridor at its
source, shutting it down, blowing it up, maybe?
Ah, problem there: its underneath London.
Her gaze was sharp when it landed on his face. Youve been through it.
He cocked his head. I came through it. Different thing.
Under London. Crap. She sat back and thought. No blowing it up, then. And I do
love a good bang. She murmured, then realised what shed said and flushed as Excalibur
snickered. Shut up! Im thinking here.
And I do like the direction...
London, London. She murmured. Kekovics boss. A Minister is involved, bugger it.
Only someone high up could allow access to a corridor, could afford to have one built in
such a populated area without the Hunters knowing. And where better than in plain sight?
Simply march down the stairs, as if youre heading to Gatwick or Heathrow or Stansted
and keep going down.
A Minister. Provincial or World? Excalibur asked.
Could be either. Damn, this is going to be tricky.
Oh, I dont know. You go through, you destroy the system, the infrastructure and
instrumentation and youre done. Easy.
Cambria lifted her gaze. Do you remember me telling you why I was sent to Tudor?
He lifted a shoulder. Something about a murder. He wiggled his eyebrows.
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Falsely accused, I was. But thats not the point. The point is that every single bounty
hunter is after me because that... because Lord Montague allowed the world to think me
still free.
Excalibur tsked. Fancy that. A Lord, blackmailing an ordinary citizen into hunting
down felons. What is the world coming to?
Your sarcasm is noted and remains unappreciated. She said with a sneer. It means, if
you havent thought of it, that my face is plastered all over the world, with a nice bounty
attached to it.
His slow smile made her blood hum. Well, well, well. That is interesting, and I dont
think you should have told me. I could do much with a nice bounty, go anywhere.
Cambria held out her hands, pressed her wrists together. By all means, Mr Confessed-
and-Convicted-Serial-Killer, take me in.
Excalibur roared with laughter, then subsided. Oh, boy, is it any wonder I love you?
He said and wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand. Okay, look, well strike a bargain
here.
Cambria deliberately ignored his comment about the L word, though her heart thrilled
to hear it. Why am I not surprised Im about to be blackmailed and/or manipulated into
doing what you want? Again.
Because, my sweet, you know and understand me so well. He said and she groaned.
Right. Fine. Let me have it. She made a come forward motion with her hand and
stopped at the burning in his eyes.
You need to stop saying such things if were to move forward.
Cambria swallowed and nodded.
Good, because Im very close to taking you up on your offer whether your mouth says
so or not.
She gave another nod. Better to keep quiet than... she blew out a breath. If hed just stop
flexing.
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Heres the plan. We call a truce until this mission is over and done. You dont come
after me until the corridor is closed, Kekovic is dead and the illegal human migrants are
back where they belong.
And what do I get for agreeing to this?
I will close the corridor for you. His eyes narrowed with expectation.
I cant agree to that, Excalibur. Im here to Hunt you. To execute a warrant on you. If I
let you go, Ill be aiding and abetting the escape of a known felon. And gee, that will be
the second time its happened.
He put both hands behind his head. Good luck with shutting the corridor down; and
with Kekovic. And the illegal aliens. Oh, and stopping the Nomadians from killing
everyone in a couple of weeks.
Fear streaked through her. What do you mean, Excalibur?
Well, I just happened to be down in Cohasha City and I heard some interesting gossip
about an immediate strike force preparing to move out. I thought Id skip a ride to come up
and warn you.
And that is why youre in my room.
And that is why Im in your room.
Two Nomadian weeks. Thats... She did some mental calculations.
About seventeen Earth days, Cambria. Seventeen days to save the humans and stop a
war, because you can bet your bottom Euro the World Council will not stand by and let its
citizens be slaughtered without retribution.
She lied to me. Cambria dropped her horrified gaze from his at the surge of anger.
The First Officer fucking lied to me! As long as the enclave behaved itself, she wouldnt
act! She pushed to her feet. Then she recalled the Minister for External Affairs and his
promise to pass legislation. Or that asshole did something hes going to regret.
And there are so many. Who did you mean?
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Igrak or something. Minister for External Affairs. Tried to pick a fight with me. Said
he was determined to pass legislation to exclude all aliens, not just humans, who, I might
add, he hates with a messianic passion.
Well, then. He said.
Cambria paced and thought hard. She knew she couldnt do it all in the time remaining.
Hell, shed be lucky to get the humans anywhere near the corridor. Kekovic moved to the
top of her list. Kill him, take control of the village and order everyone back through. Then
the Nomadians would leave the legitimate... no, everyone had to go.
But she still couldnt afford to be seen on Earth. And she didnt have a communicator to
inform Caparossi of where the bloody thing was sourced. He couldnt locate it from his
end, even though Hunters were looking for illegal corridors and taking possession of them
while Retrieval groups went in to evict or rescue any humans found. Earth leaked like a
sieve to other worlds.
And no one knew how many corridors were out there or where they went.
Humanity was spreading across the galaxy like a virus and the cure was humans
themselves.
Oy. She sighed and rubbed her temples. How did she manage to get herself into these
situations? It mattered less that she was in the situation, than how she extricated herself.
And to do that, she needed an ally, someone who could go through and shut the bloody
thing down as well as look after himself.
Hed done it to her again. Shed never had a choice.
Okay. She said.
Okay, what?
Okay. I wont kill you for as long as the corridor is working. You go in, tip off the
authorities. If they dont do anything, you shut it down and bugger off. She lifted an
eyebrow. Im sure youll be able to keep yourself occupied for three weeks.
His smile bordered on the wicked. Cambria ignored it. Ill take care of Kekovic, the
migrants and the Nomadians. And if I dont see Retrieval teams within that time frame,
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Excalibur, I will... take care of Kekovic, the migrants, the Nomadians, then come through
and blow up the source corridor myself. Deal?
His smiled slowly died as she laid out her conditions. Youd destroy a part of London
to get your own way?
Ill be dead; why would I care?
He snorted with disbelief. You wont do it. You wont kill all those innocent people:
its against your very moral fibre.
She stared at him. They will be evacuated first. After all, Im wanted felon, desperate,
dangerous and out of options. And Excalibur? Im dying anyway. Ill go out as I please,
not as you want me to, in your arms. You taught me well on Tudor, that I can kill anyone
when I have to. And now, that applies to myself, too. I have nothing to live for, but
everything to die for. But dont worry, youll move on to someone else.
He watched her, waited as if she was about to deliver a punch line. But she was dead
serious. She could clearly envisage the scenario. No more playing nice and being polite to
Kekovic, or his enforcers or the Nomadians. Shed go in and kill whoever got in her way.
Shed take control, tell everyone to pack up and leave, including those in the Alien quarter.
Shed go through the corridor to the other end, take out anyone who tried to stop her. Order
everyone out and use Kekovics own weapons to blow the damn thing up because he had
to have an armoury somewhere filled with all sorts of military hardware defend his
territory. Shed make him tell her with fair means or foul.
And Excalibur finally nodded. You are one scary Hunter, Cambria Petersen. But... you
have a deal.

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Chapter Eleven
Cambria did not let her relief show. Any sign of weakness, any hesitation and hed call
her on it, renege on the deal.
She really would kill herself when it became necessary. She had no idea of what the
alien tech inside her was doing, but she had no expectations of being saved from it. It was
already throughout her circulatory system, and while the medicos made no mention of it
shifting or moving or whatever, there was nothing to say it wasnt slowly changing her into
something else, something that was more familiar to it than some female homo-sapien.
And the Nomadians couldnt speak of it; the impression being the communicators, the
translators were all monitored by someone or something else.
In the end, she did not want to be turned into some unrecognisable monster. Shed kill
herself first, and that was what she showed on her face that convinced Excalibur.
He was not a compassionate man, but he understood deadly intent.
She watched him climb off the bed and pull his shirt over his head. She nearly sighed at
all that tensile strength, that tanned and muscled body.
Her throat went dry as he dragged down his jeans and the corded muscles in his legs
flexed. He stood up and fisted his hands on his hips.
Youve been working out. She accused.
So I have. He pulled down the covers and climbed in.
What are you doing? She asked as he plumped a pillow and dragged the covers up to
his waist.
I am going to sleep. We need some nap time before we take on the big bad tonight.
She frowned. What makes you think Im going in tonight?
Tick, tock, tick, tock. He grinned.
And why are you in my bed, in my room?
I need a nap and so do you. Come on, Cambria, you know I wont bite... much.
Besides, no one knows Im here. His smile turned persuasive.
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You could always sleep in the car, or on a park bench, or even on the street, for all I
care.
He drew the covers up and snuggled down. You could always try and make me move.
He leaned to the side and turned off the light.
Bastard.
With ill-humour she snatched her sleep shirt from beneath her pillow and marched into
the bathroom. She showered and changed, without an easing in her outrage or her temper.
When she came out, hed already relaxed into sleep as if he found any bed comfortable.
She slid in to her side and turned off the second lamp. A bed this size had plenty of
room for them both and more, since it Nomadian. She wouldnt touch him at all.
Cambria settled in, squirmed to find a comfortable spot and lay still, closed her eyes and
focused on her next job: Kekovic and how to get into his house to kill him.
She drifted off with various images and let her subconscious sort it out.
* * *
She slapped at the annoying tickle at her hip, and then froze. The annoying tickle
moved five digits over her waist to her stomach.
The heat behind her wasnt a nice open fireplace, either.
Excalibur. She said quietly.
Youve been working out too, I see. He murmured as his hand roved over her
stomach and abdomen.
No, I havent had the... She threw him off and sat up, lifted her sleep shirt and felt her
stomach, felt the bumps. Oh, my God! Ive got abs!
Her fingers brushed over the muscles and she flexed them. The bumps hardened.
Cambria flopped back and threw an arm over her eyes. This is so wrong.
His hand slid over her belly again. I can assure you, its very, very right.
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She didnt move as his fingers lightly brushed over her new, alien tech enhanced,
rippling muscles. Fuck me. She sighed, distraught, and then held out a hand. Not you.
He ignored her and bounced himself over her to settle between her thighs.
She lowered her arm and stared at him. Hed already removed his underwear.
I shouldnt have abs, Excalibur, I dont work out, I dont do formal exercise at all. The
alien tech has done this to me.
He grinned at her. Yes, it has.
And you dont care, either, that its redesigning me, changing me into something Im
not.
Excalibur laid his chin between her breasts, lifted a hand and placed it palm down on
her breast. The nipple beaded automatically.
No, I dont, because your body, in whatever form, wants me. Wants me deep inside
and moving. Wants me to...
Stop, Jones. She said. This is important. At least, it was to her; but Jones had a
selfish streak a kilometre wide.
He inched his way higher until he was face-to-face with her. His hand left her breast
and smoothed down her side to her hip. He placed the other hand next to her head, rested
on his elbow.
His back flexed and her legs moved further apart, her hips lifted and he slid the tip of
him inside her. What did I say about who and what is important? He asked in a whisper.
Cambria lifted her hands to his waist, slid them down to his hips. Well, if she was going
to be...
He eased inside, and ran his hand down her thigh to her knee, lifted it around his hip
and slowly withdrew.
She sighed at the friction and the long, slow slide of him. She didnt answer his question
and he moved into her again.
You are always ready for me. Always wet for me. Why is that, do you think?
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Stop teasing, Excalibur and...
He withdrew, then swept into her forcefully. Like that? She stared up at him and he
did it again, pubic bone to pubic bone.
His hands moved to her shoulders, pinned her to the bed and he began slamming into
her, his eyes on hers, while he made quick thrusts into her.
Cambria lifted her hips, but he moved his hands again, pinned her knees apart and
rammed himself into her, again, and again. He let go, and she kept her knees apart for him
as his palms rubbed her nipples, then squeezed them between his fingers. She felt the small
pain all the way down and the ripples flared.
His sweat dripped from his face to her body and he lowered to her sucked a nipple deep
into his mouth and bit down hard. She arched as the ripples exploded and she cried out as
the orgasm overwhelmed everything else, darkened her vision.
Stars still speckled her vision as she watched Excalibur grimace above her, shut his eyes
and held on as her internal muscles sucked at him.
Oh, God. He breathed heavily. Not... yet.
The clenching eased and he opened his eyes, stared down at her while sweat dripped
onto her.
Cambria dragged in air scented with sex, with man sweat. Her heart pounded heavily as
if shed run a marathon. He was still inside her, firm and strong, his thrusts gentle and
small.
She felt the zings of the last orgasm, she was still swollen, felt the tight friction of his
movements.
Excalibur grinned above her, gulped in air. Oh, baby, I... fucking... love you.
You didnt come. She said.
I figured I owed you one from Tudor. Now, sweetness, were even. And he began to
move.
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Cambria planted her feet and he slid his hands under her arms. She lifted her fingers to
his face, brushed her thumbs over his mouth and along his bristled jaw. His eyes flared and
he gently bit down on the pad of one thumb.
I knew you liked it a bit rough, but I never expected to be able to do what I want. He
said.
Ill heal. I will always heal small violences, so have at it.
He grinned above her and her gaze lowered to where they were joined, watched as he
slid in and out of her with ever increasing fervour.
He lowered himself to her, nibbled and gently bit her lip, then kissed her lightly. His
head shifted and he used his tongue on her, licked the sweat from her throat, then rose
above her, all the while thrusting into her.
Cambria slapped the inside of his elbows. As he collapsed, she rolled him, rose above
him and clamped her knees around his hips.
You cant always be dominant. She murmured and rocked on him, rotated her hips,
drew him in. She planted her hands on his chest, dug in with nails. His breath gusted in and
out as she rode him.
He came up off the bed and grabbed her around the waist, bit down on the other breast
as hard as he could.
She sucked in a breath as the second orgasm moved through her. Not as powerful as the
first, but she held her eyes closed and he tensed against her, gave one last thrust and held
still as he came.
Cambria draped her arms over his shoulders and down his back, rested her head against
his and dragged in his scent.
He rested against her chest, breathing hard.
Finally, in the silence, he eased back, slipped out of her and lay like a dead man, staring
up at the ceiling.
Cambria climbed off him and went into the bathroom to shower.
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She didnt regret this interlude. She still intended to kill him before she died... Oh, shed
made the deal. Maybe she wouldnt end him after all, if he kept his side of the bargain.
Hot water cascaded over her and she rubbed down with soap, washed Excalibur Jones
off her, saw her new rippling abs. They didnt belong to her, nor did the new, slimmed
down muscular legs and wiry arms.
It didnt matter. This didnt change anything. She didnt want to think about what the
tech was doing to her, what the next phase would be.
She rinsed off, turned the oversized handle and stepped out. The mission was all that
mattered. Completing the mission. After that... was after that.
Cambria walked naked into the bedroom. Excalibur lay as shed left him, staring up at
the ceiling.
Im coming back for you. He said without looking at her.
She dressed in fresh underwear, jeans and t-shirt. You cant. Youll have shut it
down.
He turned his head, pinned her with his cold, clear water eyes. Im coming back for
you.
And she believed his every word, even as she knew it was impossible.
* * *
Cambria stowed her gear in the back seat of her vehicle and glanced over her shoulder.
The Nomadians were sorry she had to leave and wished her good fortune, before
ushering her out of the building with undue haste.
Her lip curled. If only they knew what she was about to risk for them.
She shook her head and climbed in, turned on the headlights. She counted to ten and the
passenger side opened. Excalibur tossed his pack into the back seat and climbed in.
He kissed her cheek. Hi, honey, Im home.
Cambria snorted. Lets go.
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Do you have a plan? He asked as Cambria drove through the Alien quarter. People
were out and about, their faces worn and tired.
Kill the bastard and move on. She said as a low burn of anger started in her belly.
Ah. Anything more... specific?
Okay, kill anyone who gets in my way, then kill Kekovic and move on.
He snorted. While I admire a woman with a sense of humour, you wont get anywhere
near him with your bad temper alone.
Cambria sighed and drove out of the city and onto the long road north. I know. But I
see the people on the street, the waitress in the cafe, and they all look so exhausted. This
world wasnt meant for them; it was meant for the Nomadians and any other alien who can
cope with the long days, with the environment. It wasnt meant for us. Never us. And I
know Kekovic has brought them to this, brought them to eternal servitude for as long as
they shall live. No one can afford the tax to return; hes made sure of it. So, I just want to
go in and take justice for those who cant get it on their own.
Judge, jury and executioner. Caparossis words echoed in her mind. Youre own sense
of justice. He remind her not to kill out of hand, just because someone got in her way. And
wasnt that exactly what she was thinking? She was supposed to be a law officer for the
World Council and she was planning murder. Was anything Kekovic had done deserving
of her executing him?
I repeat: you need something other than your bad temper to get near him.
She brooded on it, then a smile twitched at the side of her mouth. Im going to show
him my credentials, and charge him with human trafficking.
The people volunteered to come, dont forget. No one was forced, ergo, no
trafficking.
I havent forgotten. Im just trying to think of charges I can lay against him. Ah-ha!
Attempted murder. She glanced at him. Two counts; you and me, a World Council
Agent.
Thats enough to arrest him and send him home; not enough to execute him.
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She chewed her lip. Hes a despot. She offered.
De facto Governor, not du jure. That would be the Minister who set this up.
Any chance I can claim Hunter status and march in there to arrest him at all? To drag
him through... mmm. Id have to take him all the way back to Cohasha City and take him
through the Hunter corridor.
Excalibur kept silent, but she knew what he was thinking: he was trying to come up
with a way to find out from her where the other corridor was and its source, since the
Herosha corridor was shut down. She had no doubt Jones knew about it, even if Kekovic
didnt.
Hes too big for me to control for all that way unless I tie him up, gag him and put him
in the baggage compartment. She said. Hmm, not a bad idea.
Try something simple, like self defence, before you start in on noble plans to bring him
to justice on Earth. Remember who you are.
Her mouth twisted. Im not likely to forget. Im a Hunter, dispenser of justice. She
paused and grinned. Judgement made flesh. A being all must obey.
Judgement... made flesh? All must obey? Whered you get that nonsense from?
The Nomadians. Apparently thats what being a Hunter means, in their understanding,
that is. She frowned. And apparently, just about every species has them. I think they see
any Hunter as some sort of Paladin. Which, you have to admit, I am not.
Not unless your shining armour fits into your pack. Excalibur smirked.
Ha, ha. They really do think Hunters are special, Excalibur. Hell, I got dragged off to
the precinct right off the bat. And when they understood who I was and who I was after,
well, by golly, by crikey, theyve bent over backwards to facilitate my being up here. Now,
though, Im concerned about this strike force you mentioned. They have weapons, harpoon
thingies and pistols but Ive yet to see one up close but worse, they are weapons.
Yeah. The idea of being attacked by a shark does not fill me with joy.
Me, neither. But back to the plan. Any thoughts? She asked.
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Only one: You cause a distraction and I slip through the corridor.
She glanced at him. His face was set with determination and the muscle in his jaw
jumped as he held his teeth together.
That easy?
No. Ill have to time it, join some of the Enforcers returning for leave. That means
grabbing one and using his uniform and keeping my head down.
How long will you need to disengage the corridor?
An hour, maybe two. He scowled.
Keep to the deal, Excalibur.
He looked across at her. I gave you my word. Ill not go back on it.
She subsided into silence to brood on whether to trust him in this, even as she knew he
would betray her again.
Excalibur napped as she drove. She finally gave him a nudge and he jerked awake.
Were about two kilometres from the village. She drove the car off the dirt road and
into the forest where she could hide it.
Couldnt you get a bit closer? Its bloody cold out.
Would you like some cheese with that whine, Excalibur? Suck it up and lets go.
Youll warm up on the way. She got out of the car and breathed in the scent of pink pine
and night of sweet, loamy soil with a subtle hint of sea and cold. She pulled on the flannel
shirt and coat.
She looked over at Excaliburs side. He sat still. His head turned and his eyes met hers.
On a belligerent sigh, he got out, dragged his pack with him.
Cambria reached in and tugged her smaller pack out. Shed repacked it with what she
thought shed need, left the larger one. Shed already rearmed. Which reminded her...
She turned and stood. Excalibur was right behind her. He forced her back against the
door with his big body, rested his hands on the car.
We already said our goodbyes, Excalibur. She said through a tight throat.
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He pressed his hips to hers. I know. He whispered and kissed her, long and deep, until
her hands settled on his hips and her blood hummed. He raised his head slightly. But there
is always time for a final kiss goodbye.
So there is. Cambria reached up and dragged his head down to hers, laid her mouth on
his until he groaned.
She pushed him back. Can we go now?
He didnt smile. Instead, he drew deep of the air around him and nodded.
* * *
Kekovic had made himself a nice little township, including solar-powered street lights.
Nomad had more than enough hours in the day to provide the energy to run everything in
town.
The windows in his house glowed the brightest as if welcoming everyone, Cambria
saw, as they paused at the edge of the forest.
So, do you think hes working to bring in migrants twenty-four seven? She asked. Or
is it thirty-four seven?
I dont think in matters, Cambria, and you need to keep your focus on the job at hand.
He said softly and pointed across her body to the street. An armed patrol walked past the
houses.
Cambria shifted her vision and saw the heat signatures of more patrols beyond the
houses. More guards, surrounding the town. Why...?
They dont want any unlawful escapees. He said. People have to earn their so called
freedom from the village. Thats where the slavery is. This town, is nothing more than a
glorified labour camp, for all its efficiency and comfort.
But the corridors are free. Theyre free citizens. She protested quietly.
You and I know that, those people dont, not anymore. Theyve mortgaged their souls
for a fresh start and theyre not allowed to leave until theyve paid back a substantial
amount of the fee hes charged. Excalibur said.
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Hes not only a thief, a thug and a stand-over man, hes a kidnapper as well.
So he is. But you already knew that.
You could have said something, Jones, you know what Ive got to do. Creating a
theory and having it proven are two different things. I thought the only barrier to their
leaving was the fee charged. now Ive got all those captured civilians to worry about, too.
Nothing about this is easy, Cam. You had to see the situation for yourself; the armed
guards here as well as the local enforcers. This is Kekovics standing army should the
Nomadians come. Youve proved your theory; move on, Cambria.
She burned with frustration and anger; at Kekovic, at Excalibur. He knew better than to
withhold information, yet he still persisted in dropping it like bread crumbs.
Jeez, I hate you sometimes.
Keep thinking that sweetheart, maybe one day you might actually believe it.
She inhaled and tried to calm herself. He wasnt helping, crouching so close to her, but
she needed to focus. As long as the guards stayed out of her way, theyd be fine.
She turned her attention to the house, with its blazing lights. Does he ever turn them
off?
Upstairs, yes; downstairs, no. Excalibur kept his eyes on the guards, a speculative
gleam in his eyes. I need a uniform. He said without turning.
Cambria swallowed. Hed kill them both for one uniform. But a deal was a deal. Do
they have any lockers inside? Where they might store spare uniforms? She asked and his
mouth turned down.
You take the fun out of everything. He muttered and looked at the house. Theres a
locker room where all the guards change for duty, just like a police station. He huffed out
an aggrieved sigh. I suppose I could use one, but I can see the man on the left is about my
size.
The things you do for me, huh?
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His gaze was sharp when he looked at her. Dont presume to try and change me
Cambria, I like what I am.
She held his gaze. And whats that, Excalibur?
A killer. Like you.
Her lip curled and she looked away. I am what you made me into.
He brushed a hand down her arm. And Im very proud of you.
Get off me, Excalibur, Im not happy about it. But thank you, I needed the reminder.
His hand moved away.
Im getting me a uniform, Cambria. Wait for me here.
Oh, to hell...
