Chapter Twelve
Yupanqui's Hand
"Mr. Morton to the Radio Shack."
"This is Morton, I'll be right there," Chip responded, grabbing a mic hanging in the corridor and having just finished checking on the supplies they had just received in the main cargo hold. With Seaview's Weapons Inspection complete, he had laid in a few supplies for their journey home. The crew were still rotating out on Liberty, but were due by 1900 tomorrow evening. He had clearance to leave port at 0600 the following day.
He quickened his steps, anxious per chance that Sparks' request to the Shack had something to do with their overdue captain. He stepped over the vertical hatch and slowed his approach to Spark's station. Sparks was very subdued, careful to keep the information he had quiet, but the twinkle in his eyes and the small smile he couldn't help but flash told Chip the news was good. Quietly he handed the Exec the coded communications.
Chip allowed a small smile to escape; he and Sparks had been the only ones on board to know the details of the Skipper's mission, and as such, had alone carried the burden for the missing officers.
"He's on the ground, with two survivors, the Admiral and Dr. Sanders; apparently, the pilot didn't make it," he said, interpreting the coded transmission for Sparks. "We're to standby for further instructions."
"I've got the coordinates," Sparks added quietly.
"Won't do me any good, he obviously wants a different extraction point. He just wants us to know the mission is still a 'go' and to be ready to move," Chip whispered, even though there were very few crewmen in the control room and none within earshot.
"What next?" Sparks asked.
"We wait for the extraction code, once it comes in, you and Bobby will have to take Seaview home while I sneak out of Dodge."
Sparks nodded, ready to do his part. He was the senior officer and had more command time than Bobby; although he much preferred his chosen career in communications over commanding the sub, he would be ready to offer assistance to the young, but capable lieutenant.
"Keep a keen ear, Sparks," he admonished laced with all the confidence in the world in Seaview's Communication's Officer. "With any luck, we'll have them home in no time."
Chip offered a small smile before leaving the Shack and headed straight for the stairs to Officer Country. He was elated inside to know that both of his friends were alive, and needed a little privacy at the moment. He entered his cabin, closing the door behind him and leaning heavily against it. He closed his eyes, soaking in the feeling of knowing that Lee Crane was still alive and smiled broadly, before reality brought him out of his revelry.
"All right Lee, just keep fighting to make it home," he said aloud, knowing that if it took his best friend this long to send the transmission, that things hadn't gone as planned.
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Harry and Lee were taken through the maze back up to the main floor of the palace, each carefully trying to catalog their ascent for future reference. This time, they were taken to a large banquet hall filled with many tables as the king hosted not only them, but a large gathering of Nobles as well.
The king's wealth, as well as the resources of the land, and the skills of his people were readily visible in the architecture and décor of the great hall. Beautifully chiseled columns of white stone supported a high vaulted ceiling with many ceiling to floor draperies adding color, while framing the trapezoid windows. Other walls were expertly carved with more scenes depicting events of historical importance. Fine golden artifacts graced beautifully made tables throughout the hall, which was lit with chandeliers, fueled by oil lamps.
"Exquisite," Harry couldn't help but mutter as he entered the hall, but his attention was quickly diverted to looking for Carolyn. "She's not here," he said, his hope dashed and his anger rising, as they were led to a table, obviously set apart for the strangers. Other tables held up to six guests, but this table was set to serve only three.
"It looks like she'll be joining us," Lee postulated, while Harry barely nodded, working on not letting his fiery Irish temper rise up, knowing that an outburst among the king's guest would not be tolerated.
A collective set of oohs and ahhs filled the hall as both Harry and Lee turned toward the object of the appreciative appraisals to see Carolyn being escorted into the hall, surrounded by a several princesses and their attending maidens.
She was dressed in a fine, form-fitting gown of a white silk-like material. It hung on every curve, sporting more than a hint of cleavage in her bodice. A small train followed her movement, but the front of the dress was cut with a large slit that trailed up her leg, producing a tantalizing peek at her thigh as she walked forward. Her waist was adorned by a gold chain that hung loosely on her hips and dropped to hang provocatively over her flat stomach, producing more than a few eyebrows to rise in appreciation.
