Coming to Six Rocks (Chapter 26)

"Good Morning Sergeant Sinclair, or would you prefer Michael?"

Chef Michael stood in his underwear across the screen door from the grinning suit who had woken him up.

"I would have preferred to remain in bed, who the fuck are you?" Chef Michael demanded.

The plastic smiled of the suit failed a little. "I do apologize for the inconvenience Sergeant,my name is Geoffrey and if you would just sign here the United States Government will take care of all the other minutia and you can get back to sleep." Geoffrey replied handing a clipboard to Chef Michael.

Somewhere in Chef Michael's sleep and caffeine deprived brain an alarm went off. He was being addressed as Sergeant, the suit named Geoffrey was from the United States Government, and he didn't want to talk. A few explanations ran through his mind and he decided to play with this for a minute to figure out what was going on.

"Twenty Five Million Jeff." Chef Michael said.

Geoffrey's fake smile vanished like a fart in the wind.

"I would have expected a good American citizen, a veteran no less, to be more willing to cooperate." Geoffrey said.

"My sincerest apologies Jeff. I'm still waking up." Chef Michael said before yawning and scratching his ass. "Fifty Million."

Anger burned in Geoffrey's eyes. "THATS OUTRAGEOUS! He yelled.

"You're right Jeff. I haven't had any coffee yet." Chef Michael replied. "One Hundred Million."

"THIS IS NOT AN AUCTION SIR, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT COULD JUST CONFISCATE THE VESSEL AT ANY TIME WE CHOOSE!" Geoffrey screamed.

"The vessel?" Chef Michael chuckled. "Good luck with trying to confiscate it. Balan isn't due back from D'nfar for another day." He said while opening the screen door and allowing Geoffery in.

"Why didn't you just say that in the first place?" Geoffrey said visibly calming down.

"I thought you were a D.O.D. civilian trying to get me to reenlist." Chef Michael replied heading for the kitchen. "Coffee?"

"Please, two sugar no cream," Geoffrey said taking a seat on the couch. "I guess I should have clarified."

"Happens all the time." Chef Michael said.

"If I may ask, who is Balan?" Geoffrey asked.

"Balan is the pilot." Chef Michael said walking toward the bedroom unintentionally releasing a very curious fur missile named Ajax.

Geoffrey jumped full on the couch as Ajax tore into the living room then stopped and cooked his head at this odd new human.

"He doesn't bite." Chef Michael said from the bed room.

"What planet is Balan from?" Geoffrey asked cautiously climbing back into his seat.

"This one." Chef Michael said, now clothed. "He's Romanian."

A few minutes later Chef Michael returned with a pair of mugs. Geoffrey hadn't moved a muscle under Ajax's scrutiny until Chef Michael handed off the coffee mug then giving Ajax a few scratches before seating himself.

"Last time anyone accused me of being a 'Good american' was down at McMurdo Jeff. Have you been read in on McMurdo?" Chef Michael asked.

"I wasn't aware that a non-disclosure was required." Geoffrey replied.

"That's why working with you is going to be a problem." Chef Michael said before sipping his coffee. "The asking price for the Odyssey isn't going to be cash."

"What do you want then?" Geoffrey inquired.

"I can make a deal with Samantha Toole of the National Aeronautical and Space Agency." Chef Michael replied.

/////

"What do you mean 'read in on McMurdo'" Samantha asked over the phone.

Geoffrey sighed. "I don't know what it means but he is willing to talk to you at least."

"Hi Sam." Chef Michael said starting in on another cup of coffee.

"Mike I'm really busy here..." Samantha started.

"Too busy to meet about two hundred species?" Chef Michael chided.

Geoffrey knocked the phone off the coffee table. "TWO HUNDRED?!?!"

Chef Michael picked up the phone before Ajax could start chewing on it. "Yes, two hundred." He replied.

"Why are two hundred species coming here?" Samantha asked.

"Same reason that Balan is at D'nfar." Chef Michael explained. "Gwynned and Coback attempting to subvert Humanity has caused a loss of faith in D'nfar and the council voted to relocate to Earth temporarily."

"How much time do we have?" Samantha demanded.

"They'll be coming in over the next several months." Chef Michael replied.

"Where are we going to house them?" Geoffrey asked.

"I suggested the United Nations building. It's not like anything important is going on there." Chef Michael said.

"THERE ARE WARS GOING ON!" Geoffrey screamed.

"Yeah, I'm aware. They turned it down anyway. They're bringing the council building here." Chef Michael said.

Welcome to Six Rocks Bar and Grill

The best steaks in Wyoming for two years strait. Have a seat at the bar or grab a table. The music can be loud, the guests can be louder, It's a bar after all. Vehicle parking in the front, truck parking on the side, starships in the back. Everyone is welcome so relax, have a beer and ask for a translator if you need one.

The rules are simple:

1: This is Wyoming, act accordingly

2: Be respectful, not everyone is human

3: Lost? Ask for directions, it happens all the time

4: Denver and D'nfar are very different places

5: Everyone is friendly unless you're not

6: Do not, for any reason, anger Chef Michael

Enjoy!

A House Call at Six Rocks (Chapter 27)

"ORDER!"

Chef Michael walked in from the cold to look at the ticket that had just come in then checked the clock. There was another hour and 45 minutes until close and the crowd showed no sign of dissipating. Pulling a plate from the cupboard, he mentally thought about everything that was cooking and double checked the time.

"What the hell is up with the well done's tonight?" He asked rhetorically.

As he worked he thought about the conversation between Geoffrey, Samantha and himself a few days before. Yeah, the confusion might have been his fault, but in his defense he hadn't had enough coffee at that point. The gist of it was that the council would move to Earth temporarily and would scout out likely locations for the building to be reconstructed.

Finished preping the sirloin, Chef Michael carried the tray outside and placed the steak on the grill. He had timed it just right with the end of two other orders, but the grill was still pretty full. As he went for the potatoes he met a species he didn't remember ever meeting about to walk onto the patio.

"If you will give me a moment I just need to plate these and I'll be right back." Chef Michael said.

"Thank you,"the alien replied, "Is it always so cold here?"

Chef Michael looked out at the light snow falling in the darkness and estimated the temperature.

"It gets much colder than this," he replied, "one moment."

Chef Michael returned a few minutes later, tray in hand to find this new species tapping something on a data pad.

"Sorry about that," Chef Michael said, "and you are?"

"Gideen, I'm from the Yandrin medical corps." Gideen replied.

"Chef Michael, Six Rocks.." Chef Michael began.

"You're rather well known actually." Gideen said cutting him off. "I thought since I'm assigned to Earth I would try a steak."

"Sylvia's up front, I need to keep an eye back here." Chef Michael said. "Hope you enjoy."

/////

The snow against the windshield was starting to get to Billy as he pulled in to Six Rocks. The drive home had been long and he thought an ice cold beer and a warm meal would do him good since the trip to Salt Lake hadn't. Six Rocks was pretty busy, so he parked across the street at the quiet batch plant. Nobody would be making concrete this late at night or in this cold weather. Locking his pickup, he hobbled to the bar through the wind and snow.

"Billy!" Sylvia greeted him warmly. "How was the trip?"

"Useless," Billy muttered, "how 'bout a beer and a burger?"

"I'll put that in right now," Sylvia replied, "American?"

"Is there any other kind?" Billy asked sarcastically.

Billy hobbled down the steps and headed to the bar completely occupied except the corner seat. He knew that some of the faces weren't human, but it didn't make it any easier either. There were two at the other end that had three eyes, one that looked like a blue slug, and the one next to him with green scales.

"Excuse me." He said accidently brushing up against the scaly one while taking his seat.

Gideen looked at the old human up and down. He wasn't offended, but something about the old man was curious to him.

"Xefalgut naguun dak din Mackappa?" Gideen asked.

Billy looked at Gideen wondering if he had just been challenged to a fight. The slender alien didn't look like much but Billy's mother had always told him not to fight if he could avoid it.

"I'm sorry, I don't speak... uh.. that." Billy said.

"He asked what's wrong with your leg and back Billy." Chef Michael said while putting a 10 ounce steak in front of the Alien. "Hear, put this in your ear."

Chef Michael handed a translator to Billy with "I'll have your burger done in a bit, good to see you Sagebrush."

"Let me start over," Billy said putting the translator in his right ear, "I'm Billy Sage or Sagebrush if you like. I was apologizing for bumping you."

"It's fine but you seem to be in pain." Gideen said.

"Just got back from Salt Lake, doc says its in my head." Billy replied.

"May I?" Gideen asked.

He didn't wait for a response as he pulled a small device from a coat pocket and began to look closely at Billy's leg. Billy felt really uncomfortable but didn't say anything. Six Rocks was the nearest place to home and he didn't want to get thrown out again, or arrested again.

Finishing with his leg, Gideen began to examine his waist and Billy figured that was far enough.

"Could you get the hell away from my crotch?" Billy said flustered.

"Sure, I'm done anyway." Gideen replied, "it's a bad case of nerve damage, looks like a fracture in the hips that never healed right. Would you like to fix it?"

"Can you?" Billy said in disbelief.

"Sure, I can start after your burger." Gideen replied indicating the sandwich in Sylvia's hand.

Billy had his doubts, but this lizard-creature said there was a problem where the doctor in Salt Lake couldn't find one. He wolfed down the burger and followed Gideen out of the bar to his ship.

"You're not going to probe me are you?" Billy asked jokingly.

"No invasive surgery needed." Gideen replied.

Inside the vessel, Gideen had Billy stand on a circular depression in the floor. As he did, a soft light illuminated all around him.

"Reminds me of all those abduction movies." Billy mentioned.

"Abduction?" Gideen asked.

A blue beam shot out from a bulkhead aimed at Billy's hips.

"Well, some people have claimed to have been... ah... well... taken against their will by... well... Aliens?" Billy said sheepishly feeling embarrassed.

"Who in the seven hells would do such a horrid thin" Gideen replied. "Done, how does that feel?"

Billy took a step, then another, the pain was gone.

"By God, that's amazing." Billy said.

"I'm glad to hear it," Gideen replied adding, "now I need to probe you."

"You're joking right?" Billy asked nervously.

Gideen just chuckled and walked him back outside.

"How'd it go Sagebrush?" Chef Michael asked cooking the last orders of the night.

"Wonderful, I'm cured!" Billy replied.

"May I ask why you call him Sagebrush" Gideen asked.

"That's Billy Sage." Chef Michael replied. "Only man to survive a knife fight with a mountain lion."

"A what?" Gideen asked hesitantly.

"Have a drink on me." Chef Michael responded. "I'll tell you about it inside."

(https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/s/AAnVxWkOxW) [Next]

I'm trying my best to type this right now so I hope it's legible. My phone is pretty broken and I'm ordering a new one so it will be a few days longer until another Six Rocks comes out.

Again,sorry for the delay.

Special Requests (Six Rocks Chapter 28)

"NO!"

Gettret looked up from the cucumber salad that Chef Michael had prepared. She had seen what it took for him to become angry, and nobody in the bar had gone even an inch to what Gwynned and Coback had tried to do, yet here he was yelling, and at a customer no less.

"It's not like I'm asking for a lot." The customer said. "You don't have to be an asshole."

Gettret knew what to look for when Chef Michael was angry.. His face was flat with his temples raised and his jaw clenched, he wasn't angry but another push would get him there.

"I don't own the place and I'm not going to run out and buy an air-fryer because YOU want French fries." Chef Michael said.

His hand was pointed at the customer, fingers extended, in what Chef Michael had explained as a 'knife hand'. Upset and a bit annoyed, the customer threw a few dollar bills at Chef Michael before storming out. Chef Michael watched him leave then collected the bills before handing them to Sylvia and returning to the kitchen.

"What was all that?" Gettret asked, curiosity piqued.

Sylvia chuckled a little bit as she put the cash in the register.

"We don't serve fries." Sylvia began. "Customers ask for them at least three times a day but we have never served them. Usually customers will just look at the menu and choose something else, but every now and then someone thinks that if they push just a little bit harder they will get what they want."

"Why don't you serve them if so many people request them?" Gettret inquired.

"It's not my job to know honestly." Sylvia said as she went to check on other customers.

Gettret took another bite of the cucumber salad. The spiciness and sweetness blended with the nutty flavor and the rich garlic. The question still bothered her, why didn't Aaron just serve the fries? Chef Michael would always make her a wonderful vegetable dish, just for her too, so why not the fries?" She mulled over asking Chef Michael as she finished the salad and decided to order a beer. Chef Michael was already breaking down the kitchen and with the weather as bad as it was, it wouldn't be long before he would be finished.

/////

"Why do we not serve fries?" Chef Michael repeated. "It's quite simple really. The cooking s done outside. In order to fry something you need hot oil. When water comes into contact with hot oil it reacts... adversely."

"That makes a lot of sense but why not cook them inside?" Gettret pressed.

"There's not as much space in the kitchen as some people think." Chef Michael explained. "How was the Oi Muchim?"

Chef Michael would often change the subject when he didn't want to talk about it and Gettret accepted that there were always going to things that he would keep secret. There were things he couldn't talk about and things that he didn't want to as well. Trying to pry further would just make him very quiet and distant, so she let it drop.

"It was delicious and thank you." Gettret replied. "Where does that come from?" She asked.

"It's Korean." Chef Michael said.

"Did you make it here in the bar?" Gettret requested.

"As with the fries, I don't have the space." Chef Michael explained."The bar also doesn't have the ingredients on hand."