He grabbed her jaw, tight, in his fingers. Wait. For. Me. You cause a ruckus now, and
were both dead or Ill be dead youll be lonely. He let her go and vanished into the
undergrowth.
Hah. She thought sulkily. As if. Shed... move on, just like Excalibur will when she was
gone. Lonely, indeed. But, shed wait. His words had merit. They didnt need any attention
yet.
Cambria checked her weapons over. Again. She had her favourite knife back, she had
the new baton, aka, the vehicle aerial with the electronic package removed. She had her
guns in their horizontal holsters, and she had a new set of paring knives, secreted around
her body.
She felt... comfortable. Before Tudor, shed used knives for cooking; now she used
them for killing. Before Tudor, shed never fired a gun, she still hadnt, outside the range,
but they felt comfortable in her grip. Before Tudor, shed been in love, happy with Louis
Boudreaux, her creative lover, now she liked her sex rougher, with less finesse, although
Excalibur was capable of gentleness.
Yes. Hed made her into what she was today. Experience had finished the job and
Caparossi didnt know it. Yet.
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Excalibur returned, brushing... something from his collar. She flicked through her vision
and saw the blood.
Both of them? She asked, already knowing the answer.
If I didnt kill both, one would raise the alarm. He sighed and shook his head. Still
squeamish.
Id like to hang on to my conscience, thanks all the same.
It wont do, Cambria, you need focus and your conscience will get in the way. Youll
hesitate, wonder if there isnt another way and people will die.
Dont play mind games with me, boyo. We go in, we get the job done and then the
Hunt resumes.
Excalibur snorted. Fine, have it your way.
She grinned at him. Just dont forget the clues, okay?
Right. Clues.
How do you want to do this? She asked.
Im going to walk in there and play it cool. If anyone recognises me... well, lets just
say theyd better look the other way. You will sneak in when the upstairs lights go off and
do what has to be done. Fair enough?
Yeah. Just... keep the body count down. She sighed.
Like I said: you take the fun out of everything. He settled his mouth against hers,
gave her lips a quick lick. Ill be seeing you soon. He said and vanished into the
undergrowth.
No, he wouldnt.

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Chapter Twelve
Cambria sat and waited, watched for the lights to vanish. Kekovic was obviously a night
owl. Her encyclopaedic clock said that Excalibur had been gone for nearly an hour and still
she waited.
When ninety minutes had passed, the upstairs lights blinked off one by one. Excalibur
could have shut down the corridor by now, but she saw no panicked staff, no running
guards, nothing.
What was he waiting for? She wondered and got to her feet.
Above her, she saw flickers of movement in the darkness and lifted her face to the first
light snowfall shed seen in over a year. It wasnt white, but a pale, pale blue.
She breathed in the scent, and then eyed the building. Back door or front door? Or, up
the side of the building?
She chose the front door and, using the shadows, made her way towards the house.
When the shadows ran out, she eased up the stairs on light feet, then lowered her head
and walked inside.
If the receptionist recognised her, the woman didnt show it. She glanced at Cambria,
then back to her work station. Her fingers didnt hesitate on the keyboard.
Cambria allowed herself a small smile and turned towards the staircase.
Time for war, she thought and made her way up.
At the top of the stairs, a light shone, but no men stood guard.
Kekovic was confident no one would try for him, so well-trained and oppressed were
his people. But she expected a body guard or two. Were they inside?
Her hand touched the handle of her knife, then moved onto the extendable baton. She
didnt want to kill anyone, regardless of what Excalibur thought.
Then again, was she reacting to his subtle taunts? Hed effectively put her off her game,
damn him.
Knife or baton? And why was she hesitating?
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Excaliburs lesson. Her mouth twisted with disgust.
If she used the knife, he was like him; if she used the baton, she ran the risk of not
disabling anyone properly and a gun could be taken away from her, even if it couldnt be
used against her.
Cambria shifted through her vision and searched for the occupants. On the left, she
knew Kekovics office lay behind the double doors. On the right, the room was empty.
She carefully moved forward to the next rooms and listened hard while she studied the
doors and beyond.
Again, on the right the rooms were empty. But to the left, she saw a large heat
signature. She focused and saw the faint shadowy image of a giant, his arms clutched
around a smaller woman who blinked fearfully into the darkness.
Damn it. The woman might as well be a hostage.
Cambria moved forward, slowly, carefully until she reached the door. She saw no other
signatures ahead of her and she slowly turned to check the other...
Stars exploded in her vision as the shovel connected with the side of her head. She
slammed into the door and bounced off.
She got to her knees and the flat base of the handle crashed onto the back of her head.
No more stars.
* * *
Cambria groaned and rolled her head forward.
You are one hard bitch to kill. A deep rumbling voice said.
She opened her eyes and squinted, scented blood; her own, but she didnt feel any pain.
Kekovic sat behind his desk, feet up on the surface, and puffed on a cigar, blew the air
up towards the ceiling. All her weapons were laid out in front of him.
What I dont get is how youve survived me and a shovel to the head. Twice.
Cambria tried to move, but shed been secured with rope and cuffs.
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So, Ms Petersen...
Hunter. She said softly and coughed, cleared her throat. Im a Hunter.
Ah. He turned his head towards her. That explains a lot. It wont help you, of course,
but it does fill in the gaps.
Gaps?
Yes, like why the increase in Nomad troop movements. Like the increase in civilian...
agitation. Like... He turned to look at her with his pale eyes. They were similar to
Excaliburs, but where Excaliburs were expressive, more than he thought, this mans eyes
showed nothing, not even interest. Like two missing men who were supposed to be
patrolling my town.
I told you last time that the Nomadians were planning to wipe all humans out up here.
She said and hung her head. She couldnt escape, not with the cuffs holding her firmly to
the chair.
Theyll do nothing. Theyre sabre rattling. Theyre a bunch of cowards wholl
negotiate out of any confrontation.
Thats very naive of you.
He lifted a shoulder. It doesnt matter.
Because at the first sight of those teeth and harpoons, youll turn tail and run through
your own personal corridor and damn the rest of them.
He snorted. No, Ill just blow the lot of them up as they invade. Then escape through
my own personal corridor.
Horror crawled up her spine. And the people in the village?
Again, he lifted his shoulder. I should care... why?
Jesus, what a fuck-knuckle. She shook her head and his booted feet slipped off the
desk with a thump. Whats the point of being king of all you survey if youre going to
destroy it? She asked.
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Its good to have a Plan B, dont you think? The chair creaked as he rose. But...
enough chit-chat. Tell me what you are.
Huh?
Kekovic twined his fingers together and flexed them, cracked the knuckles.
I know who you are, Hunter, but I dont know what you are. Why dont you tell me?
She looked up at him as he approached. Because I dont know. She said.
He grinned, wide and huge. I love it when they dont answer.
Hey, Im telling you the truth!
His knuckles cracked again as he formed a fist. I find it easier, with a little...
persuasion, that my subjects tell the complete truth. Eventually. And he lifted his fist.
* * *
The dizziness didnt last long, nor did the cuts. The pain, however burned through her
with every hit, sang through her bones with every strike of his knuckles. He didnt punch
her too hard, just enough to fling her head back, to shift the chair.
How long would he keep it up? How long would he beat on her. She sure as shit didnt
have an answer for him.
Kekovic cracked his knuckles again. Are you going to tell me? Or do I have to get
really rough, since I can almost see you healing in front of my very eyes. He said in a
reasonable tone. I could use it myself.
No, you couldnt.
Stars sparkled in her vision and the singing pain focused on her jaw. Again.
Tell me now.
Oh, for fucks sake! Shed had enough. Time for him to put her down; at least then
shed get some peace.
What makes you think Im going to tell a fucked-up, weeny-dicked, muscle-bound,
cock-sucking, mammas boy like you, anything?
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Cambria lifted her head and spat blood onto his pants-covered groin and raised a bloody
smile. She looked into his suddenly rage-filled eyes.
She watched his fist come as if in slow motion and welcomed it.
* * *
Her rumbling belly woke her. Then her stomach cramped. God damn it!
She tried to lean over but the ropes and cuffs held her fast.
Cambria lifted her head. Deja vu all over again.
Kekovic was back smoking his cigar, blowing smoke rings, his feet on the desk. I can
keep this up for as long as you heal yourself. His eyes turned to her. And Im a devotee
of causing pain, spent a lifetime doing it, too.
Whos your boss? She asked.
Im my own boss. I rule here. I dont need anyone giving me orders, I give them.
Nah. She sighed. You dont control the other side. Someone else does. And you
wouldnt be here without them. Someone told you about this. Said, you could have vast
tracts of land, arranged for your people, but you had to control them, had to keep them
here. What are they doing? Building a fiefdom of old? And you, youre the local lord until
theyre ready to come through?
His gaze didnt waver. He didnt blink, just stared at her.
Yeah, someones pulling your strings from Earth. You havent got the smarts for this
gig. Big, tough enforcer for someone else. A someone whos gonna be pissed at you when
the Nomadians come and wipe you out.
His fist slammed onto the desk top, made everything jump. And Ill tell you again,
theyre not coming!
I had an interesting conversation before I came up here. A local Minister, Igarak or
something. Said he was in trade negotiations with a Minister from Earth. Interesting,
because where I was staying? Everything was handcrafted by a human, for a human.
Luxury stuff, too. Now... I can only assume that, since the Hunter units know nothing
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about this official visit, that it took place via your end and the Minister flew down to
Cohasha City for these... talks. Sounds to me like negotiations and appeasement are going
hand-in-hand here. And yet... a strike force is on the move north. What do you suppose that
means?
It means nothing. He turned away and resumed puffing.
Cambria shook her head. It means, dumbass, that this someone is talking to another
Province for access; that they know whats about to happen up here. It means theyre going
to cut their losses and try somewhere else.
Nope. He blew another smoke ring. It means you dont know shit. I have it on good
authority that the World Council doesnt like its citizens being threatened with wholesale
massacre by a foreign government and is mobilising its troops to protect the human
enclave.
Cambria blinked. How could he know that? As far as she knew, Lord Montague was
still discussing it. Still... It would mean war!
And to the victor go the spoils. Guess who thats going to be with these pussies.
Cambria sank into silence, thought about what he said. War. Between Earth and
Nomad. Guns, bombs, harpoons, really sharp teeth. The Nurturers who didnt fight would
be obliterated and for what?
This is a power grab. She murmured as she realised the consequences. An armed
takeover of a friendly planet. And your colleague, your boss, being a Minister of the World
Council currently in friendly trade negotiations, would be in a perfect position to accept the
surrender of the Nomads. Be appointed Governor of the whole planet!
There you go.
Whats a few casualties when a world filled with resources and riches unbound is at
stake. She said bitterly.
Exactly.
Its treason. Its mass murder, its...
Politics.
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Im not going to let this happen. She glared at him.
You wont be around to stop it. Have you seen yourself lately? All skinny and hollow-
eyed; a bag of bones; as if your body is consuming itself. He said, intrigued.
Give me a snack and Ill be fine. She ground out.
You know its funny. Weve been here, alone a few hours, passing the time, talking
shit, but I dont think I want to know what you are after all. He said and stubbed out his
cigar. I can just wail on you and watch you shrivel. Might be a bit nasty for you but I
think I can do it. He slowly stood and arched his back. Man, its a tough day at the
office.
He came around the desk. You ready?
No. I might be able to repair myself, but not until after the damage is done. It still hurts
like a mother.
He grinned, then his eyes went blank. I love my job, you know.
Cambria braced herself and watched his fist draw back and start its downward motion.
When she judged he couldnt stop the blow, she rocked to the side and bashed the chair
legs into him. Momentum crippled his centre of balance and he fell forward like a felled
tree, landed on the legs of the chair... and broke them.
Cambria rolled to her feet, flipped the seat over her head. She held the chair up and
gripped arms hard, spread her legs and waited for Kekovic to get up, moved out of reach.
Kekovic groaned. Then he spat blood onto the floor and climbed to his feet. I am going
to take you apart limb from limb.
Cambria braced herself. If he managed contact with those enormous fists, she was done;
for good.
He dove at her and she skipped out of the way and slammed edge of the seat down. It
broke across his shoulders. Now all she had were the arms of the chair, and she was still
cuffed to them. Kekovic was unaffected and slowly stood, flexed his back and looked at
her.
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Uh, oh.
She swallowed and held up chair arms, held them both with each hand on either end.
He gave her a short, humourless smile and punched out. The wood broke and his
knuckles connected with her nose.
Cambria staggered back, dropped the broken wood, but kept her feet. Kekovic advanced
on her while she tried to blink away the tears.
You are so dead, and you dont even know it. Kekovic snarled and reached for her.
Oh, the hell you say! Cambria wrapped her fingers into the cuff.
She dropped to the ground, struck out with her knuckles and he grunted as her fist met
his groin. She scurried around him to the desk as he clutched as the injured area, grabbed
the first thing that came to hand. The aerial.
His giant hand grabbed her hair, hauled her back. Pain shrieked through her skull, more
tears surged into her eyes.
Fuck that hurts! She raised her hand, tried to grab his, but it was too large and he
dragged her from the desk.
She couldnt reach him with her hands and she flicked the baton out, extended its
length.
Kekovic threw her to the floor, stood on her sternum and pressed down.
I am going to crush you. He said and tipped his foot slightly to ground his heel into
the bone.
She couldnt draw breath, couldnt expand her lungs, to scream at the sheer agony in
her chest and she writhed beneath him.
Oh, God, oh God, oh God!
She brought baton up and whipsawed it, whacked on the closest part of him: his fingers.
Kekovic yelped and turned away to shake his stinging digits. Before she could draw
breath, he swung his boot at her, caught her in the ribs.
Cambria lifted off the floor and landed with a bone shaking thump.
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She groaned, gasped for short breaths, then climbed to her feet, held an arm pressed to
the fractured ribs. She could feel them, each individual rib under her skin and t-shirt.
Kekovic sneered at her. Something wrong?
Rage surged and she attacked, swinging the baton and slashing at his arms, his fists, his
body, his head if he didnt get it out of the way in time.
Kekovic blocked and backed up, defended and grunted as the baton met his muscled
flesh.
Then he got under her guard and his fist hit her ribs again. He hit her so hard she was
lifted up and backwards, across the surface of the desk and crumpled to the floor on the
other side, lay still as black crowded her vision.
Focus... damn... it.
Silver glittered in her vision and she grabbed at it. Gun.
She struggled up to her knees, held on to the desk and aimed at him, squinted at the
double vision.
Don... move. She rasped and he laughed.
Cambria heard the sound of feet stomping down the hallway. Shit! How many?
Kekovic grinned at her, blood on his cheekbone, his chin, his lip and one ear. Droplets
fell to the floor. He turned his head, spat and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
She lifted the pistol. Do not make me shoot you.
He gave her a bloody smile. Girly, those guns dont work.
Not for you.
The doors burst open and three guards came in with batons raised. They came to a stop
when they saw the bloodied Kekovic and Cambria holding a pistol on him.
You need to stop right there. Cambria said without taking her eyes of the man
mountain.
Get her. Kekovic barked. You know those gunsre useless.
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Two stepped forward.
Cambria aimed at the lights above the lounge area and fired. The globe exploded in
shards of glass and the guards flinched. Kekovic stared at her.
Not... for you. She repeated softly and wiped her mouth on her forearm.
Youll never get out of here alive. He growled.
I know. She said. Kekovic advanced on her, but the telephone took the opportunity to
ring. She glanced down at it, saw it was a modern human office system. She pressed the
speaker button.
Mr Kekovics office, how may I help you? She said pleasantly.
Where is he? A feminine voice asked.
Cambria opened her mouth to reply, but Kekovic cut her off.
Im here, Minister. He took a step forward, eyed the gun in her hand and stopped.
Ah, Vlad. Listen, Im currently on a... VIP transport. The Nomad Minister for External
Affairs has decided the human problem needs to be resolved much sooner than we
anticipated. She said.
The skin around Kekovics eyes tightened and he swallowed. He mouthed obscenities,
then firmed his lips. Of course, Minister. What do you need from me?
Laughter came over the phone. Well, theres no chance of evacuation in the time
frame, so I think we need a sampling of, say, two hundred defenders to die for the glorious
cause. Ive already contacted the World Council, given them the address for the corridor. If
I have the timing right and I think I do-o, she said in a sing-song voice, the Marines
will come through not long after the massacre.
Kekovics eyes met Cambrias. How long do we have, Minister?
Were about four hours out now, four Nomadian hours, that is. So, call it six Earth
hours. It will take another two to sort themselves out and march on Susrah City. Eight
hours, Vlad, to evacuate everyone but the defenders. Does that give you enough time?
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Yes, maam. Kekovic said, but his expression looked sick. Eight and a half thousand
people? In eight hours? Not a chance.
Excellent. Ill speak with you again soon. The phone disconnected.
Cambria pressed the speaker button. Theyre not supposed to be coming for three
weeks.
Kekovic looked at her. Who told you that?
She shook her head. Never mind. But she wondered if Excaliburs intel was wrong, or
whether hed deliberately misled her. And she was leaning toward the latter.
Sir? A blond-haired guard stepped forward hesitantly. Cambria gave him a nod and
the guard approached Kekovic cautiously. The giant looked down at him with a raised
eyebrow. The guard cleared his throat. We, uh, have a slight problem.
Cambria kept an eye on all of them. The other guards moved into the room, eyeing her
and fingering their holstered batons. Another guard, this one with short black hair and blue
eyes retrieved another chair and Kekovic lowered himself into it with a groan.
These long days. He sighed. Takes it out of a man. He touched his bleeding mouth
and the blond guard handed him a handkerchief. Whats the problem, Thomas?
The corridor has suffered a catastrophic malfunction. We cant evacuate.

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Chapter Thirteen
The air in the room electrified at Thomass words. And that suddenly, Cambria knew
her fight with Kekovic was done.
Kekovic paled and stared hard at the man. That is not possible.
But Cambria knew it was as she felt the blood drain from her face. For once, Excalibur
had kept his part of the deal. And at the worst possible time.
Kekovic exploded out of his chair. Cambria eyed him down the barrel, but he wasnt
looking at her.
It cant happen! The system is automated. It would have to... be... His expression shut
down, but his eyes burned. That bitch. That unholy, faithless, motherfucking, BITCH!
Sir?
Kekovic visibly shook off his rage, clenched and unclenched his fists. Minister
Cottington-Blake has decided that the proposed massacre isnt big enough for the effect
she needs, you idiot! She plans to sacrifice us all.
Cottington-Blake. Now she had the name of the Minister dealing with the illegal trade
negotiations. Not that it did her much good now. The Minister had to remove any witnesses
to her program, and what better way than wholesale slaughter. But... That meant...
Cottington-Blake had planned the shutdown of the corridor long before Cambria made the
bargain with Jones.
It also meant the Minister shut down the corridor remotely, or maybe a timer? Or
someone on the other side knew the timetable. Jones had extraordinary luck. That, or he
knew the Nomadian timetable and lied to her.
Christ. She slumped down onto the office chair and gently bashed the butt of the gun
against her forehead. Hed been excluded from this corridor, dumped out of the village,
didnt know where her corridor was and/or couldnt get to the Herosha corridor before it
shut down. But he didnt need to know about the Hunter corridor, did he. Shed expected
him to question her, but he hadnt. Instead, hed wheedled her into getting him into the
village and escaped, before the shit hit the fan.
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Would she never learn? Every single word that dripped from his silver tongue was a lie.
And she lifted her head. She wasnt the focus of attention anymore, Kekovic was.
The guards looked at each other. What do we do, sir? What can we do? Thomas
asked.
Kekovic rubbed his forehead in thought. Spat more blood onto the floor and glanced at
Cambria with evil intent.
Well go with the worst case scenario we discussed. First, get the townsfolk to pack up
and get to the village; give them an hour. If theyre not ready, they get left behind. Second,
get every available and capable man and woman to muster in the parking lot. Third, break
open the armoury and hand out weapons. Fourth, get anyone not able to defend or fight to
organise themselves into groups. Appoint a leader and get them to the northern edge of the
village. I want them moving in three hours; maximum. Send out scouts in... His
expression changed, turned distant. Two hours. Have them go out about a klick and keep
watch. I want to know the moment the sharks turn up.
Cambria listened with growing amazement. Shed thought this man dedicated to saving
his own skin, and yet he had a comprehensive back up plan should things go awry, like
they had.
The guards listened attentively, nodding on occasion.
Cambria picked up her weapons and rearmed herself. Her hands were shaky, near
skeletal as the skin draped across prominent bones.
So much for the tech giving me cancer, she thought mordantly, it will consume me from
the inside long before then.
Kekovic finished his briefing and slowly stood. One last thing... two last things: get a
medic over here, and bring the Hunter some food. A lot of it. Shes gonna need it.
The guards turned as one to look at her, then away.
Kekovic shooed them out of the room. I figured youd be staying for this fight, since
you enjoy violence so much. He said.
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Cambria leaned back in her seat and grimaced. I dont enjoy it its sometimes a
necessary evil. Im going to try a little diplomacy first.
His eyebrows rose. Diplomacy? Now?
The First Officer of Cohasha City and I had an agreement. I want to know why she
broke it and remind her of the consequences. As for Minister Cottington-Blake, well, shes
just committed treason on a grand scale. And gee, Im a Hunter. I can arrest her.
Youll need evidence.
I heard enough. I am, after all, judge, jury and executioner. Its what Hunters do when
beyond Earth.
Kekovic walked behind her and she swivelled the chair to keep him in her sight. And
when you return?
Might be a little bit more difficult, but I dont see too much of a problem.
He opened a cabinet. Lucky for you I record all our conversations, then isnt it?
The cupboard was filled with electronic equipment and a section with small discs. My
hobby. He said and turned to her. Its never enough to have a back-up plan or two,
always have insurance, as well.
I cant fault your logic. She said. But you need to survive to use it.
I have every intention of surviving, but in case I dont, you now know about this and
so do a few other people. Before the sharks arrive, Ill be giving a couple of discs to
various people, including those heading further north. Blake might get some of them, but
not all.
Fair enough. She murmured.
Kekovic dug a hand into his pants pocket, then tossed the key to the handcuffs onto the
desk. Why dont we make ourselves more comfortable in the lounge area? While we wait
for breakfast, you can tell me how you hooked up with that scrote Jones.
Why not? Cambria shrugged, levered herself up and reached for the key.
* * *
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The medic had stitched and patched and soothed Kekovic before leaving with a dire
warning in his eyes aimed at Cambria.
A guard wheeled in a trolley filled with breakfast meals. Bacon, eggs, hash browns,
porridge, sausage links, fried onions, tomatoes, steak.
Cambria was still telling Vlad about Tudor and Jones as the man laid everything out for
them.
It was my first lesson in how completely he could lie, cheat and murder. I actually
believed him when he said he wasnt the first person to be sent to Tudor who was innocent.
He virtually used my own example against me. But hes very, very good at it.
Kekovic reached for a plate. Have at it. He suggested and she dug in.
I always knew he was a bastard. Came through from London looking for another off-
world corridor. I knew this was the only one until you turned up and figured, what the
hell, I could use a strong back. He shook his head. I had no idea who I was dealing with.
Next thing I know, people are disappearing and hes the last to see them. Whether true or
not, I couldnt have fear running rampant. So I taught him a lesson and sent him on his
way.
Hes a survivor, Vlad. And will do anything to ensure it.
Yeah. I got that. He looked at her, a slight frown between his eyebrows. How does
this tech work? He asked.
