Chapter Four

The water was alive with activity as fish of all sorts swam to and fro, looking for food or mates. Multicolored coral created an amazing backdrop for the scene. A school of brightly-colored fish darted away as a shadow fell over them.

The shadow belonged to an Oar-Fish, a distant relative of the Norba. This creature, though, was about the size of an eel, a line of fins stretched down each side from the gills, almost to the tail. Although a predator, it wasn't interested in the little fish. They were too small to make a suitable meal, and too fast to catch. It preferred to prey on slower things, like snails and other mollusks. As the Oar-Fish drifted along, it became aware of another, larger shadow. It turned and looked around, glancing up.

This new creature was very large, and swam elegantly through the water. The Oar-Fish was cautious as it watched the new creature. This dark, eyeless being swam towards one of the cracks in the stone, and seemed to look inside. It opened its mouth, and a tube-like tongue shot out and grabbed a mussel that had been hiding in the crevice. The powerful jaws easily crunched the shell. The creature took another mussel from its hiding place before leaving.

The Oar-Fish, curious, swam over to pick over the leftover bits the strange creature had left behind. The Oar-Fish looked into the crevice, and could see another tasty mussel hidden within, but, alas, it couldn't reach it like that other creature could. As the Oar-Fish went back to hunting, it made a mental note to watch for that strange, new, black creature, and follow it as it hunted. With how adept it was, even scavenging, the Oar-Fish would be able to have ample food.

XXX

Kyle smiled as he sat on the rocks, breathing in deeply of the smell of the sea. The sun was shining at the moment and the waves were gently crashing on the rocks. He looked down at the water, and the dark shape swimming there. He smiled further at the feeling of happiness and curiosity that came from Sophie's mind a she explored the coastline.

This is amazing! And the food tastes wonderful! If all this world has food like this, we'll be eating well for the rest of our lives! Kyle chuckled at his mate's enthusiasm. She really seemed to be a creature that was made for the sea.

I'm glad you're happy, Sophie, he replied, letting his warm feelings flow through their link. She surfaced, looking up at him.

It would be even better if you were with me, she crooned. Kyle smiled as he lightly shook his head.

The water's a little cold for me. Don't forget that hot and cold affect me more than you. He felt a little disappointment from her mind. He smiled as he slid down the rocks. But, a little cold water never hurt anyone. Sophie trilled with happiness as he slipped into the water with her. Kyle held the tubes on her back as she dove under the water.

It had been several days since Sophie had helped him find his lost memories of his parents. Although it had made him sad, it also made him happy beyond words to know he hadn't been abandoned. He loved Sophie all the more for her efforts and her caring and understanding. It still hurt, but it was much less, now. The pain would probably always be there, but, at least he knew the truth. He knew his parents had loved him. As he looked at his mate while they swam along, he couldn't help thinking that they, somehow, had a hand in guiding his way to her. Amusingly, Sophie had felt this, too.

Perhaps the most comforting thing, was that Sophie didn't tell him not to cry, or urge him to "be a man", and tough it out. She had held him against her, tenderly and lovingly, and told him she was there, and it was all right to cry, to release his sorrow and grieve. Her words still made him smile:

You're a male because you were born that way. You shouldn't have to prove it to anyone. In fact, Sophie had a very low opinion on how human society treated males. In her mind, the societal expectation for males to be tough and not show emotion was detrimental to the male psyche. Males had emotions, just like anyone. They had times they felt small and vulnerable. They felt fear, and uncertainty, and they most certainly felt sorrow and anguish. That they were not allowed to show these, to Sophie, was just cruel. She also had a low opinion of the human ideals about body image.

While some considered Michelangelo's David and other such images to be the ideal male physique, to Sophie, Kyle was the image of the perfect male. Sophie had done more to help his self-image than anyone else.

Kyle was brought out of his reverie by a strong wave, that almost flipped them over under the water. As they surfaced, Kyle could see dark clouds gathering to the west. That was one of the things about planet Zerichs II: the weather changed very rapidly. He sighed as he stroked Sophie's smooth head.

We should head back. It's already getting stormy. Sophie agreed, taking them back to shore. She pulled on her burnoose, wrapping Kyle in it as well as they headed back to their ship.

As the elevator reached the walkway of the dock, a loud clap of thunder echoed from the west. Sophie gave a soft hiss as she looked back at it.

In the time they had been on Zerichs II, they had been through a few rainstorms, but this one was already looking different. The wind was starting to blow, fiercely, and the smell of rain was already heavy in the air. As Kyle looked down, he saw people rushing for buildings and homes. He frowned as he looked up at the coming storm. It looks like this one is really going to be nasty, he observed. Just as they reached their ship, it began to rain. Even though it had barely started, the drops were big and heavy enough that they made Kyle's skin sting where they hit. Sophie wrapped him tighter in her cloak as they hurried into their ship.

Kyle sighed with relief as he ruffled his hair and Sophie removed and shook out her burnoose.

That was when Kyle noticed the concierge had delivered something. He blinked as he picked up the small package. It was addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Stone". Kyle's eyes grew wide as he realized what it was. "No way!" Sophie was curious as she felt Kyle's excitement. He hurriedly opened the package.

Inside was a pair of glittering bracelets, stenciled with their names and a number. The bright, rainbow-colored, holographic bracelets and lanyards would be impossible to miss. Kyle's smile threatened to overtake his whole face. "Oh my gosh, Sophie! They finally came! We can go into the city, now!" Sophie trilled as she hugged Kyle, picking him up and softly rocking him in her strong grip.

Wonderful! I can't wait to see Zeraven City! I wonder what it's like? Kyle smiled as he stroked her face.