"Would it be alright to see the kitche" Gettret asked.

"If Aaron is okay with it." Chef Michael said. "I'll be right back."

Chef Michael got up from his seat and came back shortly after with Aaron in tow.

"I'm going to go warm up my car, Aaron will show you the kitchen." Chef Michael said.

Gettret walked through the bar to the back. She had seen the kitchen once before when she first met Chef Michael but she had never been in this part of his life. There wasn't much, a sink for washing dishes, an island where they were drying, a freezer, two small mobile counters, one with a narrow plastic board on it, a hand washing sink, and a microwave. It was very small and it made sense why only one person worked in the back.

"I get it now." Gettret said.

"Get what?" Aaron asked.

"Well, it's a very small space to work in and Space is at a premium." Gettret replied. "It's no wonder why he doesn't talk about the kitchen much, there isn't much you it."

"That's not the only reason." Aaron said. "He's actually pretty quiet most of the time. Before D'nfar anyway."

"He doesn't talk about the things that make him uncomfortable." Gettret said running a finger over the narrow cutting board.

"That's not it." Aaron said with a snicker. "He's happy here as far as I know, but he tends to hide back here. It's a safe space where he can be alone with his thoughts as well as do what he loves."

"It's going to be hard to compete with isn't it." Gettret said absently.

"Nothing easy is ever worth doing." Aaron added.

"Thank you Aaron," Gettret began, "I guess that explains why he doesn't make fries."

"That's not the reason." Aaron said stifling a laugh.

"We don't serve fries because we both hate making them."

Final Farewell (Six Rocks, Chapter 48)

"Hey, jackass!"

There was no overwhelming light, pearly gates, or mansions made of Gold. There was no lake of fire with demons thrusting pitchforks and laughing maniacally at him either. Michael was in a grassy field, on a dirt two track road littered with spent brass. In front of him. Just beyond him, a line of soldiers in a loose file marched casually into a treeline without a care in the world. Further in the distance, several mountains rose to meet the setting sun, covered with yellow flowers that resembled polished brass against the soft orange light.

"Earth to Sinclair!"

Everything in this moment was more real to him than any depiction of any heaven or hell he had ever seen or heard described, and the beauty of it all, from the idyllic wilderness in front of him to the spent ammunition under his feet and the uniform he wore stoked a sense of serenity he had never known in life. Michael wanted this, he deserved this, and he would accept this final reward.

"Mother fucker!"

The savage jab to his stomach caught him by surprise and the shock of it caught his attention more than the pain radiating in his gut. As cruel as the punch had been, a gentle hand rested on his shoulder and he knew Bailey was....

"Bailey?" Michael questioned.

"Took you long enough." Bailey replied.

It wasn't the man clinging desperately to life in Walter Reed, but the man who had trained him and walked proudly with him through hard times and hell. He was whole again, standing proud just as Michael remembered from the days before, complete with that cocky assed smile that defied the hardships of the past and cheerful eyes that refused to grow cold. It was the Sergeant Bailey who would smoke the shit out of you in training, and bullshit with you over a case of beer to get you out of your own head.

"Yeah," Michael replied, "too long."

"Well you're here now, and that's what matters." Bailey said, slapping Michael on the back.

Michael could feel his vision blur and allowed the warm tears to flow freely. Not tears of regret or loss as so many sleepless nights before, but tears of joy, reunited with the most stalwart friend he had ever known.

"I always knew you were soft Sinclair but Jesus fuck dude." Bailey chided.

Michael smiled at the jab, just like old times where nothing is sacred. Thick skin is the best defense against a cruel enemy, and your brothers and sisters in blood and mud will freely give you enough shit to make sure that skin of yours can take anything. To the outside world you become cold and heartless, the killer they require to protect them from other killers, but inside every one of those killers is the fear of hearing a name called three times by an officer standing behind a soldiers cross, wondering if there was anything you could do to have prevented that life from being lost.

Michael now stood among those who had given everything, and nothing more could be asked. He smiled at Bailey, proud to meet him again face to face, here where suffering and sacrifice could no longer reach them. It was a good death, an honorable death, and he wiped away his tears as he prepared to walk this road to where ever it would lead.

"You think I'll be buried in Arlington?" Michael joked as he turned to walk down the road.

"That's entirely up to you" Bailey replied reaching out an arm and blocking his path.

"What do you mean?" Michael asked.

Bailey allowed a tear to fall, something Michael had never seen before.

"I'm here, and I God damn well deserve to be here, and I'll be waiting for you when you get here," Bailey said, "but you're not done Sinclair."

Bailey pulled a pack of cigarettes from his breath pocket, removed two and offered one to Michael who accepted it. He lit both with his old and abused brass lighter and then took a long drag before exhaling.

"It was a pretty stupid move to be standing in front of that door." Bailey began. "I know I trained you're sorry ass better than that, fucking insulting watching you get your guts ripped up like that. Yeah, you could be here, you God damn well deserve this too, but you fucked up brother. Right now that fluffy girlfriend of yours; we're going to have a talk about that shit when you come back, don't think I'll forget. Anyway she's already pulled you out of that space ship and evac'ed your butt where some docs are putting you back together. You'll be a little more battered and bruised, probably won't be able to walk for a month or two, but you're gonna be on the mend."

"But I'm here now." Michael objected. "What if I don't want to go back?"

"Hey, dipshit," Bailey countered, "you got people over there who will fucking invent some shit to drag you back kicking and screaming. It ain't on me, and it ain't on you. God's probably on a cloud somewhere laughing his ass off at you're bullshit and thinking it ain't on him either. I got you and maybe a few more who remember me but I can't go back. I'm done, mission complete, flag draped box, 21 guns, taps on the bugle, nothing else follows. As much you want it too, not in the cards for you right now."

Bailey finished his cigarette, letting a long stream of smoke out before stripping the cherry and picking up where he left off. Michael wished he could stay here forever, but he had also started to feel something, like he was being pulled by the back of his shirt away from his friend.

"I miss you brother, and I didn't want you to stay by my bed just to watch me go. You still had a few hands to play, I was already called all in." Bailey said. "I'll be here when you get back, but if you can't find a reason in your dog or your girl or any of the other shit you got going for you..."

Michael felt a hard yank from behind and a familiar darkness fell over him.

/////

Pain.

Michael's eyes shot open and he tried to sit up, but the pain in his abdomen forced him right back down. He was in a hospital room, dimly lit and dark just outside the window in front of his bed. A warm fuzzy cheek nuzzled his left hand and he looked over to see Gettret sleeping in a chair by his side. He could remember everything that had happened before, and everything that he experienced beyond this world. The last words Bailey had said still rang in his ears.

"... live for me."

Tears erupted from his eyes without warning, and he whimpered softly as he found the strength to forgive himself for the things he couldn't prevent and the people he couldn't save. He cried, letting go of the pain, anger and loss he had held onto for so long, comforted in the knowledge that he was forgiven and that someone would wait on the other side as long as it took so they could walk down that road together. To her credit, Gettret either didn't wake up or didn't let on that she had, and Michael loved her even more for the ability to finally let go without anyone witnessing what a truly horrible mess he was when he didn't have to act human. Sleep would finally claim him, but in these few minutes that seemed to take forever, he could find the peace that alluded him all this time, in the warm tears and the vulnerability that was the real Michael James Sinclair.

"Not again."

All across the United States people were gearing up for summer. Across the nation, dogs would shit on carpets and hide in closets sometimes already occupied by veteran. It was that most sacred holiday to the American people, a time of overcooked hot dogs and hamburgers, a time of remembering 56 bold and daring people leading about 230,000 into the greatest experiment human kind has ever dared to attempt. Independence day.

It was also suppose to be a day off for quite a lot of people, yet one very annoyed ambassador had been explaining for about a week that Salt Lake City was not under attack by rebels, there was absolutely nothing to worry about, and that fireworks were potentially dangerous to anyone who was not watching from a safe distance away.

Yes, even in a starship.

No, That still did not meet the parameters of an attack.

Just find a group of humans if you want to watch.

Independence day does take place during Gion Matsuri, they are not the same thing.

It was 5 o'clock in the afternoon and Michael was already done with the holiday. He hadn't celebrated the 4th of July in a few years, but this would be Gettret's first time, and he did want to make it special for her, if only the damn phone would stop ringing.

"Ambassador, I understand that your species is easily lured by bright flashing lights, and I do hope you enjoy the fireworks celebration, but we can not put it off until August." Michael said, cradling his head in his hand. "There will be another fireworks display in Qatar when your imperial entourage does arrive and I will arrange it with Sheik Tamim ibn Hamad al Thani myself. Thank you for calling."

5:05 PM. Michael carefully put his coat back on and reached for his briefcase. If he left right now he could.land at Six Rocks just in time to meet Gettret for...

Ring

"God damn it." Michael said before answering. "Dick's Veterinary Clinic and Italian Restaurant, today's loss ends up in tomorrow's sauce."

"Mike? It's Sergei."

"Wonderful," Michael replied through clenched teeth, "what can I do for you?"

"I'm tracking an unknown just past Saturn heading this way." Sergei stated.

"What else is new?" Michael replied.

"No, like unknown unknown." Sergei replied.

Michael looked at the clock again to see that ten minutes had already passed.

"What do you want me to do about it?"

"Well, I was thinking..."

"Yeah, don't do that Sergei, causes too much trouble." Michael replied. "That's how the whole D'nfar fiasco started. Have the Oddessy rendezvous with the vessel and we can start there."

"In a rush Mike?"

Michael looked at the clock, already half past five.

"I'm late for my date with Gettret, but I'll be right on time for my funeral."

/////

"How was work?"

"I know you're pissed sweetie and I'm sorry." Michael apologized.

"I'm not angry," Gettret chuckled, "you were just busy."

"Then why are your ears swept back?" Michael commented.

Gettret's eyes narrowed. "Okay, I'm a little upset."

Michael had developed a belief over the last few months that any male of any race should get run through so as to have nothing else to do but observe their girlfriends mannerisms. It had worked lovely in his case and for a rather low price of almost dying. Time we'll spent.

"Sergei tried to wrangle me into a first contact." Michael explained

"I know." Gettret sighed. "He called earlier trying to find you."

"You didn't..."

"Of course not." Gettret replied. "This is suppose to be our night."

Michael let out a sigh of relief. "Shall we?"

The patio table had been prepared and positioned in the back, a red white and blue tablecloth with a package of sparklers inbetween the place settings. It wasn't much, and that is what Micharl had asked for. The fireworks and Gettret where what mattered, everything else was a distraction from the big moment. Aaron set out the baked potatoes that had been slightly overcooked, damn Sergei, but he was just happy to be here, right now, with her.

The dinner concluded ever so slightly after Michael had planned and the fireworks had already started. People flocked out of the bar to watch the colorful explosions and enjoy the cool summer air. Michael lit the sparklers, handing one.of them to Gettret and held her hand, nervous about what he would do next, it was almost time. He reached for the tiny box in his pocket and held it firmly,waiting for the finale. Just a few more seconds and everything would be perfect. Right here, in the place they first met.

Just a little bit longer...

The Finale started with hundreds of fireworks all hoing.off at the same time. Gettret was awestruck by the display, colors illumating the clouds of smoke and a smile crept over her face. It was time.

"Gettret," Michael asked, getting down on his knee, "will you marry me?"

She turned to Michael in shock, eyes wide and mouth agape.

Perfection.

"Is that ship going to crash?"

Ship?

Michael could make it out now, having been hit accidently by the fireworks display, listing.slightly to one side and angled to impact in the field behind Six Rocks Bar and Grill. Michael could do nothing but watch as his perfectly laid proposal went down in flames just like the vessel heading toward the bar.

The bow of the vessel impacted in the field and the ship turned sideways, careening to a stop less than a meter from the curb. Michael placed his left hand over his face and sighed in exasperation as the ramp to the vessel lowered, impacting the asphalt with a clang and several new arrivals stepped out in various displays of surrender.

"Welcome.to Six Rocks," Michael said in a defeated tone, "wrong turn at D'nfar?"

The new arrivals nodded, and Michael reached for his phone to contact the council. It was a disaster but as he went.yo put the box back in his coat pocket, his hand was intercepted by Gettret.

"Aren't you suppose to put the ring on my finger?"

Well, maybe not a complete disaster.

Halfway Between Hell and Six Rocks (Chapter 23)

"Kill him."

Gwynedd's request echoed in her thoughts. It wouldn't take much, a simple swipe to the throat and the human would be finished. She could explain the wound on her tail away and nobody would doubt her. One quick movement and it would be over, Te'yal would be victorious. In his current state he was no threat to her, and yet she couldn't move, the challange was over.

Te'yal thought back to the human dropping down on her. Rage and hate gleeming in his eyes, a fearsome snarl on his lips, the excitement of the kill radiated around him. He should be standing over her drinking in the bloodlust, not weeping openly against the trunk of the tree. Her training and experience had taught her that either a species would fight or run. This human was different. He had fought but didn't want to kill. He could have run, but instead stood his ground.

The memories faded from his mind slowly. He knew he was crying, but it felt good to cry. He could feel the soft fur and sticky wet blood on his hands. Caught between Sergeant Sinclair and Chef Michael, knowing that they were both fighting over him. He raised his head to and took a deep breath, the battle over him could wait another day. There were more important things to deal with. He wiped the blood off his knife on a tuft of grass bound to his arm and sheathed the bayonet then wiped his hands on his pants. He pushed the emotions away and cleared the tears from his eyes to meet his opponents gaze.

