FALAHA'S JOURNEY 2: Graveyard of the Gods

Episode #3

"To what do we owe the pleasure of greeting you here, Shaamta?" I asked the man in front of us who appeared not according to my plan and now resembled a large Danna a lot, yet he kept his kata's markings along with long black mane and pale green eyes. He strongly stood out in this new environment being completely naked amidst the alien desolate landscape of pastel sand dunes and rocks, bathing in bright white light of twin stars. Bradohs remained a little behind us. Eyuran and Orewen stood near the machines, and Baro remained inside Zero-One's cockpit for now, checking and analyzing his new data. This was supposed to be a one-on-one meeting, but as much as the Baal desired it, my family would never leave me to myself in such situations. As they insisted, a top ranking Baalat and Danna as myself required the presence of bodyguards in every endeavor.

"I finally caught up with you, Falaha Yajur Sangu," the Ashantri Baal greeted me. I hatched my helmet and scorched air filled my nostrils and lungs. It wasn't breathable for our somaless people, nor was it good for Baro. I doubted it would even be good for Ore and Eyu, and if I wasn't a hybrid, I'd probably suffer a suffocating death and not even soma could keep me alive. This world was an enemy to our life. The Grave was a perfect title for it. "I see you brought company, though I requested we meet alone." The sound of wind and our voices were breaking the silence of the desert. Wind brought sand and I sprouted my helmet back on. Shaamta remained unperturbed by the small sandstorm, which settled down as fast as it appeared.

I shrugged. "My spouses are a part of me, and I'm a part of them. We're inseparable."

"Those are dangerous assets to have. It's a weakness that can be exploited."

"Sure, those weaknesses kicked your asses quite well the last time we engaged each other, Shaamta." I laughed. "Wanna try again?"

"It's all in the past and I merely gave you a friendly warning, Falaha."

"You didn't make such a far trip simply to give me a warning, no?"

"I can give you anything your mind and body desires. Don't you see?" He spread his arms, demonstrating himself. "I made this form specifically to please you."

"I have enough going on to keep my mind and body busy for now, Shaamta. I certainly can appreciate your efforts, but what can you offer my spouses so I would consider your proposition?"

He didn't reply to my direct question, but he said, "So you are really aiming to find the Nest. I already told you before, this isn't a good idea. As a leader of the young Red kata you should be more careful. Besides, what about getting everything in order with the rogues first?"

"Wasn't that the job you took upon yourself, Shaamta Sangu?"

"I won't let you have all the fun getting into deadly trouble all by yourself. We're partners after all."

"Partners? The last time I checked, you and Yajur Dorgu were in my service."

"Power breeds arrogance, Falaha. You're not like that. Of course I can deal with the rogues just to keep you hidden from everyone, but I know you are not going to hide in some nest as many Sangu do. I admire you for this, yet I want to shield you from the world. Our world is cruel."

"Are you kidding? I'm to make a name as an explorer. You can't possibly scare me with your dissuasions. I have enough experience of your cruelty firsthand. But I'm not going to sit and wait until the enemy finds me. Us, here. I'm going to investigate and put an end to this. I'm not going to live in constant fear like many of you do. And if soma is not enough, I'll design a better system. So, as you see, my hands are full now. Do not add to my problems."

"Let's make a deal, Falaha." The Baal's body restructured itself, changing shape into something he truly was. Instead of a beautiful muscular man there stood an enormous creature nearly five times Eyuran's size. The black shanra pattern revealed itself on his dark skin. He lowered his long-maned head to my face. Thin nostrils narrowed, and his sharp-toothed mouth opened. He growled, "My family will win the upcoming war in our region, and you will take me and Dorgu with you to the Nest. You won't be able to cross the Jainaa border in a ship, nor will you be able to navigate the Agama-Taala tunnels without what Varga's family has. That supermassive Enclave is your ride to your desired destination." His mouth widened, baring almost all his teeth. "What say you, Falaha Yajur Sangu? You will have to negotiate with Yajur Draagalla. Can you do that on our behalf? Their memories are still strong."

"Only if you will promise me to make amends to her and Shendala."

"Shendala is insane, so you better skip meeting him." He laughed. "He will eat you alive if he finds you."

"Don't you worry. I managed to avoid being eaten by his 'son', so I'll survive."

"Very well, we each have made our end of the deal clear; I'll be off then." He was gathering energy for the upcoming dive into space. "Battles await. I'll make sure you will see me in a better light soon, Falaha. Change your mind about your... family arrangement." And he vanished.

I sighed, shaking my head. He was incorrigible. I turned around and went to my spouses.

"I see it all went smoothly," Orewen said through his Node as I approached. "I expected something more... stubborn."

"Oh he is stubborn, believe me," I replied out loud. And added through my Node, "But at least he didn't overstay his welcome."

"Back to business then?" Baro asked.

"Indeed."

"There is a stony area not far from here, perfect for a landing site," Baro said. "Let's head there and I'll contact Gal Runagh."

I nodded. "Excellent."

"We also have data for some interesting sites in this region," Eyuran said. "Baro had dug out something worthy of taking a look at."

"Meanwhile I thought of a name for this rock. Let's call it the Grave."

Eyuran and Baro snickered. "That's not very imaginative", the Medan said.

I shrugged. "Oh, shut up, I like it."