Sorrows' Edge

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© 2021 Ryan L Robinson. All rights reserved.

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Published by Word Art Publishing

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This book is dedicated to:

My Family for putting up with my nonsense.

Kay, JoAnn, Eleanor, and Penny.

The ones who have fallen; Bob, Vivian, Jan and Hal.

Special thanks to Vivian Prince for her artwork on the Lizards.

To Tree, for making it much better.

Forward

Humanity has been, as we say, on top of the food chain, for a long time. We didn’t have many big bad predators to fight or compete with. So, we fought ourselves instead. And put each other in boxes, categories, lists, stigmas, and cages. How stupid we have been.

Someday we may not be the bad-est beasts on the block. We may have to learn lessons we are not prepared for. But we will learn them, one way or another. The caveat is, can we survive the future lessons of life? Can we be strong or compassionate or understanding when we need to be? Will we have the wit to escape or even deal with our dilemmas? As the old song goes, teach your children well. Our future survival may depend on it.

The story you’re about to read, is of course, totally fiction. I wrote it to explore some of these ideas and have fun. I hope you have fun and maybe, take some time to think.

Chapter 1

Namaste.

The soft greeting brought the consciousness of morning to Jerry. He slowly awakened to what he heard. Something struck him as different. In the dim light of the room smiling green eyes studied him through strands of reddish-brown hair. He wasn’t alone. This neither surprised nor shocked him. He liked it.

From beneath a sea of white silky sheets a slender hand emerged and swept away soft curls to reveal a face that he could only imagine belonged to an angel. She slid next to him. To his delight, neither one had anything on.

Hi, who are you? he asked.

I’m Angelica-So, she replied.

Have we met before? He asked with a grin.

Her fist jabbed into his ribs. She laughed at his groan. We were married yesterday.

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do remember something about a ceremony. Shifting his weight, he slipped his forearm beneath her head and smooth hair. Looking down at her he couldn’t envisage a more perfect place to be.

And don’t you forget it, she added.

He couldn’t believe how beautiful this creature looked and how wonderful he felt. No, he would never forget. Their lips gently met as they melted together.

Thomas McCormick couldn’t have felt better. In the last two years things had really come together and his political ambitions were realized. The party was more of a quiet celebration with his friends and the people who had helped him the most in his election. They were enjoying themselves. The space in his apartment wasn’t small by local standards but crowded with happy humans.

It was not just his victory, but theirs as well. They had collectively and peaceably elected him as their Representative. A person to stand for the planet at the Union. Nearly half the human race, scattered across the lower Arm, had access to representation and they were included.

His wife, Elizabeth-Charm, played the perfect hostess. He watched her gracefully move around the room and mingle with their guests. This made him aware of how fortunate a man could be. He realized that over the last few weeks she had worked harder than anyone on his campaign. Maybe more than him. Perhaps he should send her off to Ichorous to represent the people, and he could stay home to relax. Truly, they both were Representatives of Mitzul. He vowed to take the time to do something to express his appreciation for her sacrifice over the past few months. No, it wouldn’t have happened without her, and he hadn’t appreciated her enough.

As if this hadn’t been abundant good fortune, their son had left for his advanced learning a few days ago. Good things were happening everywhere.

Thomas, came a voice from behind, we moved a lot of rock to make this happen.

I’m sorry, Armondo. I’m still trying to figure out what happened, he said to his old friend. We were born in a cold cave. And now look at us.

Nothing hard to understand, said Armondo. Our fathers came here when this was nothing more than a half a shaft of worthless ore. Along with a bunch of other crazy people, we turned Mitzul into an almost decent world to live in.

You make it sound so easy and matter of fact.

We’re mining a dozen different ores. We have good profitability and standard of living. Just look at our homes. There is nothing ‘new-colony’ about anything here. And, think of it, in a couple a hundred years or so, the terra forming on the surface will make the atmosphere almost breathable. To top it all off, we have a newly elected Representative to the Union. Armondo smiled and put his hand on his friends’ shoulder.

You ticked those off like you were the politician, Thomas smiled. Don’t get me wrong. I do understand. We should never take this for granted. We’ve worked twice as hard to get half as much as any other species. It makes everything that much sweeter.