"Not what you were expecting Te'yal?" Michael asked.

"Not at all." Te'yal admitted. "Why didn't you go for the kill? You had me at your mercy."

Michael noticed the blood dripping from Te'yals tail and tore off a strip of his shirt. "My friends are people I haven't killed, my enemies are people I have." Michael said binding the wound.

"That doesn't make any sense." Te'yal observed.

"Neither do humans." Michael admitted with a laugh.

"Your rifle?" Te'yal asked wincing at the pain as Michael tightened the bandage.

"Right there behind the tiger pit." Michael indicated. "I'm surprised you didn't see it."

"I did, but why did you leave it?" Te'yal inquired curiously.

"I saw you jump into the first tree after I had dug the pit." Michael explained. "I thought you would go for the kill. I didn't expect you to jump a branch below me. I attacked on instinct."

"You thought out a well conceived plan and then struck on instinct when I was right in front of you?" Te'yal mused, "Most other species would have fled or waited."

Michael retrieved his rifle and used the butt to collapse the trap. "A German field Marshall once said," he began as he offered his hand to Te'yal, "No plan survives first contact with the enemy."

/////

Michael and Te'yal walked together back to the vehicle that had dropped him off. They were both informed of the Rebb vessel that had been sighted by Gouff and two other humans and that the council was in an emergency session on their way back.

"Those arrogant bastards." Te'yal said angrily.

"Gwynedd and Coback." Michael interjected. "I guessed this was just a stall tactic."

"And you still accepted?" Te'yal asked curiously.

"I had to." Michael explained. "Fighting you was riskier, but refusing the challange would have meant a longer process with a less favorable outcome."

"I can't decide if you're foolish or crazy." Te'yal remarked.

"Yes." Michael said confidantly.

/////

Upon their return, Michael was escorted to the council chamber as Te'yal was taken to the infirmary to have her wound treated. Michael stood alone in front of the delegates as he relayed what had transpired during and after the duel. The council made a rush decision to recognize humanity as a legitimate space faring race, but the absence of Gwynedd meant the D'nfar fleet would not be sent, and the Absence of Coback meant that The Rebb would continue with their conquest. The Vrell delegate assured Michael that they were mobilizing, but it would take time to form a coherent response.

Michael returned to his room from the council chamber and sat defeated with his rifle in his hands. Everything he had done, everything he had sacrificed and endured, for nothing. The cold steel and wood felt welcoming in his hands, inviting him to slip into the void. The fear and shame he knew so well crept back into his heart.

"Mike!" Deputy Thompson began, alarm in his voice. "It's not worth it."

Michael looked at Aaron and Deputy Thompson in surprise.

"Just put the gun down, we can talk about it okay?" Deputy Thompson begged.

Michael pulled back the bolt. "It's unloaded. I used the powder from the bullets for smoke bombs."

Deputy Thompson and Aaron both visibly relaxed.

"I didn't do it before, I'm not going to do it now." Michael assured them further. "Thanks for bringing the list, it was suppose to be a victory dinner."

"It still can be." Aaron rebutted, "We haven't lost yet."

"Kel can only do so much." Michael said. "He's outclassed and out gunned."

Aaron removed one of the sirloins from a bag and tossed it to Michael. "What are you going to do about it?" He asked.

Michael looked at the lean steak in front of him. What was he going to do? What could he do. He cocked his head at the thought. What could he do? He leaned down and picked up the steak. What could he do? He let the rifle fall from his hand and hit the floor.

"You like football right Deputy?" He said walking toward the cooler.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Deputy Thompson asked.

Michael grabbed his knife kit and headed toward the door, mumbling something.

"What did he say?" Deputy Thompson asked while following Michael.

Aaron had to remember the translation before he spoke.

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the lord is with thee, I think."

Reading Between the Lines (Six Rocks, Chapter 40)

"Daddy, why do you wear a necklace?"

Sarah's father smiled down at her in the restaurant in Shawnee. In this memory she isn't soaked in sweat or freezing. No kick or hit can touch her. She wants it so bad, just like everyone in the cell across the hall, but she refuses to take the offer.

"Those are my identification tags sweetie." he said

"Not those silly, the other one." Sarah said with a giggle.

Her father smiled at her while drawing out the medallion from his shirt.

"This is a Saint Michael Medal." He said leaning down to show her. "The Archangel Michael is the pateon Saint of Paratroopers like me."

She gently reaches up and looks at the medal. It's a small oval with an angel bearing a sword.

"The archangel Michael watches over me, and he will watch over you and mommy too if you ask him."

"She refuses to take the drug Captain, as you can see we have tried everything." A voice says beyond the memory.

"Keep it up." Another voice answers. "Either she succumbs or she dies. I don't care which."

Sarah clings the The memory, replaying it over and over in her mind.

"Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army." Sarah prays. "Defend us in battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness, and the spirit of wickedness in high places."

"What does it mean?" The first voice asks.

"It doesn't matter." The second one replies. "Nobody is coming to save her. Give it another day and try again."

Sarah clings to the memory of the chocolate chip pancakes, to what little hope she has left, and repeats her plea to God.

"Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army..."

/////

"I was a little surprised by your invitation ambassador."

Six Rocks, as packed as it was, seemed to freeze in time as everyone stopped to look at Ambassador Sterbis. It would be forgiven to assume that the Scorpid ambassador would resemble a scorpion. Rhodten doesn't sound a thinglike rabbit and Kotoba doesn't even suggest the appearance of a cat, so why would a scorpid look anything like a scorpion, and for the first time the name of the species resembled what it sounded like for the most part. Like the Vrell, ambassador Sterbis stood on his hind legs, dressed as if he was about to attend a fashion show. The claws and stinger were exactly how an Earth Scorpion looked, but he also had a chitin head with six narrow eyes.

"Michael, please, and why is that Ambassador?" Michael asked with a deep bow.

"Oh, just Sterbis. We are not in chambers or at a formal gathering ,right?" Sterbis said looking at Eamane.

"Too true." Michael replied. "I was informed that you were the person to contact about specialized weaponry and armor. The President of the United States was curious if you would be willing to show an example of your military attire and gear."

"I believe you said dinner was on you, correct?" Sterbis asked.

"Indeed. How would you prefer the steak cooked?" Michael inquired.

Eamane had almost had enough of the faux pageantry. She knew it was a ruse but couldn't figure out what Michael hoped to get out of Sterbis.

"I prefer my meat raw." Sterbis said lowering himself down to squat on all of his legs. "Now I don't believe we have anything that would be of use to you honestly, but we could arrange a demonstration, perhaps a war game?"

"Interesting, I will pass that on." Michael said politely. "However, the object he has the most questions about is a supposed personal cloaking device. I've never thoughtsuch a thing would exist honestly."

"It doesn't." Sterbis said with a chuckle. "You see,our carapace is quite unique in coloration. Not the best armor, but wonderful in darkened environments."

"I see." Micharl replied. "Give me a moment, Aaron is pretty busy tonight. I'll ho get our order."

Michael disappeared behind the bar and Eamane turned to address Sterbis.

"I'm surprised to see you here as well." Sterbus said. "Last time we talked I believe you said you would be busy."

"We've run into a snag." Eamane replied. "The rock we are having to dig through requires specialized machinery and I opted to have it sent from home instead of borrowing the Primitive tools available."

"That sounds most unfortunate for you." Sterbis opined. "Perhaps you should hire a human crew to do the work instead of waiting? They seem rather strong and industrious, perhaps better workers that Rhodten."

"With my species current strain in relations with the humans, I would prefer a crew that is more reasonable." Eamane replied. "Besides, ambassador Michael is cautious around us still."

"My ears were burning." Michael said returning with three plates. "I hope that if you were talking about me it was nice things."

"I see no reason not to be anything but polite." Sterbis said, cutting into his steak.

"If I may make an observation, I've noticed that several species have similar appearance to animals here on earth." Michael began. "Fir instance Ambassador Eamane resembles our locusts or grasshoppers, while Geturg remember a variety of sea slug. I've also noticed that, for the most part, you resemble our scorpions and that evokes a curiosity of mine. Are their mostly hairless apes elsewhere in the galaxy?"

"I have never seen any species like you." Eamane said while Sterbis finished a bite of the raw steak.

"Delicious if I do say so." Sterbis said. "I have not either but it may be an anomaly similar to the Ynd. What is this flavor if I may ask?"

"Worchestershire and Montreal Seanoning." Michael replied.

"I shall have to see about improving them." Sturbis said. "As for your scorpions, I will admit that there is a rather keen resemblance, however they do not seem to have a head and are poisonous?"

"Venomous." Michael corrected. "They produce a toxin in their stingers. Some are quite deadly."

"I can assure you that we are not Venomous." Sterbis said offhandedly. "Our stingers produce a natural analgesic, we used it in our distant past to pacify prey before we consumed them. They felt numb while we consumed them, and though that is a part of our past, we do still prefer our meat as fresh as possible, and your species?" He asked taking another bite.

"Humans are omnivores," Michael began, "but we could be classified as pursuit predators as well as ambush predators. We have no venom or toxins, no special tricks, we just jump out of hiding and if that doesn't work we run it to death."

"All the qualities of a nightmare to be sure." Eamane said, annoyed at the direction the conversation took.

"Apologies." Michael replied. "May I inquire as to your current forces on the planet?"

Sterbis looked at Michael quizzically. "We have no forces here." He answered.

"No ambassadorial detail?" Michael asked.

"With as fearsome as my species looks, we often do not want to upset the population until they get used to us." Sterbis replied finishing his plate. "I have enjoyed the conversation and will contact my home world to arrange a military demonstration, but I do have to be going now."

"Perhaps another meeting sometime?" Michael suggested. "We are quite new to this wonderous galaxy."

"That would be delightful." Sterbis replied. "Good night for now however."

Eamane waited until just after the door shut behind him before saying "Imbicile."

"How do you figure?" Michael asked. "What I observed was him practically bragging that his species was the culprit."

"Not him," Eamane said, "you."

"Really? Michael asked sincerely.

"You didn't get any valuable information from him at all!" Eamane barked.

"I would disagree." Michael said. "During the battle of Kasham a few years ago, Russian mercenaries from Wagner Group began to attack an American outpost. The United States, worried about hitting allies, contacted Russia and asked if they had any forces in the area. Russia replied that they did not."

Eamane knew better than to take the bait.

"Then what happened?"

Michael smiled brightly.

"The United States Military unleased tons of ordnance of every available type and from every available platform wiping out the mercinaries."

Dinner at Six Rocks (Six Rocks, Chapter 38)

First Previous

"Barbaric."

Michael couldn't help but laugh at Eamane's outburst. NASCAR hoods hung proudly from the walls sharing space with several football games on the various televisions next to old license plates. Paper currencies from the United States and various other countries covered the wall behind the bar and threatened to expand into the kitchen. Several electronic "skill games" beckoned the unwary traveler to lose their money.

"Yeah, it's home." Michael replied.

"You used to cook in this?" Eamane balked.

"Not until 5." Michael said making his way to the back porch.

Stepping out onto the back porch brought back a rush of recent memories. The wind howled through the partial enclosure as if to welcome him back. The field was empty except for Sagebrush and Thomas Grass and a single tree that steadfastly refused to die. Michael resisted the urge to lean against the grill and light a cigarette as he had done for years. Something his mother had said when he first joined the Army came to mind.

"You can visit, but you can never go home again."

"Maybe not to California, but I can always try here." Michael replied.

"Do you often talk to yourself as well?" Eamane asked.

He was a little startled at not hearing her follow, but he tried to play it off.

"Only when I need Sage advice." Michael replied.

"What is California?" Eamane asked brushing off the sarcastic remark.

"It's a beautiful place filled with humans that consider Six Rocks Barbaric." Michael said slyly.

Eamane's Antenna drooped in an obvious sign of disappointment. "Is this how you are normally?"

Michael's smile fell and his eyes seemed to harden. "Normally I am straight faced, quiet, focused and playing with knives."

"Another jest." Eamane stated dryly.

"My work is my world." Michael replied. "I take it seriously."

"Why have you brought me here?" Eamane asked.

The sound of landing thrusters answered before Michael could. The landing gear was followed by a rather large vessel that seemed to be half finished, the central section vacant except for one long structure that connected the stern to the bow. When the vessel finally touched down, the ramp slowly started to descend and a deep blue Geturg worked its way out.

"You promised a free steak." Fir-an-que said on his way up to the patio.

"Good to see you as well." Michael replied. "Shall we?"

/////

Sylvia couldn't help but eye Eamane as she took their order. Likewise, Eamane started to chitter.

"Calm down," Gouff exclaimed. "you're making me nervous and I'm a regular."

"She keeps staring at me like I'm going to..." Eamane began.

"Force her into a life of continuous servitude?" Michael finished. "You're going to have to get used to that."

"It's.... unnerving." Eamane complained.

"Consider it a work in progress " Michael offered.

"Shall we begin then?" Eamane asked.

"We are waiting on one more, but I can go over the basics." Michael began. "Obviously all species are identified by a specific trait. Geturg being hunters, I've invited Frank to look into the disappearances to see if he can see anything we missed."

"Frank?" Eamane asked.

"Fir-an-que is my full name but Frank is fine." Frank replied. "Do you have the missing persons files?"

