FALAHA'S JOURNEY 2: Graveyard of the Gods

Episode #31

My blood had relieved the hunger the Surani suffered from, but it also relieved their plight from Shaamta's modifications for a time. Yajur Garai's fleet completed the dive that brought us to Gekka, the Second Motherworld of the Triad. As the Enclaves settled on the orbit around its star, Garai suggested we take Gal Runagh directly to the surface. Yajur Draagalla awaited us there. As Tagai completed his final maneuvers, he brought the ship to a luxurious spot, designated for our landing. It was an island with beaches of shining white sand and green tropical forests in the middle of the ocean, a place Yajur Garai recommended we settled in while visiting. There was no place for such a big ship on the dry land, covered in lush verdant growth, so Tagai brought Gal Runagh onto the ocean surface in one of shallow lagoons with cargo gates touching the beach. If I wanted to take a vacation, that would be a perfect spot where one could bathe one's skin in the light of the star and dip one's toes in warm emerald waters.

The wilds of the island promised a bountiful game during our stay and the shining streams of purest water would satiate our thirst. Of course, we did not need such commodities for we had everything we need, but this place suggested we were treated as important guests on Gekka, home to the Ashantri Baali of the Triad.

Gekka was a blue waterworld, the breeding ground for the youngest generations, and it was gently cared for by the inhabitants. No cities and walls, no infrastructure and they did not need it. A wild and free place to roam and enjoy nature in its primal form.

My feet touched the warm sand as I stepped out of the cargo gates onto the surface. It was a striking contrast with the Grave. This world was positively alive. I heard the crispy chirping of the birds in the trees and other wild animal noises not far from the ocean line. The atmosphere was suitable for a Danna, though with a bit different composition and pressure, but our soma would compensate for any discomfort that small difference could bring. Eyuran, who stood by my side, shed his helmet trying out the air. Soft ocean breeze was caressing our faces.

"That feels... refreshing. No wonder they care about this place so much," he said. "It is amazing. I've been to the beach before, but everything was so different on Dannan."

When Baro appeared by our side, he was also surprised. "Well, I've been to the beach before too, but it was so long ago and it was a much colder place, bordering our mountain range."

I grinned. "We should use the opportunity, then."

It was not long before most of my crew, save for Tagai, was loudly bathing in the nearby ocean waters. Even Orewen decided to join the splashy amalgamation of naked bodies.

Beren and Alani, as well as the other Surani carefully examined the forest in the close proximity. They were familiar with such an environment from being stationed on other Motherworlds before, but even those paled in comparison how this one felt. Of course, I was aware that the planet had different environments considering different flora and fauna in each latitude, but we welcomed the warmer spot. This was my first time in the tropics.

I found a huge colorful and spiked shell. I belonged to some crustacean before it was no longer present in its home. Placing the shell to my ear I heard a gentle whisper of the ocean.

"We call this one a white sand crab," Tagai appeared near me. "It tastes sublime, but they are very rare, so we try to make sure their population is stable. They grow only in this region and refuse to reproduce in artificial environments. It's considered a delicacy."

"So, Yajur Draagalla allowed us to stay in a place where rare things dwell," I replied. "That's very generous of her."

Tagai chuckled. "I'm sure the last thing she's worried about is for you to exterminate the species on our protected list."

"Your Enclave biomes are also masterpieces, I should say. That's not something to be expected from the carnivores."

"Sure, it's a lot of work to build one, but after they start functioning, it's only a matter of support for them to thrive. Plenty of food without growing something in a tank. The space of an Enclave allows luxury even outside a planetary environment. You all did good job with Kan Diona as well."

"It was a collective effort, and it has so many different environments considering all the living species inhabiting it."

"True. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy your stay. I would be glad if you also visit my homeworld, Yagran. It's a bit different from Draagalla's but still a wonderful place. I'm sure your spouses will find it very relatable, for it is mountainous and snowy."

I smiled. "We should send Baro there, he will be in his element for sure. So the next time we'll plan a vacation, your Motherworld is the first on our list."

Tagai smiled as well. "Deal."

We took a long walk on the beach, enjoying the scenery. Tagai told me about various things I should try out on Gekka, and all this talking about food made me hungry.

When the star that they called Vea was finally setting, all of us had gathered on the beach near Gal Runagh over a fire. Beren and his men brought some meat from the wilds, and we were roasting it over the flames. Eyuran also caught some fish. Those were immediately cleaned and placed on twigs, slowly cooking over the open fire as well.

When we were finally satiated, the Ashantri Baali arrived.

Yajur Draagalla was a Baalat of presence and tall stature. Her luxurious black mane was long and shone in the light of the fire. Her shanra pattern was complex, demonstrating an experienced leader to her kin and a mother. The Baali arrived quietly, as if not wanting to disturb our enjoyment of the moment.

"Welcome to Gekka, Falaha Yajur Sangu," she said, making a grand gesture with her clawed hands, as if demonstrating the surroundings. "I hope you find your accommodations acceptable."

I got up from the towel I was sitting on and approached her. "Thank you, Yajur. This is a beautiful Motherworld."

She nodded, accepting my words. Her striking yellow eyes were full of curiosity, catching an entire picture of everyone present. "Let's talk then, in a moment. We're waiting for Yajur Garai and Yajur Shendala to arrive shortly. Then we'll hear what you have to say. If there's something we can help with, we will. But from what I have heard, your plan is quite daring. Surely, a tough situation requires a tough solution. We'll see what we can do for you. I owe you for helping Yajur Shendala. So I will support you in any case." And with these words Wen's mother sat onto the sand, signaling her accompanying envoys to follow suit.

We shared the remnants of our meal with the Baali while we were waiting as Yajur Draagalla was asking us questions about Kan Diona and our family, including her son. Once the formalities were out of the way, both Yajur arrived.

Sitting around the fire as the night descended, we were ready to discuss important matters. It was going to be a long night.