Are you boring our guest again, dear? Charm smiled, as she stepped up and slipped her arm around his waist.

Just practicing making boring speeches for when we get to Ichorous, he replied.

I’m so looking forward to that, Charm said.

What, me making boring speeches?

No. We haven’t been off the planet together for so long. And to be on Ichorous again will be wonderful. Just think we can walk outside without an environmental suit. Look up at the stars peeking through the clouds and breath natural air. Charm spoke mostly to Armondo. Thomas had heard this many times before and this was her opportunity to bend Armondos’ ear on the subject.

Thomas wanted to share all these marvelous sights with Charm. There were too few places where humans could leave the cave and feel the natural elements on their face.

You two are going to love it. But tell me, have you heard from that beautiful sister of yours? Armondo asked.

Yes, we have. Angelica-So is getting married. In fact, she might be by now.

You’re kidding. She actually fell for that gravel pusher she found in a hole on . . . what was the name of that rock?

Bohica. Elizabeth-Charm snapped with a look of distaste. You’re just jealous because you and Angelica didn’t hit it off as you hoped.

That could be.

Don’t let him fool you, Thomas broke in. I told him all about that before. And I think he doesn’t care because he’s seeing someone.

Really? You must tell us all about her.

I swear, there’s no one. Thomas is now fooling you.

The entrance door signaled.

Another guest. Thomas said.

Maybe it’s the Governor. Charm squeezed his arm with excitement.

Thomas excused himself with a big smile on his face. Rumors had circulated that he might show up. Even though the Governor of Mitzul had supported another candidate for the position, it would be politically advantageous to show a united front.

Opening the door startled Thomas. He staggered backwards. Standing before him was a large, ash grey, soft skin and tailless lizard. Although it could stand upright under human high ceilings, it had to stoop to get its head through the doorway. The reason for the awkwardness was six sharp horns coming from the side of its head, turning at right angles and sticking straight up. It only wore a translator on its hip.

The room became quiet, and all attention turned to this foreboding form as its flashing red eyes fixed on its host.

Jerry woke again in the dim room, this time to a com signal beeping. He got up and made his way to the desk across the small cluttered room. The cramped quarters were typical in the new mining colony. Humans arrived only eight months ago and immediately began to tunnel into the barren lifeless planet of Bohica. Still undressed, he keyed the small device for voice only.

Jerry, is that you? This is Hank at the Administration Center.

Go away.

Sorry, but the CA wants everyone in a meeting in ten minutes.

Can’t it wait? You know I’m on my honeymoon.

We need you here.

Hell, you do. I’ve earned this time off. Get someone else, Hank.

Afraid not. You’re it. We have four ships converging on Bohica each from a different direction. They are big and have a threatening posture. Decidedly unfriendly. I’ll bet you anything they’re Fire Lizards.

Come on, they’re not going to try anything. We have a treaty to mine this worthless rock. We’ve seen them buzzing around before. They want to make sure we know that they are the boss in this part of the universe. When they get tired, they’ll go home. Posturing is very important to them. Besides, it doesn’t sound like the kind of tactics they’d use for a hostile move.

Please, Jerry. Everything is going crazy. You may be right, but work has stopped. Some people want to evacuate. There’s even a small riot at the arms locker. You’ve got to get up here Jerry, everyone trusts you. Help us control the situation.

Jerry took a moment to rub his eyes. I’ll be there.

He turned around and saw Angelica sitting up in bed. She heard, but would she understand if he left? He didn’t want to leave her, not ever.

The Tri-Bah Group Master stood in an empty room on his flagship, the Inner Stone. A gentle hum, ship noise, kept the room from silence. He looked out the window at one of his other ships. The Cluster Class war ship could be seen in its entirety with the dark expanse salted with stars, all frozen in a surreal image. He loved these moments of serenity.

There were no decisions to make or orders to give. And yet everyone in his command continued to do their jobs in a seamless activity. He didn’t have to tell the mechanic to fix the machine or the cook to prepare a meal. Others took care of that. He enjoyed his position, the responsibility and the power that came with it. That continued to be the meaning of his life.

When he began training, many years ago, he learned that the more chaos you create the more order you need. So, he relished the balance in these quiet times in between the hectic moments of the universe.