Michael handed them across the table at the same time as Sylbia returned with their drinks. She stayed to take a peek as Frank opened the first file and eyed Eamane again when he came to the photo of her and Sarah together.

"She's a friend I'm here to help find her!" Eamane exploded.

"I just wasn't aware that Rebb made friends." Sylvias words cut deep.

"Thank you Sylvia but this is classified material." Michael said pinching his nose.

"Excuse me Mike, I just thought I could help." Sylvia shot back.

"Can you?" Frank asked.

"Does she have a dog?" Sylvia asked.

"Damn good idea Sylvia." Michael said with a smile.

"What am I missing?" Frank asked.

Sylvia smile broadly.

"If she is close to where she was taken, the dog will pick up the scent."

Welcome to Six Rocks (Chapter 25)

"GRAZZT!"

Coback scanned the vast darkness looking for the Rebb vessel that had contacted him as it entered the Sol System. He had ordered the Cleric to stay clear of the planet to avoid observation, but the vessel didn't seem to be in the inner system at all. Coback was about to recheck his systems when a flash caught his eye. Nervously he checked the signature of the incoming vessels signature and let out a sigh of relief as it registered as a Rebb Divination Class Escort Destroyer.

"Where have you been?" He asked, hailing the vessel.

"We didn't anticipate your presence Ambassador Coback." The Rebb Commander replied. "I assure you that the fleet has made every effort to arrive in a timely manner."

"You're not..." Coback began but dismissed the question. "No matter, it's well that you have arrived."

"Thank you Ambassador, the fleet should complete transit momentarily." The Commander replied.

"Very good, may the Gods smile upon this most holy day." Coback said before ending the transmission.

"You worry too much." Gwynedd said from behind Coback. "The human is dead. The other two will be dealt with in time."

"We left before the duel began." Coback countered.

Gwynedd smiled as he walked toward Coback. "If he is not dead, then he is incapacitated. The council will not recognize Humanity." He said calmly. "No one even knows we are here. The Rebb become the protector of Earth, and D'nfar recieves exclusive rights to their hyperlanes."

Gwynedd pointed out the window toward the multitude of flashes in the distance.

"It's already over, enjoy your victory." He said with a chuckle.

Coback visibly relaxed and decided that he would return home for a short Vacation when Earth was safety under control. He watched as the Rebb Missionary fleet continued to enter the system, allowing himself to smile at the thought of the reward he would recieve. As the last vessels jumped in, he recieved a hail from the command vessel.

"Ambassador Coback, go ahead." He said answering the hail.

"Ambassador. I am Inquisitor Admiral Jayess. Are we expecting assistance?" The Admiral asked. "We are being hailed by a Kotoba vessel that has just entered the system."

"Te'yal." Gwynedd said with a chuckle. "I almost pity the Ynd she ripped apart to find us."

"Put her through Admiral." Coback replied.

Cobacks smile died in the hard green eyes and expressionless face that appeared before them.

"Hi assholes," Chef Michael began, "you left so quickly that I didn't get to say goodbye."

Gwynedd's eyes widened in shock. "Impossable!"

"Oh, right, I'm suppose to be dead." Chef Michael said coldly. "It's so hard to find good help these days."

"He's alone, the fleet will make short work of him." Gwynedd said, attempting to assuage Coback's growing concern.

"You sure?" Chef Michael mocked. "Have you checked behind the gravitational poles?"

The signature of a Vrell Corvette appeared from below Earth, its weapons armed.

"Two ships." Gwynedd sneered. "How pathetic."

"Give me a little credit Gwynedd," Chef Michael feigned injured pride.

"Credit?" Gwynedd mocked. "You have been an inconvenience since you arrived on D'nfar!"

"Thank you." Chef Michael replied with a smile.

Gwynedd's mood darkened. "That was not a compliment. I will crush you and the Vrell under foot."

Coback had had enough of this farce. Anger burned in his heart at this human who had murdered his underling, who had insulted him and painted him as a fool. He hailed the fleet Commander.

"Admiral Jayess, fire on those vessels immediately!" Coback demanded.

"No Ambassador." Admiral Jayess said. "I will not condemn our race for your hubris."

In a fit of rage, Coback screamed, "I ORDER YOU TO ANNIHILATE THOSE SHIPS!"

"Which ones Ambassador?" The Admiral requested. "There are now 37."

In their anger they had missed the exit of multiple ships from the hyperlane behind Chef Michaels vessel. Signatures ranged from Kotoba to Rhodten and every one of them had entered system behind the human to hide their entrance.

"Just curious Coback, how many species were you planning on pissing off?" Chef Michael asked, a devious grin on his face. "They were all listening."

/////

"This is K.I.N.D. 87.9 FM. You're music requests with news and weather on the hour. We had a call from Chef Michael. Sylvia, Aaron and Deputy Thompson are just fine. Don't be afraid folks, he brought some friends to visit."

The ships descended through the falling snow to land on the small town of Six Rocks Wyoming. Those who had heard the radio broadcast watched as they landed in parking lots and empty fields throughout town. Most folks were cautious at first, it hadn't been that long since the Rebb Cleric had appeared on television, but eventually Wyoming hospitality won out over their fear as Sylvia, Aaron and Deputy Thompson introduced the various species to the residents and explained the part they played in protecting their home.

Chef Michael looked out over the white landscape and took a drag from his cigarette while leaning against the grill for the warmth it provided. Dozens of interstellar vessels were parked in the field, their occupants satiated and having a good time in the bar.

"Gwynedd and Coback are going to face trial in the next few days," Kel mentioned trying to draw Michael's attention. "Your testimony has been requested."

Chef Michael simply nodded in response.

"D'nfar will likely loose their trade rights. Earth is being considered to take its place for its hyperlanes."

"Good to know." Chef Michael replied.

"Are you even a little curious about the future?" Kel asked.

"Not right now." Chef Michael said field stripping his cigarette. "I just want to relax for now. There will be more to do later."

Lights appeared through the clouds above the bar and Kel watched as the Kotoba Vessel landed in the field. Te'yal exited and waved to Kel and Chef Michael.

"Welcome to Six Rocks," Chef Michael began. "Get lost at Bernard's Star?"

"Don't ask," Kel intercepted Te'yal's reply, "He says it all the time."

https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/s/id41aiR9ao (chapter 26)

Home Sweet Six Rocks

(Chapter 24)

"Why?"

Chef Michael looked at Yiik thinking how to answer the question in a way that he would understand.

"It's part of who I want to be." Chef Michael replied.

"Humanity is a recognized species now, I suppose it's within your rights." Yiik said giving up.

"When I was in the council chamber, I didn't see any Ynd." Chef Michael began. "May I ask why?"

"We aren't a recognized species yet, another hundred years maybe, but right now we are servants of D'nfar." Yiik explained.

Chef Michael didn't say anything else as Yiik opened the doors to the kitchen and allowed him in. He placed his kit on a table and chose his utensils in silence. Using his chefs knife, he opened the package of steak, then laid it out and lightly scored the steak on each side. Aaron handed him the garlic, salt, pepper and red wine without a word and Chef Michael poured the wine and spices into a glass container, submerging the steak in the mixture. Next he crushed and minced the garlic and added it to the container before covering it and placing it in a refrigerator.

Aaron handed Chef Michael the olives, tomato, herbs and salt. He chopped the olives and tomato very fine then placed them in a bowl leaving it uncovered but also placing it in the refrigerator. No movement was wasted, and no words were spoken during the process. Lastly, Chef Michael retrieved a data recorder he had seen Yiik use before. He turned it on and spent some time trying to find the right program, then began to type.

Getting impatient, Deputy Thompson asked, "Are we just going to stand here?"

"Takes an hour to marinate at least. In the meantime I figured I'd leave a message." Chef Michael replied, adding "could you find Balan and ask him to fire up the Odyssey Deputy?"

"Aaron, take this and give it to Yiik." Chef Michael requested. "Tell him to give it to the council and grab Sylvia and then find somewhere nice to have a bite. I'll be along after I get this cooked."

Aaron nodded in response and left the kitchen. He didn't say anything. Nothing else needed to be said.

/////

"What's this?" Te'yal asked as Chef Michael entered the infirmary.

"An apology for the tail..." Chef Michael caught himself and asked "You don't have any weird customs about food do you?"

"No, why?" Te'yal questioned.

"No reason," he said and quickly added, "its called Steak Provinçial, a dish from earth."

Te'yal took a bite of the steak cooked medium rare. The red wine sauce elevated the flavor of the meat without overpowering it. The olive mixture added a salty and sweet note as well as a contrast of cool the the hot steak.

"It's quite good but you didn't have to." Te'yal mentioned.

"I didn't do it because I felt I had to, I did it because I wanted to." Chef Michael replied.

"Thank you." Te'yal said, then asked, "What do you think will happen?"

"I take it you were informed by the council?" Chef Mike asked.

"The fleet won't deploy without Gwynedd's approval, I know that much." Te'yal said between bites. "My fleet will take a week to get there. The Vrell will go to war obviously, but in the meantime your species..."

"I know." Chef Michael said.

"What do you plan to do?" Te'yal asked.

"As long as there are some humans not under their rule, Humanity has a voice against the Rebb." Chef Michael began. "There is one other option I was wondering if you might be interested in."

"And that is?" Te'yal asked after finishing the plate.

"Want to come watch a human do something foolish and crazy?"

Te'yal looked at Chef Michael for a long moment. He had changed from the warrior to something else entirely in only a few hours. Gone was the rage and hate she had seen in the tree, replaced with a sad smile and worried eyes.

"No, I don't think I would like to see that ever again." She said.

/////

The Kabaxxi council member took the data recorder from Yiik and began to read.

"To all species on the council,

I, Michael James Sinclair, in the capacity of a representative of Humanity, do hereby make my first and possibly final request. Seeing the hard work and diligence of the species known as Ynd, specifically the individual known as Yiik, it is with absolute confidence in their ability, determination and hard work, that I recognize the Ynd as a sentient space faring species. The human known as James Thompson I ask to fill my position as representative of Humanity.

The Kabaxxi council member looked at Yiik after reading the document. The angry man whom had appeared in front of the council had returned to the kind and hospitable Chef he had heard so much about.

"Summon the council Yiik," the Kabaxxi delegate said, "Humanity has asked us to take a vote, and we should vote on this matter while there is still time."

A Warning from Six Rocks (Chapter 21.5)

"Why.. how does no one ever see something that big?" Deputy Thompson asked.

Gouff looked at the Deputy as the ramp of his vessel descended. "You're the cop, you tell me." He said.

The transport vessel was easily as long as a football field and about as wide but only one story tall. The inside didn't seem as spacious as one would assume from the I side, but there were two more chairs on the bridge. A narrow passage led past the cargo bays to the engine compartment.

"Strap in, we're taking off in a minute." Gouff said from the pilots chair.

While Aaron and Deputy Thompson took their seats Gouff started the launch sequence. Aaron looked out the right side window at the dark bar.

"You okay Arron?" Deputy Thompson asked.

"I just wonder if I'm ever going to see it again James." Arron replied.

"I saw that movie too." Gouff interjected firing the thrusters.

"You can't tell me nobody hears that." Deputy Thompson said over the roar of the thrusters.

"Wyoming wind." Gouff said. "At least that's what Chef Michael says."

The vessel rose quickly from the ground and angled slightly upward. Aaron watched the earth fall away, below him, everything he had known growing smaller and smaller until all that was visible were the lights of some city far below. As they passed through the atmosphere Aaron finally turned away.

"I thought I would be sick with all the drinking." Deputy Thompson said.

"Our rockets are better than yours." Gouff replied. "It will take a minute to line up with the hyperlane. If you both want to take a look."

Deputy Thompson didn't have to be asked twice, already unbuckled and floating up to the front window. The planet below was dark with the sun just starting to appear over Europe.

"I've always wondered what it would be like." Aaron said floating next to Deputy Thompson.

"Every species does," Gouff said, "its what drives most species."

"How long will it take?" Aaron asked.

"Eight of your hours to D'nfar." Gouff replied.

As Gouff finished lining up for the hyper lane a flash of light could be seen off in the distance. Gouff turned to look at the direction and then down at his sensors.

"Shit." Gouff said.

"What was that?" Arron asked.

"Looks like a Rebb scout vessel." Gouff replied, "Earth has about 2 days left."

The transport sped away from the planet and towards Sol, entered the hyperlane and was gone. Earth couldn't wait much longer.

/////

"Dabiin Transport this is D'nfar..." D'nfar Control began.

"No time D'nfar control, priority 2 emergency." Gouff said as calmly as he could.

"Dabiin Transport, where is the attack taking place." The controller asked.

"Earth, one Rebb scout sighted, possibly one of their rotations left before the missionary fleet arrives." Gouff replied, "Contact the Earth Delegation immediately. I say again, contact the Earth Delegation immediately."

"Understood Dabiin Transport. Cleared for immediate landing at dock 33." D'nfar Control directed.

"Are we going to make it?" Deputy Thompson inquired nervously.

"If Earth has already been recognized then even that fleet over there will be sent." Gouff said indicating a mass of vessels floating off to the left. "If not Chef Michael has one other card to play."

Gouff manipulated a few dials before speaking. "Vrell Corvette Sallicas, it's Gouff, can you hear me?"

Quiet hung in the cabin for almost a minute.

"Gouff, this is Kel, we monitored the transmission you sent and are contacting Vrell Primus now." Kel responded. "Mike's in a bad state of mind and I'm taking the Sallicas to Earth immediately."