I told you the truth. I honestly dont know. I turned up to Hunt Jones down and execute
the warrant on him. Next thing I know, Ive got a wretched translator implant stuck in me.
The First Officer refused to explain it. When I reported back to... base, the medicos said it
had travelled through my systems. And it is not of Nomadian construction. They dont
know what it is, and neither do the Nomadians.
Bastards. He muttered around a mouthful of toast.
She set her empty plate down and went for the porridge. I dont know that they had a
choice. Their expressions go all weird when I mention it. I also think their own translators
are being monitored to make sure they dont talk about it.
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You mean, theyre using you as a guinea pig, without your permission?
She hadnt thought of it that way, but it was possible. From my general experience, the
Nomadians dont care for humans. Why not use one to experiment on? It does have its
advantages, but Im not telling.
His gaze drifted over her emaciated body. Id say the drawbacks far outweigh the
advantages.
And I agree with you; but it cant be removed without serious down time or damage
and Im wondering whether its too late now. It will destroy me one way or another, but I
prefer to keep my options open at the moment. She grimaced.
Vlad snorted. What options? Unless you are constantly eating, it will eat you. If
someone tries to get rid of it, youll probably die. And youre a Hunter. You go places
where there is nothing, and I mean nothing for you to eat. He shook his head. You have a
very limited lifespan.
I do, but theres nothing I can do about it, so I dont think about it.
Very pragmatic of you.
If youve got an alternative, Im all ears. She said and paused at his arrested
expression.
I might at that. But it can wait until after your diplomatic attempt.
Youre thinking Ill fail. She said and finished the bowl, set it aside and picked up the
steak.
His smile was brief. I dont know whether youve noticed or not, but the Nomadians
have particular ways of doing things and theyre very careful about it. For the Minister to
convince them to attack us, they must have compelling evidence of our efforts to expand.
As I said, theyve always been cowardly, stepping back from altercations, using
appeasement.
Oh, the steak was good; thick and juicy. I imagine the Minister has planned this very
carefully. Slow invasion with human populations, of deliberate provocation, while she
aggressively pursues that increase, shes also being conciliatory with the Nomadians. Add
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the xenophobic Minister for External Affairs into the mix and hysteria runs rampant within
the government. They seem to have a low crime rate here, have negotiated with you in
good faith, and yet, it doesnt seem to work. So...
I understand that, but why now? The Minister has plenty of time to do this. That was
the plan. Slow and easy. An incremental change over time until there was nothing the
Nomadians could do; theyd have to cede the province to us.
Cambria shrugged. Maybe the World Council got wind of it. Or the investigations unit.
Maybe its election time and she needs to accelerate her retirement plans. It doesnt matter
anymore.
No. It doesnt. He murmured.
In silence, they cleared the plates. She matched his appetite and felt better for it.
She swallowed the last of her original Earth coffee and he followed suit.
If youre to save us, youd better get on the road. He said and she stood.
Thank you for breakfast. She said and his cheeks reddened.
Its the least I can do after...
Youll be suffering for a lot longer than I will. She said with a half smile.
Aint that the truth. He said. Look, should you fail, come back here. I have a fail-
safe plan for you, but Id rather not use it. It might not save us, but it might buy us some
time.
O-kay. She said, curious. Give me... a few hours. If Im not back by then, youll
have to find someone else for your plan.
Yeah, figured. He stuck out his hand, bruised and scrapped knuckles showing. Good
luck, Hunter.
She put her smaller hand in his. Yeah, thanks. Move those people Vlad. A mass shark
attack isnt going to be a pretty sight.
* * *
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Cambria jogged back to her vehicle. No one tried to stop her; they were too busy
preparing for battle or escape. She saw the receptionist on her way out talking to mothers
and their children, pointing to the northern edge of the village.
Cambria thought the receptionist was one woman who would be manning the
battlements if she failed.
Images of what those Nomadian teeth could do to soft flesh filled her mind, lent her
legs speed. She had to stop Cottington-Blake and the First Officer from making a huge
mistake.
But could she find the right words?
She sped down the road, slid around corners and silently urged the car to go faster.
At the edge of Susrah City, in the Alien quarter, she saw refugees loading up trucks and
personal vehicles, all guarded by the local enforcers who encouraged them to hurry. The
civilians turned eyes filled with fear towards her car, but she couldnt afford to stop, or
slow. But she did see the local Nomadians watching silently. Did they know what was
about to happen? Did they care?
She raced to the southern side of the city to await the transports.
Cambria parked under a pink pine and watched the field. It was enormous, a vast area
long cleared of forest. Shed thought it a grassy plain, but now she realised just how the
Nomadians brought in supplies for the locals. It now had another purpose.
A rapid reaction force could land here, be out of the transports and on their way to war
before any miscreants knew what happened.
Her heart pounded, even though shed not done any physical work, and watched the
sky. The morning sun was low, hanging just above the horizon, a deep orange that
reminded Cambria of the warning amber of traffic lights. To her, it was a harbinger of
things to come: stop or go, no in-between.
She checked her watch. Barely three hours had passed since the phone call, but could
she trust the Minister to keep her word?
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Politicians, she thought with a sneer, seemed institutionally incapable of truthfulness.
That being the case, the transports would turn up... well, at any time, really.
The Minister had an agenda, a timetable, and needed to implement it as fast as she could
if the call was to be believed. And if Cottington-Blake could assure herself of a higher
body count, shed damn well lie to get it.
After all, a whole world was at stake, and what money-grubbing, overly-ambitious,
corrupt politician wouldnt want a piece of that action?
And she doubted the good Minister trusted her minion.
Cambria leaned her head back. Either Jones or the Minister had shut down the corridor.
Both had legitimate motives; one promised do it for her, the other would do it for herself.
Which did she believe?
In the distance, she saw black spots in the sky, so many black spots that grew large as
she watched.
Dear God, that was a few battalions! And they were early.
The giant jets flew closer, their engines nearly silent but for a subtle hum. They were at
least twice, maybe three times the size of the civilian jet Cambria had flown up in.
She watched as a dozen came in at rapid speed, then suddenly slowed and lowered to
the ground, landing gear extended.
How the hell did they fly? She wondered, watching the shimmering beneath the crafts.
From the belly of the dozen, a silver ramp extruded and Nomadians, in formation
marched out to the field beyond.
Cambria shook her head and got out of the car to watch. When the jets had expelled
their cargo, they took off, climbing vertical and then shooting off when the wheels and
ramp and been lifted into the body.
Another dozen came in, and another dozen, all belching troops.
Even bigger and fatter transports followed with vehicles, six at a time.
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And circling above, a smaller jet, scooting around, the sun reflecting orange off its
silvered hull.
The First Officer and the Minister, she suspected, observing the professionalism of the
pilots and the troops. Karesh would want to impress the foreign dignitary, demonstrate that
all was well.
The Minister would express concern over the amount of troops, worry over casualties
and whether they were necessary; couldnt they possibly reach a better settlement?
Karesh would explain that theyd only go in if needed, and reminding the humans that
this was not their planet sometimes needed direct action.
The Minister would sigh with resignation, be sorry to hear that, but at least she was here
to look after the migrants, assure them the government was doing all it could to retrieve
them, to save them from the excesses of Kekovic...
Cambria lowered her gaze.
A pair of Nomadians marched towards her and she leaned her butt on the hood of her
car, crossed her arms.
They stopped in front of her, pointed their silver harpoons at her and the male on the left
bared his teeth.
Ooo aah unner arressst. He said in English.
I speak Nomadish. She said.
His lips peeled back further. You are under arrest for crimes against Nomadians.
Im sitting here, watching you. How is that a crime?
You spy for your people.
Uh, huh. She held out her hand. Im Hunter Petersen, how do you do?
He stared at her outstretched hand and took the opportunity to slap a metal bracelet on
it. The other went on his own wrist and he dragged her forward off the car.
No niceties with these two, then.
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Cambria shook her head in disgust. She needed to lose the arrogance. Every time she
opened her mouth to spout a smart remark, someone slapped her for it.
She trailed along, unhappy, to where the army was massing. The transports still came
in, the personal jet still circled above. Would they come down for one last patriotic speech?
Give her the opportunity to talk some sense into them?
The Nomadian hauled her towards an already constructed long oval tent.
Man, they were fast. She could see tents popping up all over the place, perfectly laid out
in straight lines.
The Nomadian who wasnt attached to her ducked inside for a moment then stuck his
head out. Inside.
Sure, why not?
The outside of the tent was an opaque dark green, the same colour in all her vision
changes. Inside was light, but she didnt see a source. Interesting. Behind a desk, a
Nomadian quietly spoke with another soldier who bent down to listen with a cocked head.
We found a spy on our patrol, sir.
The desk bound Nomadian nodded with approval. Good work, Grissel, Slodil. Leave
us and return to your patrol. There may be others.
Gristle? Unlocked the cuff and did an about face, marched out of the tent.
Cambria rubbed her wrist while the Nomadian looked her over.
It will do you no good to spy on us. Were here to wipe you out.
And yet... She bit off her remark about not being slaughtered, but she was there,
standing in front of him. Think before you speak, Cam. She cautioned herself.
She tried again. Im not here as a spy, but as an emissary, a diplomat.
He flicked a hand. It matters not. I already have your governments approval.
I doubt it. She put in. Minister Cottington-Blake does not speak for the government
on issues of confrontation or military exercises. Shes a trade negotiator, nothing more.
He leaned back in his chair. Is that so? And what proof do you bear to contradict her?
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Recordings of her betrayal of you and the human enclave. Cambria said.
Then by all means, present them to me.
Ah... theyre at the enclave. She confessed.
He showed his teeth and hissed out a laugh. So I should take your word for it. He
leaned forward. The word of a human we have come to kill. You are nothing but fodder
for our soldiers. His gaze travelled up and down her body. And not much of snack at
that.
I am Hunter Petersen, not fodder.
He blinked rapidly. Hunter.
Yes.
Can you prove this claim?
Im speaking your language arent I? First Officer Karesh, herself, implanted the
translator. If you dont believe me, ask her.
He flicked a dismissive hand. She is unavailable.
Cambria pointed to the ceiling of the tent. Shes up there, flying around with the
Minister!
As I said: unavailable.
Cambria felt the slow burn of her temper. She put her hands on her hips.
You would slaughter thousands some of them your own people all because youre
too fucking lazy to make a phone call?
You will not speak to me thus. Do it again and I will have you gagged.
Why not kill me like you plan for the rest of my outfit? She barked and mentally
kicked herself. Her and her stupid mouth!
Why not, indeed.
She glared at him. Because on the off-chance youre wrong, more than just the First
Minister will be pissed at you, thats why not!
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He slowly rose. Ill not warn you again.
Cambria firmed her lips. Look... ah... what is your name?
Primary Enforcer Gordash. He supplied.
Meetcha. She said. Look, Primary Enforcer. Im trying to save lives here. Yours,
mine, our peoples. A conflict is unnecessary when a negotiated peace can be made.
The Nomadian beside Gordash hissed and the Primary Enforcer joined in.
We have tried negotiations, and yet, every time we think we have a settlement, your...
people want a little bit more. We are not going to negotiate any longer. We will act.
This is insane. She muttered and paced the confines of the tent. She needed to speak
with the First Officer. Urgently. She had to stop this madness. For the sake of both worlds.
Youre never going to believe a word I say until it can be verified by First Officer
Karesh, or by visual confirmation. She said and he inclined his head. So, will First
Officer Karesh be coming down any time soon?
When the camp is set up to my satisfaction. Gordash said.
Great! Then all she had to do was wait and hope it gave Kekovic time to move his non-
combatants out of Kekotown.
Her shoulders slumped with relief. Oh, good. She murmured.
By that time, my troops should have moved into Susrah City and secured it, oh and
killed any and all the humans they find. Gordash said with a show of teeth.
Cambria could do nothing if there were any stragglers and she hoped the human
enforcers impressed upon the townsfolk the importance of abandoning everything to move
north.

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Chapter Fourteen
She paced the tent, watched as Gordash went about his oversight business of the army
and wondered why no one had disarmed her.
Were they that confident of their skills that one lone, puny human could do nothing but
die? Of course, even if she tried to escape, there were thousands of armed Nomadians
outside the tent. Gordash might die, but it wouldnt stop the coming onslaught; it would
probably precipitate action. She could easily imagine thousands of screaming Nomadians
bearing down on the still evacuating village, imagine the carnage.
No, they had no reason to disarm her. Gordash knew Cambria had presented an option
to him; if he chose wrong and killed a Hunter trying to make peace, then his neck was on
the block. Hed be responsible for what happened next. But he was still going to go
through the motions of preparing the army as per his orders.
She moved to the centre of the tent, sat and lay down, stared up at the ceiling. She
couldnt tell the difference between the natural light outside and whatever light source
there was inside. But it would be handy for the troops back home. No more...
Focus, Cam, on the matter at hand: the slaughter of thousands now and a war of
millions later. Deal with the technology later.
She sat up and looked at the Nomadian commander. May I speak, Primary Enforcer
Gordash?
He flicked a glance at her and continued his murmured conversation with his aide.
She waited patiently, but he said nothing to her and she lay back down, followed the
patterns in the tent fabric. An elephant outline there, a snake over there, a spider with nine
legs... A face... a house... clouds...
A sigh. Well, as long as she was bored, Gordash hadnt given the order to march, she
supposed, and every minute he failed to do so was another human out of the village, more
distance between the two threatening parties.
Tension tightened her shoulders the longer he refused her request. How much time
would it take Kekovic to evacuate? How many people had he left behind to act as a
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rearguard? Would he evacuate everyone and leave an empty town? And what was the
mission no one else but her could do?
What is it you wish to say, human? Gordash finally said and she sat up again. His
aide had departed and she was alone with him.
Youre a military man; its what you do. Work out strategy, logistics, troop
movements, weaponry, the deployment of assets, order of battle and the like. She said.
Yes. He nodded.
So... if you had a Nomadian enclave on another world and it was attacked by the
locals, what would you do?
Gordash leaned back in his chair and bared his teeth. If they were unauthorised, like
you, and they misbehaved, like you; if they made unreasonable demands, like you,
persistently infringed on the mandated border, again, like you, then they would deserve to
be wiped out. He said with a shrug.
Huh. That reply was unexpected. Shed thought to appeal to his compassionate side.
And do you believe all species would have a similar view?
It is only common sense. As guests on our world, you should be more... the ridge
between his eyes wrinkled, accommodating, eager to please, polite. We are a generous
people, willing to allow settlement of refugees from any world. But humans take and take
and take. Other species on this planet happily co-exist with us. But there is no satisfying
you humans. So. The decision has been made to destroy all humans as a lesson to other
species who think to take advantage of us. It is the only solution to this problem.
Hmmm. In theory, I agree with you, Primary Enforcer. If we had an irritating bunch of
aliens causing as much problem as the humans do here, wed evict them. In practice,
however, it doesnt... quite... work out like that. Which, I might add, Minister Cottington-
Blake knows, understands and is deliberately trying to provoke this, she waved a hand to
encompass the camp, very reaction.
He leaned forward, brought his legs under his chair. If you have any information
regarding the enclaves defences, Id be most interested to hear of it.
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Cambria lifted an eyebrow. You expect me to betray my own people unto death when
there are other solutions? Is that what you would do if the situation was reversed?
Of course not. He scoffed. I have honour.
Whereas her being here and her being human, meant she did not.
Im not going to speak to the issue of troop deployments in the enclave. No matter
what the hierarchy has done, it doesnt mean the civilians have any part in it. They, at least,
are innocent of any crime at best and misguided at the worst. They have done nothing to
die for. She said and his shoulders relaxed as if shed taken away a new favourite toy, or...
denied him the opportunity to express his blood lust.
Cambria rolled her eyes. Hypothetically and thats all this is - a hypothetical
situation.
Agreed. He said and his eyes filled with interest. I enjoy hypothetical situations, it is
excellent for covering any and all contingencies. Reducing my casualties while increasing
the enemies is the best way to prosecute a battle.
Blood-thirsty warmonger. Um... do you know much about the human race, Primary
Enforcer? She asked.
I know they keep pushing the boundaries of good fortune. I know they are rude,
obnoxious, greedy, that they dont like foreigners even when they are the foreigners. I
know they breed quite quickly, that they are overly emotional, have temper tantrums when
they dont get their own way, are manipulative...
In short, they are like small children whove never been taught manners and proper
behaviour. She said.
Yes. You understand your species very well.
Thank you, Primary Enforcer. But heres the thing. We are like children. Especially
when the big wide galaxy comes calling. The opportunities that presents, the failures and
the successes. Were explorers, with curiosity unbound until we find the solution. Were
colonists, always seeking a better life somewhere. We are thinkers, always trying to work
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out the why of something, how we can use it. Its exciting to know there are things yet to
discover. But were also very clannish.
Clannish? Gordash asked with suspicion.
Clannish. We are a people of different colours, different belief systems, politics, even
down to different ambitions and well fight over the smallest thing and the largest. But we
are a people, bound together by the DNA that makes us the human species. And if you
attack one, you attack all. If you do this, back on Earth, people will rally around the
families of the bereaved and demand revenge from the government who will have no
choice but to act or see their careers go down the waste disposal unit. They will not sit
back and think, oh, well, they shouldnt have done it, they shouldnt have been there and
they deserve everything they get. We do not work that way.
What are you implying?
Primary Enforcer, she said with a sigh and met his gaze, held it. Im not implying
anything. Im telling you: if you go ahead with this attack and kill my people, slaughter
thousands of humans, a large, well armed, and very angry group of professional soldiers is
going to drop on top of you like the wrath of God and return the favour.
He looked back at her, exposed his sharp teeth again. Minister Cottington-Blake
assures us that will not happen. That your government will let it... er, slide, I believe the
word is, in the interests of interplanetary co-operation and friendship. Your people are, as
you have admitted, here illegally and it seems no amount of negotiation will remove
them.
Cambria clenched her jaw in frustration. Im sure Minister Cottington-Blake knows a
great deal about trade negotiations and I would never presume to tell her, her job.
However, she also knows the consequences of allowing humans to be slaughtered in job
lots. And it aint lets shake hands and be friends. She has every intention of making sure
this disaster happens so she can then step in and take over...
You... have no respect for your leader? Are you a rebel? An insurrectionist? He went
to stand, fin on his pistol.
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Cambrias eyes widened. No, no! Im not a rebel, I work for the World Council! And
shes not my leader. Where did you get that idea?
He shifted, uncomfortable and resumed his seat.
Cambrias mouth twisted with disgust. Cottington-Blake had lot to answer for. Right,
she gave you that impression. Well, shes not the leader of any part of our government. As
a trade minister, shes actually down the food chain. Near the bottom if I remember my
organisational chart correctly. Were ruled by a President and I guarantee you, she wont
be happy when she hears about this.
Hears about what? A feminine voice asked and Cambria turned, rose to her feet and
faced the World Council representative.
Minister Cottington-Blake was a tall, slim woman, with smooth, dark brown hair,
artfully pinned up into a French knot. Careful strands of grey had been added to her
temples for that extra air of authority. Her green eyes sparkled with amusement and her full
mouth was curved upwards, but no wrinkles showed to betray her age. She couldnt have
been more than forty and that made her a very junior minister indeed.
Cambria sensed her ambitions the way she held herself, with dignity and yet seemed
apart from events. Her expression of amusement and anticipation, as if this was a game and
she was beyond the cruel realities and consequences. Cambria knew why: for Cottington-
Blake, it was a win-win situation. The slaughter of thousands of humans would bring the
military to Nomad and shed take over as the embodiment of authority, since she was the
only World Council representative here. But if she created a scenario where she could
negotiate a peace, without losing territory, shed still be the on-the-ground authority who
saved those thousands. And her plan of expansionism would take a little bit longer. The
end game was hers to win unless Cambria fouled things up and the Minister surely
wouldnt let that happen.
Cottington-Blake tucked her hands into her long tabard, the colour of emeralds, with the
World Council sigil of the globe embroidered in gold and silver on the front. She wore
black slacks and heeled leather boots gave her extra height. She was every inch the
professional.
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Cambria felt like a grubby, ill-dressed peasant. First Officer Karesh came in behind her
and hesitated when she saw Cambria, but then moved to stand beside Gordash as if to
throw her support behind the mission or to keep out of the way of two humans about to
engage in a battle of wills.
The President, Madam Minister. Cambria said with a slight dip of her head. When
she hears of the massacre here, shell be wondering what the hell happened, why and how.
Oh, and who is responsible.
Perfectly straight white teeth gleamed, green eyes shone with suppressed laughter. I
dont know who you mean, of course. And any violence that breaks out today, will be
entirely on the head of those maniacs up at... Kekotown, I believe its called. Ive tried to
talk reason into them, but they simply wont listen. The humans here are bound and
determined to do things the human way, rather than live in peace with the Nomadians.
Why, only this morning I called a Mr Vladimir Kekovic and explained...
That you wanted two hundred defenders to die for the glorious cause I believe your
words were. Cambria said and the Ministers eyes sparked with anger. Also the words
the Marines will come through not long after the massacre, and Eight hours, Vlad, to
evacuate everyone but the defenders. I was, after all, right there when you said them.
The Primary Enforcer and the First Officer turned to the Minister, expectation in their
stance. The Minister flicked them a brief glance, her mouth tight with annoyance.
I know nothing about that. The Minister sniffed. I am a trained negotiator, not a
villain and Im here to... Her eyes shifted to the Nomadians and back again. To mitigate
any damage. The Nomadians want to save face, want to use the humans as an example to
other species who come here of what will happen when they step out of line. And Im
going to let them.
She pulled her hands out and turned off the translator, gave Cambria a nasty smile.
And whatever happens here, is certainly not my fault. When its all over, Ill still be in
charge and well on my way to either higher office within the World Council, or a nice little
retirement estate here on Nomad. And you are not going to fuck it up for me, so shut up.
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She turned the translator back on, and resumed her position and expression of quiet
dignity, with hands tucked into the tabard.
Minister, you are making a big mistake if you think to get away with this. Too many
people know of your complicity. Im a Hunter, and my word is law on planets with
humans on them. Stop this madness before people on both sides die.
First Minister, Karesh said, perhaps the Hunters words have some merit. There is
still time to end this before blood is spilled.
Cambria heard Gordash grind his teeth together. He looked pissed at the First Officer.
Did Karesh not have the right to sue for peace?
First Officer, he bit out, it is not for you to decide on the progress or cancellation of
this mission. The Nomadian commander said ominously. It is for me and my orders
come from a higher authority than you.
Karesh looked at him, her mouth parted exposing her teeth as if to snap at him. Gordash
stared back at her, unflinching, and Cambria got the impression there was some silent
conversation going on. Then the anger faded to speculation in Kareshs eyes then melted
into acceptance and the First Officer bent her head to study the ground.
Cambria thought she looked embarrassed, ashamed.
Why would his orders coming from a higher authority give the First Officer an aura of
defeat? Didnt everyone want peace here? Cambria wondered, then paused. Where had she
heard that expression before? A higher authority. She frowned, went back over
conversations. Ardash. Her implant. Put in at the behest of... A higher authority than the
First Officer.
I would suggest that your pleas for peace have just been denied. Cottington-Blake
said with a smug smile. I have, of course, tried to convince the Nomadians that war is not
the way, but as youve just learned, there is nothing I can do about it the situation, since I
dont know who this higher authority is, and the Nomadians refuse to discuss them with
me. But all is not lost. Her smile grew. Like the current situation here and the convicted
killer of... what was his name? She affected a frown, then grinned. Oh, yes. Senator
Dortmund, wasnt it, Ms Petersen?