I'm just as curious as you are. We'll be able to find out after the storm. Speaking of that . . . Kyle went and activated the computer, and brought up the weather report. He wasn't surprised that a storm warning was in effect, and all people were advised to stay indoors. Kyle was amazed at the wind-speed, at one hundred-thirty miles an hour. Wow. Looks like a real nasty storm. Sophie purred as she wrapped her arms around him as the wind began to howl outside, and the rain became a torrential downpour.

We're safe and warm in here, and we have plenty of food. We can snuggle down until it passes. Kyle smiled as he stroked her hands.

It looks like it'll be a while. Doesn't look like the storm will let up until tomorrow at the earliest. Sophie purred deeply as her long fingers gently caressed Kyle's jaw.

That's good. It means more snuggle-time! she purred as she scooped her mate into her arms and carried him to the bed to settle down and be comfortable while the storm raged.

XXX

It was pouring in the port, thunder cracked and roared violently overhead. Occasionally, lightning would flash, illuminating the dark, angry night. Water cascaded off the roofs in rivers. If one looked up, they might very well drown. The wind blew so violently, it almost made the rain move sideways. Someone would have to be an absolute fool to be out in weather like that. A fool, or desperate.

"Help me!" a voice cried out in the darkness. A single figure ran through the streets, frantic as they looked for any shelter they could. The figure was that of a man. He was dressed in a thin jumpsuit, torn and tattered. His hair was plastered to his face as he ran through the streets in absolute panic. "Help me, help me! Someone help me!" he screamed as loud as he could through the lashing rain. He frantically tried to open doors, pounded on them before running on. Every now and then, he would glance back. He briefly caught a hint of movement. Movement no human being was capable of. He redoubled his efforts as the rain lashed and the thunder roared.

Part of his mind, desperate and frightened, thought to hide. The thing that was hunting him, though, would find him. He knew that, and knew it well. Not watching where he was going, he crashed into a stack of crates, knocking them over as he stumbled and fell. He turned over and saw, just briefly, the shadow of the creature that hunted him, silhouetted against a stone wall. He whimpered as he swiftly pulled himself up onto his bare feet and ran.

His heart was pounding in his ears as he ran for all he was worth. He briefly considered running into the city. He didn't care if he was shot on sight, it was better than being eaten alive. He then realized the gates of the port were almost surely locked. He didn't have many options. All the buildings and homes were locked down for the storm. All he could do was run, try to get away. He glanced back as lightning cracked and thunder roared at the same time; the storm was right overhead. For one, horrifying moment, he saw his pursuer, and he almost lost all capacity for rational thought as he ran harder.

The creature was greenish-gray, and walked on eight legs of powerful, corded muscle, six long tentacles waving behind the crocodile-like head, tasting the scents of the air. Rain or no rain, it could smell him. The golden eyes focused on him as it chased after its prey.

The man ran as fast as his legs could possibly go, panting. Every now and then he glanced back at the Shatheer hunting him. He knew what they could do, how diligently they hunted, how keen their sense of smell was. There was no place to hide, he could only run. He knocked over crates and boxes as he ran, hoping to slow the Shatheer down. It hardly helped, as the reptilian monster easily strode over the obstacles without breaking stride. He whimpered as he felt a stitch develop in his side. He couldn't keep running forever. He was frantic as he looked for anything that could give him hope.

That was when he noticed a large cargo elevator that went up to the docks on the side of the cliff, a few hundred feet above the sea. He dashed for it, hoping and praying that it was functioning. As he got closer, he saw something better next to it: a service elevator, for maintenance workers. The small elevator was covered with a safety cage. He almost threw himself inside and hit the button, closing the cage. His heart was pounding as he panted, glancing around.

As the elevator began to rise, he looked for the Shatheer, but it was nowhere in sight. He blinked, looking all around. Where had it gone? He knew they never just gave up like that. He nervously looked up, down, all around as the rain poured and the wind blew, but there was no sign of his pursuer. He swallowed as he almost wilted with relief. He leaned against the front of the elevator as he sighed heavily.

He shrieked as the Shatheer roared and snarled as it grabbed onto the wire of the cage. It bit and tore at the metal wire, which quickly gave way under its sharp claws and teeth. The man screamed as the Shatheer tried to pull the wire from the elevator. It couldn't pull the wire away enough to get its whole head through, but it managed to get its nose into the elevator, growling as it opened its mouth and lashed its forked tongue out at its hapless prey. The man ducked and wove as he tried to avoid the barbed tongue in the closed space.

He saw a screwdriver, rusty and old, left in the elevator by some workman. He grabbed the screwdriver and stabbed the Shatheer's tongue, pinning it to the wire at the beast roared and shrieked. He noticed that the elevator was close to the walkway, and hit the stop button. The Shatheer snarled as it tried to free itself, ripping and tearing at the small elevator as it lurched and heaved, rocking the whole elevator. The man desperately forced the wire door open and leaped, managing to get a hold of the walkway. He didn't look down, knowing very well how far it was. A fall was guaranteed to be fatal. For him, at least.

He pulled himself up as the Shatheer pulled itself free, pulling the elevator off its track. As the Shatheer glared up at him, the elevator groaned under the weight, rocked and slipped further. The Shatheer managed to grab a hold of the platform as the elevator broke free and tumbled down to crash loudly on the concrete below. The man didn't wait as he got to his feet and ran.

