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  “Go get the elder,” Bounder ordered in the Wolfoid tongue.

  One of the younger Wolfoids took off running.

  Bounder and Strider crouched to allow the ‘cats to touch their people. ‘Cats had the gift of empathy. They could share someone’s pain, reducing it and helping the person to heal.

  But the children would be fine. It was Brandt they were most concerned about.

  ‘Can you help him?’ Strider asked the ‘cats. Klytus and Shauna bumped heads with the great King, taking care to avoid his horns as he spasmed and thrashed.

  Soon, that stopped. ‘Tesh wiped away her final tears. The elder, White Mountain, was warmly welcomed. She immediately checked Brandt’s ankle. She shook her head and pointed.

  “I know what we need to do, but it will be hard and painful for the Aurochs.”

  From her pouch, she withdrew a short length of rope and a generous handful of numbweed. She wrapped the rope around the broken ankle and handed the other end to three Wolfoids. She told them to be ready to pull. They took up the slack.

  She moved the Aurochs’ head, drawing his eyes to her. ‘We’re going to get that ankle fixed up right quick. Thank goodness you broke it higher on your leg. Here is some numbweed to chew.’

  He took it without replying as he struggled with the pain. He lay still and closed his eyes as the ‘cats helped calm him. The elder nodded to the three. They yanked hard. The bones slipped past each other as they strained the ligaments. The King bugled his agony once again. The Wolfoids let go and the bones settled into place.

  Brandt’s head dropped to the ground with the relief. The elder wiped away the numbweed that Brandt had spit on her and handed the King another handful. He chewed it slowly.

  ‘Thank you,’ he told her in an uncharacteristically soft voice.

  Everyone watched the King as his breathing slowed. They found relief as his pain lessened.

  ‘He has taken the first step in his healing,’ Bounder reassured the twins. ‘What brings you out here?’

  Ax took the lead. “Mom and Dad are going back up there. They wanted to know if you would like to go.”

  ‘Up there? The spaceship?’

  Ax and ‘Tesh both nodded, but kept their attention on Brandt. The elder looked skeptically at the King’s hoof, ankle, and leg. “Six weeks, he needs to stay off that leg before he can even think about moving about. And then probably another four to six weeks of standing, but not putting any weight on it,” the elder yipped and barked.

  Bounder shared the instructions over the mindlink.

  Brandt was in no position to argue.

  ‘We can stay here and babysit Brandt as he recovers, or we can leave him in your hands, with White Mountain watching over you all,’ Strider wondered.

  ‘Go on,’ White mountain encouraged. ‘I can handle three pups.’

  ‘Three?’ Strider asked.

  ‘This one will be the worst of the bunch as soon as he starts feeling better. These two will be easy.’ White Mountain pointed at the twins with a graying hand. ‘I’m sure they’ll be a great deal of help.’

  ‘See you when we get back,’ Bounder stated.

  ‘You go with them,’ Brandt’s voice thundered, already strong.

  ‘No,’ Ax replied, putting his hands on his hips. ‘Tesh mirrored his pose.

  ‘Your parents said to do as I tell you,’ Brandt countered.

  ‘That was before. Things have changed. Bounder said it was okay and we need to help. It’s our fault that you are hurt.’

  ‘It’s not your fault. Why do you think that?’

  ‘Because if we hadn’t come, you wouldn’t have stepped in that hole.’

  ‘Sometimes, accidents happen, little ones. It’s no one’s fault. I would be honored if you stay with me, but you don’t have to. How about that as a compromise?’

  Ax and ‘Tesh thought for less than a breath before ‘Tesh replied aloud. “It’s a deal. We’ll stay here and help White Mountain, while Bounder and Gray Strider help Mom and Dad. No one has to be alone.”

  ‘Wise words from one so young.’

  “We were taught by the best.”

  Bounder and Strider hugged the children before getting final directions from White Mountain. The King of the Aurochs was far too big to move, so the Wolfoids needed to build a shelter around him. Bounder ordered that it be done.