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Cambria blinked in surprise.
Oh, yes, the Minister said smugly, your face is still plastered all over the tabloids
rumours, you know, of where you are abound. Bounty hunters running around, nearly
capturing you or killing you. Quite entertaining; if you like that sort of thing, even if the
stories are so obviously lies.
Cambria paled. This woman knew who she was, knew... ah, hell, what did it matter?
Shed told Lord Montague it wasnt a good idea to keep that file active.
Nothing to say? Cottington-Blake murmured. No denial of the crime? No
justification or pleadings of innocence? Of mistaken identity? Just guilty silence? She
sighed and looked over at the Nomadians.
Cambria glanced at the two officers. They both stared at her, mouths slightly open.
You intentionally terminated an important officer of State? Karesh asked, as if
Cambria had betrayed her.
I cant talk about it. Cambria replied. If it got out that Cambria was innocent and
another member of the Judicar Ranald Bolingbroke was guilty, thered be an uproar in
the Council, with investigations started that would shut a number of important programs
like the ongoing Hunter and Retrieval missions until the Council was assured it had
cleaned house. As long as people on Earth knew Cambria was running around the
countryside there, no one would look to other planets and she and the other Hunters could
do their jobs without interference from the bounty hunters.
Now Cottington-Blake threatened to derail the whole thing. And from the look of
triumph on her face, she knew it. The Minister had neatly mouse-trapped Cambria;
destroyed any trust between her and the Nomadians because Cambria couldnt talk about
it. The bitch.
Its classified. She said weakly as she turned back to the Minister. And you do not
have the authority to access that information.
Everyone on the planet knows who you are and what you did. All that was left was for
your location. And lo, here you are, causing trouble once again. First Officer Karesh was
most informative about a Hunter being on planet to attempt to broker a peace or to evict
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the illegal humans. All I did was discover your name. You should have changed it, had
plastic surgery or something gone far, far away where no human would find you. Now, it
no longer matters. As you know, peace here was never going to be an option no matter
what you did or who, she glanced at Karesh, you might have corrupted to your way of
thinking.
I corrupted no one, Blake and...
The Minister cut her off. I might add that Judge Bolingbroke was a very dear friend of
mine.
Cambria opened her mouth for a hot reply, but the Minister had decided the time for
talk was over. She pulled out an archaic, silver handgun the size of a small cannon, aimed
at Cambria and fired.
The bullet slammed into Cambrias chest, blasted through her body in an explosion of
blood and bone. She went with it, hit the tent side and slid down, all sense of feeling shut
down. She felt no pain, not even when she tried to drag in a breath, just stunned
recognition that a Minister for the World Council had just gunned her down.
As the darkness crowded into her vision and the images of two shocked Nomadians
faded, she heard the Ministers voice, filled with satisfaction and brusque authority.
There now. Warrant executed. Tell me Primary Enforcer, how soon until you expect to
advance?

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Chapter Fifteen
Cambria lay surrounded by darkness. Alone. She felt as if shed caught the echo of an
overheard conversation that just finished. But now, there was nothing. No sound, no sight,
no touch; she was adrift in a vast emptiness without any senses other than her thoughts.
Im dead. Finally, totally and irretrievably dead.
No thump of a heartbeat she had no heart, it had gone... somewhere - no hush of
breath from her lungs, no whoosh of blood flowing around her veins.
Yeah, Im dead.
She waited. And waited. Then waited some more.
So... no heaven and no hell, unless an eternity of being bored counts as hell? Yeah, Ill
go with that since Ive probably done things to condemn me.
Silence. Heavy, expectant, waiting.
She waited with it, tried access some sort of sensory input, but there was nothing and
her frustration grew.
Christ, what a bore this is! No Limbo? No solemn Saint Peter or leering Beelzebub? No
relatives to come and greet me, take me onwards into the tunnel of light? Noth...?
Thump.
Whoa. If I could find where that came from, I could...
Thump, whoosh.
Where the hell is that coming from? What the fu...?
Thump, whoosh, thump. Hushshsh...
Oh, boy, that is creepy. I am not...
Thump, hushshsh, whoosh. Thump, hushshsh, whoosh. Thump, hushshsh, whoosh.
Oh... I get it... Shit.
Pain, immense and unlike any other shed experienced, detonated through her with
white-hot fury.
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Cambria curled in on herself, clutched at her chest where... Oh, God, the pain! Make it
stop! Make it STOP!
She gasped instinctively, drew in the scent of refuse, of garbage and effluent. And the
nerve-tearing agony eased as she eased the breath out, carefully drew a second hiccup of
air into her empty lungs.
Ack. She wheeze and something vile and slimy slipped into her mouth. She pushed
the thing out with her tongue, gathered saliva and pushed that out. Another breath, enough
for her to clear her to spit again.
She groaned as the pain flared, then receded to an ache that pulsed in time with her
heart.
Cambria prised her eyes open to slits. Blinked. She was in a pit. She heard... a language,
an alien language.
Something crackled behind her eyes, jiggled her eyeballs, then another sound, like a
steel slowly drawing down to sharpen a knife blade. Then it stopped with a click and she
could hear... words, in a deep voice, coming closer.
They will not escape. No one escapes the justice of the Primary Enforcer. See? Human
trash, where it belongs.
Hot, salty water fell onto the side of her slack face.
She waited while the other... alien, Na... Nu... No... Nom... Nomad. Nomadian urinated
on her, too. The pair walked away laughing with each other on what they were about to do
to the humans.
Humans. Her. She was human.
More clicking behind her eyes, in the back of her brain, in the forefront, rattling around
inside her skull. More steel against blade and then it stopped.
Cambria involuntarily shuddered, as if something... unnatural had happened inside of
her and it was now firmly back in control.
The painful, throbbing ache deep in her chest disappeared and her eyes snapped open
again, clear and focused. Her muscles tightened then relaxed.
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Oh, my God! She remembered. Everything! And the information flashed, replayed in
her mind at hyper-speed. Then it too stopped and her mind settled.
She sat up in the latrine pit.
Oh, Minister, what have you done. She murmured and stood on the refuse, on the
excrement.
The lip of the hole was half a metre above her head.
She used her hands to dig into the soft, moist soil wall for her feet, jammed her booted
toes into the recesses and climbed out, rolled onto the grass and stared up at the pale blue
clouds. Then she turned her head.
Green tents spread out before her, but the majority were silent, as if the occupants were
away for the day.
Cambria felt the burn of anger, of a need for revenge, longed to confront the Minister
about her execution, but the human enclave came first. She had to return, tell Vlad shed
failed comprehensively and to prepare for battle.
Carefully in case the pain returned with an inadvertent move she got to her feet.
She orientated herself and went left, kept behind the tents and moved into the forest.
Her vehicle was a quarter of the way around the encampment and she didnt think anyone
would be interested in her transport.
She was right: the silver car sat beneath the shade of the pink pine, alone, unwatched
and unlocked.
It started easily and she backed away from the army, away from the woman whod
killed her. But shed be back to seek revenge, to see the look in her eyes when Cambria
confronted her and then the fear of seeing Cambria on her feet and armed to the teeth.
Oh, yes, she wanted the fear, the anguish, the pleading, the tear-driven apolo...
Cambria blinked, slowed the car to a stop. That wasnt her. She wanted justice, yes, but
not the emotional baggage that went with it, that was...
Excalibur bloody Jones.
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She leaned her head on the steering wheel. Where was her moral obligation to capture
first? Her understanding that Cottington-Blake only did what hundreds of bounty hunters
couldnt, since the warrant had never been rescinded? Where were the emotions that
stopped her from being psychopathic or sociopathic?
She needed them to balance justice, to know when a sentence was justified and not pure
bloody vengeful murder! Although, she thought with a smug certainty, Cottington-Blake
deserved to die for her part in this insurrection.
Cambria lifted her head, stared into the rear-view mirror. Her gaze stared back at her,
expressionless. She felt empty, as if a large piece of her had been carved out, like a tumour.
Tumour? The alien technology that was slowly killing her. Was it the emergency protocol
that saved her? She should be dead. And yet, in the mirror, she saw a woman very much
alive, excrement-smeared forehead, but alive.
Impossible. She murmured and twitched as fear seeped into her veins.
Cambria reached for the hem of her shirt, slowly lifted it and stared down, brushed her
fingers over the smooth skin where a really large and bloody hole should have been.
Her hands fell into her lap. Did she dare? Did she want to look closer?
Blue eyes, with golden streaks stared back at her from the rear view mirror. No
gauntness from healing, no consuming of unwanted flesh and muscle and tissue and fat and
cells. Her face was... her face. Familiar, younger, with no lines of strain or worry around
her eyes.
Click, click, scree-sht. Her eyeballs jiggled unexpectedly and settled. She rubbed her
eyes, unsure of what shed seen, but she felt more like her normal self: anger at Cottington-
Blake and Jones remained, but she felt happy to be alive, feared what it meant. That was
normal... wasnt it?
What the hell happened to me? She asked herself forlornly. What the fuck am I?
Her angry reflection demanded.
She couldnt answer and looked away, disappointed, depressed and set the question
aside. There would be plenty of time for introspection later; she hoped. She had to put
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herself back together, had to firm her resolve, and not descend into the gibbering,
hysterical heap she desperately wanted fall into.
Cambria clenched her jaw, expelled a gust of air and mentally braced herself against
returning emotions. She couldnt deal with them now, even as she recognised her
contrariness.
On a sigh, she put the car into gear. She need to get back to Kekotown as quickly as
possible and she put a request for directions via an alternative route into the onboard map,
and then instructed the car to go as fast as was safe for the road conditions.
The car complied with excellent haste, swerving onto another road that took her away
from the encampment of Nomadians.
God, she hoped she wasnt too late!
Cambria climbed into the back seat and disrobed, dropped her stinking, wet clothes onto
the floor. She couldnt get clean that would have to wait but she could dress in dry,
fresh clothes and rearm. Her knives were gone again but theyd not taken her guns.
Maybe they thought them useless, like Kekovic did? Nor did they confiscate her telescopic
aerial. She could imagine the Nomadian soldiers laughing over why a silly human needed
an aerial.
For whatever reason they failed to take them, she had her pistols, fully loaded with
refills to match.
Once dressed in clean denim jeans, a blue, long-sleeved silk shirt and her boots, she
secreted her spare knives into the side of the boots, into the individual sheathes strapped to
her forearms, at both hips. She mourned the loss of her favourite hunting knife, but she
could always get another; when she was done with this planet.
The double pistol holster slid easily over her shoulders and she jammed the guns home.
Now, she felt comfortable; now she felt ready to cope with whatever came her way. And
should someone have the misfortune to kill her again, well, she also felt ready to wallow in
bloody revenge...
She shook the thought off, refused to entertain the images and a pang of remembered
pain pulsed in the middle of her chest.
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She should not be. But she was and shed have to live with it... or whatever.
Was she alive? Had she been resurrected? By the alien tech so determined to snuff out
her life? What changed?
Dead woman walking.
Cambria climbed back into the drivers seat as the car moved around a sweeping curve
in the forest. In front of her, Nomadian soldiers quickly stepped out of the way and she
ducked down before realising the windows were tinted and they couldnt see in.
All the soldiers saw was a vehicle of Nomadian construction, ergo, a Nomadian drove.
She desperately wanted to wave at them as she flew by, but she held her hands in her
lap and firmed her mouth against the hysterical laughter that threatened to break free, and
break her temporary sanity.
No mocking the natives. Bad, Cam, very, very bad. She turned to look behind her.
The soldiers reformed behind her.
She felt as if shed dodge a bull...
Lets not go there, and say we did, okay?
The drive took another hour in which she tried to come up with another plan to stop the
coming madness. Nothing came to her but images of bloody warfare and the murder of
civilians. Finally, the vehicle slowed and bumped over the rutted road until it paused at a
check point. She wondered if the car had a front end sensor.
An armed human guard levelled his automatic pulse rifle at her and she lowered the
window, stuck her head out.
Hi! Is this where the fireworks are going to be? She called to him and he jogged over
to her.
What the fuck are you doing? Dont you know there are Nomadians on the warpath out
there?
Well, yeah. I passed them about an hour ago. She said and he paled.
Oh, fuck me. He gasped, turned and ran to a bunkered outpost.
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On a shrug, she disengaged the automatic pilot and took control herself.
Her foot lightly pressed the accelerator and she coasted down the road until she was
level with the soldier.
He looked at her and waved her through. She returned the wave as she passed. When
she was clear, she stepped on the pedal and shot down the road.
Another ten minutes later, and Kekovics house came into view. She slammed on the
brakes and slid into the parking lot at the back. Cambria got out, rolled her shoulders and
went in the rear entrance.
The place was empty.
She wandered through the downstairs area. Off to the right, the metal door of the
corridor stood open and she could see all the way to the blank, white wall at the end. If it
was operational, thered be darkness and then, once this door was closed, another door
would appear leading to the destination.
The receptionist desk was scattered with papers, with files, with pens, and a half empty
coffee mug with the words, You Want It When? In red ink with a laughing yellow face.
Cambria walked to the stairs and looked up. She couldnt hear anything from above, but
expected Kekovic to be in his office until the very last minute.
She took two steps at a time and hit the hallway. All the doors stood open and she saw
they were office spaces, abandoned in a hurry by their occupants.
Kekovics door stood open too, but he was on the phone, his head bowed, reading a
flimsy paper page.
Cambria strolled in and he glanced at her, pointed to the lounge area and continued his
conversation.
Interested, she turned to look. A trolley, laden with food and a coffee urn, bubbled
away, but no people. He was alone in this big house.
She poured herself some coffee and sat, waited for Kekovic to finish his discussion on
troop deployment his and theirs.
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Both levels of the trolley were full of food and she helped herself to steak sandwich. It
tasted lukewarm and tough.
Was it only this morning, shed sat with Kekovic and chowed down on a breakfast
steak, and right before that, theyd tried to beat the tar out of each other?
And now, here they were, allies to a single cause. The avoidance of war, but victory if
that couldnt be achieved.
You look... he sniffed, wrinkled his nose, and smell like shit. He rumbled and sat
across from her, picked up a plate of waffles.
Ive been mostly dead all day, give me a break.
He choked on a mouthful, spat it out. What?
She chewed and swallowed. The dear Minister uncovered... well, lets be honest here,
she recognised me and executed an outstanding warrant on me. Shot out my heart, in fact,
with a bloody great handgun.
Jesus. He wiped his mouth, leaned over and poured himself some coffee. And youre
still walking around. He narrowed his eyes. Youre not looking like an emaciated
skeleton, either. What gives?
To tell you the truth, I dont have a fucking clue. But I was dead. Floating in a big,
black nothing. Her mouth twisted. Woke up in a latrine pit.
No wonder you smell like piss and shit.
Thank you so much.
So. Whats the story?
Cambria sighed, studied the remains of her sandwich. Then she shrugged stuffed the
portion into her mouth and chewed.
You are buggered. I watched dozens of troop transports come in, then the transport
transports came in. They are ready, able and very willing for some payback slaughter.
Cottington-Blake has them thinking it is just and right and youre all just evil haters of
anything not human, that this bunch of humans arent interested in sharing.
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Well never be able to defend ourselves against that many. His eyes met hers. Any
chance of a peace settlement?
No. The Minister has obviously made promises she never told you about which were
then broken. They are bound and determined to wipe you out.
Didnt you tell them about the consequences?
In short sentences so the Primary Enforcer would understand, and I think I was making
headway. But then her Nibs arrived, announced I was a wanted woman and... well. Blam.
Goodnight Cambria.
And are you? A wanted woman, I mean.
She sighed. Officially, no. Unofficially, Im anyones meat.
Oh, I so wouldnt want to be you, Petersen. You are a walking target all on your
lonesome.
She nodded with agreement and studied the trolley as if she had a connoisseurs eye,
selected the pasta with the creamy sauce. She leaned back against the couch.
So... what did you do to incur the wrath of the World Council?
She swallowed a mouthful of near cold pasta. Senator Dortmund. She said and
lowered her gaze to the bowl. He was who started her down this road. He and his request
for a rundown on Judicar assignments and results. Shed gone too far, discovered massive
corruption by Judge Bolingbroke... His lackey, his minion and her immediate boss, Misty,
had killed Dortmund and framed her. Bolingbroke sentenced her to Tudor...
Oh. Kekovic said and the word held a wealth of meaning.
FYI, Vlad. I did not kill him. But his death served a purpose: Bolingbroke sent me to
Tudor. I escaped from Tudor and became a Hunter. And here I am, ready to die for the
humans on Nomad. I cant tell you how much that sucks.
Sure you can, because Im about to do the very same thing. He said with resignation.
Oh, right. Going down with the ship?
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Of a sort. I have able lieutenants who will hide as many of the population as they can
until the marines arrive.
Why not all of them? She sat up. Scatter everybody into the northern province. That
way, no one dies and everyone lives.
Chance would be a fine thing. He murmured. But we have spent long years building
this place and other townships. Its our home. We cant just abandon it. Besides, this is
where the corridor is. If were ever to return to Earth, this is where we must be.
Cambria set aside the pasta, no longer interested in it. And if I told you there was
another one? In Herosha City? Would that change your mind?
His gaze sharpened. Working?
She nodded.
Leading to?
Ah, I dont know; but back to Earth somewhere its a legitimate corridor for
legitimate immigrants. Theres another in Cohasha City, should we need it. She said and
hoped the powers that be didnt mind her telling. Then she thought about the refugees from
other worlds. It was an open secret anyway.
Vlad didnt blink. Youre serious.
Well, Vlad, how do you think I got here?
Accessible?
When we sort out this mess, yes, of course. Ill speak with First Officer Karesh, get her
to convince her superiors that eviction is better than invasion. She replied.
No one has to die. He murmured. No one has to die defending our link with Earth.
Right. So?
He chewed his lip. Well probably end up hosting a running battle through the forest
with the Nomadians, unless I do something.
You could wait until the Marines arrive. She reminded him.
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They need word of a massacre here before theyll come. And I dont know the time
frame. Cottington-Blake arranged that. I need a plan to delay the Nomadians. He said
with bitter understanding and sank into thought.
Cambria checked her encyclopaedia chrono. Think faster, Vlad theyre not far away.
His pale eyes zeroed in on hers and she had a bad feeling. I can work this. I can get the
Nomadians off our backs until we can get to the south, to Herosha. But I need your help.
It requires I do something really stupid doesnt it.
He lifted an eyebrow in regret. Im afraid so. But theres no one left who can do it
not and maybe survive, that is. If this works, the Nomadians will think us gone and well
have the time to move to the corridor in Herosha. Wont take more than a couple of weeks
if I contact the team leaders immediately.
Gone? Oh... well shit. Time was running out. She had to make a decision; but it was
an easy one. What had she told Excalibur? Oh, yeah. I have nothing to live for, but
everything to die for. Now, without his knowing about the conversation, Vlad was calling
her on it.
Yeah, okay. Why the hell not? She lifted a shoulder. Its what we Hunters do, you
know.
The chances of survival, Cambria...
Hey, she said softly, Ms Cuntington-Blech blew out my heart. Turned it to a smear
on the side of a tent; how bad can your proposal be?
The total destruction of the entire town and surrounds via hydrogen-fuelled bunker
busters. He said calmly.
Cambria paled. Oh.

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Chapter Sixteen
Vlad showed Cambria the location of the bombs, including one the size of her vehicle
buried in the centre of town. Then he called in his scouts and troops, explained what
Cambria was going to do.
They stared at her in silence with varying expressions of surprise, regret and... approval,
as if it was justice.
Cambria, Cam, the house isnt as well protected as I would like, but the corridor
should provide some protection given what it is. Kekovic instructed with a hand on her
shoulder. You need to be inside when you press the detonator, should the Nomadians
arrive before the corridor comes online and youre about to be over run. If they wait, Ive
set up an automatic mayday. As soon as that sucker is ready to receive, it will send the
distress signal, a code omega thats we are under attack and surrounded. Wipe out
imminent signal and the marines will come running. It wont be us who are massacred, it
will be the Nomadians, but the Marines wont know that when they arrive and theyll be
ready to defend the town. He handed her the device. This is a last resort, remember that.
Yeah, I got that. She said. Yall better get out of here. If theyre coming, theyll be
here in minutes. Oh, and run.
He signalled his troops and they formed up, started jogging north to meet the refugees.
Vlad turned to her. Thank you, for our lives and for our futures. He kissed her
forehead and took off after the departing men.
She thought him fast for such a big man and watched them disappear into the forest and
safety.
On a sigh, she turned towards the fringe of the southern trees. The Nomadians would be
coming through there and from behind the big house, but heading for disappointment.
The image of the Nomadians and what they could do with their teeth and harpoons to
the humans would not leave her and she changed her vision, searched for the scouts and
combat troops.
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There was no sign of them... yet, and she couldnt spend all day out here watching for
them. She needed the protection of the house and she turned and went inside; scampered
up the stairs to Vlads office.
If she timed it right, she could watch for them from the balcony and still have time to hit
the corridor before pressing the Armageddon button, something she was loathe to do. For
all her initial thoughts of Vlad being a coward, the corridor still represented the closest
safety whether she was wanted on Earth or not. Lord Montague could sort that out should
it become necessary.
Cambria poured another cup of coffee and wandered over to his desk, eyed the phone...
and smiled.
She hit caller id and then call, pressed the speaker button and sat comfortably in Vlads
chair with her feet on the desk and her coffee cradled in her hands.
Hello! The Minister huffed. Vlad? Have you done what I asked?
Hello, Minister, still trying to win? Cambria sipped her coffee.
Who is this? Wheres Vlad!
Oh, Minister, tsk, tsk. Dont you recognise the voice of doo-oom? She asked
pleasantly.
Dont you mess with me. I recognise your voice and youre just another stupid
secretary. Get Vlad, right now. The Minister warned.
Cambria ignored her demand. Look, heres the deal. You call off your troops and I
wont kill them.
You wont kill them? A single woman cannot hope to prevail against the might of the
Nomadians. The Minister said smugly.
Nor the marines that will surely follow?
You know nothing. And, oh, were in sight of the town. Say goodbye, Andra.
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Who? Oh, the secretary. Not her, Blake, shes gone with the others. But, okay:
Goodbye Minister, and dont say I didnt warn you. Cambria said and hung up before the
woman could reply.
Cambria hung up the phone and looked down at the device Vlad had given her. Such a
simple and plain looking thing to hold such destructive power.
No individual switches for separate bombs, no, just a metal cylinder with a small blue
button set into the top. Innocuous, innocent, smooth, and yet it would wreak such havoc.
Well, time to get to it.
She opened the top, left-hand draw and removed the remote control, pressed the on
button.
A screen descended from the ceiling, next to the door, and the surveillance system came
on. Cameras, set around the town, showed no activity and she figured she had time for
another cup of coffee.
With a fresh cup in one hand and detonator in the other, she waited. And watched.
* * *
A seething mass of Nomadians came out of the forest, surged into the township, with a
rolling noise erupting from shark-teeth rimmed mouths and harpoons raised to strike.
Cambria couldnt help it, she had to grin. All that effort for no reward. The humans had
evacuated, lock, stock and hand-crafted barrel.
Soldiers tried to bust through doors, but the inhabitants had left them wide open. Very
little remained and most soldiers came back out, disappointed and puzzled, milled around.
She heard footsteps on the staircase and what sounded like an argument, but could only
hear the voices, not the words.
Minister Cottington-Blake had a look of anger initially, but then she caught sight of
Cambria and gaped at her in shock, staggered back.
