Space Chronicles: The Last Human War Read Free Page A

another giant fern to rest.
    Why ’d she do that to me? She broke the oath!
    His thoughts fragmented as he wrestled with his birthmate’s betrayal. Soon, exhaustion carried him into a myriad of conflicting thoughts as fitful sleep overcame him. Jungle watched over its newest intruder as afternoon shadows merged into solid blackness of night. Furling its leaves as ancestors had done nightly for eons, the fern engulfed the young man in a thin, green cocoon, sheltering him against the eyes of the night.
    In th is darkness, the young runner drifted into the dreamless sleep of fatigue, oblivious to haunting sounds of nearby jungle animals as they engaged in their eternal struggle for survival.

Chapter 4
    Following closely behind the Head Tasker, a fast-paced procession of human workers carried a makeshift stretcher with Adam’s body through the Taskers private compound.
    H uman litter bearers marveled at the sight of Tanarac children. They had never seen an alien child, much less, a whole family, but these were extraordinary times. Not since the Human War, three hundred years before, had a human harmed a Tanarac. Simon’s senseless act of violence was especially troubling, because it happened while a Tasker was attempting to save a human from the insanity of Runner Madness.
    P olitical fallout of this incident required an immediate report by the Head Tasker. He called Doctor Rosh Hadje, Minister of the Human Management Department, and took notes.
    “ My science team will be there at first light in the morning,” the doctor said. “Until then, suspend mining operations, and seal the quarters of the missing humans. Instruct your staff not to discuss this situation with anyone. All residents in your family compound are restricted to the facility until I arrive.”
    After issuing directives to the Head Tasker, Dr. Hadje leaned back in his chair for a few minutes of thought before making the one call he dreaded.
    “General Tragge, ” he said when he finally made the call. “Sorry to interrupt your Budget Committee Meeting, but I—”
    The general interrupted him to complain.
    “Yes, of course I understand your busy schedule, General, but something important has happened in Quarry 33. I chose to inform you myself, rather then send an encrypted message or a courier. We had a human incident today.”
    He pa used until the general finished griping about being disturbed.
    “Yes, but this is not just another runner. A hicay attacked a human worker on one of our stripper plows, and . . .”
    Dr. Hadje provided details that included the human attack on a Tasker. Despite his disdain for General Tragge, political rules required him to notify a select group of government officials when serious human issues arose. The general, unfortunately, topped the list. This was especially true during current political debate about the future of the captive humans.
    “Thank you, Rosh ,” General Tragge responded with unusual calm. “Would you mind if I join your science team in the morning? As you can imagine, I am deeply concerned about any human attack on one of our people.”
    The doctor agreed, although with nagging doubts about the general’s agenda in view of the officer’s well-known anti-human views.
    “Good, ” the general said. “I will meet you in the quarry at first light with my team.”
    General Tragge cut off their communication before Dr. Hadje could ask what the general meant by his “team.” The doctor considered calling the general back but decided he would deal with the matter in the morning. Right now, final preparations demanded attention.
    In the middle of the night, Rosh Hadje took a seat on a chartered science transport, crammed full with research team members and scientific equipment needed for “runner-events.” A young scientist, dressed in lab garb, sat down next to him. The doctor usually introduced himself to new team members, but, preoccupation over the political implications of this special