  He and Strider had to prepare. The other Wolfoids had their daily work. The twins and the ‘cats waited with the elder.

  “And someone bring me my chair!” White Mountain called after the alpha and his mate.

  The Gathering

  Jocelyn had relayed the message to the Hawkoid standing on the roof of the governor’s mansion. They bowed to each other and the great bird launched itself into the air and flew away.

  ‘Don’t worry about them. They’ve been there before. My father will keep them safe,’ Treetis said over the mindlink.

  “I want to go,” Jocelyn replied.

  ‘That’s what I said about the undersea city. That’s where I got this.’ Treetis turned to show the scar that covered one side of his body.

  She’d seen it before. She’d heard the story, too. It didn’t change her desire to experience it for herself. Her daughter was growing, and Jocelyn felt like she needed more from her mother. Jocelyn had been made governor through the power wielded by others, as her dead husband had before her.

  Jocelyn decided.

  ‘You should think more about this,’ Treetis remarked as he bolted after her.

  “Get my horse!” she yelled once inside. Jocelyn found her daughter, working with her nanny and tutor. “I have to go, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”

  “Where do you have to go?” the young girl asked.

  Jocelyn pointed at the sky. “Up there.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Neither do I, but it’s calling me. I hope that one day we’ll both be able to understand, and that it will make a difference in our lives and those we influence.”

  “Don’t we already do that?” the girl asked.

  “I want no limits on what humans can do. Braden and Micah are trying to making that happen. I believe they can do it, but the answer is up there.”

  “Take me!”

  “I can’t. The unknown is dangerous, even if it’s only in our minds, until we’re sure that it is. I will go with our friends. You stay here with Annabelle and our Aurochs friends.”

  A small Hillcat lazily raised her head from her spot in the sun until she dropped back to sleep. Leah smiled at the ‘cat.

  “I guess we’ll be fine, but you must tell me all about it when you return. Leave out no details!”

  “I will,” Jocelyn promised.

  She grabbed a small travel bag and ran to the horse waiting out front. She thanked the handler as a scruffy orange cat vaulted into her lap. “What are you doing?”

  ‘You have to ask that?’ Treetis replied.

  “Fine.” With a gentle nudge, the horse trotted from the square until the street widened, and then the mare pounded her way from the city. “I hope we get there in time. We have two days to cover five days of travel.”

  ‘The race is on. Wake me when we get there.’

  ***

  Skirill and Zyena soared over the grasslands abutting the Bittner Mountains. Rodents abounded, making for an invigorating chase followed by a quick meal. Zyena was bigger and faster. Skirill was more agile. Between the two of them, their prey was doomed.

  They honed in on a ground squirrel, a better target for Skirill. Zyena flew high and circled. Skirill put the sun behind him as he arrowed toward the unsuspecting creature.

  Skirill hit the squirrel hard, killing it instantly before the Hawkoid flapped his wings to get back into the air. He glided a short ways away and landed. Zyena landed next to him and they ripped their meal in half. It was gone in a single swallow.

  “Thank you, my love,” Zyena said in the Hawkoid tongue. Skirill looked to the sky, enjoying its r
adiance.

  “I know happiness, and thanks to our friends, I also know the price that we are willing to pay for the peace we enjoy.”

  “A long journey that took you from being an outcast to your triumphant return and reign as the King of the Hawkoids.”

  “Am I different?” Skirill asked.

  “Yes and no,” Zyena replied. “You are more confident, but as kind as you’ve always been. You are a better version of you.”

  “I’ll take it.” Skirill bobbed his head.

  A Hawkoid scream sounded in the distance. A summons for the king. Skirill and Zyena both leapt and pounded the air with their wings to gain altitude. Skirill replied to the call, drawing the incoming Hawkoid to him.

  “I am relaying a message from Braden and Micah. They are returning to the Traveler and want to know if you would like to join them. The otter car will meet you at the last lake.”

  “Otter car?” Zyena asked.

  “Hovercar, I expect,” Skirill replied.

  “Can we go?” Zyena asked, instantly excited about returning to her former home.