He ran the two opposable thumbs of his right paw under his chin and considered the events that brought him here. The consequences of what he did today weigh on his mind. There were too many unknowns for his comfort. As the executor of policy for his race, duty could be difficult. Not that he felt threatened or obligated to any other species within any sector around him.

Other races called them Fire Lizards. He mused at the name. They really didn’t breathe fire that was just a myth told to frighten ignorant creatures. The name came from their coloration. Their thin muscular legs and lower torso were a deep rich brown. At mid-chest their body turned reddish, then into a pure red, and blending into orange and shades of yellows at the shoulders. From the neck up, they were bright yellow. Except, of course for the three distinctive black spots on their forehead. They were a living caricature of a burning stick.

A formation of three small Pebble Fighters gently moved between the two ships. The Group Master knew they had returned from patrol. Allowing himself pride at these quiet moments always lifted his spirits. There were many other fleets belonging to the Tri-Bah but there was no finer group for him to command. They were the dominant force to be dealt with in this part of the galactic arm.

Another had entered the room. It smelled different. A species of lizards with dark marbled green skin, a large jaw with small sharp teeth and yellow eyes came to destroy his serenity. It looked smug in its black tunic with gold trim.

All has gone well, Admiral, it said.

So, I have heard.

I watched it happen. The timing was all within nominal. The geometry could not have been better. The data we received has been exceptional. It turned out to be quite a spectacle.

A very expensive one. The Group Master’s mood turned dark. I’m still not convinced that this demonstration is worth the cost. More conventional methods would have worked well. It might have taken longer, but I’m not aware of any timetable. Also, the impact would have been lessened, making the follow-up negotiations easier.

The tall Green lizard crossed his arms, curving long slender claws over his shoulders. The Group Master recognized this defensive stance.

Your superiors made that decision and took that responsibility. You were instructed to carry out their directives. And now we can move forward.

Can we? Group Master felt a little manipulated.

You have some doubt?

Yes. There will be much activity by them to understand the significance of this event.

We are expecting that. It shouldn’t take that long, even for them. Sarcasm dripped off the split tongue of the Green lizard.

It could be dangerous. The Group Master turned and looked at the dark lizard squarely. Our information is incomplete. The species profile on them has never been given a priority. We don’t have enough informants to get an accurate understanding of their actions. We have no idea what these creatures are capable of doing or how they will react.

Is the great Nest of Tri-Bah ancestors suddenly skittish about the scampering of these insignificant animals?

The Group Master studied the gold snowflake tattoo on the wrist of his marbled green skin and realized just how arrogant this race had become.

A guest should appreciate his lodgings and the grace of his host. The Group Master didn’t feel hospitable or gracious.

Forgive me, Admiral, if I said anything offensive. I only meant that we have nothing to worry about.

We have a proverb, the Group Master said, stepping closer. The scurrying of small animals announces the coming of a large dragon.

Chapter 2

Namaste, Thomas. The deep rich voice reverberated in English in the small entry alcove. Thomas reached over to a shelf next to the door and picked up and activated his translator. He would need it for anything beyond the greeting. This small alien device of unknown origin was carried by most species.

Tee, welcome. Thomas recognized the Spike Lizard because he had a cracked rear horn on his right side. The point had been broken off and Tee had not told him how or why. They had met while negotiating a mining contract four years ago, long before his interest in Union politics. But they had kept in touch.

The stillness in the air told Thomas that his guests were nervous. Most humans spent their lives clustered in small holes and didn’t come into close contact with intimidating aliens like Tee. Their fears were unjustified but real.

Forgive me, Thomas, for intruding on your celebration. I wanted to congratulate you on your new position. I know you have worked hard to obtain this social status.

Thank you, Tee. It always took Thomas a few moments with a translator to get used to the English echo of an alien’s speech. I appreciate your interest. Thomas lowered his voice. Do you remember what I said about that greeting? Most humans don’t appreciate its use by the other species.

I’m sorry, Thomas, I had forgotten. It seemed most appropriate.

Thomas thought it was appropriate. The guests started to whisper uneasily. He needed to do the polite thing, hopefully, to calm them.

Everybody, this is Tee, an acquaintance of mine from the time I worked at Brown Brothers Refining. Please have more to eat, he said, forcing a smile.

Charm approached him.