This was it. There was no place else to run. He was almost six hundred feet above the sea, on the side of a cliff, in the middle of a storm, with a Shatheer chasing after him. He had only two choices: let it catch him, and be eaten alive, or jump. His eyes stung with tears and the rain as he ran. He didn't want to die. He screamed as he ran, even though he knew nobody would hear. "Help me! Please, god, help me! Help me!" he screamed as he ran. He barely could see, just the dark shapes in the stormy night. He could hear the Shatheer behind him, snarling, he could almost feel its claws on the metal grating right behind him. Literally right on his heels. He heard it roar, and closed his eyes. He heard a screech, a loud noise, and something grabbed him.

"Quick!" said somebody. He could hear a big commotion behind him as someone pulled him along, quick and with purpose. Suddenly, he was out of the rain.

The Shatheer screamed in both pain, and surprise. Its back four legs wouldn't respond. It had felt a sharp pain in its back, and now it felt nothing below the wound. It gave an angry snarl as it snapped at whatever had attacked it. The reply was a swift and powerful blow by something long, prehensile and hard. The wind was knocked out of it as it was hurled back to the grating. Suddenly, it felt itself being lifted by powerful hands. It flailed in an attempt to free itself. It screamed as it felt sharp claws dig into its hide. It flailed its tentacles against its captor, which did absolutely nothing against the hardened-steel grip that held it. As it was lifted higher, it saw, if only for a moment, the face of that which held it.

A long, dark, eyeless head, crowned with silvery teeth bared in a feral grin, a naked display of anger and ferocity. Too late, the Shatheer realized it had invaded the territory of a much larger, stronger, and more deadly predator. With an echoing screech, the dark beast tossed her foe from the walkway as lightning flashed white-hot and thunder deafened.

XXX

The guards were not exactly happy to be in the guardhouse in such a storm, but it was better than being out in that mess. The waves lashed at the rocky shores as the storm raged. At the very least, they weren't alone. The two guards were conversing with a trio of traders from the Tribes. The Tribesmen were much taller than the guards, most of them taller than six feet, five inches. Although they were wrapped in tartan cloaks, their faces showed in the light of the guardhouse. Long mustaches almost hid their mouths. The face of one was tattooed in a complex design of spirals, stretching across his forehead, cheeks and jaw.

One of the Tribesmen sipped from a mug of mulled wine.

"Quite the storm. Haven't seen one this bad in a while," he mused, his voice accented in a peculiar lilting fashion. One of the guards nodded.

"Not the worst Nor'Wester I've ever seen," commented one of the guards. The younger guard remained silent, slightly uneasy of the Tribesmen. Even though they were only traders, they never went anywhere unarmed. Add to that their tall stature, powerful muscles, chiseled features and the rumors about them, they were very intimidating. The older guard didn't seem as threatened, and carried on conversation with them.

"So, how are things out among the Tribes? Hear the barley harvests are getting bigger," said the older guard. One of the Tribesmen chuckled, a deep, low sound.

"Ah, they're a sight to behold when it comes Harvest Time," replied the trader, smiling with pride.

Before the conversation could go further, they were startled by a loud roar, one that wasn't the sea or thunder. The younger guard looked up, his eyebrows raised.

"What was that?" The Tribesmen frowned as they opened the door of the small guardhouse and stepped out into the lashing rain. The two guards followed, shining their flashlights around as they tried to locate the source of the sound.

"That definitely sounded like an animal," said the older guard. The Tribesmen stood, still as statues as the wind whipped their cloaks. The lights of the guards fell on the crashing waves, illuminating the rocky shore not forty feet away. The younger guard looked around nervously.

"Um, I don't see anything." The others were focused on the area. The younger guard laughed nervously. "Well, whatever it was, I guess it's gone."

In the next instant, something came crashing down into the guardhouse, reducing it to a pile of shattered splinters as the younger guard let out a girly scream and leaped out of his skin. One of the Tribesmen brandished a small spear as he approached the ruins of the guardhouse.

He gasped when he saw the bloodied, but still very much-living Shatheer in the wreckage, trying to pull itself to what few of its legs weren't broken. He swiftly plunged the spear into its chest, eliciting a strangled screech of fury before the beast fell silent, twitching as it died. He panted as he removed the spear. The Tribesman pulled back the hood of his cloak, revealing long curls of red-gold hair. He gazed up at the cliff above the shattered guardhouse, his gaze wandering up to the ship docks set into the cliff, high above. He looked at the shocked guards and gave a mirthless smile.

"Seems you have quite the pest problem," the Tribesman stated as he knocked his spear against the dead Shatheer. The Tribesman twitched his mustache as he looked at the dead beast. "And I've never seen pests that wear collars before," he said as he wedged his spear under the leather collar the Shatheer wore around its neck.

XXX

Kyle's mind was a whirl of confused thoughts and feelings as he guided the man into the safety of their ship. The man was absolutely soaking-wet, dripping with water and shivering. The thin, flimsy clothes he wore looked about ready to just fall apart. He looked to be somewhere close to Kyle's age, but it was hard to tell at the moment. Kyle was at a complete loss for words. Without thought, he said the first thing that came to mind.

"Are you hurt?" The man looked up at him, water dripping from his hair.

His face was thin and dirty, his brown eyes looking tired and frightened. He stared right into Kyle's eyes, as if he was staring at an angel. The man's eyes welled with tears as his lip trembled. Before Kyle could think, the man wrapped his arms around him and sobbed. Kyle blinked as he gently patted the man on the back. "H-hey. It's okay. You're safe," Kyle comforted as the man sobbed. Kyle knelt down, the man clinging to him like his life depended on it. He sighed as he reached out to Sophie. Sophie, what's going on? he asked. He felt her angered thoughts briefly as she checked the area.

I severed that thing's spine, and it still was able to move! She almost couldn't believe how tough it was. Kyle sighed.

I'm not surprised. That was a Shatheer, Sophie. Some people use them like bloodhounds. Mostly criminal elements, as they're banned on most worlds, Kyle explained. He felt an angry snort from Sophie.