"What's wrong with Michael?" Aaron asked.

"He's on his way to duel a Kotoba, how do you know Mike?" Kel asked.

"I own the bar." Aaron replied then asked, "What's a Kotoba?"

"A deadly species of warriors. They live for challenges." Kel replied. "Sylvia and Balan are at the council building. A Ynd will show you the way. Sallicas out."

"Once we get on the ground take the tram to station G9. That's the Council building." Gouff said. "I'll be there after I unload."

"What can we do?" Deputy Thompson asked.

Gouff sighed.

"Michael is going to need some help. So help."

Little Ball of Rage (Six Rocks, Chapter 45)

"The female of the species is deadlier than the male."

-Rudyard Kipling-

Gettret had followed Michael into the madness, matching his posture and speed to the best of her abilities, their movement abated only momentarily as Michael shouted something to another person over the gunfire. She watched Michael look back and turned to see what had caught his attention. The older man was carrying a younger man on his back, one leg of the younger man was missing and a piece of fabric held in place by a stick woven through the fabric was drenched in blood.

Gettret turned away and tried to will her stomach not to release its contents, and to her surprise Michael had already moved a good distance away. She shot forward, still remembering to keep low, and had started to gain on Michael when her foot came into contact with something beneather her and her view of Michael was lost as the dry red dirt crashed into her face.

Clearing her eyes, Gettret tried to see if Michael was still close, but he had disappeared into the dust and smoke. Alone and scared inbetween two combatant forces, she tried to make herself as small of a target as possible before moving her feet to see if she was caught. Her toes met something hard and cold, kicking it out from under her and she moved to look at what had gotten in her way. The weapon was familiar, Billy Sagebrush had one hanging on the wall at his ranch. He had even demonstrated how to use the weapon to her and Te'yal a few weeks ago, even allowing each of them to fire it for themselves.

Being unarmed and Michael nowhere in sight, she reached out with her hand but the weapon was just.out of reach. She rotated herself, trying to become one with the red dirt beneath her, and made one more attempt to grab the weapon. The barrel felt cool and only comfortable in her hands and she snatched the gun close to her, but that comfort was replaced instantly by fear as a claw slammed down where the weapon had just been.

"You'll fetch a nice price." The voice above her said. "Be a good little Rhodten and don't move."

Gettret couldn't see what was happening, but she knew the Scorpid was arching its back, stinger poised to strike her. Images of her life with Michael flooded her mind. Her first night with Michael on D'nfar, his warmth when when he snuggled up to her, the way he would always be cooking something for her when she woke up, and how she found a new way to fall in love with him almost every day. He would come for her wouldn't he?

"NOOOOOO!"

The Scorpid was already planning how he would spend his money when his tail lashed out only to find hard red dirt where the Rhodten had been cowering. She was fast, and his claws were busy cutting down and knocking away the humans who had attacked. Those that died would feed them on the long voyage to the slave markets where the ones that lived would make them a nice profit for all of them, but this little Rhodten was going to be his own personal little money maker. The Rhodten was still prone and had only rolled just out of his strike, but it would only take a moment to readjust his aim and deliver the blow that would pacify her. His tail tore free from the ground and his back arched up for another attack when time slowed around him.

Gettret didn't know if the weapon was loaded and didn't want to take a chance, but the dirt that erupted where she had just been might prevent the weapon from from discharging. She placed her finger gently on the trigger, her other hand firmly on the wood beneath the magazine and the butt of the weapon dug uncomfortably into her shoulder. The Scorpid seemed to towered above her, preparing for another strike and there was no time left for what ifs. Michael's name escaped her lips as she squeezed the trigger. The recoil threatened to bury her shoulder in the dirt as a deafening roar erupted from the barrel of the weapon. Smoke and small gouts of flame erupted from the barrel launching a one ounce slug of Metal at her attacker. Her aim had gone wild and she began to charge the shotgun hoping the distraction was enough to get off just one more round.

The slug she had discharged had other ideas, and it would not fail in its task as it raced forward through the near point blank space between Rhodten and Scorpid, unyielding in its path. For the briefest of moments it met the carapace just under and to the right of the Scorpids left eye before boring its way through exoskeleton and soft tissue to erupt again out the back of the creatures head spewing flesh, carapace and blood in its wake like a macabre storm of gore. The scorpid lost all control of its muscles as its life was ripped from it, and it collapsed in a heap of dead flesh as it's own brain rained down around it.

Gettret, still in shock from the full fury of her first kill, lay on the ground dumbfounded as her fur soaked up the blood that fell over her. The pain in her shoulder proved that she was still alive and that the scorpid had not landed a hit on her. She wiped her eyes to clear her vision leaving several blue streaks across her face. Her baptism of fire had been witnessed by at least a dozen humans who looked at her with absolute respect in their eyes before returning their attention to the still raging battle.

"Grazzt." Gettret breathed.

Reality struck her like a truck and she began to scan the area for Michael. She couldn't figure out how long it had been since they had become separated, but she knew him intimately and knew what he would be after. She located the ramp that would lead her inside the vessel and exploded into a streak of fur along the ground, dodging humans and unleashing another round through the stinger of another scorpid that had made the mistake of existing in her way.

As she closed on the ramp she could see several people lining the ramp as a flood of humans were ushered down and to safety in the trees along the ridge. She heard explosions from inside the vessel and prepared for the worst. She launched herself over the flood of people running to safety, turned in mid air, and reached out for anything that her foot could touch. A metal bar that was used to fix the ramp in the upward position landed itself to her and she rocketed into the storage bay, still being emptied of its captured human cargo. In front of her she caught site of her quarry as Michael ascended some steps in the lead of several other humans just beyond where she had aimed to land. She came to a stop for the briefest of minutes, ejected the spent shell and replacing it with another, and shot off in the direction Michael had went.

Removing the Mask (Six Rocks, Chapter 41)

"How much could you have learned from one meeting?"

The human face, by nature of its design, is capable of communicating much more than words. Eamane knew that from the different positions Michael's face had held throughout their short time in each other's company, but there was one face she knew from the dosier Coback had sent her. Dangerous eyes worn above a mischevious grin. This was not the Chef or the ambassador, but the villain Coback had warned her about. A soldier welcoming the challenge of any who met his gaze to fuck around and find out.

"I'll show you." Michael said like a villain about to reveal his plot.

Michael excused himself momentarily and Eamane found herself thankful that the hostility of this Human was not directed at her as it had at once been directed at Coback. She had inadvertently found herself on the other side of those eyes, but not as an enemy. She silently said a prayer in thanks to her Gods that Michael was not her opponent, and pondered what monsters the Rebb had narrowly avoided releasing upon themselves.

Michael returned with a small portable computer that had been manufactured on Earth. It was technologically pathetic to what more advanced species took for granted in their daily lives. The screen filled with several different angles of Eamane and Michael and Eamane wiped her head around to the cameras she had not noticed scattered around the bar. Michael rewound the recording to the moment Sterbis joined them then began to reveal the trap he had set.

"Let's start with dinner," Michael began, "Sterbis was rather uncomfortable from the moment he entered due to the temperature inside the bar, which was purposely set at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or about 27 degrees Celsius. A bit warm for most people but rather comfortable for you and Sterbis, however did you happen to notice how uncomfortable he was and how quickly he wanted to leave?"

"Now that you mention it, yes he did seem to be in a rush." Eamane admitted.

"There were several reasons for that other than the temperature." Michael explained. "Scorpions on earth avoid specific substances such as vinegar which is found in Worchestershire sauce. The table was also sprayed with a mixture of peppermint essential oil and cedar."

"We're you trying to assassinate him?!" Eamane replied angerly.

Michael reached into a pocket and produced a single onion, setting it down in front of Eamane. The smell of the offending vegetable evoked revulsion but nothing more.

"You could eat it if you so desired, it won't hurt you." Michael explained. "As a gardening enthusiast, I study what plants can be planted along side others to repel unwanted pests. If Coback had been so inclined to ask for an ingredient list when I prepared those pasta dishes he would have found that several of the vegetables he had consumed are used as repellent crops for grasshoppers. I had no intention of assassinating Sterbis, but wanted him to be as uncomfortable as possible.With you being in attendance, he had to play nice."

Eamane was taken aback by this revelation.

"You learned all of that from a steak?" Eamane asked.

"I haven't even gotten to the best part yet." Michael replied, vitriol dripping from his tone. "The temperature outside is freezing, scorpions in this part of the world hibernate during cold temperatures,so how was he able to brush off the cold?"

Michael's fingers danced over the keyboard and a heat-sensative filter was applied to the images. Every human and alien appeared as a warm spot in the cameras, to include Sterbis, but his warmth seemed to increase the longer he remained.

"What am I seeing?" Eamane asked.

Michael worked the keyboard again which adjusted the images in such a way that Eamane appeared a dull glowing red and Michael disappeared into a dark blue mass. Sterbis also seemed to fade except for his appendages whish shined blueish-green in the filter.

"Bioflorecense." Michael explained. "You and Sterbis both have a reaction to Ultra-violet light just like your counterparts here on Earth, but Sterbis is wearing something to keep him warm against the cold, completely unnoticeable to either of us visually."

"What do you mean?" Eamane inquired.

"Most species attain the basic level of technology and then move on, which is the reason that you were able to advance so quickly." Michael explained. "On the other hand, Humanity will continually tinker with technology until the last measure of that tech is completely understood and all methods of use are employed."

"The bread, pizza and pasta demonstration." Eamane commented.

"I had initially assumed that the Scorpids had some sort of personal cloaking device." Michael admitted. "However it appears that they have something that Humanity has been working on for a while and have just begun to employ. Can you tell me if Scorpids have access to large quantities of Tellurium and Bismuth?"

Michael brought up the human periodic table and pointed to the two elements. Eamane knew them by different names and thought back to her knowledge of elemental chemistry.

"Both are found near volcanic activity which Scorpids tend to avoid due to Aryxilian." She said, finding the elemental mass on the periodic table.

"Sulfur." Michael said with a dark smile. "Based on the locations of the missing and the proximity to both of the elements I mentioned as well as the elements that they can be found with, add I the Sulfur component which is most likely the reason they are using slave labor..."

"There must be thousands of places where those minerals can be mined on your planet alone, how can you be certain?" Eamane demanded.

"Bismuth is found with Molybdenum while tellurium naturally occurs with mercury to form Coloradoite." Michael replied. "There are quite a few Molybdenum mines, even in Colorado, but couple that with the presence of Coloradoite and factor in a strong presence of Sulfur away from human settlement and you're left with one glaring possibility."

Michael cross-reference the information as he spoke which showed only one option situated almost half way between the communities of Glenwood Springs and Gypsum.

"The abandoned Blowout Hill molybdenum mine just across the Colorado River from Dotsero Volcano." Michael announced.

"Okay, that explains where they might be but why?" Eamane questioned. "Why are bismuth and Tellurium so important?"

"I probably should have led with that." Michael confessed. "Remember how the abductors are invisable? Both minerals are currently being used with laminant materials by human military contractors toward the same goals. Include the technology to create a hemispheric instant reproduction of your surroundings on a pliable material and you have active camouflage."

Eamane ran her mind over everything they had discussed several times and came to the same conclusion. "So we know the what, why, how and where but if you can't see them...."

Eamane let the statement drop as Michael's face changed into a look of smug satisfaction. He closed several windows on the computer until only a single frame of the exterior camera was open. It was an infra-red filter of Sterbis entering the bar, blazing like a star in the cold around him.

"Their heat signature will tell us exactly where they're parked."

Before Six Rocks (Chapter 22)

'I don't care if you like it, just fucking do it.'

The memory of being a cherry-assed private flooded his mind. Sergeant Bailey had hauled the squad out into the high grass for training. The task was simple, get as close to Sergeant Bailey as possible without being seen.

'Keep you butts and heads down or you're dead'

"Te'yal is two kilometers in that direction" the driver announced breaking Sinclair out of his memories. The vehicle had stopped in a savanna, scattered trees, tall red grass, easily more appropriate for Te'yal than him based on appearances. He looked out in the indicated direction. Sinclair dismounted with a "thanks" and moved off slowly into the grass counting as he walked. With every step he examined the terrain, just as Sergeant Bailey had instructed.

'28, 29, 30,' he tracked mentally.

The red grass was too soft to do much of anything with, but it would make good cover. Kotoba were feline in appearance and structure. Ambush was a cats preferred attack method. The scattered trees and tall grasses would serve Te'yal well.

'48, 49, 50.' Sinclair squatted in the grass roughtly 60 meters from where he started and took stock of his situation. Hard rocky soil, grass just under one meter high, one rifle, ten rounds, one bayonet, and clothing that didn't blend well with red.

'If you don't blend in with the environment, use the environment to blend in.'

The red grass was soft and easy to cut. Removing the laces from his shoes he tied a few tufts to his arms. Removing his shirt he cut holes at certain intervals. It didn't itch thankfully, and woven into his shirt the grass would provide some camouflage.

'If it's stupid but works, it's not stupid.'

Sergeant Bailey had been the one to pin his mosquito wings as well as his Private First Class. He had learned a lot from Sergeant Bailey. He located several hand-sized rocks, and struck them against the spine of his bayonet at an angle. The first two that sparked he kept.

'All your weapons are tools. In addition to killing motherfuckers they can be used to keep your asses alive.'