Harry shot a quick glance at King Yupanqui and knew without a doubt that not only was he interested, but that Carolyn had been given the royal treatment. His relief at seeing Carolyn was instantly tempered by the realization that her beauty had drawn the attention of Yupanqui and that he was now parading her before the Nobles.
He also noted that though the Inca's had preserved their culture for hundreds of years, they had also been affected by other cultures, possibly brought in by their "teachers", as the women's gowns looked much more Greek in style than their boxy counterparts of the 1500s. The men, however, wore skirt-like coverings wrapped around their waist similar to Polynesian lava lavas. Their chests were bare as in days of old; however, their upper bodies were covered with festive and decorative capes, thereby retaining a more traditional Inca style.
At this point, however, his only concern was for Carolyn, as he smiled fondly, attempting to disguise his concerns as she was escorted to their table. Harry greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, hopefully sending a message to both the King and his guests that she was already spoken for.
"You look beautiful, Carolyn," Harry offered sincerely.
"Thank you Harriman, it's so good to see you both," she returned, her own sincerity bearing witness to the fact that she had feared they wouldn't be here tonight, while her smile carried a hint of modesty knowing full well that the attire provided her was provocative, to say the least.
Harry smiled, and held her hand, helping her to the chair quite elegantly and gentlemanly as she offered a small sigh, finally feeling a measure of safety in the company of Harry and Lee once again.
"You look very nice, Harriman."
"It's amazing what a little soap and water will do," he quipped to her smile.
"And you're looking much better, Lee," she noted.
"Thanks, I'm feeling better," he said. "You're the Belle of the Ball, Carolyn," Lee added in a compliment that made her blush.
"I only wish there was a little more to this ball gown. If it were up to me I'd have come in my expedition clothes as well. Really Harriman," she said turning toward him with a shake of her head. "It's not like I'm twenty years old anymore," she added in slight exasperation.
Harry took her by the hand, raising it to his lips and applying a kiss. "You wouldn't know it Carolyn," he assured her, offering all the sincerity of his heart through his piercingly blue eyes.
"You're good for my ego, you know that?" she quipped back, applying a gentle hand to cup his jaw.
A large "bong" interrupted their revelry, signaling that dinner would now be served as Harry stayed as close and attentive to Carolyn as he could, while Lee scanned the hall for any advantage for an escape. After about twenty minutes of ceremonial preparations, including paying homage to the King and his graciousness toward his guests, a nine-course dinner was served as the hall was filled with the busyness of servants attending the many tables.
For now, there was nothing to do but enjoy the fine meal and wait to see what card King Yupanqui played next.
VTTBOTS
"She is beautiful, is she not?" Tupak asked his brother as the meal came to an end. Musicians played skillfully in the background as the guests talked and chatted amongst themselves, with more than one conversation discussing the strangers. The nobles had been without a teacher from the Outside World for some time and were anxious for a new tutor.
"Then your course is set?" Topa replied.
"It is set. Are all things prepared?"
"They are, my King," Topa replied with a bow of his head; his etiquette much more formal here, than in the King's private chambers.
"Good my Brother, let us begin."
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"King Tupak Inca Yupanqui, of the royal blood of Pachakutiq, Supa Inka of the Kingdom of Cusco, requests the pleasure of your company," a court official announced, speaking directly to Carolyn.
Harry squeezed her hand, his concern more than a little piqued.
"It's all right, Harriman," she said, squeezing back and seeing no other option but to comply when a guest at the King's invitation.
She was escorted to the King's table, raised on a platform above all the other guests. She stopped in front of the table and bowed her head slightly; showing respect to the King, then raised her head to meet his gaze. His thin smile sent a shudder down her back as she recognized the look in his eyes, it wasn't just appreciation… it was ownership, as if she belonged to him.
