“I’m not sure. I think proof may actually be required in
this case. At least, to get the sort of reaction we require.” Hans thought
carefully about what little he knew of Admiral Falum. “I think he would take my
word for it, but we need to act fast in this.”
“I’ve got the camera. We can do a video.” Honora suggested,
holding up the camera for everyone to see.
“Alright, let me talk to Ohaehim and see if he can say
something for us on camera.” Hans stepped away from the group and towards the
alien. “Ohaehim, our government may require some sort of proof that you exist
and that the threat you speak of is real before they act. Is there anything you
can provide to us for this?”
Ohaehim turned to face the trio, giving them his full
attention before speaking. “I cannot provide you with tangible proof. There has
been degradation in the systems that I am trying to counteract now. I only know
that the Afoixox is coming soon, but I cannot ascertain where they are or
provide coordinates for such.”
“Are you getting this?” Hans spoke softly as he glanced back
at Honora. She nodded and motioned for him to continue on. Hans looked back at
the alien. “We are recording your
likeness and this conversation as a part of the proof. Is there anything you
would like for our government to know?”
“My name Ohaehim of the Shai Halad. We are a race that once
lived peacefully in this section of the galaxy, but have since moved on. I am a
guardian that was left behind in case the Afoixox return to wage war once
again. I bring a message of peace and assistance from my people. I offer to you
my full assistance in defending your race against these intruders.”
Once again Ohaehim performed a complicated ritual with his
tentacles as he spoke. He finished the short speech with a dramatic flash of
silver across his dark skin. Hans glanced back at Honora who gave him another
nod and lowered the camera.
“Thank you, Ohaehim. Hopefully that will bring our
government into action quickly. We need to go now, but we will be back as soon
as we can.” Hans smiled at the alien who had already turned his attention back
to the console again.
“Okay, let’s get out of here and back to the town. We’ve
probably raised a few suspicions by now, but these towns are pretty good about
minding their own business. We might be lucky and just get a few questions when
we get back.” Hans was already starting to pack up his stuff as he spoke and
the other followed suit.
“What if they did notify someone that we’re missing?” Honora
asked as she finished packing up her stuff.
“Then we’ll think of something.” Hans shrugged and turned to
Duke. “You’re the tallest. Give me a lift up the tunnel. I’ll take all the
packs and get them out of the way. Send Honora up next and then I’ll help you
get up. Sound like a plan?”
Duke just nodded and then glanced over his shoulder at the
occupied alien. “Not so keen on being stuck in here by myself with him.”
“He’s one of the good guys Duke.” Hans tried to keep his
voice even, but he was starting to get irritated by Duke’s attitude towards the
alien. “Besides, you won’t be here alone for very long.”
“Fine.” Duke said and walked over towards the entrance to
the tunnel. Interlocking his finger, he knelt down slightly so Hans could place
a foot in his hands. “On three.”
“One….two….three!” They counted together and as they said
the word three, Duke lifted Hans who grabbed onto the edge of the tunnel pulled
himself inside. With a little work, he turned around and hung down his hands to
take the packs that Duke tossed up.
It took a few minutes to pack it all to the spot where their
hoverboards still waited. With that done, he headed back to see Honora sitting
calmly on Dukes shoulders, her feet resting calmly in his hands. She smiled as
she saw Hans return to the entrance and reach out for her arms. She latched on
to him as Duke lifted her further up.
Hans pulled her into the tunnel and backed up far enough for
her to squeeze by before going back for Duke. Pressing his legs against the
sides of the tunnel as hard as he could he hung his arms out for Duke to grab. With
a little work, Duke was able to jump and grasp Hans’ hands and pull himself up
to the tunnel.
“Next time we bring a ladder or some rope.” Duke said
between breaths. Hans just nodded his agreement as he tried to catch his own
breath. He only wished that he had thought of that in the first place.
“Let’s go.” Hans said once he had caught his breath. Duke didn’t say anything as he crawled down
the tunnel towards where Honora was waiting with their stuff. It didn’t take
them long for them to get themselves
all sorted out and ready to go. It took them almost seven hours to make it back
to where their boat was tied up.
Luck was with them as the normally perpetual storm had died
down for a bit and the sea was as smooth as it could possible with just a light
80 km/h gale for them to fight against. It was the in the early hours of the
morning, local time, that they finally managed to sneak back into the dome that
surrounded the town. Exhausted, Hans led the way to the hotel rooms that he had
rented and they all finally got to spend a night in a real bed.
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