I suspected that: it was wearing a collar. Kyle groaned lightly at that.

What do you want to bet that thing came from behind the Black Fence? Sophie agreed.

What has me nervous is that I smelled little ones on it. That was a female with pups somewhere. There's more of them out there. This made Kyle even more nervous.

Then we'll have to try to get rid of this guy's scent if we can. He felt a mixture of emotions from Sophie. Both worry, and wariness.

But why was it after him? Kyle looked down at the trembling man that held onto him like a lifeline.

I don't know. Come on in, Sophie. We'll find out. Kyle patted the man's back as Sophie entered the ship. Kyle was careful not to let him see Sophie. Just to be careful, Sophie pulled her burnoose on as Kyle helped the man to his feet and towards the bed. "Just take it easy. Here, sit down," Kyle said gently as he eased the man down. Sophie handed him a towel from the bathroom, which Kyle wrapped around the man's shoulders. The man shivered as he looked at Kyle.

"T-t-t-hank y-you," he managed, shivering. Kyle smiled gently at the man.

"You're welcome. Just relax and warm up. You're safe." The man nodded as he wrapped the towel tighter around himself.

Sophie watched as Kyle comforted the man and warmed him up, standing behind, so as not to be noticed, or scare the man, who she could sense was only a few steps away from a heart-attack, he was so frightened. Kyle smiled warmly as the man brushed his wet hair from his eyes. "What's your name?" Kyle asked, trying to be friendly, but cautious as well. The man took a few shuddering breaths before he answered.

"P-P-Pe-Peder," he managed. Kyle's eyebrows raised and Sophie tilted her head.

"'Peder'? That's the Norwegian name for "Peter", isn't it?" Kyle asked, trying to make conversation. The man gave the tiniest of smiles as he nodded.

"Y-you can call me "Peter" if you like," he replied, still shivering. Sophie was worried about Peter's shivering, but Kyle reassured her. Back on Berren Prime, which was much colder, Kyle had seen people with real hypothermia. The fact Peter was shivering was a sign he would be okay.

As Peter pulled the towel tighter around himself, Kyle noticed a mark on the back of his right hand. Kyle suppressed a gasp when he saw the barcode. Sophie felt her mate's distress.

What's wrong? Kyle frowned slightly.

He's a slave, Sophie, Kyle replied. He could feel Sophie's confusion, and showed her what it meant. Sophie was aghast at the concept.

That's horrible! That explains why that thing was after him. Kyle agreed.

Slavery might have been outlawed for hundreds of years, but when had laws ever stopped anyone? Indentured Servitude was a quasi-legal form of slavery that was still practiced in some places, Berren Prime among them. Kyle was no stranger to these forms of oppression. The very notion made Sophie seethe with anger. Kyle soothed Sophie's angry mind with gentle thoughts.

Sophie, would you please get something warm for him to eat? One of those self-heating rations would be good. She gave a positive as she left silently. Kyle smiled as he offered his hand. "I'm Kyle. It's nice to meet you, Peter." Peter smiled softly as he shook Kyle's hand.

"Thank you . . . for saving my life." Kyle grinned.

"You're welcome. You don't need to be afraid. You're safe here." Peter sighed as he looked at Kyle with wary uneasy eyes, uncertain of the truth of those words..

"I . . . just can't thank you enough." Kyle smiled as he patted Peter on the arm.

"You stay there and warm up. I'll get you something to eat," Kyle said as he stood. Kyle met Sophie in the kitchen, taking the ration from her as Sophie gave a soft, low moan.

I just can't imagine how someone could treat another of their own species like that, Sophie stated, bewildered by it all. Kyle sighed dejectedly as he pressed the button on the ration to start it heating.

I know, Sophie. But, a wise man once told me: "Because you can't understand them is a good sign. It means you're not like them.", Kyle quoted, remembering the little old man with the glasses that made him look like an owl. Sophie purred, agreeing with the words. She softly stroked his face.

You're a kind, good man, Kyle. He smiled softly at her before returning to give Peter the ration. Kyle wasn't at all surprised how hungry Peter was, as he almost tore into the ration, as if he hadn't seen food for days. He probably hadn't. Sadly, it reminded Kyle all too much of Berren Prime.

Peter sighed contentedly as he finished the ration. He smiled wanly at Kyle, the gratitude clear in his eyes.

"Thank you. So much." Kyle had been about to reply, when Sophie alerted him to the feeling of humans coming near their ship. Kyle looked up as the intercom beeped. Kyle motioned for Peter to stay put as he carefully answered it, Sophie right beside him.

"Hello?" There was a hiss of static for a moment.

"Mr. Stone? Sorry to bother you so late on such a night, but we've had a . . . incident, and need to ask you a few questions," said the voice of the concierge. Kyle sighed and rolled his eyes.

Great, that's all we need, Kyle mentally groaned. He glanced at Sophie in her burnoose. Be ready, just in case. She gave a positive as she slid up into the conduits in the ceiling. Kyle pulled on a jacket on as he strode to the hatch and opened it.

Outside stood the concierge and a couple of guards. All of them were wearing raincoats, the guards looking around, almost nervously.

"I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but we've had a small incident in the port. We're checking to make sure that everyone is safe, but also ask if you heard anything strange or unusual?" Kyle gave a light cough as he scratched his head.

"Well, with all this thunder going on . . .," Kyle gave a self-deprecating shrug as he let that hang. It wasn't entirely a lie, as it was only with Sophie's senses he'd heard anything. That said, Kyle used the old technique he'd learned on Berren Prime, and let the guards come to their own conclusion.