King Yupanqui rose from his chair and walked around the table, circling her once as Carolyn swallowed hard, working to keep her composure. She felt his hands on her shoulders and reflexively shuddered as he gently turned her to face his guests.
"I will take you as my consort," he said loud enough for the guests to hear, to Carolyn's gasp and the Nobles' cheers of approval, but another sound silenced the hall as all heads turned toward the Strangers' table.
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Harry watched as Carolyn walked up the steps to greet the King. Every step she took exposed a fair amount of thigh as his lips tightened, knowing the effect it would have on any man, and more than a little concerned with Yupanqui's intentions. His brow tightened as the King rounded the table and circle her, like a merchant inspecting a prized mare. He balled his hands into a tight fist as Yupanqui held her nearly bare shoulders and turned her to face the hall. The look in Yupanqui's eyes alone told him what was about to come, as the King declared his intention to take Carolyn as his wife. Instantly, Harry rose, knocking his chair over in the process with the loud thud instantly silencing the room, almost as if they were waiting for such an outburst. Just as quickly, Lee rose, joining Harry's side as all eyes turned their way.
Immediately all the guards lining the walls moved to an offensive stance, ratcheting up the intensity in the room as the King's Royal Court Deputy stepped forward.
"Do you dare object to the King's choice?"
"I do," Harry stated loudly with confidence. "She is my woman," he stated rather crudely, but within what he thought were the social rules of their situation.
King Yupanqui returned to his chair rather nonchalantly, taking Carolyn by the hand and guiding her to stand next to him. Just as quickly the table was removed leaving Yupanqui sitting on a throne with his intended bride standing beside him.
The Court Deputy turned toward Carolyn with ceremonial flair.
"You have been claimed by another. Do you wish to exercise your right to a champion?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed, instantly feeling guilty. I should have declined in order to protect Harry, she thought silently, but the look in his eyes told her that he was more than ready to defend her right to choose her own destiny. She searched his eyes, finding both resolve and strength there and squared her shoulders, finding her own strength.
"And do you, Nelson, consent to be her Champion, or do you wish to appoint one?"
"Harry…" Lee interjected quietly, but not getting very far in his offer to fight in his stead.
"No Lee, this is my fight," Harry replied, before turning toward the Court Deputy. "I will be her Champion," he stated loud enough for the entire hall to hear.
King Yupanqui sat on his throne, showing no emotion. He had expected the challenge, as did his guests after seeing Carolyn and Harry interact all evening, something the King was banking on. The challenge was witnessed by all, as was Nelson's acceptance to fight for her; his honor was now established and his place as teacher among the Nobles would be readily accepted.
"In the way of our people, the King will appoint a Champion to represent him," the Deputy announced to the guests, in full ceremonial flair and their approving nods.
Harry heard Lee grumble behind him, having already guessed that a young, strong warrior would be chosen, but Harry's determination was resolute. Lee knew Harry was more than able to defend himself, he had proven that over and again, but it still didn't ease his concerns for the challenge.
"Bring Nelson his bag of weapons," the Deputy ordered. "You will not be allowed to use your fire stick," he advised Harry, referring to his gun, as his backpack was brought to him.
Harry took the backpack to their banquet table, sitting it down and shaking his head.
"At least we know why my backpack wasn't returned to me earlier," he noted as Lee stood near, scanning the hall and wondering which of the young warriors Yupanqui would appoint to fight Harry.
"Yeah, it looks like Yupanqui played his hand all right. He knew exactly what he wanted to do this evening," Lee replied darkly.
Harry nodded, unzipping the backpack and reaching in to retrieve his knife when he suddenly grunted, which was followed by an excruciating yell.
"Harry!" Lee yelled, as the auburn haired admiral dropped the backpack on the table and stumbled back holding his hand. His backpack crumpled on the table top as a large yellowish-brown spider crawled out, and stood defensively on its back legs exposing its scarlet fangs and bearing the tell-tale stripes of the Wandering Spider; the most toxic and deadly spider on earth.