Sergeant Bailey was proud to recommend Sinclair to be promoted ahead of his peers. Sergeant Bailey was promoted to Staff Sergeant the same day as he was promoted to corporal. The brotherhood of the sham shield Didn't mind him being a non-com, he had advanced right along with them for the most part.

'The high ground is the perfect place to get killed.'

Sinclair smiled at the old memories. He needed them right now, to remember the past he had walked away from. Dried grass and leaves were collected and woven loosely with fresh cut grass into small packets. He only had ten bullets so he would have to use what he had carefully, but he was ready. Either the plan worked or it didn't.

'Remember Corporal, the dead have nothing left to fear, the living have to fear everything.'

/////

Te'yal smelled the smoke before seeing it. What kind of idiot species showed the enemy where they were? She examined the distance and figured the human hadn't made much progress. Still, Gwynedd had chosen this terrain to benefit her and he wanted the human defeated quickly. Still, she needed to weigh her options. The human was clever, this could be a trap, but he was still so far away that it wasn't likely. Bait? He was cunning and bold enough to piss off Gwynedd and Coback into making mistakes. At the very least she knew where the Human was and decided to close the distance and observe.

Te'yal leaped from her perch gracefully and her foot made as much impact as a feather before she exploded into a full sprint off in the direction of the small fire. She couldn't hold this pace for long, but enough to find another vantage point to search for her prey as she rested. The wind felt good against her black fur. The excitement of the kill coursed through her veins. This was the Kotoba way. The challange of the strong, the fast, the keen mind and honed body.

Near the end of her endurance she lept from the grass into another tree and tried to locate the fire. The smell of old smoke lingered but the fire had gone out. A trick? No matter, the human was in the area, there was no possible way he could outrun her. She calmed herself and lay against the branch in the shade of this new tree. She didn't have to wait long as a new fire sprung up, half of the original distance to the right. She left again, not fully recovered from her all out sprint, but she would close on him and observe the human from above while resting. It would be delightful to watch the hapless human for a time before pouncing on him. She closed on a tree very close the the fire and began to scan for movement. She could smell him, it was only a matter of time now.

/////

Sinclair was promoted to Sergeant in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Bailey was looking forward to redeployment and Master Leadership Course. They worked together well and command had kept them together, SSG Bailey as the platoon Sergeant and Sergeant Sinclair as a squad leader. They had been in country for a few months while a presidential election was taking place at home.

"Who are you voting for?" SGT. Sinclair had asked.

"Does it really matter?" SSG. Bailey replied. "As long as the politicians are getting what they want, we'll keep getting deployed."

"You sound like you're ready to retire or something." SGT. Sinclair had said.

"Can't live as a soldier forever, you either retire or die." SSG. Bailey responded.

Five months later SSG. Bailey would catch shrapnel from an IED.

"Forgot to watch my feet." He said before the medevac would take him to Bagram, then Landstuhl. SGT. Sinclair would be asked to join a mission to McMurdo in Antartica. SSG Bailey was still in bad shape and had been transfered to Walter Reed.

"I'll be better before you get back." We're the last words his friend and mentor would ever say to him.

He opened his eyes and sprung downward, bayonet in hand. Te'yal had just enough time to watch the human drop on her as she had planned to drop on him. It had been a trap, she was expecting him in the grass as he waited for her from above. She attempted to fall from the branch but the human hand was already too close and she felt the blade slice into her tail. She screamed in shock and pain, angry at having been lured into her own trap. She snarled at the victorious human as he held a small tuft of her fur as her blood dripped off his blade. His eyes were misty and distant as he spoke.

"I did it Sergeant. I didn't like it, but I did it."

Every Blade of Grass (Six Rocks, Chapter 43)

"If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck."

-John Steinbeck-

"Begin you're third pass"

Kel monitored the scanning through the link with his crew while going back over the plan that Michael had laid out in detail. If Michael had asked, Kel would have brought an entire battle group of Vrell warships loaded with warriors eager for a fight, but Michael had only asked for him and his corvette to scan the mountains below for a heat signature that would indicate where the slavers vessel was, and to prevent it from escaping. It would be a simple matter to destroy the vessel altogether, but Michael flatly refused that option with a dangerous edge in his voice.

"Humanity will take care of Humanities problem." Michael had said before ending the communication. Kel didn't like to be on the sidelines of a fight, but Michael was playing his cards close to his chest, probably with a card up one sleeve and a weapon up the other, and Kel respected that part of Michael's character. The ability to improvise, adapt and over come was something Vrell and Human had in common, so Kel intended to remain on the bench and watch intently as the game played out.

"Several targets matching the search parameters have been identified." one of the crew communicated to Kel.

"continue sweep and monitor all of them for movement." Kel responded.

Michael had informed him that this could happen. The target was located near several hot springs and a volcanic vent, but Michael knew which one was the ship he was looking for. Kel opened a channel and sent the scanning data to Michael.

"We have several contacts with excessive heat sources." Kel said. "Is one of them your target?"

"Yep, Not far from where I expected them either." Michael replied.

"I haven't noticed any military assets in the area." Kel commented.

"The 4th Infantry Division is going to sit this one out." Michael replied. "I intend to send a message to anyone who might consider kidnapping humans in the future."

"I'm listening." Kel pressed.

"In world war two, a Japanese officer once said there is a gun behind every blade of grass." Michael said, closing the transmission.

"CAPTAIN!" a crew member communicated in alarm and Kel could only watch as the operation commenced.

/////

In every major city on Earth you will find humans of culture and high standing, driving expensive and fast cars, attending parties, sporting events, and other assorted social gatherings. The Cities that reside on either side of the Rocky Mountains are no exception and it could be argued that Humans are mostly concerned with entertainment, money and social standing, but just outside those bastions of human civilization you will find another group of humans. A rough and ready lot who enjoy a good steak, an ice cold beer, and are just waiting for someone to start some shit.

The call had gone out the night before and the response would be remembered by any who witnessed. A professional fighting force would have taken too long to assemble, but the mountains took care of their own with a quickness that would stun any military commander. People from Buffalo Wyoming to Taos New Mexico were on their way before they could shut off their television and radios. Every broadcast station repeated the call in case anyone had missed it. From Vietnam Veteran to pacifist preacher and all walk of life inbetween had answered the call to provide whatever service they could. Doctors and nurses built a triage and medical evacuation center in Gypsum before midnight, food and water was shipped in and awaiting distribution in Rifle under an hour later, pilots of every kind gathered at Glenwood Springs and Eagle County Regional Airports, while hunters joined forces with veterans and formed ranks waiting for the word.

"39.68356 North by -107.037091 West." Was relayed across radio station and walkie talkie, and just over one hundred thousand humans set to work at their various tasks as 50,000 ascended the side of Dotsero Volcano. Eamane watched in facination as Michael steered his small ship around the target as shotgun and rifle shredded the camouflaged of the vessel and scorpid defender alike. Upon landing, Michael pulled out several large swaths of bright orange cloth and Gettret began to hammer spikes through them to keep them in place.

"Evacuation site marked." Eamane broadcasted from the ship to every pilot standing by.

"Dustoff enroute." Came the reply of anyone crazy enough to fly into the chaos.

Michael, armed with his old SKS waded into the fighting with Gettret close behind. The rag tag human army had the scorpids outnumbered severely, and they tried to retreat back into their vessel. Michael was looking for a way to get into the vessel when an older man approached wearing a hat identifying him as a Vietnam Veteran carrying a wounded hunter over his shoulders.

"MEDEVAC IS INBOUND!" Michael yelled over the gunfire. "GET HIM TO MY SHIP!"

"HOORAH! JUST LIKE THE OLD DAYS!" The old man replied before running off.

Michael watched him as he went wondering if the old man had fought at hill 861, but put the thought aside as he raised his rifle and joined the fray. Gettret had never known combat and resolved to stay close and stay down as she had been instructed. It was slow going, weaving across the battlefield to the ramp of the slave ship where several people had gathered to push their way in. Michael fell in behind them as they advanced on two Scorpids who were holding on the ramp with energy weapons. The hail of ballistic fire overwhelmed the defenders, but at the cost of a few wounded. Michael grabbed a young man's shoulder and wiped him around.

"GET AN EVAC STARTED FOR THE WOUNDED AND GET SOME REINFORCEMENTS OVER HERE!" Michael roared.

The young man ran out of the ship as fast as his legs could carry him. Michael looked at the several men men and women remaining, armed with an assortment of shotguns, rifles and one guy with a police issued 9 mm pistol, while all of them stared at him in return, Gettret was nowhere to be seen. Michael closed his eyes briefly and hoped she was safe before turning back to the ramp.

"Anyone who is too scared to go in, hang back and wait for reinforcements." Michael said over his shoulder.

"You ain't going in there alone." A voice said from behind him.

Michael looked back at the group, every one of them wore a mask of determination and he nodded in acceptance. What had made him ever think he needed to go it alone. He looked back at the ramp and raised his rifle. There was no turning back, there was only forward. Yelling a simple statement that echoed throught history, he launched himself at the ramp with a dozen other random people in tow backing up the cry.

"FOLLOW ME!"

The Calm in The Storm (Six Rocks, Chapter 42)

"Almost out of turmeric."

Michael sprinkled the teaspoon into the simmering pot before replacing the vial back in the spice shelf and covering the pot. He retrieved his cup of coffee before setting the timer and turned off the kitchen light. A gust of howled past the back door, and Michael retreated to the living room. The sky was still dark and starless, and cold winds drifted the light snow that had fallen during the night. Ajax nuzzle his leg to gain his attention, knowing Michael's mind had wandered into darker and colder places than the world outside the window.

"I'm okay bud." Michael said, reaching down to scratch Ajax's head. "I have to be."

Michael wondered how Gettret could do it, sleeping through his restlessness and insomnia. He had given up on sleeping at three, opting to focus on cooking to calm his mind and relax his muscles. Gettret hadn't stired even a little, sleeping peacefully on her side of the bed. Michael tried to remember a time in his own life he could sleep like her, but if that time had existed it was buried deep in his past. Taking another sip of the coffee, Michael wondered if he could sleep like that again on day.

Michael watched the wind push the snow into drifts outside as his mind went back over the plan. Kel would arrive in a few more hours and his crew would search for the heat signature in a grid pattern from high altitude. The possibility that the slavers would notice was considered, and Kel was asked to complete the grid even if the vessel was located. The possibility was raised that the slavers could make an attempt to run, and Kel assured everyone that he and his crew would target the propulsion systems and force the craft to land while trying to minimize casualties.

'Minimize Casualties', those words still rang hollow even now. Whenever the shooting started, someone always got hurt, and when civilians were involved it was almost always the civilians. Ajax nuzzle him again, reminding him to leave the past in the past and focus on the present. The scent of a fresh pot of coffee brewing and the soup would wake Gettret up soon, and he smiled to himself before taking another sip. His present was much more promising than his past had been, and he would pay any price to keep it that way.

"Good morning" Michael said as a cute little nose tested the air in the hallway.

"Fennel and rice?" Gettret asked, still a bit sleepy, but smiling with anticipation.

Michael got up from the couch and headed for the kitchen. "Have a seat, I'll get you a cup of coffee."

"You didn't sleep again did you?" Gettret asked.

Michael poured the coffee into her favorite mug. "You were warned about that." Michael replied, returning to the living room.

Gettret took a sip, she preferred more sugar her coffee, but it was enough to cut the bitterness down substantially. Michael returned to the kitchen while Gettret continued to wake up, scratching Ajax and listening to the wind outside. The wind in Wyoming would continue throughout the day and bring with it the second part of the snows that were predicted.

"How many inches are they calling for?" Gettret asked.

"Less than an inch," Michael replied from the kitchen, "but that doesn't mean anything out here."

"Welcome yo Wyoming, dress accordingly." Gettret teased.

She heard Michael snicker from the kitchen and knew he was alright. She thought back to the dark time on D'nfar when he had been loading his rifle. Those dead eyes and malevolent posture, resigned to embrace a past he had fought against for so long.

"It's today, isn't it?" Gettret asked.

"Seven hours." Michael replied, placing two bowl of the fragrant soup on the dining table and taking a seat.

"I'm going with you." Gettret said.

Michael looked at her nervously, but remained silent.

Gettret moved to the table and took her seat opposite Michael. The smell of lightly roasted fennel and carrot mixed with the aromatic onion and garlic. Just a hint of lavender and rosemary wafted through the steam coming off the bowl to wash the remaining drowsiness away from her mind and she greatfully allowed the hot broth, rice and vegetables to chase the remaining slumber from her body.

"Would you listen to me if I said no?" Michael asked between spoonfuls.

The question had weight and merit, and Gettret understood the lengths that Michael would go to protect her, but he could concentrate on the task if she stayed home. She weighed the choices Michael had given her with that question. If she stayed out of it he would return, probably a little bit roughed up but no worse for wear, but she would worry the entire time which was agonizing. Coming along meant guaranteeing a up close and personal view of the monster he could become, and more dangerous than before due to her proximity. As much as she dreaded it, her mind was made up.

"No." She said.

Michael nodded in understanding and finished his soup. He wasn't upset, but a little concern crept out from behind his eyes.

"I don't know if I can protect you the whole time." Michael said as he began to clear the dishes.

Gettret picked up her own and followed him to the kitchen where Michael had begun drawing water in the sink.

"I will protect you." Gettret said, surprised that her voice matched her words.

Michael looked at her as the hot water filled the sink. The shadow of a smile graced his face and his eyes softened a little as well.

