Chapter 8 - A Hollow Victory
After many hours of silent com channels, of meaningless distortion, and misleading information, Devoras had gathered an idea of the current situation by the time they had all returned to the deserted outpost. And it was grim. The Arconians were preparing to strike. This particular race was extremely advanced both technologically and biologically, having faster-than-light propulsion before Humans had even invented the wheel. Though not openly hostile, they did possess a certain arrogant attitude toward less advanced cultures. Something must have sparked them off. Although Devoras' theory was as good as any, Ben did not like the idea that the Earth had become too noticeable for it's own good. Millions of high frequency broadcasts and organisations looking for extra-terrestrial intelligence every second of every day. It was bound to get someone's attention someday, and it looked as though that day had finally come.
Using data acquired from 37A, the Tennysons had discovered that an Arconian scout vessel would be making a landing in the area that night. Either to gather supplies or search for additional survivors of the earlier attack on the outpost, none of them knew. One thing was a certainty, however. The Tennysons were no closer to understanding what was taking place, and it was all they could to demand some small truth from an unsuspecting enemy. The vessel was supposed to have arrived almost two hours ago, and the Tennysons had found themselves stealthy positions among the few dying trees and large rocks around the outpost. Each carried a photon rifle and a ten second variable Anexenadyne grenade. Ben waited on the opposite side of the outpost as an Ectonurite, occasionally drifting between the front and side of the building. They had spent the entire day preparing for every possible contingency, including the unlikely event that the ship would not land. For this purpose, a charge cannon had been carefully and inconspicuously mounted on top of the outpost tower, within the cloaking field limits to prevent being spotted even by the keenest of sensors.
"How long does he expect us to just wait around like this?" Whispered Will, with a mixture of tiredness and boredom in his voice.
"As long as it takes, I guess." John turned to face his younger son and shrugged. He was also showing the unmistakable signs of great tiredness, not having slept in almost three days, though not deterred in the slightest from his 'duty'. "Make sure you keep well behind that rock. If they see us, we're in deep trouble."
Bringing up the rear of the group, were Devoras and Sarah, both exceedingly anxious as they waited for the small spacecraft which should have landed hours ago. Approaching danger aside, there was also the matter of temperature. It was getting bitterly cold outside as the sky began fading to a deep, starry black. The moon was half full and cast a soft silvery glow on the one remaining AG craft.
"Dev." Said Ben in a low, rasping voice. No one responded. "Dev. Hello?"
"Oh… Sorry." Devoras replied, as he looked up from the aged photon rifle. "Didn't hear you. What is it?"
"I've been giving this whole hostile alien invasion deal some thought…" Ben said. "I think I've figured at least part of it out. I mean, like you said, the Arconians have been keeping an eye on us for centuries. Why would it bother them now just because the Earth has become more visible? They know we're here, why not attack a few hundred years ago when we were completely defenceless?"
Devoras paused to consider him for a moment, temporarily averting his eyes to stare blankly into space. It was a very logical argument, but Devoras already knew the real reason for this attack. That reason happened to be not only partially valid, but also extremely insulting not only towards his friend, but towards their entire race. Devoras did not want to risk his friendship with Ben over such a theory. This was an ethical dilemma, however, which he knew would be resolved with Ben's next words.
"Why didn't you just say so from the start?" Ben said, with a slight air of impatience. "It's so obvious. How could I not see it. This invasion… It's almost like… like they're punishing us for-"
"Look!" Cried John, cutting Ben off. "Just there!"
He pointed to an immense ripple in the air forming directly above. It was the scout ship at last. About to touch down, it decloaked and extended landing struts.
"Get ready, everyone." Ben yelled, his voice barely audible over the roar of the incoming ship's landing thrusters. "Don't fall behind. We must bring every single one down. Don't give them the chance to shout for help, and make sure their captain doesn't hear anything."
There was an uncharacteristically devious tone in Ben's voice. They had all heard it before from this form, and it was not at all reassuring.
The ground shuddered as the Arconian vessel landed heavily, it's engines blowing sand and gravel through the air in torrents. A couple of dead trees were ripped from their roots and collided with the invisible outpost wall. After a few seconds of inactivity, a large bay door opened on the left side of the craft and around fifteen shadowed figures trouped out. Waiting for just the right moment, John silently grabbed the small grenade which lay next to him, pulled the pin, and threw it expertly into the vicinity. It landed silently directly in front of the bay door, tumbling for a few yards and coming to a halt at the feet of one unsuspecting crew member. A dim blue light appeared on the small device and he began counting to ten seconds.
John swore angrily under his breath, wishing he had set a much shorter fuse. It was too late for that now.
"OK, everyone." Whispered John harshly. He spared a quick glance for each of the group, wanting to ensure there would be no mistake in what they had to do. "Throw! Try to surround the entire crew with them if you can. Some of them are bound to escape before they take effect, so be ready with the rifles."
There was a chorus of dull whistles and thuds as a hailstorm of grenades flew through the air and landed at intervals around the Arconian crew. John's grenade, thrown a few seconds before the others was the first to go off. A loud crack sounded, followed closely by many others. Less than a second later, the ground where the crew stood was completely engulfed in a think, red mist-like substance. Three quarters of the troupe collapsed and remained motionless, while a small group of others had managed to avoid the poisonous, and now lethally concentrated gas. They broke away from their group, searching hesitantly for cover.
"Take aim." Devoras said telepathically. His tone was very grim. The Tennysons nodded and softly mounted their rifles on the rock bed in front of them. "Do not miss a single shot."
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This chapter was updated on 12/12/08. One down, another few to go. Whether you have or have not read this chapter before, it may be worth another quick read-through now.
Please review! Reviews really help the writer to decide on a certain style and stick with it :).
