Chapter 22
The humans reach the War World and are led to the place where they will stay for the foreseeable future.
Previously: Helvos learns Kolvem is willing to mentor the humans. The others are returned to their cells or taken elsewhere. Tabun learns that his Chief experienced similar trials, while Wise has to confront the possibility, Scout may have died at one point and been respawned. Denny meanwhile is returned to the Preservation Network, where she discusses an alliance with Xen and the fact that one of the Zetans appears to be helping them.
The door to their cell opened, and they were both marched out to join another growing group of humans. Not all were Neanderthals; some resembled Denny or Wise due to their smaller, leaner build. He felt like a giant beside them. They were also flanked by a mix of armed Zetans and their robotic soldiers. The mechs were defined by their sharp features that made them look oddly skeletal, yet no less intimidating.
“I guess today is the day we leave this cell behind,” said Tabun.
“I will almost miss it,” said the Chief.
“I don’t see them.”
“Your friends?”
Tabun shook his head. “I’m sure they’ll be fine. We need to keep our wits about us.”
“You’re forgetting who you’re talking to, hunter.”
“Sorry, chief.”
“No need, you’ve grown a lot in such a short space of time. You may yet prove yourself further when we learn what lies in store for us on the world below.”
Soon enough, the large group entered a hangar area filled with wide transports designed to transport entire armies from ship to surface. Tabun couldn’t help but be in awe. I still don’t know how we’re expected to win this. And better yet, why would they honour any deal? They have the power and means. We’re no more than pets in the grand scheme of things.
“I said before, hunter. Our time will come. It’s the ebb and flow of things. All things come to an end. Even the Zetans aren’t invincible.”
“No, but they look it, and that’s enough to make me realise our situation is nearly hopeless.”
“But we're not completely without it,” the older man said, managing to crack a smile.
After a long wait, they were collectively marched inside the transport. The large, open space soon became cramped and difficult to move around in, and it required them to stand in long rows. Above them, grab handles would at least mean they could steady themselves if they experienced turbulence. “Might want to hold on to something, Chief.”
“Don’t need to tell me twice.”
The ship lurched into life, catching some of those off guard as they attempted to maintain their balance. After a few minutes had passed, the ship appeared to stabilise, and Tabun found he didn’t need to hold on to the handle. That was until they entered the atmosphere and hit turbulence. This rocked him back and forth, while others, less secure, fell. Tabun, along with his chief, maintained their grip and thankfully didn’t cause themselves an injury. Once the turbulence passed, the next few moments were calm until a sudden jolt signalled the ship making land. The doors on either side slid open, allowing a ramp to be projected. He and the chief were some of the last ones to make it onto the busy landing platform. Above, large ships patrolled the storm-ridden skies, while the platform had an assortment of armed guards. Some looked non-Zetan and looked more beastly due to their thick fur-covered bodies.
The long, arduous march began as the group was led deeper into the facility. The buildings stood bluntly alongside the more natural, barren landscape. It was a mercy they got inside before they were drenched by the heavy rain. Still, they heard the distant rumbling of thunder. Much like before, where he had to share a cell, the group were being split into smaller numbers and given their own barracks. Tabun and Chief found themselves staying with three others they didn’t recognise. One was completely bald, with brown eyes and deep black skin, while one had a light tan, and the last looked paler than Tabun thought possible. Unlike the cell that had nothing to note about this, this room had beds and even a toilet area. Not that they knew the purpose of everything in this room.
“It’s a step up from before,” said Tabun.
“Not wrong. I imagine once they are settled, they’ll pick up where they left off, and throw whatever they can at us.”
“They did it to you, too?” said the black man. “I’m Davu, this is Hu, and the pale one is Trell. We were put through various trials. The kind that would make many men.”
“Same,” said Tabun. “Even fought in a simulation.”
“I remember that, the preservation world!” shouted Hu.
“No, this was more like a Zetan memory. This place reminds me of it, just in better shape.”
“So what’s next?” Trell asked, planting himself on the bottom bunk of a bed.
“I only know that they expect us to fight in some game, you weren’t told.”
“We’re completely in the dark.”
If not for that one Zetan, we’d be too… then again, there was another. Could it be possible?
“Is something on your mind, brother?”
The Chief brought him back to reality. “No, I’m going to clean myself up. That room seems to serve that purpose.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Maybe it’s like with Denny. Zetan memory is bleeding into mine, too.”
Tabun entered the spacious bathroom, took off his ragged-looking clothing, and placed it down near the door. He approached what his memory interpreted to be something that would release water. A single push later, and he was almost drowning in how strong it was. It was cold, though, and shocked his senses. He needed it. After a few minutes under this cold shower, he pushed the button to shut it off and stepped back. The temperature in the room rose to such a degree that he began to sweat as he dried and before he could collect his primitive clothing. The floor tile opened, and up rose an all-body suit of sorts, coloured blue. He tried it on and he found it to be baggy. He looked at what he had worn before, and it had gone while he climbed into the suit. Upon leaving, the Chief looked surprised.
“Where did you get that?”
“The floor gave it to me.”
“Right. Would it do the same for me?”
“Probably.”
The chief wasted no time after hearing that. Tabun climbed onto the top bunk and lay down, placing his hands behind his head. They offer comfort now, but I can’t forget what they intend to do to us. For many, it’ll be a cycle of slaughter. Can’t let that happen to me, at any cost!