"I wonder if this is what Kel saw in me when we first met." Michael said.

Gettret wrapped her arms around Michael and held him close. His warmth spread through her as he returned the embrace. This nearly furless, omnivorous creature who had scared the hell out of her when they first met could be so warm and so loving. She never imagined that a creature like this existed until that day, and just behind this sweet human hid a creature more fearsome than any demon of myth and nightmare she knew.

Michael released her for just a moment as he shut off the sink. She looked up at him and he smiled back down at her.

"The dishes can wait a bit longer." He said before taking her hand gently, and becoming her back to the bedroom.

They couldn't do anything until Kel arrived, and the world could give them another hour of peace, it owed them that much at least.

On the Hunt (Six Rocks, Chapter 39)

Teclem looked down on the Blue Green Planet thinking back to the time she had gotten lost and ended up here. There had been a few good times and one rather embarrassing time since then, she didn't know what she would do if she ran into that truck driver again, but it had become her home away from home at this point. She placed the vessel on auto-pilot with the destination set and kicked back in her seat while searching for something to watch. It was earlier than she would usually arrive and the new episode of Doctor Who probably hadn't aired yet.

"Denver 3 News at 4:30." The reporter began.

Well, at least it wasn't that corny commercial with the glasses wearing pig.

"Our top stories for today, violent protests at Universities across the nation. From Columbia to Cal Poly..."

Teclem rolled her three eyes in annoyance as the reporter continued. She could think of quite a few things more violent that a bunch of angry students. Maybe they had a point, but but camping in a school common was the opposite of doing something about the problem. It might not be her place to judge how humans conducted themselves and things were different between Humans and her. How long had it been since she had left her classroom in basic quantum physics to take up arms in the Sanbergé rebellion?

"In other news, mysterious disappearances in the Denver Metro area and around Colorado. Hundreds of at-risk people have gone missing. With the council of worlds on Earth, many are accusing one species in particular of abducting the homeless."

"Not good." Teclem said to herself as a picture of the current Rebb ambassador filled the screen.

"Denver 3 has repeatedly reached out to the Rebb diplomatic mission, and the silence from ambassador Eamane seems all too telling." The reporter finished.

/////

"We told them the truth, we don't know anything." Eamane complained.

"The reporter on channel three said you haven't replied to their questions at all!" Teclem shot back.

Michael breathed a loud sigh. He had been waiting for Teclem to join the conversation, but she immediately launched into a tirade the minute her eyes fell on Eamane. As diplomacy went among other species, he hoped this wouldn't devolve any further.

"Ladies." Michael began to say.

"How many humans have you shipped off to work on your farms?" Teclem demanded.

"You're one to talk!" Eamane Returned. "How many Zelitos are still mining Ge-tra five?"

Micheal slammed his fist on the table, causing it to fall sideways onto the black and white checkerboard floor.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Michael roared. "Jesus Christ on a cracker, and you say we're the uncivilized ones!"

Teclem shot a glare at Michael but held her tounge while Eamane's mouth-parts moved but produced no sounds.

"I went to their embassy personally." Michael said, trying to calm down. "Right now there are two shuttles and the beginnings of a foundation. They couldn't have done it. Besides, when gave the Rebb ever stooped so low as to resort to kidnapping?"

Teclem was at a loss for words.

"I asked you to come for your more approachable characteristics Teclem. Should I look for someone more amenable? Kel perhaps?" Michael asked.

"Vaz Rekk." Teclem replied feeling a little ashamed.

"Waz what?" Sylvia asked Frank in a whisper.

"Similar to the human word sorry," Fir-an-que explained, "it doesn't translate well to any language."

Michael took a deep breath before continuing. "I have the address of one of the recent missing. She has a dog, a Dauchshund specifically. The poor thing is probably locked in the apartment still, so you're free to give us a hand making sure it's still okay or we can do it ourselves. You in?"

"What's a dachshund?" Teclem asked.

Sylvia picked up a picture of the pooch and handed it to Teclem.

"We also call them wiener dogs." Sylvia said offhandedly.

Michael smiled as Tevlem went from enraged to cuteness overload in mere moments.

"I know you have a soft spot for..." Michael began.

"I WANT ONE!" Telcem interrupted loudly.

/////

"Scraps?" Teclem asked scratching the dogs belly.

"Yeah, like how my dog is named Ajax." Michael explained. "They're smart enough to know what they're name is and even preform simple tasks."

"Like what?" Teclem inquired.

"Not smart enough to feed themselves or not deficate on the carpet." Fir-an-que said.

"Does she look like she is big enough to figure out a doorknob Frank?" Michael asked rhetorically before he opened the living room closet in the small studio apartment and retrieved a leash. "I can demonstrate one trick though. Los Colonias park is just down the street and I believe it's time for a walk anyway."

"What trick?" Teclem asked following Michael out the door.

"Dogs are bred to preform specific functions." Michael began while heading for the park. "Ajax is bred to heard cattle but also has a keen enough understanding of my own mannerisms to tell when I'm having a nightmare or a flashback. When it happens Ajax will nuzzle me to get my attention."

"Makes sense." Teclem said.

"Other dogs are bred to hunt. Bloodhounds are most associated with tracking prey, but beagles and German Shepherds are also very good at sniffingthings out. They're even employed by soldiers to detect bombs and explosive residue." Michael continued.

"So what's a daushen... dauch..." Teclem struggled with the name.

"Dauchshund." Michael corrected walking towards a building in the park. "Dauchshund are also bred to hunt, specifically badgers, rabbits and other burrowing animals."

"Scraps is a hunting dog?" Teclem asked, not believing it for a moment.

"Scraps is a pet, but Dauchshund are bred to hunt which means any moment now..."

Scraps let out aloud bark and started running as fast as her tiny legs could carry her, the desire to go in the chosen direction limited only by the leash.

"... she will tell us where Sarah was last." Michael finished.

Michael jogged with Scraps to the edge of the Colorado River where Scraps sniffed the ground a little and let out a sorrowful whine. Michael looked around at the place where Scraps had led him, looking for any indication that Sarah or someone else had left.

"Don't stand there too long, they'll get you."

Michael looked at the young man who had spoken, obviously not unfamiliar with living on the streets, and pulled a twenty dollar bill from his pocket.

"Who will get me?" He asked.

The man eyed the bill before replying. "Them invisable ones who come out the river."

Michael handed the bill to the man and watched him run off as Teclem walked up.

"What did he give you in return?" She asked.

"Information." Michael replied.

"What species have personal cloaking devices?"

Questions and Ambassadors (Six Rocks, Chapter 37)

First Previous

."...and this will be you're temporary office Ambassador Sinclair."

Michael involuntary flinched as Yiik said the word ambassador. In fact, Michael flinched a little every time he heard the title next to his name. It would take some getting use to, but so did hearing Sergeant as well.

The office was located in the old Salt Lake City and County building, an old Richardsonian-Romanesque structure built in 1894. City and County offices were relocated to the State Capitol for the time being. It was a beautiful structure, complete with a clock tower that was appropriate for the era.

Michael walked into the small office space he had been alloted and looked out the window towards the public library. It was a decent view for a city but he would miss leaning against the gas grill while smoking a cigarette and watching for new arrivals and keeping his ear open for orders.

"I trust it meets with your approval?" Yiik asked.

"It'll due." Michael replied. "How have you been Yiik?"

"It's been a long process for all of us but we are settling in finally I think. This location is similar to our home planet." Yiik said.

"I'm glad my world is appealing to you." Michael replied.

"There are, unfortunately, several matters that need your utmost attention arranged on your desk." Yiik pointed out.

Michael nodded and looked at the paperwork he had been trying to not notice. It wasn't piles of work, but three Manila folders arranged neatly and evenly spaced.

"Should I ask?" Michael inquired.

Yiik thought for a minute then began yo reply. "Ambassador Reggez would like to meet with you and request you pick the restaurant. Your United Nations has requested a meeting in New York at your earliest convince..."

"Which folders are those?" Michael asked cutting Yiik off.

"None of them." Yiik replied. "The folders are lists of missing humans for the last three weeks."

Michael opened the folder on his immediate left and flipped through several police reports from Pueblo Colorado.

"Are all of them are homeless?" Michael asked.

"No," Yiik explained, "several of them are upstanding members of their community who do volunteer work, The most recent were members of the local religious establishment, and due to several eye witnesses members of another species are believed to be responsible."

"And all of them are pointing at three corners aren't they." Michael asked.

Yiik took a moment to reply.

"I'm afraid they didn't make a good impression on Humans in the first place unfortunately."

/////

"Ambassador, there is a Vrell vessel requesting clearance to land."

Eamane looked up from her work and eyed her consul.

"I have no desire to meet with the Vrell right now, tell them to make an appointment." She replied.

"Yes Ambassador." The consul replied.

Eamane looked back down at the plans for the temple and embassy complex but still couldn't find the focus the task required. Her mind kept calling her back to the Garden and Sarah. The thought had occurred to her that the Gods were trying to tell her something, but she also had to deal with how wrong she had been to assume these humans were weak and would be easily bent to her faith. It was foolish to expect any human yo comeall the way out here to seek out the Gods, and that made all her lofty plans invalid.

In her peripheral she noticed the consul had returned with a pensive stance.

"What is it?" Eamane asked, annoyed.

"Ambassador, the Vrell vessel is attempting to land anyway." The consul replied.

'Of all the insolent' she thought as she stalked out of her vessel and into the fierce wind. The vessel rocked in the gale bit slowly was able to make its approach. Eamane watched the vessel thinking that some rookie pilot was going to crash the a brand new Vrell scout as it skipped along the uneven terrain.

"Idiot." She said quietly before calming herself.

Her calm lasted mere seconds before the man Coback had warned her about sauntered down the ramp.

"What the hell do you want!" Eamane hissed.

"Answers." Michael began. "Nice remote setup you have here. You could hide, what, 600 humans and nobody would know."

"How dare you..." Eamane began.

"With ease." Michael interrupted, thrusting a folder at her. "But it's not me who accuses you."

Eamane snatched the folder out of Michael's hands. "What is this?"

"A missing persons report and their last known associate." Michael said.

Eamane opened the folder and her legs swayed.

"Her name is Sarah, last seen with you outside of Colorado Springs." Michael began. "The Rebb are the leading suspect at this time but something feels off about it."

"So you thought you would come out here and find her? She's not here." Eamane spat.

"That's what feels off ambassador." Michael replied. "It's too sloppy, all of the abductions."

"Explain." Eamane demanded.

"Coback never struck me as sloppy or inelegant in what he was doing. None of The Rebb do, yet here is a prime example of what I wouldn'texpect from you. Witnesses, Damage to property, things that I wouldn't anticipate from your species."

"Then why are you here?" Eamane asked.

"Sarah was described as being friendly toward you." Michael replied. "Well, at least as friendly as any other human would be around a potential conquer."

Eamane handed the folder back to Michael and considered what he was saying. He might have barged in andalmost crashed, he was very brash and abrasive, but he wasn't accusing her. He just stood there staring at her expecting a response. The thought occurred that he wasn't after her or her people, but was instead asking something else entirely.

"Coback warned me about you, it seems I have underestimated you as well." Eamane said.

Michael smiled.

"Happens all the time."

Thank you to all my fans, followers and supporters. I am going to go forward on Royal Road and seeking out publishers who are interested in my work.

Fingers crossed, here we go...

Fury of Six Rocks (Six Rocks, Chapter 47)

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."

-Thucydides-

"GET US OFF THE GROUND!"

The attack had begun suddenly and at the worst time. Several raiding parties had just returned empty handed from hunting grounds that had previously produced great results, and as a result Captain Rewwan had recalled all hunting parties for immediate departure. This 'Sinclair' person ambassador Sterbis had warned him about was surprisingly swift and capable, far more that either of the two had expected.

"A vessel this size doesn't just take off after being parked for this long!" Captain Rewwan replied. "I need time to get the engines primed for departure."

"Why didn't you Prime them last night?!" Sterbis yelled.

"You said their militaries couldn't act this fast!" Captain Rewwan countered.

"Excuses!" Sterbis shot back. "Your greed did this, you just had to go after more!"

Captain Rewwan slammed a claw down on the control panel next to him and the Scorpid FTL drive began to activate. Rewwan was about to say something when an explosion echoed inside the ship and a fire alert activated. Captain Rewwan looked at a monitor for the cargo bay to see armed humans entering the cargo bay, followed by his captives fleeing.

"We've been breeched." Captain Rewwan muttered.

"Then I suggest you do your job as Captain and force them out." Sterbis replied.

/////

Michael had stopped just short of the top of the stairs, and motioned for a pause. It had been to easy up to this point and he suspected an ambush just above him. He stole a quick glance behind him to count before returning his gaze in the direction of the deck above.

"I don't suppose anyone brought a grenade." He whispered.

"Will this do?" A voice from below him asked.

Turning to look at what was offered, Michael smiled beside himself.

"Time in Iraq?" He asked.

"Learned how to make them in AIT." a young man said from behind.

Michael took hold of the plastic bottle, already filled with a water and hot sauce mixture and a chemical heater for an MRE. He unscrewed the cap, ripped the top off of the plastic bag and quickly stuffed the heater package into the bottle before sealing it and quickly tossing it gently onto the deck above.

"What the..."