The concierge nodded his understanding.

"Yes, the thunder can be pretty loud with our Nor'westers. Well, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call us. That's what we're here for." Kyle smiled and shook the man's hand before he left. Kyle sighed with relief as he shut the door of the ship.

"Incident"? Kyle mentally wondered. Sophie gave a soft growl as she dropped from the ceiling.

Probably someone found that creature's body. With how strong the waves were, it's not unlikely it got washed ashore. Kyle crossed his arms and sighed.

There were so many unknown factors at play. Although slavery was outlawed on most worlds, that didn't necessarily mean it was outlawed there. And even if it was, the social and cultural mores of the world couldn't be overlooked. And of the latter, Kyle was almost totally ignorant. Shaking his head, he went and checked on Peter.

Peter had wrapped one of the blankets around himself as he sat on the bed, looking absolutely exhausted. Kyle smiled at him.

"You look bushed. Why don't you get some sleep?" Peter looked surprised. Kyle smiled wider as he tilted his head. "Don't worry, I've got a spare bed," he assured. Peter smiled gratefully at his benefactor. Kyle watched as Peter nestled down into the bed before turning and heading for the pilot's chair. You're not mad, are you? Kyle asked his mate. Sophie gave a negative.

Not at all. That's very nice of you. Kyle smiled warmly at the feeling of pride from Sophie at her mate's kindness and generosity. You can sleep with me in my burnoose. It's very comfy. Kyle smiled as he sat in his chair, Sophie right next to him.

In a minute. I want to look something up, he said as he brought up the file from the disk they'd been given. He looked into the Zerichs II law codes. He was relieved to see that slavery was outlawed, but was confused at what a "Class V Offense" was, which is what slavery was listed as. Sophie purred as she stroked his hair.

Granny Rose will know. Kyle smiled faintly as he nodded.

Right. And I intend to visit her first thing tomorrow. Sophie purred her agreement as she wrapped her arms around Kyle. He stood and followed Sophie to the cargo bay, where he crawled inside her burnoose, snuggling in her lap as she wrapped her arms and tail around him, holding him close as they drifted off to sleep.

XXX

The next morning, Kyle was up as early as possible. It was still raining, but nowhere near what it had been. He headed straight for Granny Rose's shop. In fact, she was just opening when he arrived.

"Kyle! Well, aren't you the early riser! Come in! I just put some tea on." He gave a small smile as he followed her into the shop.

Gur was sitting by the heater that was shaped like an old potbelly stove, his arms crossed and his feelers tucked close to his head as he dozed. Kyle couldn't help smiling, seeing a Shamolene snoozing.

Granny Rose motioned for Kyle to sit. "So, what can I do for you?" she asked as she set out some tea cakes. Kyle sighed heavily as he took his cup of hot, steaming tea.

"I have an escaped slave," he blurted out. Granny Rose almost dropped her cup. Gur's feelers twitched to life and unfurled as he opened his eyes. Kyle ran his hand through his sandy-blonde hair as he explained everything about Peter, including what had been chasing him.

"My word! A Shatheer? In this port?" Gur gave a soft rattle at this. Kyle shook his head.

"I know that slavery is outlawed, but I don't-" Granny Rose held her hand up, stopping Kyle in mid-sentence.

"If they catch those behind this, they'll be put to death. Slavery is not tolerated here," she declared. She noticed Kyle's worried look, and gently patted his hand. "Don't you worry, sweetie. You're most certainly in no trouble. Neither is your friend. He's a victim." She smiled, chuckling warmly as she leaned back in her chair. "You may not be aware of this, Kyle, but this world was founded to be a haven for people just like your friend."

Kyle blinked as he looked at Granny Rose, who looked lost in thought and memory. "This tiny little world on the edge of explored space became a haven for those who were downtrodden, victimized and put down. Slaves, miners, Indentured Servants of the New British Empire, they all found safety and shelter here." She looked at Kyle with misty eyes. Eyes that had seen far more than he could fathom. "While other places had forgotten who they were, and where they came from, this tiny place at the edge of space, this place always remembered." Gur gave a undulating whistle.

Granny Rose smiled as she leaned forward. "Kyle, when you and your lady go into the city, visit The Beacon, the lighthouse in the city square. You'll understand, then." Kyle stared at her, amazed at the power and conviction in her. Just as quickly, her demeanor changed back to the lovable little old lady he knew, as she brought up a basket filled with tea cakes and other goodies. "Now, don't you worry. You just take these back to your lady and your new friend, and I'll take care of the rest." Gur nodded his head, giving a soft, friendly chirp. A soft, warm smile spread across Kyle's face as he took the basket.

"Thank you, Granny, Gur." Granny Rose smiled and Gur gave a gentle chirp as Kyle left their shop. Granny Rose sighed softly as Gur gave a soft muttering sound as he clicked his beak.

"It's time, Gur. It's time we lived up to what we preach." She looked at her Shamolene friend. "It's time we cleaned up . . ." Gur nodded his agreement.

XXX

Kyle was both relieved, and worried at the same time as he returned to the Talon. He trusted Granny Rose, but he still was worried.

How were things while I was gone? Kyle asked as he opened the door of their ship.

Fine. He hasn't seen me. He's been doing almost nothing but looking at your paintings. Kyle was a bit surprised at that. As he entered, he saw as Peter sat on the floor, looking at one of Kyle's experimental paintings.

The one he was currently looking at was one that was inspired by how Sophie looked. A strange landscape of ribbed tubing, bone-like shapes and other things inspired by Sophie's appearance. Peter looked up from where he was.

"Oh, didn't hear you. Sorry." Kyle smiled at Peter as he closed the door behind him.