VTTBOTS
"Harriman!" Carolyn cried, trying to rush to his side, but found herself being held back by a guard, as the entire hall erupted in confusion.
"Apasanka!" the guests exclaimed as the large spider, whose body was nearly two inches in length, with a leg span of five inches continued its defensive stance, ready to strike again. A guard rushed over and dispensed of the hairy spider, flipping it onto the floor with his spear and crushing it with nearby bowl.
Harry stumbled, the fiery pain in his hand taking his breath away as beads of sweat poured down his face and his vision blurred. Immediately, he swayed, unable to stop his own impending fall. Lee reached for him, barely catching Harry in time as he faltered, the toxic venom working through his system quickly.
"Bit me… twice…" Harry breathed out as Lee laid him on the floor, cursing under his breath.
"Jampiri! Jampiri!" several guests yelled, calling for a doctor while Lee took off his belt, binding Harry's arm at the bicep. When the doctor appeared, Lee waved him off not sure what medicine he would employ and already having what was needed.
"Back off!" he yelled, having no time for pleasantries, as he unzipped his calf pocket, retrieving his first aid kit and dumping the contents onto the floor.
"Hold on, Harry, I've got the antivenin," he encouraged, having come fully prepared for the ONI mission, including the antitoxin for the dangerous spider, among several other possible antivenins he might find himself in need of.
Harry was already sweating profusely, moaning as he turned on his side feeling hot bile rise in his throat and fearing he was about to lose the contents of his stomach. He barely felt the prick as Lee administered a pre-loaded hypo into Harry's vein.
Harry doubled over as cramps seized his mid-section and Lee allowed the doctor to help.
"We need to wash the bite site," Lee advised. The doctor was one step ahead of him, however, pouring a solution from his doctor's bag over Harry's hand and scrubbing.
"Harry?" Lee called, placing a hand on his forehead and noting the clammy feel of someone going into shock.
"Lee?" he called back. "Can't see… blurry," he stammered.
"Harry, listen. I gave you the antivenin, hold on, it will start working soon."
"C… cold…" he moaned, shivering with large goose bumps rising on his arms even though the doctor had already covered him with a heavy wool blanket.
"Stay with me, Harry. Just relax and let the antivenin work. We got to you in time, so just relax," he encouraged as Harry's breathing began to slow. Lee was ultra-focused on Harry, but caught the doctor's excitement as his patient's condition stopped deteriorating far sooner than the conventional treatment he would have applied.
Lee watched as Harry's color began to return to normal, though he was still very ill. It was believed that the Wandering Spider was able to dose its load of venom, not dumping its entire arsenal of poison so that it could continue to hunt while its body produced more. Even so, Harry had been bitten twice, increasing his symptoms despite the antivenin; the only silver lining was the fact that the counter agent had been administered within minutes of the bite.
The doctor continued to express his astonishment as Harry stabilized, his heart rate returning to normal, and had he had the medical knowledge, the doctor would have known that his blood pressure was stabilizing, halting its dangerous plunge of earlier. Though Lee didn't have the benefit of his vital signs, he could see the effects of the antivenin working and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Just rest, Harry; I'm afraid you're still in for a rough ride, but you're stabilizing. You're going to be okay," he assured, to Harry's small nod. Lee pulled the blanket a little higher on his shoulder and looked around the hall, spotting Carolyn being physically restrained from joining them.
"Good thing…" Harry said, his eyes still closed and concentrating as he spoke, "…that you had your first aid kit…"
Lee nodded and sighed heavily. "Yeah, good thing," he repeated sardonically. "Kind of like someone knew I'd be needing it," he finished to Harry's nod, both having already postulated that they had been set-up big time.
"I'm going to check on Carolyn, Harry. You just rest; I'll handle what needs to be done," he promised.
Harry swallowed hard, still very ill even though his vital signs were improving, as Lee stood to confront the king and play the next hand in Yupanqui's game.