Youre dead! She gasped.
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Then I guess you are too, if youre talking to me. Her gaze shifted as she set her
coffee cup on the desktop. Hello, First Officer Karesh. Are we having fun yet?
The First Officers mouth dropped open, exposing a double row of teeth, her fin-hands
rose as if to ward off an attack.
Cottington-Blake drew her big gun, held it in shaky hands.
First Officer Karesh, Cambria said, her eyes on the Ministers, Did the Minister say
to you and Primary Enforcer Gordash Warrant Executed?
The Ministers gun shook hard as she tried to hold it up.
I believe you are correct, Hunter. Karesh said.
And a warrant, once executed, cannot be executed a second time.
Again, you are correct. Lower your weapon, Minister.
Ill blow you to Kingdom come, you monster. Cottington-Blake ground out.
Didnt work the first time, now did it? Cambria slowly rose from her seat and came
around the desk. She didnt want to spook the Minister doing something... nasty. It was an
extremely painful exercise the first time around. And if you pull that trigger again, I will
be extremely pissed and I will most definitely return the favour. Am I clear?
Cottington-Blake shook her head, the fear widening her eyes.
Cambria leaned her butt on the desk. First Officer, Minister, come in and make
yourselves comfortable. There are refreshments near the lounge. She lifted her chin,
indicated the trolley. Coffees free, Minister.
The gun shook so badly, Cambria wondered if it would go off accidentally. Did the
thing have a safety? She kept her gaze on Cottington-Blakes. The Ministers forehead
glowed with sweat.
Youre a clone.
Excuse me?
The Minister lifted the drooping gun. Youre a clone! Thats the only explanation.
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Cambria tilted her head, and then looked at the First Officer. Is that right? Do you have
the technology to develop a full clone in a few hours?
Karesh stared at her then slowly shook her head. No, Hunter, we do not have any
cloning ability or technology.
A hologram! The Minister sounded increasingly desperate.
Cambria ignored her and her gun. First Officer, may I offer you some refreshment?
Karesh reached out and plucked the gun from Cottington-Blakes hand. I regret that I
must refuse. She leaned forward slightly. Not nearly strong enough and, after seeing you
standing here, alive, I need something to sting some sense into me and explain the
impossible. Only an alcoholic beverage, or seven, can do that.
Cambria grinned. And I believe, our refreshments are not spicy enough. Im sorry I
dont have any Brindish for you, but... She lifted her shoulders. This is where we are.
The human enclave.
This is not a tea party! Cottington-Blake yelled and the First Officer glanced at her.
Minister, I suggest you make yourself comfortable while the Hunter and I discuss a
few urgent matters.
Cottington-Blake turned an unattractive red. I will not be dismissed. I am the senior
human here!
Actually, youre not. Cambria said with a faint smile. As the Hunter of record on
Nomad, that makes me the judicial boss. You, Minister, are the, ah... trade delegation? Yes,
I believe thats what youre here for. Judicial and military matters are beyond your
purview.
The Minister walked forward, rage in her expression, her hands clenched into fists.
Dont you dare mock me, or Ill...
Cambria flicked out the telescopic baton and held the black tip under the Ministers
narrow chin. Or youll... what, Minister? She asked softly and the red of the Ministers
face drained to pale.
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She slowly backed away and Cambria lowered the weapon. Threatening a Minister is a
jail-able offence. Cottington-Blake said.
Not when it deals with chastisement and discipline.
The Hunter has not threatened you with bodily harm. Karesh put in. She has merely
offered you refreshment, Minister, and made a point on seniority while defending herself.
Primary Enforcer Gordash came in and froze when he saw Cambria. He made a
complicated sign with his fins.
Come in, Primary Enforcer Gordash. Cambria invited.
Are you... I saw... You cannot... He couldnt look away from her, even though he
turned his head.
Im fine; yes, you did and yes, I am.
Are all humans... like...? He tried to ask.
Of course...
Cambria interrupted Cottington-Blake. Shut it, Minister or I will threaten you with
bodily harm. She glared at the woman until the Minister snapped her jaw shut and
levelled a fulminating glare at Cambria.
Im sure youll understand, Primary Enforcer, when I tell you, again, that some things
are classified.
She took her gaze off Cottington-Blake and finally looked at Gordash.
I do understand, Hunter. He said.
Karesh shifted, uncomfortable and Cambria understood that Karesh knew she lied, but
couldnt call her on it. Well, shed deal with that later.
Excellent! Cambria smiled. So, how can we resolve this... awkward situation before
Cottington... What is your first name, Minister?
The woman tightened her lips. Corona. She muttered.
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Corona Cottington-Blake. Cambria swallowed the tickle of humour. Okay, Corona.
she flashed a smile. We need to come to an agreement before the World Council marines
arrive.
The Minister said nothing.
Cambria frowned. It was you who arranged for the shutdown of the corridor, wasnt
it?
After a fashion. Cottington-Blake shrugged. I have a number of agents, she said
with a smirk, who are very faithful given the right financial incentive. They arranged it.
I wouldnt be smirking just yet, Corona. Your plan will not succeed and I can
guarantee that.
The Minister turned away to the lounge area, more confident now the shock of seeing
Cambria live had faded. She poured herself some coffee and sat, crossed her legs.
Corona still figured she had a chance to pull this off, Cambria thought with disgust.
How long until the troops arrive, Corona? She asked with a narrow-eyed gaze and the
Minister checked her gold watch, smiled confidently, but didnt answer.
Mmm, right. Cambria muttered and turned her attention to the people who would
listen. Okay, by her very inaction in this, well exclude the Minister from further
negotiations.
The Nomadians turned their attention to her.
How can we make this right? How can we come to an agreement and live in peace?
She asked.
I dont know that we can, Hunter. Gordash said. Should Earth troops arrive, armed
and ready for action, my men will attack. Theyve been promised a fight, a fight with
humans and I may not be able to hold them back.
Okay. Im guessing the marines coming through will be looking for a fight, too, but if
they have a thinking commander, theyll stand down when they realise no massacre has
happened. Still, both military might take one look at each other and have a go. First
Officer?
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Most of the humans here are illegal. We gave only a few... permission to move here.
And now, those few have grown into thousands. This is not the way friendly governments
interact. This is not how allies should treat each other, with a subversive invasion of
civilians. These humans think they are entitled simply because they are here, and they are
not entitled. Karesh lowered herself into a visitors chair, Gordash followed suit.
Cambria looked around and dragged the desk chair to join the triangle.
Humans cannot bring their laws here and expect Nomadians to abide by them. It is the
other way around and yet, humans demand that their way is better. We cannot allow that
attitude to flourish on our world, in our communities.
Let me ask you this: do you support armed conflict as a solution to your human
problems?
Karesh paused, then nodded. I do. I cannot see an alternative.
Gordash?
I am with the First Officer in this, Hunter. I cannot see a solution, either. We have our
orders and we cannot go against them.
Both spoke with regret. Violence was no longer their way, but they would use it in the
short term if it allowed them peace in the long term.
This... situation will only worsen when the World Council troops arrive. Cambria
said. Both groups will come together in battle, but whoever wins, it will be a hollow
victory. If Nomadians are victorious and slaughter the humans, it will be seen as an act of
war. If the marines slaughter the Nomadians, it will be seen as an act of war. The
Nomadians glanced at each other.
It will escalate until this world is subjugated under the heel of the World Council.
Reparations will have to be paid, your people oppressed under... no less than Minister
Corona Cottington-Blakes guidance, since she is the liaison between the worlds and
supposedly knows all about this culture.
It will not happen. Gordash bit out with a show of teeth and Karesh agreed.
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Okay, from your perspective, then. You guard the three corridors against any
incursion, or you destroy them utterly, thus saving yourself from the trouble of waiting for
the troublesome humans. But let me ask you this: do you know how many other corridors
there are leading to this world? Is your population base big enough to cover them all, to
defend your own towns and villages and cities? Do you have the forces to take on the full
might of Earth forces?
A bigger showing of teeth. I think we can. Gordash said. We are not without our
own resources and this is our home. We will fight to the death.
Cambria sighed. It was not my intention to raise the patriotic flag, for either species. I
know your men will fight long and hard for every inch of ground. The marines will, too, in
defence of their people. But consider the reasons for which we are about to engage in
bloody struggle? And ask yourself if it isnt worth a more peaceful solution.
Corona suddenly stood. Well, I guess I should go downstairs now, leave you to your
chat.
Times up. Cambria murmured and stood. We need to end this. She said to the
Nomadians. You. She pointed to Gordash. Tell your men to stand down and return to
base.
He bared his teeth at her. No.
Cambria pulled the silver cylinder out of her pocket and showed him the detonator.
Then tell your men to evacuate the area immediately, or I will detonate a number of
hydrogen-fuelled bunker-busters set underground around Kekotown.
Corona gasped, ran from the room. Cambria followed her. Do it now!! She yelled
over her shoulder.
She caught up with the Minister at the top of the stairs, drew her pistol as she spun the
Minister around. Going somewhere, Corona? She asked silkily.
Let me go, damn you!
This is your party. You arranged it and the guest list. It wouldnt do to leave before
they all arrived. Thats just rude. Cambria tucked the detonator back into her pocket, put
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her hand on the Ministers shoulder and marched the woman down the stairs. She heard the
metal door of the corridor open, then clang shut for the next group.
Crap. The Marines had arrived and she had no idea how many or where they were.
Outside? Confronting the Nomadians? She didnt hear any gunfire; yet.
She walked the Minister to the reception desk and stopped her, held the pistol to her
lower spine and waited for the next batch of Marines.
They werent long in coming.
She saw the long barrel of an automatic assault rifle ease around the corner, then the
helmeted marine. He froze as he spotted them. His partner leaned around him and both
rose, aimed down the barrels.
Identify yourselves! The lead marine barked.
Cambria nudged Corona. World Council Off-World Trade Minister, Corona
Cottington-Blake. She said and Cambria nudged her again. Fine! World Council Trade
Minister, Corona Cottington-Blake and...
You can say it.
Corona went to glance back, but stopped. World Council Hunter, Cambria Petersen.
Another pair of troops arrived and the first pair cautiously moved into the open.
There is no such position and Cambria Petersen has an execution warrant out on her.
A man said and walked around the ever growing pool of soldiers. He was tall, with short
dark brown hair and blue eyes, broad shouldered and narrow hipped, his green camouflage
uniform perfectly pressed. Around his waist, he wore a thresher pistol.
Cambria felt the Minister relax. Colonel Markov, welcome to Nomad.
He stepped forward, hands by his sides.
Stay where you are, Colonel. Cambria ordered. I wouldnt want to blow out the
Ministers spine accidentally.
If you kill her, my men will kill you. The Colonel said calmly.
Indeed, but shell still be dead, and me? Well...
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He frowned. We need to move on, Petersen. We have work to do. I dont have time to
negotiate for a hostage, so make it quick. What do you want?
I want you to turn around and go back to Earth. She said and the Colonel snorted.
I cannot do that while humans are in peril. Were here to stop a massacre, so you need
to move out of the way and let us get on with our jobs. He scowled.
The only humans here are either in this room, coming through the corridor or... a long
way north of here. Markov raised an eyebrow and Cambria silently cursed.
He didnt believe her. Why take the word of a convicted felon over a Minister of the
World Council?
First Officer Karesh came down the stairs and the barrels shifted, cocked and aimed at
her. She looked at the Colonel and displayed her teeth. You are the commander?
Cambria heard her ask.
Cambria grimaced, but she had no choice. Cottington-Blake had better do a perfect job
of translating or thered be a blood bath in here.
Markov rested his hand on the butt of his pistol. Stared at the Nomadian as if she was
about to leap on him.
Cambria nudged the trade Minister. Youre the senior diplomat, Corona, act like it!
Corona cleared her throat. Ah, Colonel, this is First Officer Karesh of Cohasha City.
She said in English then subtly shifted to Karesh. Colonel Piotyr Markov, commander of
the World Council Marines, Nomad detachment. She said in Nomadish.
This planet does not allow armed foreign forces on our soil. You must leave. Karesh
said, eying the armed personnel.
Colonel Markovs lip curled, confident in the guard backing him up and Cambria nearly
groaned as he single-handedly undid all her good work with the Nomadians, and then
escalated the situation beyond her control. We are here to protect our people from your...
excesses. We are here to stop you from murdering humans. We are here to take control of
this facility and the township beyond. The Colonel said and Corona translated, word for
word, damn her.
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Chapter Seventeen
First Officer Karesh bared her teeth turned to Cambria. This is your idea of peace?
That we are insulted by the likes of him? This... warmonger, who accuses us falsely?
Cambria sighed. This was not going well.
She shifted her stance and found weapons pointed at her. Colonel, if you want a
slaughter on both sides and a war declared, keep up your disrespectful and shitty
language.
Markov slowly lifted his pistol out of its holster.
You keep your mouth shut, Petersen. Theres a warrant out on you and Ill be happy to
fulfil that obligation.
The Hunters warrant has already been executed. Karesh said and the Colonel looked
at her with distaste.
What did it say?
She said, Corona inhaled, go ahead. This one is a traitor to your kind.
You are such a liar, Corona, Im disappointed in you. Cambria said.
Do you really think Markov will believe you if you disagree with me? Corona
murmured over her shoulder.
Cambria growled low in her throat. You would prefer to die than tell the truth. So
refreshing in a politician. Remember the detonator.
But you put it into your pocket. Can you reach it in time? No, I wont be dying at all,
at least, not today. Corona murmured. You on the other hand...
Cambria heard gunfire outside, the roar of outraged Nomadians and the sudden terror in
the screams of the human soldiers.
Corona moved, as did Karesh; the Minister towards the troops, Karesh towards the front
door.
The gunshot was loud in her ears and she watched as First Officer Karesh spun and fell
to the floor.
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What did you do! Cambria rounded on the Colonel who blew the smoke from his
barrel, then aimed it at her.
I killed myself a shark. He smirked and the rage shed kept suppressed suddenly burst
forth.
She didnt need to sight down her own pistol. Her finger brushed the trigger and the top
of Colonel Markovs head exploded. It flopped forward and he crumpled to the floor as if
someone had cut the strings holding him up.
Corona squealed in fright and ran for the troops. They parted as they rose as one,
levelled their rifles and took aim, like a firing squad.
Fuck. Cambria threw herself back and around the receptionists desk as the razor-
sharp bullets flew toward her.
Wood chips flew as the projectiles buzz-sawed into the desk and the wall above her.
She felt the sting in her calf, along her thigh and belly. Cambria hit the floor and rose to
a crouch, edged around the side of the desk and returned fire. One, two, three, troopers fell
under her fire.
One reached up to his vest, for a grenade, and she shot him down before his colleagues
adjusted their aim and splinters erupted in front of her face. She ducked back, wiped the
blood away with her forearm.
She could almost feel the skin knit together.
Cant stay here. She looked around. Cant make it to the door, either; or the stairs.
Cambria rolled her shoulders, drew the second pistol. The supply room would be a
death trap for her... kind of, but the door to the cafe... that had prospects, but especially
windows. All she had to do was get to it.
She eased backward, glanced over her shoulder, then back to each end of the counter.
Theyd be coming around or... she saw the black round shape pop up over the top of the
desk and threw herself backwards, scrambled low and dived for the cafe doors.
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Heat washed over her as the grenade exploded with a loud bang. Shrapnel stabbed into
her legs, but she landed with a thump and slid along the polished floorboards, crashed into
a table and chairs.
She kept a hold on her pistols, aimed them at the door while elbowing furniture off.
A window burst in a shower of shards to the left of her. She glanced over but no troops
appeared. Razor bullets sprayed the entry to the cafe and she rolled away to the counter.
There was no call to surrender, only murderous fire. Another grenade rolled through the
door and she turned away, backed up. Damn it.
She turned her face away as it went off, checked the loads in both pistols. The blast
blew out the remaining windows and she could hear the continuing battle outside.
Right, then.
The rifles could handily cut her in two, so a direct approach was out, she figured. But if
she didnt return... another grenade rolled in, closer, and she scrambled away, counted.
More shrapnel flew, stung the skin on her face and back like a hive of angry bees.
She returned to her position at the end of the counter and waited for the next one. As if
on cue, it rolled towards her.
Cambria snatched it up and threw it back.
She heard a shout, and then the bomb exploded. Metals fragments shrieked and whined,
thudded into wood and plaster.
Cambria followed up the blast before the dust had settled. She scrambled into the foyer
in a crouch, and searched for targets with her extended vision. Any soldier who aimed a
gun at her went down.
The pause in gunfire allowed her to scramble out to Karesh. She would not allow the
First Officer to remain here to be abused by the troops. She dragged the First Officers
body towards her, heard a sigh and put her back into hauling the seven foot alien into the
cafe.
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She saw movement as more soldiers came through the door from the corridor. She
couldnt shut it down, unless she... used the detonator and she wanted to avoid that.
Cottington-Blake had been right about her. It was not her intention to become a mass
murderer of either species.
The best she could do was leave and let them sort it out amongst themselves. Allow
them this violence she couldnt stop until the bloodlust had passed.
She backed up into the cafe and went to the empty window frames, took a quick look.
Karesh! She whispered harshly and pressed down on the upper chest wound to stem
the flow of bright red blood. The eyelids flickered and the sigh came again. Karesh, come
on! I cant lift you. You gotta help me.
She set an arm under the Nomadians shoulders, eased her up. The First Officers head
dropped forward and she hiccupped, groaned.
Damn it, Karesh, youve got to move!
More sighing from the First Officer, but Cambria felt the muscles shift as the Nomadian
tried to move.
Out the window, Karesh, as fast as youre able. Cambria took a couple of breaths and
heaved the First Officer upright.
Hell, she weighs a ton!
The Nomadian leaned heavily on her, an arm over her shoulders and Cambria huffed
out a breath, eased her to the window. Gonna hurt, Karesh, but... its the only way. Here
you go. She helped the Nomadian over the lip of the window sill and down. Fortunately
for the First Officer, the ground wasnt as far as it was for Cambria.
The Nomadian slid down the wall and sat on the grass. Cambria followed her through
the window and crouched next to the Nomadian, her eyes searching for targets.
Leave me, human. The First Officer mumbled.
Oh, thats nice. You blackmail me into helping you, betray me with the Minister, and
disrespect my rank and my species because Im no longer useful to your plan? She helped
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the First Officer up. Sorry, but I dont work that way; when this is over, well talk, but for
now, I need to get you some help and theres only one place I can think of.
Cambria used the wall of the house to support herself and the First Officer as she made
her way towards the back entrance. She laid the Nomadian down and crouched behind the
low hedge bordering the back car park.
Her vehicle was pockmarked with weapons fire, the windows blown out, but she didnt
see any damage to the engine and it wasnt burning.
The problem was the troops pouring out the back door and the Nomadians who
advanced toward them with raised harpoons and those pistols. When they met in the
middle of the car park, the fighting was... savage.
There were more Nomadians and by sheer force of numbers, they began to overwhelm
the marines. The pistols fire miniature harpoons, and once empty, the Nomadians drew in
for close contact with their teeth.
Oh, dear God. Cambrias stomach turned at the explosion of blood and guts and limbs
and... she looked away. Shark teeth made a hell of a mess, but then so did the razor bullets
and swinging harpoons.
She hooked her hand into the collar of the First Officers uniform, dragged her forward
to the passenger side of the car.
The back door eased open under her hand. Get in, Karesh, you can lie down on the
floor.
Blood suddenly splashed through the windowless pane on the other side of the car and a
body thumped against the side. Cambria didnt see which species the victim was.
She hoped Gordash had the sense to retreat if it became necessary, and to blockade the
town. The corridor wasnt big enough to bring through some truly heavy metal. Hell, he
could call in an airstrike if he wanted to... and where the hell was he?
Cambria looked up at the second storey, to Vlads office, but she saw no sign of
movement. Was the Primary Enforcer still up there? Guiding the battle via the surveillance
unit?
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The First Officer slowly, painfully inched her way into the car and lay flat on the
broken glass and fresh blood.
Cambria climbed in after her, squeezed between the seats to the drivers side and kept
low. She peeked over the lip of the window.
The battle had shifted away from her vehicle, onto the verge of the parking area. No one
paid the car any deliberate attention, but she still heard the metallic thunks and pings of
wild shots against the sides.
The engine came on and once again she wondered at the power source and wondered
if it was explosive. She gave the auto-pilot directions and told it to keep it slow until she
ordered it to accelerate.
With the combatants distracted, she hoped no one would notice a slowly moving vehicle
with no one inside.
Her vision focused on the fighters, paid close attention as the car ever so slowly backed
up out of the car park. Cambria saw the body of a marine and a Nomadian, both... missing
parts and almost all of their blood which spread out beneath them, blending together.
Soldiers, she thought, both fighting and dying to defend their own. Both brothers in
death.
She ground her teeth together. All to further the ambitions of one fucking politician.
And the murderous bitch escaped back through the corridor.
One case a time. She counselled herself. Vlad had the evidence and shed get it from
him. See that justice was done for all who died here today. But no amount of death
penalties against Minister Corona Cottington-Blake could make up for this slaughter or
bring any of the dead back.
The car shifted, moved forward and she turned her attention to behind the vehicle.
She nearly didnt see it amongst the hot blood spilled and the sweaty bodies, but the
flare was hotter, white in intensity.
Oh, crap. Right turn, NOW!
The vehicle automatically obeyed and the RPG missed the trunk by millimetres.
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Engage auto-pilot directions and engage! She barked as she saw the trooper reload.
Cambria was flung back against the dashboard as the car took off, jammed her lower
back against the steering wheel. She swore and righted herself, saw the next incoming
round.
The second rocket-propelled grenade hit the ground right under the trunk and blew
upwards.
Cambria bounced up then down, but the car kept moving, its trunk open and torn.
Bloody hell. She muttered and poked her head through the gap between the seats to
check on the First Officer. She was still alive, her chest rising and falling slightly.
Cambria checked the mirrors, but both side mirrors were busted off and the rear-view
showed the bouncing, holed trunk. Then the car slid around a corner and the battle scene
was gone.
With a sigh of relief, she climbed into the back to access her smaller pack. She dragged
out the medical kit and went to work on the Nomadian.
* * *
Again, no one question the arrival of a Nomadian-built car at the encampment. She took
over manual control and drove straight towards the command tent. It was large enough
inside, she figured, for a car.
She slammed on the brakes as the door flap parted and she skidded to a halt nudging the
back wall. Then she popped out of the car and quickly opened the passenger side door
before the Nomadian military staff had time to close their mouths.
Come on, come on! She ordered in Nomadish. The First Officer is wounded! Help
me! She reached in to drag the Nomadian out, only to be dragged away.
She slammed her elbow into the soldiers mouth, heard the snap of teeth even as those
teeth lacerated her skin.
God damn it! She turned to them and soldier backed up, holding his mouth. Another
tackled her from behind and slammed her to the ground.
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She half rolled, saw the male open his mouth to bite down.
Cambria reached for her weapon and jammed it between his teeth. Dont fucking do it,
or Ill blow this out the back of your stupid skull!
The Nomadians eyes shifted and she drew the second gun, held it against his chest.
Why dont you check the car before you maul me to death?
You cannot kill all of us, human. A male said and flicked his fins at the battered
vehicle. Two more soldiers went to the car, dragged Karesh out and laid her on the ground.
Shes alive. One said and jogged out of the tent.
FYI, big guy, I dont want to kill any of you. Ive been trying to stop this stupid
fighting! But no one will listen to me!