"Don't apologize. You're free to look around a bit," Kyle said as he put the basket in the kitchen.

"These are nice paintings. You do them yourself?" Peter asked as he looked closely at the painting.

"Yeah. Just having fun with it," Kyle replied. Peter tilted his head this way and that as he looked carefully at the canvas.

"This is very good work, and interesting. You ever think about selling these?" Kyle stared at Peter, surprised at the notion. It had never crossed his mind.

"Um, no. Not really," Kyle replied. Peter didn't look at Kyle as he inspected the painting.

"You could. You've got the skill, and because these are real, genuine oil-paintings, and not digital, they could go for quite a bit in art galleries. They go nuts for this sort of thing." Kyle blinked, his mind whirling with jumbled, confused thoughts. Sophie was almost as perplexed.

"Wow. You know a lot about art," Kyle observed. Peter sighed as he put the painting down and rubbed the back of his right hand, over the tattooed barcode.

"That's how I ended up a slave. I was good at appraising art. I even worked for a nobleman from New London. But, he liked to gamble. In a big way. When he couldn't pay his debts, he sold me to pay them." Kyle frowned as he listened. Sophie softly moaned, hearing the tale.

How awful. What a horrible way to treat someone. Kyle nodded, agreeing with her. Kyle smiled as he knelt and put his hand on Peter's shoulder.

"Well, you're free, now. And I'm gonna make sure you keep your freedom." Peter looked at Kyle with eyes suddenly too bright and still uncertain. Kyle smiled warmly at his new friend. "Now, how about some local treats?" Peter's eyes lit up, he could only nod, so choked up as he was.

Kyle was relieved that Peter was recovering. He had given him some of his spare clothes to wear after a hot shower. Kyle was very surprised at Peter's bright, fiery-red hair, as was Sophie.

Hmm! I didn't know humans could look so different! Kyle couldn't help smiling at Sophie's curiosity. Even with the growing friendship and trust, Kyle still was wary to let Sophie be seen. Sophie had to agree on that point.

They were surprised when someone knocked on the door that evening. Kyle was shocked to find that it was Gur, offering another basket. The Shamolene patted Kyle's shoulder and gave a whistle, his feelers waving, before departing. Kyle stood there for a long moment, blinking in astonishment before he looked down at the basket. Upon opening it, he found not only was it filled with the usual assortment of goodies and sweets, it also had a note. Kyle unfolded it and carefully read it, Sophie carefully linked to his mind:

"Dear Kyle,

Please come by the shop tomorrow for Elevenses: and be sure to bring everyone.

PS: Be sure to wear your bracelets and lanyards."

Kyle noticed that it was signed with a beautiful, calligraphic swash that formed a rose. Sophie trilled with curiosity. She felt the tiny bit of apprehension in his mind, and soothed it away.

Don't worry, Kyle. We can trust Granny Rose. Kyle closed his eyes and smiled.

You're right, Sophie. Kyle told Peter they would be visiting a friend for brunch, as he phrased it. Although a little nervous, and rightly so, Peter nodded.

The next day, Kyle tried to keep himself calm. It was far easier with Sophie's help.

Kyle sighed as he pulled on his jacket, slipping his bracelet on, the lanyard around his neck and highly visible. Peter smiled nervously as he scratched his hair. Peter had insisted he dye it brown, so as to not potentially represent a bright-red bull's eye. Kyle smiled as he patted Peter's shoulder.

"Don't worry, we'll be among friends. Speaking of friends," Kyle motioned as a tall figure, draped in brownish-green cloth entered the room. Peter almost jumped. "Please don't be afraid of her. She's my best friend." The hood of the burnoose moved in a soft nod.

"She? I-i-is she a Shamolene?" Peter asked. Kyle smiled.

"Close enough," Kyle replied. Peter noticed a lanyard around the neck of the hood, glittering in the light. Kyle smiled warmly as he patted Peter's shoulder. "You can trust her," Kyle assured him. The hood moved, seeming to stare at Peter as a deep, resonant purr was heard. "Well, let's get going. Don't want to be late!" Kyle hastened Peter to the door, the trio left the ship.

As they took the freight elevator down, Kyle took notice of the destroyed maintenance elevator. Peter sighed, trying not to feel as nervous. For a change, the sun was shining in the port, a fresh, clear breeze blowing. As the elevator reached the street, they noticed that almost no one was about. Kyle shoved down his nervousness as they walked. Sophie kept her senses as sharply focused as she could, feeling for everything she could. They arrived at Granny Rose's shop without incident, but had noticed that there was almost nobody out, despite the good weather.

The little old woman was waiting for them, smiling warmly as she motioned for them to enter.

"Come in, come in!" she said cheerily as they entered the shop. Peter found himself relaxing in the warm, cheery atmosphere. Granny Rose smiled as she motioned towards the comfy chairs set out around a small, round table, set with tea, cookies and a freshly-baked pie.

Kyle cleared his throat, motioning to the old woman and her helper.

"Peter, this is Granny Rose, and Gur," he introduced his friends. Granny Rose smiled warmly and Gur gave a soft chirp of greeting. Peter smiled shyly and waved. Kyle then placed a hand on Sophie's shoulder, smiling warmly. "Granny, Gur, I'd like you to meet Peter, and Sophie." Sophie gave a gentle purr as she nodded. Gur's feelers twitched as he bowed his head gently. Granny Rose smiled.

"Sophie. What a pretty name. Charmed, young lady. And nice to meet you, Peter. Welcome to our shop." With that, everyone seated themselves. Kyle smiled as he sipped some tea.

"Thank you, Granny. I can't thank you enough," said Kyle gently. She smiled and nodded.

