Fragments 1: Devolution Landing

Prisoners of the Trucanni

Once the Trucanni had searched the camp and satisfied themselves that all was as it appeared, the archaeologists were gathered together in on tent so they could be watched. It was clear that they were going to be held here until the invaders could work out what to do with them.

Any device capable of translating language was taken away but Marcus seemed to have a knowledge of Trucanni. It had evolved from Ancient English, or so he told them, but had developed in a very different way from the standard colonial dialect which made it difficult for an untrained ear to understand.

"As far as I can tell," he whispered. "This is an advanced landing party. They haven't begun the actual invasion yet."

The group gathered around their old rickety table. It was hot and uncomfortable in the tent but the Trucanni had wanted to keep them in a secure place. They were all sweating, partly through the heat and partly because of nerves.

"So we're a target for the Rymerians?" Elveren asked.

"Possibly," he acknowledged. "I can't hear much through the tent walls, but it sounds as if they have landed a few small parties like this, just to check out the lay of the land."

"It'll get nasty when the fighting starts," said Moorfier grimly. "Both sides want the planet. It's a big prize with all this empty land - particularly once the irrigation channels are built."

"I agree," nodded Perracheck. "From the briefing I saw before they sent me out, both sides have significant forces ready to throw into action. Not enough to take on Sirius or the Federation, but enough to turn this planet into a battleground. We could be caught up in something very nasty."

Androbos signed.

"Keep listening Marcus," he said softly. "Perhaps you'll overhear something that will help us."

Babin nodded and returned to the tent side.

"Options?" asked the Professor.

"Escape?" suggested Elveren.

"Where to?" countered Perracheck. "Unless we can get off the planet, it will make little difference whether we're here or on the run. They would recapture us in minutes anyway. There's nowhere to hide."

"We could demand that they take us back to Trucanni," suggested Moorfier. "Once we're out of the danger zone, it will be easier to organise our release."

Androbos shook his head sadly.

"We can ask, but this is an advance party. I think it will be a while before there's a ship free to take us off-world."

Moorfier was about to open her mouth again when Marcus shouted out.

"There's something going on outside," he announced. "Hey, they're leaving!"

The others looked around in surprise. What was going on?