The Nomadian above her blinked his eyelids rapidly, but didnt move.
Call him off or, by God, I will shoot.
Gerosh, stop playing with human. The Nomadian commanded and the soldiers eyes
swivelled to meet hers.
Cambria slowly withdrew both guns, kept them aimed and the Nomadian scrambled
backwards.
She sighed with relief and sat up. No one was going to die... yet.
Three more Nomadians came into the tent, two bearing a stretcher. They all stopped and
stared at the human, sitting on the ground pointing two silver weapons.
She pointed at the First Officer. There is your patient, take her, and hurry it up damn it.
It was a rough ride back.
They crept forward, wary and she pointed the guns to the other soldiers. I dont shoot
medics for Gods sake! Move it!
No, only anyone else. The Nomadian officer remarked.
She flicked him a glance. They shot at me first. She grumbled and watched the
medics take First Officer Karesh away. I hope shell be okay.
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What do you care? She is one less Nomadian.
Cambria surged to her feet. Shes my friend damn it! I dont want her to die! Why do
you think I drove all this way to the Nomadian encampment? Because I like to look
lovingly into your skin-shredding teeth? Because I like to play silly buggers? Jesus Christ!
What does it take to get through to you people? And who the hell are you anyway?
Who the kertish are you? He replied with equal heat and volume.
Cambria rubbed her forehead with the stock of the pistol, flaked away blood. She
looked down at herself and sighed. She was blood spattered here, blood soaked there, still
bleeding from her elbow where the Nomadians teeth had gashed her. In other words, a
right mess.
Im Cambria Petersen. Hunter Cambria Petersen. She holstered her pistols, took note
that her hands were beginning shake with adrenalin let down.
He showed no reaction other than to slightly dip his head. I am Norash, second-in-
command of the combat battalion.
Meetcha. She said.
Can you give me an update on the battle? He asked and resumed his seat.
How could he be so calm? How could he... oh, right. She was the one surrounded, not
him.
Theyre still killing each other, still fighting, still soaked in bloodlust and Berserker
rage. She replied, depressed.
No sign of who will be victorious?
She glared at him. You make it sound as if its glorious. Well, its not. Its bloody and
stinking and terrifying. I can still hear the cries and screams of the maimed and dying.
She said softly and he bared his teeth at her. On both sides. Both sides, Norash, in pain
and anguish. Nomadian and Marine, sons who will never see their progenitors, their
siblings or partners or children again. Because they have died on a foreign battlefield.
This is Nomad; not a foreign field.
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All battlefields are foreign, Norash, when searching for cover, when trying to avoid
being hit, when you look into the eyes of your enemy and know hes just as determined as
you are to kill and to live, when you see friends since boot camp blown up or torn apart in
front of you. There is no more foreign place to a civilised people, than the battlefield.
Norash slowly nodded. Pretty, philosophical words, Hunter, but hardly relevant.
Okay, okay. She sighed. She doubted Norash had ever seen combat; otherwise he
wouldnt be so cavalier about it.What now?
Now we take you out and kill you, of course. We cant have a spy in our midst, no
matter how noble the motives.
Yeah, I get that. But you might try and talk to Primary Enforcer Gordash. Killing me
the first time around didnt work, and I dont expect it work a second time, either.
He hissed out a laugh of disbelief.
No, really. Contact your boss and ask him. He might even give you a suggestion. I
know I could.
His hand reached out to the phone and it buzzed before he touched it. Norash answered
it and Cambria leaned back against the nearly wrecked car, slid down the pock-marked
surface to sit on the ground.
God, she tired and her hands wouldnt stop shaking. Residual fear kept sparking
through her, as if shed not had time to be scared at the time and it was catching up with
her.
All she heard was Norash repeating, Sir. Or Yes, Primary Enforcer. Until the end of
the conversation. Norash looked at her. I have a human here. She brought the First Officer
for medical attention. And he repeated the sir or yes, Primary Enforcer. He finally
hung up the phone without taking his eyes off her.
He knew who you were without my mentioning your name. How is that possible? You
are a human.
Probably because he knows Im the only one stupid enough to walk into the enemys
camp to save someone.
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He says you are not the enemy.
She lifted a shoulder. Im not. Im just trying to find peace for both sides. Only, the
human marines dont seem to be particularly interested. Theyve gone beyond their orders,
fighting any Nomadian they see. And I have my suspicions on who convinced them to do
so. She will be brought to justice, one way or another.
Hes also ordered a withdrawal of troops.
Well, hallelujah. Finally. She murmured.
They will regroup, study what they have learned and return.
Yeah, well, isnt it always the way? She slowly stood up, as if she aged a thousand
years in the last few minutes, turned and opened the car door. Id better get up there, see if
I cant talk some sense into the new idiot in charge.
Why would you think we are letting you go? You are a spy, remember, and in times of
war, spies are executed. Norash said.
Cambria gently banged her forehead on the car door. First of all, Im getting mighty
tired of people promising violence against me. Secondly, the First Officer sent me up here
so I could avoid the bloodshed. Thirdly, I am Hunter. I dont spy for anyone.
You are human. It is what humans do. They spy, they cheat, they steal. Theyre
aggressive, antagonistic, bigoted...
I know all that. As you pointed out, Im human, I know my own kind. But I promise
you, I am not here to spy, I came on a mercy mission to save the First Officer! Doesnt that
mean anything to you?
Were grateful, of course. But we cannot allow you to return to inform your command
of our encampment. He indicated to two soldiers. They hesitated when she held up a
hand.
Ive already been in this encampment. I saw it set up, saw the transports come in,
know how many battalions you have. Hell, I even know where your latrine is because
thats where my body was tossed! But did I go and tattle-tale to the Marines? No, I did not.
Have I killed any of your troopers? Hmm, let me think. No, I have not. But Ive surely
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killed my own marines sent here to protect the human village you decided to invade on the
bigoted rantings of your own Minister for External Affairs and my own Minister for Trade.
So you tell me: how is it that two individual members of our species can cause such
slaughter between our peoples? How can they get on so nicely when the rest of us cant?
He went to speak but she rolled over his words.
Ill tell you anyway: Ambition! One who sees an opportunity to wipe humans from this
world and the other who sees an opportunity to invade this world. Do you see how this
works? They get to discuss it; you get to die for it. She paused for breath and he stared at
her. Is... any of this making sense to you?
You may go. He said quietly and returned his attention to the papers before him.
Um...
Go. Now. Ill discuss things with Primary Enforcer Gordash when he returns.
Cambria wanted to say more, but she climbed into the vehicle and backed it up out of
the tent. The area was surrounded by troops, watching her with harpoons and pistols at the
ready.
She carefully manoeuvred the car around them and left the encampment without a shot
being fired at her.
The car chugged along at a nice speed, but she could smell something like burning wire
and she knew shed missed something in her inspection of the engine, something that had
slowly melted or broken. Maybe a piece of shrapnel got a piece of the machinery after all.
She could only drive it as far as it would go, after that, it was a march through the
forest, avoiding both sides.
But the battered wreck made it to the same position as she and Excalibur had parked,
not so long ago. The engine simply cut out, stopped in the middle of the dirt road. She
tugged the ignition card out and sat, listened to the pings and pops and creaks of the
vehicle.
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Cambria had no idea who was in charge of the marines, now shed shot dead Colonel
Markov and his protective group of marines. She figured shed probably be in trouble for
that. Self-defence would work for the troops, but not Colonel Markov.
Temporary insanity? She sure was pissed beyond reason at the time.
And what could she say to the new commander? Would he or she be more reasonable,
more willing to listen to her?
She rubbed her gritty eyes with the heel of her hands. It had been a long, long day and
all she wanted was to lie down and sleep. But she couldnt, not yet. She had to find out the
marines intentions first, then she could sleep. She hoped and got out.
With her medical kit stowed in her pack, and the bag over her shoulder, Cambria closed
the door. Maybe a nice walk in the forest would perk her up?

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Chapter Eighteen
Cambria stumbled into the perimeter, or rather, stumbled over the perimeter. The
soldier she tripped over cursed and she did too, once she spat out the grass and dirt.
She turned her head to the black painted face. Hello. She said.
Get into town, miss, there are armed Nomadians patrolling the forest. He said in a
harsh whisper.
Now... who told him that? She hadnt seen anyone or anything. Even the forest
creatures had taken a hike.
Thanks, I will. Anyone I should report to? She asked quietly and got up, brushed off
the leaves and dirt and grass.
Try Lieutenant Geeves, shell set you right.
Thanks, Corporal. Good luck.
His teeth gleamed in the late afternoon sun and he touched a finger to his brow.
Cambria climbed to her feet and walked a few paces before turning, but the soldier had
blended back into the forest landscape. With a shrug, she kept walking until she saw the
high roof of Vlads house.
She kept away from the building and walked to the village. The troops were moving
bodies, marines and Nomadian and she sighed.
All this could have been avoided. She shook her head and approached a detail. Excuse
me, where can I find Lieutenant Geeves?
The man looked at her with surprise. Where did you come from?
Cambria lifted her chin, indicated the forest to the north. The forest.
Geez, lady, cant you see youre in the middle of a war zone?
Yeah, I know, but I just couldnt keep up with the rest of the refugees. She said and
wiped a hand under her nose.
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He looked closer at her. Hed seen so much blood and horror he hadnt seen her. Now
he did. You look pretty messed up, lady. Lieutenant Geeves is down that way. He
pointed down the street. Last bungalow on the left.
Thanks. And... Im sorry. She didnt need to explain for what; he understood and
gave her a nod, returned to his gruesome task.
Cambria wandered down the lane and the streetlights began to take effect as the sun
lowered in the sky.
With her pack in hand, she knocked on the door of the bungalow.
Enter! Came the bark of a female officer in charge.
Cambria stuck her head around the door, saw the blonde-haired Lieutenant at a dining
room table studying the maps spread out before her. Hi there. The...
Blue eyes pinned her to the spot. Who are you and what the hell are you doing here?
Cambria inserted a bit of helplessness into her tone. Oh, um, one of the guards? Out in
the forest? She rolled her eyes for effect. I fell over him, actually. Anyway, he said I
should come and see you? Cambria stepped inside and closed the door.
Lieutenant Geeves frowned. Do I know you? She asked.
Cambrias lips pursed in thought. Ever been to London?
No.
How about Paris? Geneva?
Ive been deployed from Tokyo. Her gaze wandered over Cambrias blood-smeared
and dirty face.
Cambria shrugged. Never been there.
Geeves shook her head. Never mind, it will come to me. So. You were sent to me. By
the look of you, you could use a shower and a good feed.
Cambria looked down at herself, at the stained clothes, the weapons harness. Geeves
didnt seem the least bit bothered that she was armed. A shower, at least. She stuck out
her bottom lip. Im not sure I could eat and keep it down.
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I understand. Geeves came around the table. Go across the road. Theres an empty
house, but the facilities are working. The people here evacuated in good time, so theres
little by the way of fresh clothes. Anyway, come and see me if you dont want to eat alone.
Ill rustle something up.
Cambria sighed, then impulsively hugged the Lieutenant. Thank you. Thank you so
much. I dont think I could have stood another night in the dark by myself.
Geeves patted her back. Its okay. I understand. Youll do fine now, the marines are
here and will take care of everything. Try to get some sleep, too. Its the best thing for
you.
Cambria eased back. Yeah, until the nightmares come for me. She sniffed. But thank
you anyway.
She left the Lieutenant to her work and hoped Geeves didnt remember her as wanted
for the murder of Senator Dortmund; hoped Tokyo was far enough away that it didnt
garner as much attention as it did in Europe. But she thought the sharp eyed Lieutenant
would eventually remember. Then there would be trouble.
Inside the log-built bungalow, she set her pack onto the couch and dragged out her last
clean pair of jeans and tee shirt, tugged out the last clean socks and underwear, too. Then
repacked them. Shed need them later.
The bathroom was nice, if you went for the plain rustic look. The logs had been
plugged, at least, so there wasnt a cold draft, and there was an old-fashioned, mechanical-
engine driven washing machine.
She stripped off her stained clothes and turned, shoved every item of dirty laundry into
the top loader and poured a cup of detergent, set the thing running.
It probably wouldnt do much for her silk shirt, but it was ruined by small shrapnel
holes anyway.
Cambria turned on the taps for the shower and stepped into the cubicle, groaned as the
hot water cascaded down her tired body. She helped herself to soap and a scrub brush and
scoured her skin clean, used the previous occupants shampoo and conditioner, too.
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Oh, this is bliss. And she let the water pummel her shoulders and back.
With a twinge of regret, she shut off the water and stepped out, grabbed a towel and
dried off, then wrapped the towel around her body.
The washing machine would take maybe half an hour. Shed see what she could find in
the kitchen.
The tinned goods and the dried stuff were gone. But there was milk and cheese, bread
and jams, a few vegetables in the fridge, perishables that wouldnt last long. In the freezer,
she found bacon, steaks and... ice cream!
Cambria made herself a cheese sandwich, followed it with chocolate ice cream, then
hunted the cupboards for coffee. She found a jar of instant, figured that would do and fixed
herself a mug.
She sat at the kitchen table and drank her coffee, listened to the washing machine as if it
was an ordinary day in her own apartment back in Geneva.
But it wasnt. She didnt even know what day it was back there. Or here for that matter;
shed never asked.
Shed spent so much time dealing with the Nomadians and the humans and Excalibur,
shed not taken any real time out to relax. When was the last time shed read a book?
Watched a movie or vid, listened to music? Or stared into space and just dreamed?
It disturbed her that she couldnt remember, that this was the first time in months, more
than a year back on Earth, that shed sat at a kitchen table in a house built by human hands
and just... what?
She looked around the room. Table, fridge, oven, cupboards, sink, door; normal-sized,
every day things. Did the householders take these things for granted? That theyd always
have them? What made them leave their planet, their home and friends and come to a
harsh, alien world?
The washing machine wound down and she slowly stood, as if an old woman.
Her jeans, t-shirts, socks and underwear went into the dryer for a couple of hours. Her
silk shirts, she draped over the shower railing.
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Darkness drew her gaze to the window and exhaustion cloaked her shoulders.
She made her way to the living room and dropped onto the couch, dragged the hand
knitted deep blue rug over her and fell into sleep.
* * *
Silence and darkness stalked her dreams. She relived the battle, but there was no noise
and every soldier from both sides whod been killed, sat up at the same time and
looked at her, demanded without voices why she hadnt saved them. In the background
came laughter. Feminine laughter. Cottington-Blakes laughter.
Cambria tried to see where she was, but she was alone in an empty landscape and the
dead soldiers rose, those with legs, and kept silently demanding why she let them down,
why she let them die.
She jerked awake, listened for any sound. There wasnt any, but the silence was one of
deep night, not deafness. Still tired, she dozed.
Today, shed try and speak with the commander, get him to try and withdraw, although
she thought that a hopeless task without the reassurances of Vlad Kekovic.
She really wished the whole lot of them would leave, would go back to Earth and stay
there. A foolish hope. Families had made their homes here, and...
No. Families or not, they had no right, no permission to be here and, as Karesh once
told her, the Nomadians had the right to decide who did and who did not settle on their
land. But how did she make that clear to the marines? How did she sort out the illegal
humans and evict them, from those who had permission to be here? No one had an
absolute number of...
Her eyes popped open and she sat up.
Hells Bells, Cam, you are such a moron!
She threw the blanket over the back of the couch and stood, stretched the kinks out of
her muscles, rotated her neck and headed to the kitchen. She pulled out a package of bacon
to defrost, set the kettle to boil and went to the bathroom for relief, a quick shower and her
clean clothes. Then shed plan on confronting the marine commander.
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Darkness still ruled when she emerged from the bungalow. Someone had the foresight
to douse the streetlights and she only saw the shadows within shadows of the patrols until
she changed her vision. Now she could spot each individual soldier who walked the
perimeter of the village, each sleeper in the houses, each soldier who slept in hastily
constructed tents.
Up ahead, low lights were on in Vlads house, most on the bottom level, but she saw a
faint glow from upstairs. As she approached, a guard stepped out of the shadow, assault
rifle across his chest.
Halt. Who goes there? His breath drifted up in the cold morning air.
Cambria started. Oh, um. Hi. Ha. You scared me. I, ah...
You need to get inside, miss, its safer there and while the corridor is shut down for the
next hour or so, there should be some hot coffee in the cafeteria.
Well, that was easy. She thought.
Thank you, sir.
He gave her a curt nod and stepped back into the shadows, resumed his guard.
Cambria lightly jogged up the stairs and inside into the warmth. Bullet holes, shrapnel
damage and dried blood pools still decorated the foyer. With a sigh, she turned left and
jogged up the stairs to the hallway above.
The floorboards faintly creaked under her feet, but she had no need for stealth. Only
humans were in the village.
An army colonel of the World Council Marine Corp, with a grey buzz-cut and grey eyes
stared at her when she walked into Vlads office.
This is for army personnel only, miss. You need to go back downstairs.
Cambria saw he was alone, so she turned around and closed the doors.
Miss... The colonel warned and Cambria came over to the desk and slumped in a
visitors chair. The colonel... she checked his nametag... Colonel Walker eyed her with
annoyance.
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Hunter Petersen. She said and his eyes flared, his mouth tightened.
Cambria Petersen. He tossed his pen down and leaned back. You do get around.
Whos been speaking ill of me now? She waved a hand. Never mind. It seems to be
everyones hobby these days.
He snorted a laugh. I believe a certain hysterical Minister who came bursting through
the corridor screaming bloody murder is your latest fan? He pushed back his chair and
rose. Coffee?
Yes, thank you. I never know when Im going to get the next cup and the Nomadians
dont have anything that tastes like the real thing at least, not that Ive found.
He could have done anything, called out the guard, shot her where she sat, anything; but
he simply poured her a mug of coffee from the trolley behind her, poured himself a mug
and returned to the desk.
So. He sat and scooted the chair forward. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?
How about universal peace?
His grey eyes were sharp. Ms Petersen. I know that you know of the warrant of
execution out on you. Youre aware of the crime and the punishment. Im also aware of the
Ministers accusations against you, that you shot Colonel Markov dead without any
provocation, just because you could, and that you threatened her, as well. And now youve
come into my office armed to the teeth, wanting to make peace? Explain how that works
and why I shouldnt kill you right now. There is a shoot-on-sight out on you.
Cambria leaned back in her chair. Youre a brave man if you know all that.
That may be, but Im also fair-minded enough to hear the other side of the story. I
never really believed that a... researcher, wasnt it? Would suddenly go off the deep end
and murder a World Council Senator without provocation. Some elements of the story just
didnt add up.
Well, Colonel, that puts you one up on Markov and the Minister and the majority of
humanity, for that matter. She said and she explained the circumstances of Markovs
death and the Ministers treason.
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Theres proof of this?
She indicated the cupboard behind him. I dont know whether Vlad left any discs, but
he recorded all the conversations he had with the Minister. I also have a witness that, if she
survives, will testify that Minister Cottington-Blake already carried out the warrant of
execution. Unless you have Primary Enforcer Gordash running around somewhere?
No, we never saw him. You say the warrant was already enforced? Why, then, are you
talking to me and not buried six feet under?
Cambria grimaced. Difficult to explain since I dont really know and the Nomadians
wont talk about it, but... And she explained the implanted translator. ... then I woke up
in the Nomadian armys latrine. Not an experience I relish.
No. He said with a tight smile. I dont imagine you do. And Im sure the Minister
will deny all knowledge. Of course, were not talking to the Nomadians, either. He shook
his head. It all sounds like a load of bullshit. But. He rubbed a finger under his lip. Ive
been a marine for a long time and seen some might strange things in my time, more so
since the marines have been called to a number of worlds.
Minister Cottington-Blakes handgun is sitting on the shelf behind you, Colonel. Since
Nomadians dont have fingerprints, Im pretty sure the Ministers will be the only ones. At
the very least, the export of weapons by civilians to an alien world is illegal. You can
always start from there. Coupled with her treason on this world and I see no reason why
she shouldnt be brought to justice for provoking this fight and the murder of troops on
both sides.
Colonel Walker inhaled and turned around. There was the gun. He didnt touch it.
Indeed. But there is no proof of any of this until Mr Kekovic returns, and he will be in
serious trouble himself.
He saw to the safety of everyone, Colonel, as soon as he realised what was happening.
He didnt want the slaughter of thousands.
No, Walker said, Only hundreds.
True.
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Now, then. I appreciate all the information, it certainly gives me something to think
about, but I still have a war to prosecute...
Ah... I might have a solution there for you, Colonel. She said and set her mug on the
desk.
His brows drew in. How could you have a solution when neither side are talking to
each other, Petersen?
Right. She sighed. Its like this... And the sun slowly rose as she told the Colonel of
the bargain shed made with First Officer Karesh.
The Colonel scrubbed his hands over his face, then dropped them to the desktop.
I really, really dont know what to think of all of this, let alone say. He said. He lifted
his head as a knock sounded on the office door. Enter. He barked.
The door opened and a young trooper came in. Good morning, sir, I brought...
Cambria lifted her hand towards her coffee turned her head at the same time. Mutual
recognition was instant. This soldier had been with Colonel Markov! She thought shed
killed them all, but...
He dropped the papers, drew his weapon and fired, faster than she could have believed
if she hadnt seen it.
The bullet struck her in the throat, the force knocked her out of the chair.
Stand down, Private! She heard the Colonel shout.
Her vision blurred as she clutched at her damaged windpipe, her feet kicked as she
fought to breath. She couldnt draw in any air and she wanted to wail at the torturous pain
exploding up her face.
But, sir, she killed...
Stand down or so help me... He half rolled Cambria over and she squeezed her eyes
shut. He tried to tug her hand away and she let him. Her eyes opened, met his gaze and he
slowly shook his head.
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Im sorry. He murmured and gripped her shoulder. Theres nothing I can do for
you.
Cambria replaced her hand as she felt the tickle, felt the tissue and gristle reassert itself
and knit back together. She pulled away from the Colonel, turned to the floor.
Blood vomited out of her mouth and she finally drew a breath; a small gasp of air into
her lungs.
What the... Colonel Walker said softly.
More blood gushed out, but she could suck more air in and she finally relaxed her
muscles as she drew in a complete breath. She pressed against the wound site. The skin
was still damaged, a gaping, sagging hole of skin and flesh, but her windpipe was whole
again. She spat more blood and got to her knees, then she stood.
She pushed the astonished Colonel onto his butt and rose, stalked towards the gaping
soldier and slammed her fist into his jaw. He fell into a heap, stared up at her in shock.
Why... She cleared her throat and swallowed more blood. Why, she said again,
does nearly everyone I meet either wants me dead or shoots me without explanation?
She turned away from the private to the still seated Colonel. Can you answer me that? All
I want to do is help, and this is what it gets me! She marched to the desk, picked up her
mug, turned back to the private.
See this? This is what I was going for, not my gun. If Id wanted the Colonel dead,
hed be fucking dead already! Next time, think, consider the situation and then act!
The private nodded, still wide-eyed, still holding his jaw. Yes, maam. He whispered.
She drained the mug and set it down again, then she picked up the overturned chair and
slumped into it. She looked down at Walker. Colonel? Shall we resume our
conversation?
His head slowly moved up and down. He used the arm of her chair to rise, his eyes on
her healing throat.
Private Cantor, if you want to continue your career in the Marines, I suggest you not
speak a word of this to anyone. Am I clear?
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Yes, sir.
Now get up; she didnt hit you that hard.