"Certainly, dearie." She looked at Peter, the nervousness obvious in him. "You don't need to worry, young man. You're not to blame. And I can assure you, you'll not be deported or anything of the sort," she softly assured with the same grandmotherly warmth she showed to Kyle. Peter looked surprised. She looked into her cup of tea. "It's a terrible thing, that slavery still lives. It's even more shameful that it's been allowed to flourish here, of all places!" She looked up and smiled at them. "But, not anymore. We are a tolerant people, but we shall never tolerate cruelty towards another sentient being." Gur gave a trill as he brought up his keyboard.

"Port Authorities, police, constables. Men of Tribes, heroes of sunlight." Granny Rose nodded.

"I contacted some old friends in the Port Authority and elsewhere. The day of reckoning for those scoundrels behind the Black Fence has come," she said with grim determination in her voice.

"Mam-gu?" said a deep, resonant voice. They turned, surprised, and stared at the man standing in the doorway.

He was amazingly tall for a human. He had to be at least six feet, seven inches. A long, red-gold mustache almost hid his mouth from view. His red-gold hair was long, almost to his waist. He was dressed in a long, tunic-like shirt of green plaids. His pants were a brown-and-green checker pattern, tucked into dark-brown leather boots. Around his neck, he wore a large ring of twisted metal, that looked like gold, the ends intricately worked in raised spirals. Around his chest, he wore a sash of bright, scarlet plaids, tied to his belt at the left hip.

Kyle was in awe, as was Sophie. Never, in all their lives, had they seen someone who projected the kind of regal air that this man did. Granny Rose smiled.

"This is one of the strongest, and most noble men you'll ever find on any world. He and his people are here to stand for what's right." The man nodded, his fierce blue eyes eyes glittering in the light. He looked askance to Granny Rose.

"They've already stormed the Fence, and taken several of their houses. No casualties, on either side." Granny Rose sighed in relief and Gur trilled. She smiled as she looked at Kyle, Sophie and Peter.

"Come on, you three. I want you to see what we stand for." With that, she stood, gently patting her back as it ached. Gur gave a whistle as he gently helped her to stand. Kyle, Sophie and Peter were almost in a daze as they followed.

Outside the shop, the streets were now filled, but not with people buying goods. They were filled with men and women in uniforms. Kyle could easily tell they were the local constabulary, the police of Zerichs II. Kyle stared in awe as he saw long lines of men that looked very much like the mustached man standing next to them.

While many of them dressed in a similar fashion, no two were alike. Some wore wool berets, others had their hair fashioned into intimidating spikes. Most of them wore sashes of plaids around their chest, but many were different colors. He noticed that those who wore the same color sash tended to stick together in groups. All of them were carrying rifles, but ones unlike any Kyle had seen.

Instead of being the black, angled firearms he was used to, these almost reminded him of such ancient weapons like the Lee-Enfield, or even the Kentucky long rifle. The long rifles had stocks of wood, not polymer, and were clad with intricately-engraved brass and bronze. Even the magazines were engraved.

Kyle even noticed a few of them were carrying what looked to be swords on their sides. Kyle blinked as he looked around, taking it all in, not quite able to believe what he was seeing. Granny Rose chuckled.

"The brave men and women of the Tribes," she said with pride in her voice. Kyle looked at her, as did Sophie. She smiled at them. "They started as simple people who desired to go back to the "Old Ways". They wanted to live as their noble Celtic ancestors did, thousands of years ago. What started as people reconnecting with their heritage, became a whole new way of life. And thus, the New Celtic Tribes were born." Kyle couldn't helping his jaw dropping as he stared in awe at the Celtic warriors rushing around.

He noticed one of them talking into a radio that was part of what looked like a gold circlet around his head. It looked both ancient, and high-tech at the same time. Kyle had never seen such a perfect blending of the ancient and the new.

The warrior with the radio looked up at Granny Rose as he released the button of his headset.

"We confirmed the presence of slaves. They're bringing them out as I speak." Granny Rose sighed with relief.

"Good. Good, good. And what about the bounders in there?" The warrior almost sneered.

"Taken alive," he almost spat as he replied. Granny Rose smiled darkly.

Peter was almost beside himself. He was surprised when he felt someone wrap an arm around him. He looked up at Sophie. Her attention was focused on the warriors and the constables, but he could feel her purring.

Suddenly, there was a lot of yelling as something was going on. One of the Port Authorities rushed up, tapping his headset.

"We've got an illegal lift-off! Repeat: We have a Class I, attempting lift-off! Some of those scum got to one of their ships! Shoot it down!" the man growled. Granny Rose paled.

"No! There could be slaves on board! You'll kill them!" One of the constables quickly tapped his radio.

"Abort! Abort! Hold fire but remain locked on target." A large number or warriors came rushing up as a large ship began to lift into the skies with a roar.

Peter stared, unable to believe what he was seeing. He recognized that ship. It was like someone flipped a switch in his head. He looked at the constable.

"No! That ship's not carrying slaves! The cargo containers aren't attached!" He pointed to the bare underside of the craft. The constable was quick as he hit his radio.

"Target has been cleared! Repeat target has an all clear! Fire!" The whole port rocked as several loud, hollow booms were heard.

The back section of the ship exploded violently as it flew over the bay. Sophie wrapped Kyle, Peter and Granny Rose with her arms as the ship tumbled out of the sky, breaking apart before it crashed into the ocean in a giant plume of white. There was a hiss of static as several loudspeakers came to life, and many more throughout the port.

"This is the Zerichs Port Authority. An emergency has been declared. All ships are grounded until further notice. Any ships attempting lift-off will be shot down!"

Kyle looked up as Sophie released her grip on them. Granny Rose chuckled.