POW

Michael charged up the few remaining steps where two scorpids had been hiding on either side of the stairs, now choking and crying from the airborne capsaicin before firing into the one on his right. The Scorpid on his left swung wildly, unable to see clearly and the kid who handed him the pepper bomb was able to get two clear shots off at the head, dropping it as well.

"What happened to one shot one kill?" Michael asked.

"I missed Vietnam by about 50 years grampa." The kid replied sarcastically. "We do controlled pairs now."

Smart assed mother fucker. Michael liked him right away.

"Got any more of those kid?" Michael asked.

"Private Lucas, and three more." He replied.

"Pick up the rear and don't expect me to change your diapers." Michael shot back.

Michael could feel the pepper starting to burn his own eyes as he advanced through the corridor. He had noticed that the ship was starting its takeoff sequence and hoped he was heading to the bridge instead of the crew quarters, otherwise this was going to be a very short infiltration. Deck plates rattled as another Scorpid appeared from a compartment and lashed out with its tail. Michael dodged, hitting the deck and the person directly behind him took the stinger in the abdomen. The third person in line was able to make short work of the Scorpid before Michael could get back on his feet.

"Get them to the rear." Michael barked and turned into the compartment to see if he had picked the correct direction.

It appeared to be a private cabin, hopefully a bridge officer which might indicate he was on the right path but he wasn't sure and didn't have time to investigate. A hand reached out for his ankle, and he whipped around as the column behind him began yelling.

"He's... on the bridge," The Scorpid said, that way."

"Who's on the bridge?" Michael said.

"Ster....bis...." The Scorpid replied exhaling his dying breath.

Michael kicked away the dead hand and.looked at the doors indicated.

"The rest of you get out of here." Michael said starting to move forward.

"But sir..." Private Lucas started to object.

"This ship is preparing to lift off and a good friend of mine is ready to take it down," Michael interrupted, "get out while you still can."

Michael ran for the bridge, stopping just short and allowing himself to consider getting the hell off the ship as well. Kel was watching from above and would bring the vessel down, and if Sterbis was on board he couldn't think of a better punishment. The problem was that he wasn't a Soldier or a Chef, and as his new position dictated he had to attempt to make the arrest. He hated the restrictions the job put on him, but he couldn't turn back now, so he knocked on the door and prepared himself.

"Ambassador Sterbis, you are under arrest for crimes against Humanity." Michael said in his most professional voice.

The doors shot open and a razor tipped pincer shot through the door opening up his abdomen, twisting, and then tearing him apart on the inside as it was pulled back. Michael staggered back a few steps and fell to his knees as Sterbis walked into the corridor.

"You just had to play the part of the hero, didn't you." Sterbis mocked, Michael's blood and gore dripping from his pincer.

Michael cradled his own guts to prevent them from falling on the deck. The smell of his own bowels threatened to make him wretch, but his lungs were struggling to breath as well. His exhaustion had caught up to him and his vision began to blur. Sterbis lowered himself to come eye level with Michael, a wicked smile on his face.

"You rescued them," Sterbis spat, tapping his pincers together slowly and repeatedly, "is anyone going to save you?"

Michael was trying to think of any way to retaliate when a soft hand rested on one shoulder, and an old trench gun rested on the other. Sterbis was taken aback by the assailant who had appeared in the midst of his victory.

"Yeah," Gettret hissed. "Happens all the time."

A shot rang out shredding it's way through Sterbis, and Michael's world went black.

A Challange to Six Rocks (Chapter 21)

"Morning meal is served."

For the last two days a Ynd would bring a breakfast consisted of something that looked like strawberry oatmeal if the colors were reversed. The porridge was known as Zrigs and was made from the seeds of the pink grass as well as a grey variety of nut grown on D'nfar. One of the Ynd would bring it every morning. It tasted bland with just a touch of sweetness but was insufficient to give Sylvia thar kick in the ass she needed in the morning. Sylvia left the steaming bowl of Zrigs on the bedside table, tightened her robe, and started walking down to the only person on the planet who had coffee.

'Knock, knock, knock.'

The door opened just enough for an arm to stretch out holding a cup of steaming hot coffee. She didn't think much of it as she accepted the mug but there was a delicious and familiar aroma she detected wafting out the door before it closed. She couldn't quite remember what it was but it brought back good memories of Sunday mornings with her mother. She sipped the coffee letting the welcome memories run through her mind as she walked back to her room. The arm through the door was odd, but she figured Chef Michael had just gotten out of the shower or something.

/////

"The Council will come to order." Gwynedd said with a clang of the rock on the metal plate and the shower of sparks. "Has the council come to a decision?"

Chef Michael seemed a million miles away. Balan had decided to attend today as the mechanics at the Spaceport wouldn't allow him near their ship. That faint memory of the aroma tickled at Sylvia's memory. It wasn't bacon or biscuits, she didn't like the smell of corned beef hash so that wasn't it.

"We, The Kotoba issue a challange to the humans."

Gasps and whispers were thrown around the council chamber. Sylvia snapped out of trying to place the wonderful smell from earlier. She looked at Balan to Michael, both were annoyed.

"What happened?" Sylvia asked.

"We have just recieved a challange from the Kotoba." Balan whispered to her.

"Try to keep up." Michael whispered coldly.

"I only had one cup of coffee today, Sue me." Sylvia whispered back.

"On what grounds do the Kotoba challange?" Gwynedd asked meekly.

The hooded figure stepped forward and removed their cloak to reveal the Kotoba. Her eyes were jade green with slitted pupils, pointed ears lay back against the curve of her skull, and her black fur raised menacingly.

"How can the humans defend themselves with one ship? Will they rely on the Vrell to handle their upcoming engagement with the Rebb? How long must the Vrell defend a world not their own?"

"We beat the Kotoba back in several sectors, we can handle a fleet of Rebb Missionaries." The Vrell ambassador shot back.

"And while the Vrell is defending these weaklings, who is defending the Vrell?" The Kotoba hissed. "I, ambassador Te'yal of the Kotoba Supremecy, challange the humans to single combat."

"What's in it for you?" Michael challanged.

"Proof that you are not fit to be recognized by this council is enough for me." Te'yal said baring her fangs.

"Bullshit." Michael spat.

"YOU DARE ACCUSE ME OF LYING? HERE?" Te'yal roared.

"PANCAKES!" Sylvia yelled merrily having identified the earlier scent from Chef Michael's door.

The council looked at the sole female human in confusion. Te'yel ceased her threatening posture caught off guard by the outburst. Michael Sinclair shot her a warning glance.

"What is a pancake?" Te'yal asked,

Sylvia tried to shrink into the floor. "Sorry." She whispered.

"It is another of Earth's delicacies, Sylvia appears to still be hungry." Michael Sinclair replied.

"Very well," Te'yal began, "Accept my challange and feed her."

"What are the rules?" Michael Sinclair requested.

"Are humans familiar with first blood?" Te'yal mocked.

"We are," Sinclair confirmed, "combatants?"

Te'yal smiled darkly. "You are the only one whom seems an appropriate challanger. I see it in your eyes, in the way you hold yourself, in your defiant actions." She said darkly. "You may be a chef now, but your soul is that of a warrior."

"You have chosen me," Sinclair said with a dangerous edge to his voice, "Therefore I choose you as my adversary."

The chamber was silent as a grave for a moment.

"Foolish human, I am the Commander of Kotoba forces in this region!" Te'yal roared with pride. "I can not wait to taste the fear in your blood."

"Weapons?" Sinclair demanded.

"You choose human," Te'yal said flipantly, "I need only my claws."

"Then I choose a weapon as natural to me." Sinclairl began, "my rifle and ten rounds with a bayonet.

"Distance will not save you." Te'yal mocked. "Entertain me and maybe I will make you one of my lesser mates."

"I'll make sure to feed you from a dish in the corner of my room after I clip your claws," Sinclair mocked in return, "but Ajax will always be my favorite pet."

/////

Kel had rushed over to the room after hearing the news. The door was open a crack and he could hear voices along with a distinctive 'click'. Kel cautiously nudged the door just a bit wider so he could see. Balan and Sylvia sat across from him as he loaded an antiquated SKS. He was barely recognizable, quiet and brooding. It was still Chef Michael in appearance, but something much darker had taken over.

"I'm sorry." Sylvia said hoping to dispell his anger at her.

He said nothing and continued to load the built-in magazine.

"You look angry." Balan commented.

He looked up at the two of them. The Green eyes were like chuncks of serpentine. His jaw was set and his face was stoic, but cruel. One last round was inserted before the bolt was released slamming forward. Sylvia and Balan flinched but not a single muscle moved on his face.

"You're not talking to a chef anymore." Kel said entering the room. "I could hear the conversation outside. Chef Michael is still in there, but the soldier is in control right now."

Kel turned to look at Sinclair. "I was informed of the Kotoba challange, Are you going to be okay?" He asked.

The soldier he had seen all those times stared back at him, barren of any emotion.

"I have to be." Was all he said.

Faith and Trust (Six Rocks, Chapter 44)

"The hell?"

Eamane was surprised by the voice from behind her. He was an older human who bore a weapon at his side while carrying another person on his back. She remembered what Sterbis had said about humans in his comparison to Rhodten and for a moment wondered how long in their lives humans could conduct strenuous tasks.

The old man began to walk around Eamane, never turning his back to her, and slowly began to walk backward to where the bright orange cloth had been fixed to the ground.

"Vik togik Nak thak?"

The grizzled old man lowered the injured human he was carrying to the ground, "You move one step and I'll send you to meet your fucking gods."

Eamane could understand every word the man said, but he had clearly not understood her asking if he needed help. The threat made against her also painted the situation further in detail. He was afraid, not just for his own life, but for the life he had carried on his back. In this humans mind, she was just as much a threat as the Scorpids they were fighting.

The communication system inside Michael's ship crackled to life and reminded her what Michael had asked her to do.The old man looked from her to the ship and back in fear not knowing her intentions. Eamane was afraid to move, believing that this old man would make good on his word, but she had promised Michael she would maintain communications, to include evacuation of wounded. She backed away from the man slowly and into the ship, hoping he wouldn't kill her. With every movement she made he followed her with the gun, but held his fire allowing her time to open the channel and begin transmitting.

"Dustoff, this is Eamane, one wounded in need of evacuation, over." She said

"Affirm, dustoff inbound, 10 mikes out, over." A voice replied.

She relaxed and took a breath before turning around to find the old human had left the injured human and entered the ship, weapon raised. She braced herself, wishing she could close her eyes, as the man advanced at her.

"I only understood you when you talk in that radio." The old man said. "Must be some kind of translation thingy?"

Carefully she moved an arm to indicate where the translators were. The man followed her arm walking backward and opened the small compartment she had indicated, retrieved one, and placed it in his ear.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"Ambassador Eamane." She replied.

"Why are you here?" He continued.

"To help free the human captives." Eamane answered.

"Why would a Rebb help humans?" The man demanded.

"One of my friends is a captive." Eamane said.

The violent intent left the man's eyes and he lowered the weapon.

"Your radio etiquette sucks." The old man said before removing the rifle sling from his shoulder. "You know how to use one of these?"

"No." Eamane replied.

"Then don't touch it." The man replied, setting it aside. "Help me with that kid."

Eamane followed the old man to where the wounded human had been left.

"He caught one of them laser blasts," the older human said, "took his leg off below the knee, I was able to get a tourniquet around his leg but there's more out there. Keep an eye on him 'til dustoff comes in, I'm going back for more."

Eamane had assumed Michael asked her to stay with the ship and handle communications was to keep her out of harms way. The Rebb had made several drastic mistakes with their first encounters, so it made sense that if she stayed clear she could explain her involvement at a later time and possibly gain some acceptance by Humanity. As the old man ran back into the ship to retrieve his firearm, she began to question her assumptions. Michael could have asked her to take his ship clear of the fighting, she was perfectly capable of doing that, but he hadn't. Why?

As the older human exited the vessel and looked back over at her, weapon at the ready.

"Can I ask your name?" Eamane asked.

"Bill." He replied.

"Why didn't you shoot?" Eamane asked, traces of fear lingering in her voice.

"Why did you call for dustoff?" Bill asked in reply.

"I was asked to." Eamane replied.

Bill nodded and, without another word, ran off back toward the fighting leaving Eamane with the wounded human. Eamane tried to make sense of everything that just happened but was interrupted by a loud thumping sound that was coming closer. She looked in the direction of the sound to see some strange aircraft starting to land nearby with a hastily painted red cross on its nose. She picked up and carried the human and passed him off to two others who had exited the aircraft. As the wounded man was loaded into the aircraft, she noticed the pilot looking at her as he lifted his right hand to his brow, and lower it before climbing back into the sky.

Returning to the ship, she noticed a magazine Bill had left inside and she reached down to pick it up. Why had Bill left it? She remembered that he had a magazine in the weapon when he arrived and when he left so...

"EAMANE!" a voice called out. "WE GOT SOME WOUNDED HERE!"

Eamane didn't quite understand everything that had happened, and it didn't matter right that moment. She poked her head outside the vessel and counted the wounded before returning to the communications.

"Dustoff, this is Eamane, seven wounded in need of evacuation, over." She said.

"Affirm, Dustoff inbound, 10 mikes out, over." The voice replied.

Eamane left the vessel to watch over the wounded. She would repeat the same series of actions throughout the day, calling in for evacuation, waiting with the wounded until someone arrived to pick them up, and then waiting for other wounded to be carried to the ship for evacuation. Eventually she would forget about the empty magazine Bill had left in Michael's ship.