The privates blue eyes shifted to Cambria. Yes, sir, she surely did. He said and got to
his feet. He crouched down for the papers hed dropped, never taking his eyes of Cambria
until hed back out and closed the door.
She turned to the Colonel and waited.
I see a part of your story is true. Walker said.
You believe the incredible but not the other stuff?
In this, I at least have absolute proof and a witness. To the other, I have nothing.
Fine. She cleared her throat again. Sorry, bit of a sore throat. We need to move on to
a solution.
Yes, please explain your plan where all sides are happy. His eyes kept dropping and
she finally looked down. Wet blood streaked down her front like shed been showering it.
She shook her head in disgust.
What do you see as the major barrier to peace here, Colonel?
The murder of thousands of humans, of course.
And if they were in the wrong?
Im... not sure I understand you. The Colonel said.
All you were aware of was the enclave was about to be attacked or an attack on
unarmed civilians was underway, yes? And you came riding to the rescue.
Yes, thats about it.
So, your troops, excuse me, Markovs troops arrive looking for a fight and there are
rampaging Nomadians running around. No humans, so did the Nomadians get rid to them
already? And then, whoa, someone fires the first shot in revenge and its on.
He nodded his head. A reasonable assumption. Go on.
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But the humans arent dead, theyre evacuated north, out of harms way because Vlad
had the foresight to get them out before the shit fell on everyone. Um... actually, they
should be heading south by the long way by now, to Herosha and the corridor there. So.
Everybody is killing each other because, oh, my God, they killed Kenny! and revenge
must be taken. Until, the Nomadians inexplicably retreat.
His eyebrows rose.
She held up a bloody hand, frowned at it and went on. I have no idea if I had anything
to do with it. Anyway. The fundamental point is, two armies have come together for
mutual destruction. To find a solution, someone has to be right and someone has to be
wrong.
A muscle in Walkers jaw clenched. Are you saying we are wrong in protecting human
life?
No. But Im not saying the Nomadians are wrong to protect their land, their planet,
either.
The Colonel was back rubbing his forehead again.
The people who are wrong are the very people you are trying protect, Colonel. Just
about every one of them is here... illegally.
He stopped rubbing and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. Again, you need proof.
But I have proof, Colonel. She said softly. Its downstairs at the receptionists
station. A record of everyone who came through the corridor and Ill bet not one of them
have a... visa in Nomadish authorising them to be here.
He stared at her for a moment then put his head into his hands, shook his head.
Colonel?
I dont believe this. I dont... He dropped his hands and reached for the phone.
Cantor! Get the immigration records from the admin computer. Find all the files and
collate them. He paused. Then get someone to help you. He said with quiet warning and
hung up.
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If what you say is true and you have no reason to lie to me then all of this could
have been avoided if wed known from the beginning.
Ill add another charge to Minister Cottington-Blakes sheet, shall I?

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Chapter Nineteen
Cambria napped on the couch in Vlads office while the Colonel continued with the
work of running a battalion.
She expected another attack from the Nomadians hours ago, yet they remained
resolutely absent. Were they planning a direct assault, or an air strike? Shed vote for the
latter, wipe out the pesky human soldiers then hunt down the migrants in a leisurely
ground assault.
Vlad and his people could only go so far before the Nomadians stopped them and
Cambria was not going to use the bunker busters to give them time to get to Herosha
unnoticed; the Nomadians would take note if a few thousand humans suddenly turned up
wanting to get out off Nomad. Hell, the Nomadians would probably expedite the removal.
If her plan worked, thats exactly what was going to happen.
She heard the soft flick of paper, the scratch of a pen and dozed.
The knock on the door brought her to the surface she lifted her head as Private Cantor
came in, his arms loaded. Another soldier came in behind him, similarly burdened.
Sir, Ive got the files. Some are slightly damaged due to the battle, but most are
complete.
Did you notice any foreign language documents? Walker asked.
Foreign as in French or German or Russ...
Foreign as in unrecognisable by you, Private, as in an alien language. The Colonel
suggested.
Cantor shook his head. No, sir, just records in English: birth certificates, marriage
certificates, registration forms, resumes and the like.
Thank you, Private, just... set the papers down beside my desk. You can return to your
duty station.
Yes, sir, thank you, sir. Ive put the list of names in the top file, sir. He set the pile
down and saluted; his comrade did the same and they both left.
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Cambria sat up and yawned.
Shed washed as much blood off her as possible, but she could still smell it, still taste it
at the back of her throat.
She got up and went to the coffee carafe, poured herself a fresh mug. She lifted her
eyebrows at Walker, but he shook his head.
Ive had enough, thanks.
Cambria picked up the list and sat on the visitors chair, read through the names. She
saw Vlads at the top, but the rest were strangers to her. But it would be interesting to
check it against the criminal database.
This needs to go through the corridor and to the Emigration Department and a copy to
Customs. She said.
Walker grunted and continued reading. He finally lifted his head. Ill get a courier, red
flag it with my next report. Which, he looked at her, I have just completed. He scrawled
his signature across the bottom and leaned back.
That being done, I need to sort out how to keep the Nomadians off my back while we
round up all the illegals and deport them back to Earth. Any ideas?
We could wait for them, let them know what the plan is. She suggested. Walker
didnt blink. Or I could go and talk with them, since they know me and know what Im
working towards. She gave a sigh. I can see how First Officer Karesh is doing, too.
Thank you, Ms Petersen, for volunteering for this dangerous mission.
She grinned at him. Any time, Colonel. She said and laid the list on the desk. Ill just
be off, then.
See the armoury officer for reloads, Petersen.
Yes, sir. She gave him a salute and did an about face.
Its the other hand for a salute, Petersen. Walker sighed.
Downstairs, she saw more than one soldier, sitting with their backs to the receptionists
desk, glare at her and brush fingers across stocks and triggers.
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She walked past them.
You wont always be protected. One growled and she looked over to him, lifted an
eyebrow.
By whom?
The soldier, with a thick bandage around his upper arm and forearm lifted his gaze to
the ceiling.
I can assure you, soldier, hes not protecting me. Im all about protecting myself and
Im just going to walk down the road to see the Nomadians. Wanna come?
The soldiers looked at each other, said nothing.
She stepped by them, stopped. And FYI? You lot fired first, so dont get pissy at me
for the results.
The armourer had been forewarned. Shed laid out half a dozen magazines for each of
her guns.
I dont think Ill need all those, Sergeant. Cambria said.
Always be prepared. Better to have them and not need em, than not have them and
need em.
Fair enough. Cambria loaded up, shoved the extras into her back pocket. She settled
her pistols into the holsters, tugged at them. See you on the other side.
Good luck, Hunter, and dont bring back any strays.
Roger.
Outside, a breeze blew in from the north, icy with the promise of more snow. She
returned to the bungalow and rummaged through the closets. She couldnt recall what
happened to her coat, but she thought it might be in the car, which was in an oblique
direction to where she was going.
She found a heavy pea coat and put it on. It was too large, but warm and easily slipped
off her shoulders should she need immediate access to her weapons. She peeled off the
coat, and then changed her shirt, too.
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Once bundled up again, she repacked everything she owned and set the bag next to the
door. She wouldnt need it and planned on coming back.
In the breeze, she buttoned up the coat and jammed her hands in the pocket, marched
towards the house and went around the side.
The road went down through the forest and around a corner. With a shrug, she set off
walking.
The checkpoint came into view on of the eight guards turned from his position as he
heard her walking.
Whats up? Shouldnt you be back at the house? Or somewhere safe, like home?
Chance would be a fine thing, soldier. No, she shivered in her coat, Im off to talk to
the Nomadians.
Your funeral. He muttered and returned to his watch.
Cambria walked past and felt every eye on her back.
The countryside was empty of combatants and civilians alike. She heard the creatures in
the forests, heard the shush of the breeze through the pines, but she remained alone on her
walk.
More than three Nomadian hours later, the tents came into view. Theyd also set a
guard, but these Nomadians seemed to be expecting her.
If youll come with me, Hunter? One guard said in a familiar voice and turned to
escort her into the near silent encampment.
Grissel?
I am gratified you remembered my name, Hunter.
You arrested me; how could I forget? She said and frowned. Where are your
troops?
I cannot say, Hunter.
Not again. She said and picked up her pace to the command tent, ducked inside.
Three desks were set end to end and each Nomadian lifted their gaze to her.
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Karesh! How are you doing? Cambria grinned. The Nomadians skin was the grey of
fatigue and her tattoo had faded slightly. She held herself tightly, but she was very much
alive and back working. Maybe the wound wasnt as bad as Cambria first thought. For
that, she was grateful.
I am doing better. Thank you for my life. She tilted her head.
Oh, hey, youre a friend. Its what friends do for each other. She said and her smile
slipped as the First Officer looked away.
She turned to the others. Primary Enforcer Gordash, you are well?
I am, thank you Hunter.
Norash.
He nodded to her.
Okay, whats going on?
Why are you here, Hunter? Gordash asked and leaned back in his chair.
Im here to tell you that its all sorted. We found the evidence we needed to evict all
the humans from the enclave and back to Earth. Once thats done, the marines will leave
and you can have your land back.
The Nomadians looked at each other and Cambria felt a surge of dread.
This is... good news, right?
Gordash leaned back. We were just discussing our latest orders, Hunter.
Where are your troops, Primary Enforcer? She asked softly and held her breath.
Not where you think they are, Hunter. They are confined to their accommodation until
we decide on our next course of action. Gordash said with a show of teeth.
She wanted to glare at him until the amusement faded, but her breath eased out instead.
The humans are leaving, Primary Enforcer, you dont need to take any action.
Humans lie...
Have I? She asked and Gordash tilted his head.
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Not that Im aware of, no.
I come as an emissary from the commanding officer of the Marines, Colonel Walker.
He needs time to hunt down the refugees and bring them back. We found a list with all
their names; no one will be allowed to remain, all are going back to Earth to explain
themselves. Some will face criminal charges.
Gordash kept his emotions to himself. And the damage? The dead soldiers? The insult
to Nomad?
Cambria flushed. That, youll have to take up with the World Council.
More negotiations, Hunter?
I cant speak for the World Council, Primary Enforcer, can you speak for the
Geriatha?
No, I cannot. I can only report to them.
Then do that. Colonel Walker is doing the same and there will be some significant
consequences out of this for a lot of people. She nodded her head. Deservedly so.
Our problem, Hunter, is the order to advance on mass, with air support and level the
entire area. Our other problem, is that we know there are no human civilians there and
well have to go after them. With no guarantee we will get them all. Gordash said. We
were just discussing how to complete our mission without offending our superiors.
And now? She asked.
Now, Im wondering who I dare refuse: you, and cause more death and destruction, or
my boss and end my career in disgrace and poverty. Gordash said.
Whats wrong with stopping death and destruction and being the victorious Primary
Enforcer who rid Nomad of the human scourge?
Once again, the Nomadians looked at each other.
You have a unique way of looking at things, Hunter. We are grateful.
And you are a generous people who have been sorely tested and abused by
unscrupulous humans.
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Gordash watched her for a long minute, thinking on her words. If he accepted her terms,
Colonel Walkers terms, then she had one thing left to do and she wasnt going to kill
Vlad, just because Excalibur wanted revenge on him, he could do that himself and that
was to find out about what the Nomadians had done to her.
She shifted her gaze to First Officer Karesh.
Very well, Hunter. Gordash said. We will not attack and we will provide air support
to search for the missing humans.
Cambria felt her shoulders slump with relief. Thank God!
I, and my senior officers will meet with this Colonel Walker and his senior officers
midway between our camps. We will meet when the sun is directly overhead. Does that
suit?
Only if someone can give me a lift back its a long walk.
* * *
The humans and Nomadians eyed each other warily as they arrived at the meeting point.
Cambria wanted to kick each of them and tell them to get on with it, but she had the
patience to wait and act as an interpreter for Colonel Walker.
Each side brought their own tables, chairs and refreshments.
Then, they got down to beating out an acceptable agreement for both sides.
The Nomadians wanted everyone gone and a senior member of the World Council to
come and explain the human actions to the Geriatha before any other humans Hunter
Petersen excluded from all restrictions could set foot on Nomad again.
The military humans wanted safe passage for all other civilian humans off the planet.
Both sides quickly agreed and hands and fins were shaken.
The Nomadians brought out bottles of Brindish the humans dug out bottles of beer.
Colonel Walker came up to her while she watched the Nomadians speak with each other
in soft tones.
Here. He handed her a brown bottle. You can genuinely say its imported.
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Thanks, Colonel. She cracked the top and sucked down a long draught. Oh, thats
good. I havent had one of these in... I cant remember when.
Walker smiled at her.
I thought it all went rather well. She said brightly.
I thought that if Markov had listened to you in the first place, thered be a lot more
people alive today. On both sides.
Yeah.
The humans could not talk to the Nomadians, and the Nomadians couldnt talk to the
humans, but that did not mean they couldnt communicate.
As the negotiations finished, she warned the marines not to drink the Brindish and
regretfully informed the Nomadians that the humans couldnt drink their preferred
beverage.
That, however, did not stop some hardy souls from blistering their tongues, much to the
amusement of the Nomadians. The humans replied by soothing their mouths with as much
beer as possible.
The celebrations lasted until sundown when the Nomadians regretfully returned to their
camp.
Cambria translated for Colonel Walker and Primary Enforcer Gordash as they nutted
out the arrangements for the next day.
Marines would join the air search and Cambria would go with one group. The joint
operation would serve to reassure the refugees that all was well and that they could return.
* * *
Cambria staggered to the bungalow. Her bleary eyes tried to focus on where she was
going, but the wavering vision stayed and her legs didnt quite go where she wanted them
to.
Damn, when was the las time I wa...s this drun k? She said and cocked her head to
listen for a reply.
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Nope. She grinned. I dunno neither... either... neither? Dunno. She pouted, then fell
face down onto the couch and plunged into a dreamless sleep.
In the darkness, she awoke with an embarrassed snort as she heard the end of a snore
and the vibrations at the back of her nose.
I don snore. She muttered with her cheek and nose pressed to the couch cushion. One
arm dangled and as she breathed in, she realised her breasts hurt.
She groaned as she pushed upwards. The headache pulsed viciously, nausea churned
and her mouth watered with the need to vomit. But the self-inflicted pain and need to be
sick soon slipped away.
Ah, crap. She muttered as she realised shed been sleeping on her pistols and theyd
been pressing into her chest all night. How the hell did they get there?
Cambria smacked her dry mouth and grimaced at the taste, rubbed at her chin. Snoring
and drooling what a catch.
She levered herself up and went to the bathroom, had a shower and cleaned her teeth;
twice.
After a breakfast of bacon, Cambria rubbed her eyes, checked her weapons and headed
for Vlads house. Snow coated the ground in a light, crunchy layer and she huddled into
the pea coat.
Armed marines milled around under the bright lights of the verandah. Just about every
one of them were red-eyed with tight mouths, clutching large cups of coffee and speaking
in soft, low voices.
Cambria sympathised and went inside for her own cup o java.
She wrapped her hands around the brew and stepped out into the cold darkness.
Snow flurries drifted down through the lights and she went down the steps to join the
huddled soldiers.
Colonel Walker emerged wearing a long woollen coat and leather gloves. He stood at
the top of the stairs and all eyes turned to him.
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Listen up people. The Nomadians will be here shortly to start the search. The refugees
have a two day head start on us, but with thermal imaging, we should find them pretty
quickly. Now then, each transport will have four marines aboard to be dropped half a klik
from the refugees. They will then converge and make contact with them. Do not scare
them and do make sure none leave the area. Transports will then pick everyone up. Squad
leaders, you have your name lists. Check them off to make sure you have everyone.
Anyone who is left behind, will be hunted down by the Nomadians and we will let them;
make sure the people understand this. Dismissed.
The Nomadian transports were remarkable vehicles. Each was a little larger than an old
Chinook and hovered just above the car park, taking on marines.
Cambria boarded the first and the transport rose with barely a hum, hovered while the
other transports came in and collected their cargo.
Six transports rose and headed north a perfect arrow formation.
Cambria sat behind the pilot and marvelled at the casual skill.
She used her own imaging facilities to search for the missing humans.
And when the first camp was found, Cambria nodded with appreciation at how far
theyd travelled without the benefit of vehicles. Theyd moved from the north and
progressed east, skirting the Nomadian encampment and were heading past Susrah City.
Cambria joined the first squad as they moved through the shadowy forest. The sun
wasnt up yet, but it provided enough light to see by.
The troops heard the refugees before they saw them and they crouched in the
undergrowth
Lieutenant Geeves looked across to Cambria and spoke with her hands. Look forward,
go forward, speak. Marines will follow at your signal.
Cambria nodded and slowly rose, brushed through the shrubs and made her way
towards the refugee camp.
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A feral-eyed, bristly-jawed, stained and dirt smeared man rose up in front of her, aimed
an assault rifle at her mid-section. He looked like he hadnt slept in a week, or a couple of
Nomadian days and nights.
Who are you and whadaya want?
Hunter Petersen. Im here to see Mr Kekovic. She said quietly.
He looked into the forest behind her, squinted. You bring any of those shark-heads
with you?
No. Why would I do that?
Rumour is youre friendly with them. He eyed her suspiciously.
Ive been mediating with them, but what I have to say, will be said to Vlad. She
looked at him and he lowered his weapon. Oh, she said as she was about to walk by him,
I brought the marines with me; you might want to let them into the perimeter.
His jaw dropped. Marines? They came? Oh, thank the Lord! Thank you Lord for the
Marines and kicking those fuckers to death! He hugged her and scent of unwashed body
and sour breath gusted over her.
Okay, fine. Yes. Happy, happy, joy, joy, youre saved. She pushed back from him.
Mr Kekovic?
In the centre.
Of course. She turned and pumped her fist. The green camouflaged marines rose out of
the bush.
The guard dropped his rifle and stumbled to the marines.
Cambria shook her head and continued into the camp. Tents of all sizes and colours
formed a circle within the forest. She looked beyond this circle to another and if she didnt
miss her guess, thered be another circle of tents beyond that one.
Vlad had thousands of people to coral and it couldnt be easy, yet this circle was well
kept, with gear organised and stacked just outside tent flaps.
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Red and grey coals glowed within the circle of stones in the centre of the camp. She
quietly moved through, listened to snores and rustles and sighs with the occasional childish
whimper and grumble.
Kekovic had mixed up his groups and she wondered why. Surely, the closest
encampment should have been those who would be the rearguard?
She counted ten tents in the initial circle and two extra tents diagonal to the circle on
either side beginning other circles. Ten circles with ten tents?
Cambria sighed as she approached the middle left circle. It would take a good long
while to find and transport everyone, but a time limit hadnt been negotiated, only that all
humans left as soon as possible.
She sat at the fire pit, poked the coals into flames and added wood which spat and
crackled and hissed.
It was damned cold up here and the snow lay thicker. The inhabitants couldnt be very
happy or comfortable.
She hung a pot of water from the tripod and waited. Noise came from behind her, within
the first circle and she had no doubt the guard and the marines were rousing people from
their slumber.
The sound echoed through the forest, and people began to stir.
Vlad stumbled out of his tent and looked around, bleary eyed.
You look tired. Cambria said and his eyes found hers.
You did it? You blew up the village? He moved to slump down onto a wooden crate
that creaked under his weight. Vlad rotated his neck. Well, we can always rebuild. He
said and looked into the pot of water.
I didnt blow up the village, Vlad, I made peace with the Nomadians.
You... what? He exploded to his feet.

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Chapter Twenty
Cambria quickly explained the peace deal and Vlad slowly sank back onto his seat as if
all the air had been released from his big body.
I dont believe it. He said. After all that and they suddenly decided not to fight?
It wasnt as easy as you make it out to be, but we have peace and thats all that matters.
And the fighting was brutal. A war with these people is not be a glorious event. Cambria
said.
You still got the detonator? He asked in a sly tone.
Yeah, somewhere. She replied. So, Vlad, why did you pick that spot and not
somewhere tropical?
He lifted a shoulder. I didnt pick the spot at all. From what I understand, Cottington-
Blake negotiated for it. He said.
Pretty town.
You should see it in Winter. He said wryly.
I thought this was Winter! She nodded at the snow and Vlad grinned.
This is high Summer, Petersen. He said and she shuddered.
Marines. Vlad said, looking over her shoulder.
She turned and called Geeves over.
Lieutenant Geeves, Vladimir Kekovic, leader of this happy band of travellers. She
said.
Mr Kekovic. Geeves nodded with her assault rifle casually resting in her arms.
Vlad kept his eyes on Cambria. That wasnt our deal.
No, it wasnt. She agreed. You wanted me to start a war. I found an alternative.
There were deaths, yes, but not the wholesale slaughter or the declarations of revenge.
Youll be going home, Vlad, you and the rest of the refugees.
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His mouth tightened. Most of these people dont have a home to go to, they have
nothing. They sold everything, cut all ties with Earth to start a new life. You have no idea
what youve done, you stupid...
Geeves cleared her throat.
She held his gaze. I know exactly what Ive done, Vlad and if anyone can show me a
legitimate visa, the Nomadians will personally negotiate with them about staying. If they
cannot and I know damn well they wont they go back to Earth. They can resettle from
there, but not here. Not Nomad. Because of your actions and of Minister Cottington-Blake,
humans are persona non grata.
Vlads shoulders slumped and he shook his head. He reached into a leather bag and
pulled out a smaller bag, shook fresh coffee into the bubbling pot and took it off the fire.
The scent was amazing, of home and comfort.
I didnt remember the register until I was a day away. He said more calmly. I didnt
think youd think of them before blowing everything to kingdom come and no one would
be the wiser. Thought, with separating the population, wed have a better chance of
survival. He set out three mugs and poured fresh coffee.
She accepted a mug and handed it to Lieutenant Geeves. Vlad handed her second.
Have list, have thermal imaging and have the ever-effective World Council marines.
She sipped the scalding brew. Now we have the layout of your camps. Every one leaves,
Vlad, no one stays behind or the Nomadians will hunt them down.
He blinked at her. I thought... the marines didnt win?
Geeves cleared her throat again.
They didnt lose. Cambria said with a slight smile. And in the end, thats what
matters.
Some wont want to go. He said.
You can either convince them otherwise, or theyll be taken away by the marines; in
cuffs, if necessary.
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Nope, they wont be happy.
The marines will explain the alternatives. Geeves said.
I know a few who will bitch and moan about their rights. Vlad warned.
Cambria shook her head. Theyre here illegally, Vlad, they have no rights.
He sighed. And some wont want to return to jail.
Tough. Like I said: they have no rights here. They can take it up with the Earth
authorities.
So... Vlad vaguely pointed to his face. What happened to you?
She frowned. What do you mean?
The scars, theyre gone. Did the sharks... excuse me, the Nomadians work some of
their magic on you?
Cambria resisted the urge to cup her jaw where the thick scar was. Shed check later.
Instead she shook her head and gave him an enigmatic smile.
* * *
Cambria waited until Vlad rose and went into his tent.
She didnt have a mirror and brushed a finger along her jaw as if it were a natural thing
to do. She touched smooth, unmarred skin. Her cheekbone was smooth as well and she
lifted her jeans to check the long arrow scar on her calf. It, too, was gone.
Cottington-Blake, she thought, had accidentally done her a favour when she shot
Cambria dead. Whatever the alien tech did, it fixed the scars.
Kekovic knew his people. The marines arrived in each encampment to jubilant welcome
until the refugees understood that the soldiers werent there to take them back to
Kekotown, but home to Earth.
