Chapter 21
With the simulation over, the humans are given a moment of reprieve before they finally reach the War World.
Previously: Before they can complete the simulation, Denny, Tabun, and Wise are forced into a three on one scenario against a foe they’ve never seen before, using presumably advanced tech to stay one step ahead of them. However, with a bit of a teamwork they are able to overcome this threat and return to the real.
“You want to mentor the human contingent of assorted tributes?” asked an incredulous Helvos.
“I believe they are our best shot at winning these games. The results from testing speak for themselves, Chief. They are natural-born hunters despite their frail appearance.”
“And what was your name again?”
“Kolvem, Chieftain.”
“Fine, but you won’t be alone, though. You and your men will be responsible for their training. There’s still some preparation needed before the games can begin properly.”
“How far out are we from the planet?”
Helvos stood up from where he sat behind the desk and stepped towards the double door that would return him to the ship’s bridge. “Any second now, have you seen a war world before?”
Kolvem shook his head, “No.”
“There’s always a first for everything.”
Soon, Kolvem was beside Helvos again, this time on the bridge. The chieftain led him to the front of the bridge and down a slight incline towards where two officers sat managing the ship’s current position. The adaptive metal walls shimmered for a moment and appeared to dissolve, but in fact had become transparent. Now they had a commanding view of not just the world below them, but the surrounding space, and it was busy. As more and more large vessels punched in from warp. Helvos appeared to be looking for something.
“Is there a problem?”
“The Reds aren’t here. They are normally quite punctual.”
“So when do we start?”
“We need to be processed first; this can take a while. Since a lot of these ships are just eager spectators trying to beat the rush.”
It felt like it had been a lifetime since he had been back here. And the Chief was also still present, though he looked just as worn out. He rested against the wall at the back of the cell and livened up a little seeing Tabun.
“Hunter, you’re back.”
“They threw a lot at me.”
“Same. A lot of physical and mental tests. I’m no worse for wear. It looks like you were right about us being destined for a war world.”
Tabun joined his chief and folded his arms. The truth is, he knew frighteningly little about what lay ahead. He had encountered different types of aliens and strange simulations. A part of him, for just a second, wondered if this, too, was just another test. Could he discern reality? And if I do end up cloned—would I still be me? Those thoughts paralysed him until the Chief jabbed his stomach with a finger. “Yes, we are. I also made some allies. Others like us who lived back home and were captured.”
“Oh, go on…”
“One was lean, but he had smarts, and similarly, a woman like I’ve never seen before showed a great deal of intelligence. I think she may have absorbed some understanding of these aliens’ systems.”
“And when the time comes. Can we count on them?”
“Absolutely. I would likely be in a far worse state without them.”
The Chief, as he did, couldn’t help but begin pacing. “What happened on your side of things?”
“One test had them pump poisonous gas into the room. And afterwards they set a beast onto me.”
“That happened to me as well. Like they were trying to figure out how my insides work.”
“After that, it’s all a blur. I fought a lot of aliens, too. In real and simulated.”
“Simulated?” The chief looked perplexed upon hearing the word.
Tabun stepped off the wall and scratched at the back of his neck. “It’s like this around us, but also not real. It feels real, though. Had a beetle-like creature pierce my hand. Had it not been for Denny, I’d have bled out.”
The chief cocked his head. “I thought you said it wasn’t real.”
“I couldn’t take any chances, as far as I know, these simulations can kill us while inside.”
“And here and now… is this real?”
Tabun looked at those steel doors and sighed. “Chief, some thoughts are best left alone. We are dealing with a force far greater than ours. If they can’t break us physically, they might well do so mentally.”
Uncertain of what lay ahead for him, returning to his cell brought with it some comfort, as did being greeted by the sight of Scout. Except something looked off about him. His face had paled, and he held a dejected and lost expression. The man perked up upon seeing Wise, but the confusion remained etched on their face. Had they done to him what they’ve also done to me?
“I thought you’d never return.”
“I haven’t been gone that long.”
“Are you sure? It’s all so hazy. I remember you leaving, and then there’s not much that I remember afterwards.”
Wise folded his arms. “What do you mean?”
“This might sound crazy, but I remember them coming for me, and then I woke up back here. All in the blink of an eye.”
Wise quickly put two and two together, recalling what he had learned from Denny and the Neural Preservation Network. He was tested and died, and has no recollection of the test. Does that also apply to the aliens I fought in the simulation? I only knocked out the one I actually fought. And if it can happen to them… He paused, lost in his own fears as the Scout's eyes widened.
“I'm guessing you fared better.”
“I wouldn't say better. I had a few close calls myself. You're sure you don't remember anything?”
“No, not a thing. Why do you know what happened to me?” Scout asked.
Wise wasn’t sure how best to answer this. If I tell the kid about the Neural Preservation Network, it might scare him more than he already is. “No, I never saw you while they tested me. I experienced a simulation of sorts. A possible taste of what to expect when we’re released onto the world we’re heading to.”
“You know where we’re heading?” the man asked, surging to life. “It’s about time I got some answers!”
Wise gave a small smile. “It’s not much, but we’re tributes for some game. And if we win, we get our freedom.”
“That sounds easier said than done.”
“Considering what might await us, I’m tempted to agree, but I have allies. If we can link up with them once we’re down there. We might just stand a chance.”
She had expected to be returned to her cell, but instead she had woken up once more in the dreamlike world that seemed so far away from the cold, sterile reality she was now used to. This false reality had bright colours everywhere she looked compared to the ship’s drab greys. She heard footsteps approach and sat up. The insectoid Xen had somehow found her, and he wasn’t alone. To her surprise, one of the Blue Zetans joined him. Why is he with the enemy?
“Relax, Den. I bring an ally in these difficult times.”
“I’ve nearly died numerous times to them; why should I trust them?”
“Because I’m going to be your mentor once we reach planetside,” said the Blue Zetan.
She did a double-take at the way this Zetan carried himself; something about his posture seemed to be a façade. Like he was putting on an act of sorts. She could tell by how he shifted back and forth on the spot. She rose to her feet and folded her arms in defiance. “Why help us? What do you gain?”
“Well, we get sponsors and supplies, and you get freedom. As does your bug friend here.”
“This is a dangerous gambit, Xen.”
Xen chittered at first before responding. “I am aware of that, but compared to other species. My people aren’t combatants. We’re learners, not fighters.”
“That’s why I think an alliance between you will be beneficial. You humans have the tenacity, and the bugs have their hive-like intelligence.”
“We’re not stupid either, we overcame everything you’ve thrown at us so far!”
The Blue Zetan nodded and appeared to have expected her fiery disposition. “Den. That luck will run out. When you’re in an arena. You’ll need all the friends you can get. Xen won’t let you down. We’re almost ready to be deployed. You’ll be returned to your people soon, and then after that. The War World awaits…”