FALAHA'S JOURNEY 2: Graveyard of the Gods

Episode #12

Beren was tending to Alani. He also ordered his men to collect all the bodies from the Burial Gardens to be transported to my ship. Orewen was examining the 'corpses', and I was thinking about where in the world I will get that much blood to revive everyone. For us Baali — me, Tagai, or especially tiny Nayat— becoming donors and getting drained of the life-bearing liquid on a regular basis was not in my plans, at least not before I could find another solution to this tiny problem.

I contacted my crew to give instructions for accommodations as we were about to receive a lot of people.

The news about miraculous resurrection propagated among Surani like wildfire. Many came to see it with their own eyes, whispering words of astonishment and referring to my persona as some kind of their deity. Nevertheless, the speed with which they collected everyone and their belongings, and were ready to head to the surface, surprised me a little. But, it seems, these people were like us — nomads, used to wander the endless universe. The only difference was that we chose this kind of life, and they were forced into it, unable to find a peaceful place to call forever home.

Done with his inspection, Orewen approached me. "What are we going to tell Shaamta?"

"He doesn't need to know," I said. "I cannot predict his reaction, so we better keep this a secret from him. And from the rest of the Baali we will encounter. These people need a safe space. My ship will become one."

"I will begin my research for a temporary medication as soon as we transfer everyone," my second spouse said. "Neve will assist me."

I nodded. "I will connect to their soma to see what can be done about their need for sustenance through consuming Baali blood. Maybe it can be reversed, and they can become normal people again. Sure, they will lose all the benefits of having soma, but I think it is better that way. Living a short but healthy life is better than suffering a prolonged death. How long have they been like this, Ore?"

"Beren said that they, while being sustained, survived throughout the millenia losing track of time, so how long exactly, I have no idea," Eyuran's dad replied. "But I guess their suffering began somewhere the same time Shaamta and Dorgu captured our first ship."

"That's already more than two hundred years ago," I said. "But Shaamta's cruelty doesn't surprise me much."

Orewen nodded, agreeing. "Well, then. I think everyone's ready, let's head to Gal Runagh. Our crew is waiting."

***

After a while we were back in the desert, a long procession flowing from the tunnels towards the massive ship. When we finally approached the cargo gates that stood open to accept the newcomers, I saw Eyuran by the entrance, observing and registering everyone and everything, supervising the loading and boarding. Tarrenat, Baro and Leru were operating gears to help the Surani vehicles and gears to place all the valuable cargo into the cargo bay.

When the day was at its end and both stars were nearing the horizon, everyone finally settled in. But even with all the new people aboard my ship still had a lot of free space to add more inhabitants. However, this was only the beginning of my journey through our Jainaa.

Beren found me shortly after. He was given a sip of my blood not so long ago and felt a lot better than when we had found him in the underground city.

"We can't thank you enough," Beren said. "But I hope our presence won't give you much trouble. We've heard that you plan to visit the Motherworlds of the Triad."

I nodded. "Don't worry, the Baali won't even know you're with us."

"If they find us, they will kill everyone," Beren said, disheartened. "Especially the Avlaora ones. Those are proud and brutal. And we Surani are not welcome anymore."

"Leave that matter to me," I said. "I have business with them and we're... related."

"Related?" the General asked, confused. "I can understand your white Baali companion, Tagai, but you too? You don't look like an Avlaora Baal."

"I'm the head of a young Red Kata that has its roots in Varga's bloodline."

"Ah, I see. We were so preoccupied with our own problems that we didn't even pay attention to others or universal happenings. But what do you plan to do with us?"

I shrugged and said, "Repair you. Then make you a part of my crew. There's one huge thing I have planned, and I will need all the help I can get. Besides, your situation may have some hints to the solution to a certain issue. I need to investigate in full."

"So, we're your test subjects now?" Beren looked me in the eyes, waiting for confirmation of his fears.

"No, General. I don't practice such things," I replied. "If you decide to leave my side at any time, you are free to do so. I will even provide you with a place to live."

"Then what is your gain?" Beren became even more confused.

"No gain." I shrugged. "But if I can fix a few messed up things along the way while exploring, why not?"

"That's a weird stance for a Baal."

"Oh please, I'm a Danna. Of people previously known as the Lael. So, we are related to you Surani as well. And if you want to follow the Baali logic, does that answer your question?"

"I... see." Now the General's blue-eyed gaze communicated respect. It also communicated hunger, which Beren tried to fight with all his being, but it still seeped through.

I sighed. "Just don't try to eat me, please."

Beren's face flushed. "Such vile thing was never on my mind!" he protested, embarrassed.

"I'm teasing you, obviously." I smiled. "Trust me, I will find a way to help you and your people. How is Alani doing?"

"She is better. A lot better. She asked me about you."

"I hope it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," I said. "Do you eat normal food?"

"We do, a little."

"Then let's have a greeting party. Now I am hungry."