Some ran and were captured quickly, hauled onto the transport in cuffs, yelling and
cursing and threatening legal action. Marines carefully, quietly and explicitly told them
what would happen if they tried to abscond again. The effect was everything the marines
expected.
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Cambria watched with indifference as tents were struck, fires extinguished and people
loaded under the eyes and guns of the marines.
A few were relieved, as if a nightmare was finally coming to an end; others wore blank
expressions, as if unable to process what was happening. Most boarded the transports in
silence.
She could feel no sympathy for them, for their plight. Each had a reason for coming
here, whether it was to escape jail or an unhappy life, but each also hadnt taken
responsibility for their lives back on Earth.
Now, maybe for some, Earth didnt seem like such a bad place after all and theyd make
a better go of it now they knew what could happen on another world.
Cambria caught movement out of the corner of her eye and turned in time to be unable
to avoid the meaty fist. It slammed into her cheekbone and she fell to her hands and knees,
face stinging.
She saw the boot coming and grabbed the foot, gave it a sudden snap to the right and
the man fell.
Cambria jumped on him, held her pistol back by her head, aimed at him.
You fucking traitor! He yelled, with spit flecks at the corner of his mouth. You did
this! You did this! And he brought up his hands.
Shut up. She said softly, Or so help me, youll go back in a body bag.
He punched her again, tried to throw her off and she belted him with the butt of the
pistol. His dark eyes rolled back into his head and he slumped into unconsciousness.
You do attract peoples violent side, dont you, Ms Petersen. Geeves said and
Cambria got up, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
Stupid git. She muttered and two marines arrived to haul the man away. How can
their crime be my fault?
Its not, but theyd rather blame someone else than accept responsibility. Geeves
shrugged. Its what people do.
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As I said: stupid git. Cambria brushed off the snow off her pants, her shirt. At least
there wasnt any blood that she could see.
Well, Geeves sighed, youll be unhappy to know, I remember where Ive seen you
before.
Cambria looked up. Two marines flanked the Lieutenant, their fingers resting on the
trigger guard of their rifles.
Youre wanted for...
Yes, I know: the murder of World Council Senator Heinrich Dortmund. However,
youll have to take it up with Colonel Walker.
I still have to take you in. She said with a determined expression. The warrant...
Has already been executed, Cambria sighed, but feel free to escort me back to
Kekotown.
You wont...
No, Ill come along peaceably.
With two marines at her back and Geeves leading the way, Cambria climbed aboard a
transport. The marines sat on either side of her and glared at the civilians who stared back,
puzzled.
* * *
Lieutenant Geeves, I admire your determination to do your job, however, Hunter
Petersen and I have already discussed this issue and resolution will have to wait until we
return to Earth. Colonel Walker said.
Sir... I... Geeves swallowed.
Im not rousing on you, Lieutenant. I like marines who do their job no matter how
difficult, and no matter what their superiors might think of them.
Yes, sir, thank you, sir.
Okay, dismissed. And dont worry about Petersen, she is, after all, on our side.
That may be, sir, however... Geeves hesitated and Walker smiled.
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The disposal of this matter will take place at a later date, Lieutenant. In the meantime,
consider her the ally who saved your ass.
Yes, sir.
Dismissed, Lieutenant. Keep up the good work.
Geeves saluted and turned to Cambria sitting on the couch in Vlads office.
Sorry, maam.
No apology needed, Lieutenant. I figured it would come to you soon enough and Id
deal with it then. She grinned and Geeves frowned.
Thats not a threat, Geeves. Id have come along quietly then, too.
The Lieutenant left to resume her duties hunting down human refugees.
Shes a good marine, Colonel. Cambria said.
I know. Shell go far... probably.
Another pair of men came in to take Vlads furniture away. Kekovic was scrambling as
fast as he could to take as much as possible back to Earth in as little time as possible.
When theyd gone, Cambria rose and wandered over to the visitors chair.
Vlad give you the discs? She asked and he lifted his head, fury burned deep there,
fury and betrayal.
He did. They are in the hands of your mob, the Hunters. Lord Montague sends his
regards by the way.
Cambria grunted.
Hes personally looking into the situation. Minister Cottington-Blake has been...
unavailable for interview due to the trauma of seeing Colonel Markov killed.
Oh, bullshit. Shes either hiding out in her country manor house or shes buggered off
to another planet. She did, after all, finance this corridor. Nowhere is it written that you
cant have more than one. Hell, no one is supposed have even one of the things.
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I think your boss knows that, Ms Petersen. Walker said with a smile. But I
understand what youre saying too. Of course, you... could always Hunt her down.
Cambria could imagine it all too well. Better not go there, Colonel, it would be...
ugly.
His smile vanished. Deliberately and deliciously so. At least, in my imagination.
From his expression, the two of them were thinking similar thoughts.
Walker finally shook off whatever thought he was having. So, I assume youll be
heading back to Cohasha City and home now that youve completed you own Hunt?
Actually, I havent. My mission was, is, Excalibur Jones and he could be anywhere by
now.
Ah...
Yeah. She slumped down into the chair and pouted. I tracked him here, and let him
go in the interest of human survival and the bastard pissed off, broke the deal wed made. I
dont know why I made it in the first place. Yes, she did she decided she couldnt do it
all and save everyone. Bloody hubris.
Then youll continue the Hunt on Earth?
Wish I could. But as youve just witnessed, anyone with a gun could take me down
and even if Im publicly exonerated, there will be people who refuse to believe I didnt
have something to do with the murder of Senator Dortmund. Jones is in a similar situation.
His spectacular killing spree got a lot of attention in the media at the time; so did his
escape. Hes just as familiar probably more so in the minds of the populace. She
shook her head. Hell not be on Earth for long and I am back to square one in finding
him.
When do you leave for Cohasha City? He asked.
I wont be leaving until the last human is off planet, Colonel, that was the deal.
But you, personally, dont have to be here. I assure you, I can handle pushing the last
one through. Well, me and my marines. He said and smiled.
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I know. But, tragically, Im a woman of my word. I gave it and I cant go back on it
now to save the sensibilities of the Marine Corp.
Walker snorted. Were not so puffed up with wounded pride that we have to be the
ones to turn out the lights. Im happy to let you have that pleasure since youve worked so
hard for it.
Thank you, Colonel. Its been a long hard road for us.
For some more than others. He said quietly.
Yeah, well. I could use a nap... I wonder if the Morgans would mind if I used their
bungalow again? She said and stood.
Probably not, they were in one of the first groups to leave; couldnt wait to return to
Earth. I think this whole new life thing hasnt worked out for them.
Well, maybe next time theyll check to make sure its a legitimate agency, and a
legitimate, friendly world.
Colonel Walker grunted in reply and gave her a brief smile before returning to his
papers.
* * *
Three days later, the last name on the migrant register was checked off and the kicking
and screaming twenty-something woman was removed with the help of two marines and
handcuffs. Shed been found trying to get back to Susrah City by a Nomadian patrol. Shed
tried to snuggle up to one and was unceremoniously dumped back at Kekotown where
shed tried to flee again.
Maybe next time, Ms Holland will remember that not every alien you meet is adorable
and sweet. Still, Colonel murmured, I cant understand her undying love and admiration
of the Nomadians.
Cambria shrugged. Maybe its any alien she loves. A psychiatrist will sort her out
before shes allowed off Earth again.
Well, shes the last one. I need to organise my troops and well be off, too.
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Two hours after the last civilian left, Colonel Walker stood with her on the verandah.
Seems a shame really. This is a lovely town. Walker said, his hands jammed into his
coat pockets.
The houses are beautifully constructed. Cambria agreed. The Nomadians havent
decided what to do with it yet. Seems a shame to destroy them and I believe the Minister
actually negotiated in good faith for the land.
You surprise me, Petersen. Actually, Cottington-Blake surprises me. Its good, fertile
land. And when spring comes, the crops...
Cambria laughed. Colonel, she said with a wave of her hand at the light snow, this is
summer!
Lieutenant Geeves took the opportunity to come out onto the verandah and cleared her
throat. Sir, were ready to go. She said.
Very good, Lieutenant. Ill be along.
Ms Petersen. Geeves said. Good luck. I hope it all works out for you. She stuck out
her hand and Cambria took it.
Back atcha, L.T.
Geeves gave her a nod and went inside.
Shall we? The Colonel asked and held out his arm to the door.
Cambria walked into the warm foyer, saw the remnants of battle, although the blood
stains had been removed and moved on to the metal door.
Lieutenant Geeves waited alone.
Well, Ms Petersen, its been... interesting. Walker said and held out his hand to her.
She took it gave his fingers a squeeze.
Yes, sir, it certainly has.
He gave her a nod and turned towards the door. Geeves opened it and they both stepped
inside. Both Geeves and Walker gave her a salute before Geeves closed the door with a
final, metallic clank.
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Cambria stepped back as if expecting... something. But she heard nothing. She adjusted
her vision, but they were gone. Back to Earth and home.
She walked away, walked to the cafe and made herself some coffee. Some things just
couldnt be taken in the time and space available. The big coffee machine, thankfully,
being one of them. And she had time yet before the Nomadians arrived.

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Chapter Twenty-One
The windows in the cafeteria were still empty, but the supposed bullet-proof glass had
been swept up into the corners were it glittered.
She righted a chair and sat, rested her boots on a window sill and watched the light
snow fall in fat, swirling flakes.
The coffee was good and strong, if a little over-brewed and she sipped it with a frown.
Silence enveloped the village, the house, everywhere. Only the subdued hiss of snow
reached her as it fell, eddied and whirled.
Cambria sat up, stared harder at the snow and then at the forest.
The leaves and pine needles remained resolutely unaffected by the cold breeze, so what
caused the swirling? What silent energy source could do that? She knew it wasnt the
Nomadians, their ships had a subtle hum, easily heard.
She set the coffee mug on the floor and climbed through the window onto the verandah.
Her booted foot slipped slightly on the snow covered staircase and she held on to the
handrail, while her eyes lifted to the sky.
Nothing but faintly blue snowflakes and she shifted her vision.
A shadow, vague and insubstantial, hovered seventy metres above the forest and the
township.
She wiped snow from her eyes and squinted up. What the hell was it? Nomadian or
something else?
Cambria looked away as she heard the Nomadian road transport arrive, rubbed her
neck. She gave the sky one last look, then went around the back of the house to greet the
new owners.
First Officer Karesh eased out of the low, four-wheeled truck using one hand, the other
was strapped to her chest.
First Officer Karesh, welcome to Kekotown. Cambria said with a wry smile.
Hunter Petersen, thank you. The Nomadian turned and troops jumped out the back.
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Youve decided what to do then?
We will... Karesh stiffened and turned, ordered the Nomadian troops back into the
truck. The troops, with confused expressions, were slow to oblige the First Officer and she
hissed at them.
Karesh? Cambria asked, just as puzzled as the troops. Whats wrong?
She watched as the truck backed up and sped away as if chased by weapons fire.
Karesh walked to her, bent slightly. Theyre here. She said in a low voice and
winced.
Who? Cambria asked in a whisper.
Them. Karesh said with resignation and slowly rose to her full height, looking over
Cambrias head. Our masters.
Cambria felt a thrill of fear streak up her spine as she slowly turned. Her heart pounded,
her throat dried, her breath jammed in her throat and cold sweat suddenly popped out on
her forehead.
Then her shoulders relaxed and she nearly hit the First Officer.
Its snow, Karesh. Light fluffy...
Karesh cut her off with a hand signal walked past her, towards the empty village.
Cambria followed and stopped next to her at the bottom of the stairs. Karesh looked up,
so did Cambria and saw the vague shadow had a more solid form, was less insubstantial.
Who are they? Cambria asked and lowered her gaze to the bungalows.
Karesh touched Cambrias throat.
Okay, why are they here?
The First Officer shrugged, then paused, tilted her head as if listening to someone. Then
she nodded. I may, at last, answer your questions.
You can? Great, right, so... when you say our masters, you mean...
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Anyone who has a translator. Karesh turned to her, her expression one of regret. It is
not of our construction, but you knew that.
Our own techs worked it out. Cambria said. But no one will tell me what else it
does.
We could not. You are the first. Karesh murmured and sat on the second bottom step.
Cambria sat next to her. Im the first what? Everyone else has a universal translator so
what...
The Nomadian turned to her. You are the first to have a universal translator. Karesh
said. And I have regrets in putting it into you. They thought... They thought to use you as
a trial specimen. And I have been wrong. I have caused you grief and pain because I was a
coward and could not resist their demands.
She hung her head.
Cambria swallowed. Um... so when you say, universal, you dont just mean the local
dialects, do you.
Karesh shook her head.
Ill have a guess here and say universal, as in universe languages. Am I right?
Karesh met her gaze. Yes. You are now able to go anywhere, speak with any alien and
understand them.
And the shooting me dead thing and resurrection deal?
The Nomadian stared at the carefully constructed bungalows. I genuinely dont know.
I know nothing of the complexities. I thought it simply an updated version of what we
have. A matrix that covers the brain and interprets for us. A great gift, we thought, when
dealing with the ever increasing populations of aliens coming to our world. We were
wrong. We found ourselves, after a year of using the technology, at the mercy of our
masters.
And what do they want?
To study, to examine, to test.
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Ah...
Our masters are most keen to study various species and how they interact with others.
They like to study individuals from top to bottom, inside out and they dont care if the
subject lives or dies. They like to study procreation, the act, the gestation, the hatching and
growth. They will select an individual at each stage.
Oh... wow. That is nasty.
Karesh glanced at her. They are doing it to your own people, too.
Cambria frowned. Didnt Kekovic suggest that Excalibur was responsible for the
disappearance of some the colonists? Well hell, Jones was innocent?
They separate individuals, perform surgery on them, study the insides, keep them alive
and conscious so they can test responses. On a member of all the species on Nomad.
Young, old, it doesnt matter to them in their pursuit of knowledge of the universes
species. Kareshs voice was sad and resigned. We cannot stop them.
Why tell me now, when youve refused all of my questions?
Karesh made a sound in her throat. We were forbidden to speak of our masters to
anyone at any time, even other Nomadians. The pain, she touched her head, is beyond
imagining and we would rather not give them the satisfaction. But we found a way, to
speak in code, in generalities they could not decipher. And now we are here and they are
here. You and I.
Ye-es.
We are next for examination, Hunter. You, because of the universal implant and
perhaps because of this resurrection business, me, because I am a female in command.
That cant be good. Cambria murmured.
I would rather die than to submit to the obscenities they would perpetrate on me and
my world. Karesh snarled and showed double rows of teeth. I would rather fight them
than see my world continually plundered for so called specimens.
Tell me something, have you seen the masters?
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No, they exist in shadows and wells of darkness, in fog and cloud; only blurred,
formless shapes that our imaginations create unassailable monsters from. Karesh said
bitterly.
And the ships?
Ships? There is only one, Hunter, and it only appears when specimens are wanted. I
can only think it came to see the slaughter, to see one species take on another; and it stayed
to see how peace was made and the result. Karesh said.
The sky above them darkened and Cambria looked up. The ship, round as a plate with a
black hull, dropped lower, hovered when it was twenty metres up. It was as large as the
clearing for the township and she wondered if that was deliberate.
She stood and Karesh rose, too.
Cambria turned to the First Officer. Did you mean it when you said youd rather die
than see your world in servitude?
Kareshs dark eyes met hers. Yes. It is what Ive always wanted, what I had hoped you
understood. I regret that blackmailing you into finding a solution has led us both to this
abomination. I had hoped you understood, but it is clear I have failed.
Cambria grinned at her. Good news, bad news here, First Officer. Im going to show
you both. And she half took her hand out of her pocket, showed Karesh the detonator,
explained about the bombs set around the town.
A little surprise Kekovic and Cottington-Blake had for your troops. The assignment
fell to me, but, she shrugged, I had other plans. In the end, I didnt know what to do with
it, and leaving it lying around didnt seem very responsible.
Karesh hissed out a laugh, bent double with it.
When the laughter eased, the Nomadians eyes were sheened. First you save me, then
you kill me to save my world. Hunter, you are magnificent. She reached out and wrapped
her hand around Cambrias.
Will it work? The First Officer asked.
If it doesnt, we are in a shit-load of trouble.
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Karesh sighed. I wish I had some Brindish.
I wish you did, too.
Karesh dragged in a deep breath. It has been an honour, Hunter.
Your name will live on in Nomadian history, Karesh, and I will always remember
you.
Their eyes met.
May the creator of all, Hardesh, Mother, keep and protect you, Hunter. Karesh said
with a smile.
And you, Karesh.
We live in peace. Karesh said and then they pressed the button together.
* * *
For a Nomadian week, the area was too devastated and irradiated to reach. Fly-overs by
satellites and high altitude jets with thermal imaging couldnt get past the heat, but
triangulation pinpointed the former human township as the centre of the blast.
Speculation ran rampant through the Nomadian communities about whether the humans
had intended to blow up the valiant Enforcers sent to evict them in a mass termination.
The current session of the Geriatha had to be suspended when the sitting members went
into day-long comas, as did all the senior members of the Enforcers and every First,
Second and Third Officer. Technical Officers, leaders of industry, ships Captains every
Nomadian who held a position above the ordinary worker were suddenly incapacitated,
including medical staff. Only the lower classes of Nomadian society remained conscious,
the refuse collectors, the cargo handlers, shop assistants, gardeners, farmers.
And there were deaths. Those whose systems were already compromised through ill-
health, age or catastrophic injury, who could not cope with the comas, died peacefully.
Minister for External Affairs Igrak did not survive.
Before the Nomadians could riot, or move to take power, the government returned, the
officers returned, the heads of industry returned, all those comatose returned to duty and
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complained only of a minor head pain. A standard medication dealt with it and society
resumed with only a slight hiccup.
Primary Enforcer Gordash rubbed his forehead and wondered at the feeling of vague
emptiness. He read the report from Squad Enforcer Boutash, read of First Officer Kareshs
demand they get out of the human town as fast as they could, read that Karesh met with the
human Hunter and that theyd walked towards the village.
First Officer Karesh had been missing for a week and he could only conclude that she
and the Hunter had something to do with the massive explosion that had levelled mature
trees like sticks.
He closed the file with a sad sigh, stamped the front: Missing In Action, Presumed
Terminated.
He would miss the feisty Karesh, miss her counsel and sense of humour; would miss her
courage and willingness to defend an alien human who represented everything he despised
in a species.
Gordash rose and went to the window of his office, cupped hands behind him, stared
out at the teeming throng of Nomadians. It would be harvest time soon, he thought with a
ripple of fear. Harvest time of the species whod come to start a new life.
He wished he could speak of it, but it was forbidden and he didnt want the excruciating
head pain that went with it. If only he could find the Kertish bait, hed slaughter them all
with his teeth, set his troops on them, rend them into bloody messes.
But they remained unknown, their whereabouts unknown, hidden in shadows and he
could not actively pursue them.
On a sigh, he went back to work. And mourned the loss of the Officer he respected
most.
A week later, he stood again at the window, sorrow and happiness in his heart. The
aliens that lived in his head were gone; Harvest time had passed and no one was missing.
He could only assume First Officer Karesh and Hunter Petersen sacrificed themselves to
destroy the Harvesters. And for that, he, and the whole planet, would be forever grateful to
a human who came to make peace and freed a world.
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Epilogue
Six Nomadian weeks after the planet Nomad realised the aliens who enslaved them
were gone, research teams were able to access the area where the Named Hero, First
Officer Karesh and the human Hunter, Petersen had died. Celebrations of freedom were
tempered with memorials and mourning for the dead.
The researchers brought with them a human expert, from the so-called World Council,
whod arrived to assist the Nomadian government in discovering the cause of the blast,
since it was human technology that did the damage in the first place.
Senor Carlos Del Rey gasped with astonishment when he first saw the ten kilometre
wide blast area.
He shook his head and said it was incredible, fascinating and beyond belief. And deep
inside, he understood no living thing could survive. But hed made a promise and for some
peculiar reason, he was determined to keep it.
The Nomadians had other words, like tragic, an environmental disaster and that it was
disturbing the humans had such powerful weapons at their disposal.
Senor Del Rey replied that weapons of this power were rarely used and only in extreme
circumstances. But what circumstances, the Senor refused to elaborate on, merely shook
his head, donned his pack filled with monitoring devices and walked towards the epicentre
of the blast.
The Nomadian scientists followed behind, but kept their distance. Obviously, humans
were a very dangerous species, much more dangerous than they first suspected. It would
not do to get too close, and yet they could learn so much. Like the workings of this
weapon. The protection it would give the Nomadians was of enormous value.
It was a discussion that raged within the scientific community: a weapon would be a
tool for peace no one would ever threaten them again versus the fact the aliens who
controlled the upper echelons used a more subtle method, and no overt weapon, so the
Nomadians didnt need such a weapon.
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251
The devastation was remarkable, all the scientists agreed. At the edge of the blast zone,
the trees lay directly away from the detonation and the closer they got, the stronger the
scent of decaying flesh.
Surely anything in the path would have been vaporised, but the biologists found the
remains of animals, flying and crawling, of the tiniest of creatures to the largest. Some
showed signs of burns, others, no injuries at all. Starved they said with calm
understanding.
Del Rey marched onward, uncaring of the distance or the destruction around him and
more than one scientist regretted they hadnt arranged better transport to the centre.
The human was fit and young, fitter than the scientists and whenever a break was
called, hed pace impatiently, eager to see the centre and take his readings. The Nomadians
admired such dedication, but the zone wasnt going anywhere.
Finally, the human, eight scientists and two assistants, stood on the edge of an
astonishingly large crater.
There was no sign of the humans town. None. The centre of the crater had water in it
from the summer snow. A crust of white coated the rim and the human got down on one
knee and went through his pack.
The Nomadians moved back, turned away and decided to let him discover what he may,
they were going to set up their camp further away and rest for the remainder of the day.
Tomorrow was soon enough for readings and their own discoveries.
* * *
Cold, constant and biting. Pain, unrelenting and eternal. Life, sparking and indomitable.
* * *
Stinking, rotting black flesh lay scattered. The snow simply melted on contact, leaving
the area dotted with black and white. The identity of the aliens would remain unknown, the
genetic structure too degraded, too soupy and broken down on closer inspection.
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252
But in that flat landscape, Senor Del Rey saw a lump, blanketed in white. He checked
his thermal imager and then shook it, just in case any radiation interfered with it. The
signal was constant, a core of yellow and red with a surface of blue.
The imager hung around his neck while he lifted the infra-red and ultra-violet imagers,
checked again.
It could not be! Not in this landscape, not surrounded by death, destruction and silence.
He cautiously approached - he did not want to step on the unidentified stinking black
goop.
Del Rey crouched down before the anomaly, reached out a shaking hand and gently
brushed the thick snow from the lump. Pale, near translucent and cold flesh appeared. He
kept brushing away snow and ice until he uncovered the anomaly piece by piece. Then he
stood, staggered back as he saw the complete anomaly. Saw. It Move. Fear, raw and
primeval scoured through him.
Del Rey shook himself, glanced over his shoulder. Show no fear. But this... the
consequences, the idea that anything could survive in one piece, let alone live.
Impossible, even for you. He murmured, crouched to retrieve the tightly balled
bundle.
* * *
Air, fresh and new. Water, cool and clean. Light, radiant and warming.
Someone moved her onto her back, tried to ease tightened limbs, to stretch them out.
Her frozen joints creaked ominously, caused pain to spark through her again and she
opened her eyes to a familiar, determined and very pale face.
Jones. Hunter Cambria Petersen murmured. You kept your promise. For a change.

The End