  “You don’t have to ask. Of course, we’ll go if you want,” Skirill replied.

  “Take the message back to Jocelyn that we will go.”

  The Hawkoid acknowledged Skirill’s answer by repeating it back before flying away toward Jefferson City.

  “Shall we?” Skirill asked.

  “To the lake!” Zyena cried as she turned south.

  “Not yet. Let’s tell the others that we’ll be gone for a while.”

  “That’s right, you’re the king, and you have to tell your minions where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone.”

  “I could send my queen to do it for me,” Skirill quipped. Zyena bounced off him as she turned toward the mountains.

  “Oops,” she said unapologetically.

  “We’re going back to space.”

  “Just to visit. My home is here now.”

  “My home is where you are,” Skirill screeched into the air.

  ***

  ‘Where is everyone?’ Bounder asked as he and Strider stood in the clearing by the lake.

  Zeeka opened her eyes. ‘Rabbits are in the field. Everyone else is out doing stuff,’ she replied noncommittally. ‘Wait. Where are Brandt and the children?’

  ‘Funny story,’ Bounder started.

  Strider nipped at him. ‘Brandt was injured when he stepped in a hole. He will be in Livestel for quite some time as he heals. The children and their ‘cats have chosen to remain with him. White Mountain is looking after the bunch.’

  ‘I should let Braden and Micah know.’ Zeeka jumped from the branch and flew away.

  ‘But where is everyone else?’ Bounder asked.

  A scruffy orange Hillcat appeared from under a bush and stretched. ‘They are gathering the army to lead against the vast darkness of space,’ G-War intoned before turning serious. ‘You said something happened to Brandt? How are the humans and my children?’

  ‘Brandt broke his leg. The children of Braden and Micah are scraped and bruised, but in good spirits. Your offspring are uninjured.’

  G-War looked smug as he strutted past, tail held high. A white ‘cat appeared from the brush. She blinked at the sunlight. ‘What did I miss?’

  ‘Bounder and Gray Strider are joining the party.’ G-War kept walking.

  ‘Great to see you,’ Fea said, nodding politely to the Wolfoids.

  G-War stopped, walked up to the now-sitting Wolfoids, and glared at them.

  ‘What?’ Bounder asked.

  ‘We’re going back to the Traveler. You were mean to me when we first met.’

  ‘That was like fifty dog-years ago!’

  ‘Hillcats never forget.’

  ‘Wolfoids forgive and forget. If I remembered, I would think that you were not the most pleasant of creatures, either.’

  G-War looked to Fea, then to Bounder. ‘I can’t believe that.’

  Fea rubbed her body against G’s. ‘I am glad to have met you, Bounder and Strider. I will be glad to have experienced travelers with us on board the ship.’

  ‘You have to walk sideways up there. I didn’t like it.’

  ‘It took a while relearning how to walk once we got to Vii,’ Strider admitted. ‘It’s so much easier down here.’

  G-War turned and kicked sand on Bounder. The Wolfoid used his lightning spear to trip the ‘cat, sending him face-first into the sand. G-War turned and launched himself at the Wolfoid. Bounder stumbled back and the two went into the lake.

  They spluttered and splashed as they worked their way out of the water.

  ‘Serves you both right,’ Fea said. Strider nodded in agreement.

  ‘Great. Now we have to smell wet Wolfoid,’ G-War complained.

  Bounder started to laugh. ‘Come, my little friend. Let us kill a deer and celebrate as hunters should.’

  G-War ran toward the brush and Bounder tossed his spear to Strider before following.

  ‘Do you know what Bounder said about your mate when they first met?’ Strider asked.

  Fea wet her paw and started grooming her face. ‘I’m sure it wasn’t anything to hold a grudge over.’

  ‘Not in the least. He said, “it’s harmless.”’

  ‘My little love monster, mostly harmless. I think that describes him perfectly. Of course, he’d take offense at that.’

  ***

  Braden and Micah worked their way through the trees that defined the southern boundary of Vii’s Amazon Rainforest. The numbweed bushes had already been taken. Braden didn’t remember doing it, but knew that it had to be him. They traveled farther and farther to find a meager quantity.