"We may look rural, but we're not unarmed, my boy." She smiled as she saw a long line of warriors, coming from the direction of the Black Fence. Every, single one of them was tending to someone. There were men and women and children. Kyle could see the fear and uncertainty in their faces. The warriors acted, not like soldiers, but protectors, concerned for these people. One of the warriors was carrying a woman who looked far too weak to stand, another held the hands of two small children as he walked.

Kyle was surprised to see a Shamolene, decked in full war-gear, carrying four tiny human children in it's powerful arms, safe from all harm. Gur gave a series of whistling chirps and twitters as he saw others of his kind among the rescuers. They replied to him in kind.

Peter couldn't help his tears as he stared, seeing familiar faces among the crowd. He whimpered as he wiped his tears with his sleeve.

"We . . . we're free . . ." He almost couldn't believe it. Kyle smiled as he patted Peter's shoulder, as did Sophie. Granny Rose smiled warmly as she watched one of the warriors giving water to a little girl, who looked no older than five.

"You certainly are, dearie." She looked at Peter and smiled. "Welcome to Zerichs II."

XXX

Kyle could still hardly believe what had happened. It still boggled his mind to think he and Sophie had started it all. As they sat around Granny Rose's table, he was almost numb. Sophie was the same way.

What troubled her the most, was how small some of the slaves were. She had even seen a human baby, probably not even a year old, with the same barcode on its hand. It made her tremble with rage. If she could have gotten her hands on those that did this, it would have made a crucifixion look like a birthday party. There was some satisfaction, though.

She had been able to see as one of the criminal bosses was led by, bound in chains, wearing a collar, the same as he did to others. When he dared to sneer at Peter, Gur grabbed the man's collar and pulled him up to be face-to-beak with the angry being. That swiftly wiped the smug, self-satisfied smirk off his face.

Throughout all this, the first and foremost concern had been the slaves, and what would happen to them.

Granny Rose smiled over her cup of tea.

"The Port Authority mas made sure everyone knows what happened. And the locals, bless their hearts, have already made arrangements. Food, shelter, medicine. Whatever these poor people need, they'll have." Kyle smiled wide at the wonderful news. Sophie purred as she slid an arm around Kyle's waist, tenderly hugging him. Granny Rose seemed to glow, watching Kyle and Sophie. "And, they've frozen and seized all of the assets of those blackguards. It'll be sold and used to give these people a chance at a free life." Kyle smiled as he leaned against Sophie.

Peter was relieved beyond all words. He shook his head as he looked at Granny Rose.

"I . . . I just can't thank you enough." Granny Rose smiled as she patted Peter's trembling hand.

"You're welcome, sweetie." Kyle frowned as he looked at Granny Rose.

"What about the Shatheer? Did they find any more of them?" Kyle asked. Granny Rose frowned as Gur rattled lightly.

"That they did. They were breeding them. Had themselves a regular fighting pit," she spat. Peter shivered.

"I remember." They looked at him as he stared into his teacup. "You could hear those things, growling and snarling. Some slaves had to help with caring for those . . . beasts. Others were . . .," he trailed off, not able to finish. Sophie gently touched his shoulder. Peter smiled in her direction.

Despite the fact he couldn't see a single part of her, he felt Sophie was a nice, trustworthy person. Human or not. Gur gave a grumbling whistle that reminded Kyle of an angry teapot on the boil. Gur typed on his keyboard.

"Bad, nasty beasts. Bred to fight, made meaner. Give peace, let to Other side." Granny Rose nodded as she sipped her tea.

"Gur's right. They were mercifully put down. No sense in more cruelty." Kyle nodded his agreement. He looked at Peter, who looked thoroughly lost.

"So, now that you're free, what're you going to do?" Kyle asked. Peter glanced at him, then back to his cup of tea.

"I . . . really don't know," he replied simply. At this, Granny Rose cleared her throat.

"You know, as much help as Gur is, even he needs a day off once in a while," said Granny Rose as Gur's feelers twitched and wiggled. Peter looked at her as she smiled. "If you'd like, you can stay here. I can't pay much, but at least you'll have room and board. Not to mention food." Peter stared at her as his eyes watered. He lowered his head, his shoulders quivering.

"I-I don't-" he sniffled. He wiped his eyes as he looked at her and Gur. "I'd love to." Granny Rose smiled and Gur trilled.

XXX

Kyle and Sophie felt wonderful as they left Granny Rose's shop. They promised they would stop by whenever they could. Sophie purred as she pulled Kyle close, the light of the setting sun coloring the world rich golden hues.

I'm so glad we helped Peter, and all the others, said Sophie was they headed back to their ship.

So am I, Sophie. As they walked, someone called out.

"Hoy!" They stopped and turned. It was the same Tribesman that they had met in Granny Rose's shop. He smiled subtly as he walked up to them, the setting sun making his red-gold hair seem to glow. "You did a good, honorable thing. Both of you." Kyle smiled softly and Sophie purred. The Tribesman placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head. "Blessings on you."

"Brennus!" called another Tribesman. The warrior, Brennus, smiled faintly, then turned and left. Kyle watched him go, and smiled to himself. Sophie purred.

He's not as beautiful as you are, she said as she nuzzled him. Kyle smiled at her.

Thanks. Let's go home and get some sleep. After things settle, we'll go into the city. Sophie trilled with excitement. As they left, Kyle glanced back but Brennus and his fellow warriors were already gone.

Author's note: An exceptionally large thanks goes to my mother, for helping me sit and plan out a complicated chapter that could easily have been a mess. Thanks also goes to my wonderful readers, for their ideas and encouragement. Your reviews always help!

Read, review and enjoy!