  The horses grazed while Aadi enjoyed the sun. Braden and Micah enjoyed drying out.

  “Try someplace else?” Micah asked.

  Braden accessed his neural implant and checked the time. “We have a few hours before we need to head back. We’ll try down around the corner. Max!”

  They walked quickly to where the horses were nose down in the green border grasses. Neither was happy to be pulled away from feeding. “If only Bronwyn was here to tell them how much we appreciate them helping us.”

  Braden rubbed Max’s neck. “Thanks, buddy, for being there for us. I know that you’re getting older, but you’re still young to me.”

  They trotted past the last tree, with Aadi bouncing through the air behind, and took a hard left. They followed the treeline for thirty minutes before hopping off. A Hawkoid screech drew their eyes skyward. They waited as Zeeka approached.

  ‘Brandt has been injured...’

  ‘My children!’ Micah cried and ran for Speckles.

  ‘Are fine,’ Zeeka finished. ‘They are staying with Brandt and his broken leg at the Wolfoid town. White Mountain is watching over all of them. Bounder and Strider are at New Sanctuary and have agreed to join you.’

  “Thank you, Zeeka,” Braden replied. “Have you heard from Jocelyn? Do you know if they were able to contact your parents?”

  ‘I do not. I only know what the Wolfoids shared.’

  Micah continued to breathe hard after the initial shock. Braden chewed the inside of his lip as he thought about what to do.

  “Keep us apprised,” he finally said. “If Pik joins us, we will drop him at New Sanctuary before continuing to Livestel. We have to see Brandt and the kids to make sure they are all okay before we leave the planet. We won’t go if they need us.”

  Micah squeezed Braden’s arm to show her agreement.

  ‘I think that is a wise plan,’ Aadi added. Zeeka cawed and circled back from the way she’d come. She climbed as she flew away.

  “I wonder what happened,” Braden said.

  “It is odd to hear that Brandt has been injured when we’re not fighting anyone. Did he lose his edge?”

  “Maybe he is getting old. How old was he when we first met?”

  Micah shook her head and continued to watch until Zeeka disappeared into the distance.

  “Numbwe
ed awaits.” Braden said, patting Micah’s behind.

  “You like my butt.”

  “Oh, yeah,” Braden replied. “Why do you think I always let you go ahead of me?”

  “Because I fight better than you?”

  “And that.” They laughed as the shock of hearing about Brandt’s injury wore off, and they got back to work finding numbweed bushes.

  For the next time someone was injured. They sobered quickly with the task.

  Friends at the Lake

  Jocelyn’s steed blew foam from her mouth, nostrils flared as she sucked in more air. Halfway there and the raven-haired governor wasn’t sure they were going to make it.

  Treetis screamed as he caught and killed something for his meal. Jocelyn ate a small portion of jerky, rationing her supplies to make them last. She was ill-equipped to hunt. The mare drank noisily before grabbing a few bites of grass. Jocelyn rubbed her flanks for a short while before calling to Treetis that it was time to leave.

  She mounted and the Hillcat, still wearing blood splatters across his face, jumped into her lap. He immediately started grooming as Jocelyn guided her mount away from the lake and onto the dirt where the horse would find it easier to run.

  And then they were off, in a race against time to reach the lake where a hovercar would be waiting. Old Tech. She wasn’t afraid of it. She wanted more of it. Maybe that was the draw of the resettlement vessel in orbit above the planet.

  It was Old Tech, every single thing about it.

  An adventure beckoned that would help her be the leader her people needed. And she needed a break from being that leader.

  Jocelyn had plenty of time to think as the horse pounded along. Treetis remained stoic. He hated Old Tech because it had almost killed him. The ship scared him, but he wouldn’t admit it.

  Treetis wanted to face his fear, show the courage that the Golden Warrior demonstrated day in, day out. To be like his hero, he needed to conquer his fear.

  But Aadi’s shell! The Androids had tortured him. So much pain. Treetis’ claws dug into the saddle as his muscles tightened.