Raq

The First Meeting

Is the landing party ready to greet our guests?

Guests? Lieutenant Raq spat. Filthy creatures.

Watch your attitude.

Apologies, Captain Ri. Remembering the question, he straightened. Yes, sir. The dignitaries are ready.

Not that those aliens would have a clue about civility, let alone manners. Raq barely managed to cover his sneer. The Warrior in his blood rebelled. The thought of those creatures crash-landing on his planet, his home, brought bile to his mouth. The thought that the stargazing experts were right, that the universe beyond did, in fact, harbour alien races, made him want to fall down sick. This was not possible! It went against his entire belief about his world and existence. And all hope that it was a hoax—shattered, like his faith. How was this possible? How could there be other…species, other races? Did this mean the priests and spiritualists had spoken lies? And the Fire King? He had deemed there to be only the Hlad. So how was it these creatures existed, and were here?

Raq forced the confusion from his mind. He was Warrior Class. A contamination had infested his world. He would protect his world at all costs—he was duty-bound to do so. His oath remained intact and steadfast—the only thing that made sense. He would not let these aberrations soil his home.

Raq, one of four soldiers authorised to witness the First Meeting between the two races, stood beside his captain, disruptor rifle at the ready. He kept his shoulders slack, not liking the aliens’ behaviour. They pointed their bony digits like weapons, whispered amongst themselves with their small, stretchy mouths, and regarded the security team—his team—with their small, shifty eyes.

The aliens were hideous: their meat hung close to their bones, and their hairless hides were pasty-toned variants of pinky-white to brown, like they interbred. He’d seen livestock like them, producing oddities in their offspring, including the different-coloured hair. Disgusting. Mammals did not breed with amphibians—or whatever species these aliens consorted with. Raq especially did not like their teeth: white, flat and useless. How they ate went beyond his understanding. He deemed them to be herbivores.

They wore odd clothing, a mass of colours seemingly slapped together into one ensemble. And no uniformity except for the symbol, like a geometric shape, they each wore in the centre of their small chests. The emblem gleamed in the Fire King’s light, evil and bewitching. They also appeared primitive and disorganised, clustering together like frightened animals. That they had technology advanced enough to travel through the Great Abyss made Lieutenant Raq narrow his eyes. They were smarter than they appeared.

Raq noted his captain clenching his large jaw, lower mandible twitching. You seem anxious, sir.

The mid-rising light gleamed off Captain Ri’s hard exoskeleton and onto his face, making it shine a lustrous green and blue. Lieutenant, this is a momentous occasion. A species from the Great Abyss has landed on our world. What does this all mean? They have done what we can only dream of. They make our attempts laughable. Look at their vessel, its shape and size, the material. This is terrifying, Raq. We are no longer the Great Race. Hlad are now just one of many in the Great Abyss.

One of many? Raq returned his stare toward the aliens. You…fear these creatures? They look fragile and weak. His captain, a half-breed from the Gentry Class and schooled in diplomacy—hence his elevated rank—had no business commanding a unit. Gentries were too melancholic.

Captain Ri rounded on Raq. Yes, I fear them. His large eyes glittered myriad azures and emeralds. "Do you not understand the implications—the glaring truth—right there before our eyes? Can you not feel it? Our lives will never be the same again. Another species—like those ancient tales suggest—has descended from the stars. Look at them. As the captain jerked his head at the clustered group, the dried regressed tailbones of his seven children rattled in the single earring. They look just like them. All the old tales, the drawings, are true. They have been here before. They are an intelligent race, Abyss travellers from another world, from the Abyss beyond the Great Abyss."

I have seen no drawings, only the tales as a youngling. Fantasies, Raq scoffed. But perhaps Gentries learned of different things, were told different things, that enabled them to be smarter. Even half Gentries like his captain.

The experts all say they could be from a distant water world where another Fire King lives to shine His Glory, one not as angry as ours, Ri continued. All the drawings show them surrounded by water, strange creatures, lush vegetation and tall, magnificent structures. Raq, do you see? They hold the answers to many questions. They can teach us many things.

Like make the water wells return? Raq had no idea what his captain talked about and couldn’t even imagine such things. He’d only ever been told the old tales, fantastical tales to listen to before sleep as a youngling.

Perhaps. And what if…what if we are their descendants? It has been speculated for generations. And most speculations take shape from some measure of truth.

Do not blaspheme, sir! Horror punched Raq. Their blood ran pure; it couldn’t possibly be layered with that of these…these hideous aliens. What his captain spoke of was nothing short of fantasy, made up by ignorant fanatics and fanciful storytellers who wanted only to desecrate all that was Hlad.

Why are they here? They hold answers, Raq, to many questions. Opening his mouth, Captain Ri hissed out a breath and turned his attention back to the proceedings. Raq observed that he no longer stood tall but shrunken, as though beaten, disillusioned. This changes everything, Lieutenant. Everything.

As the first of the dignitaries disembarked from the small airship perched on the quickly constructed landing pad a fair distance from the crash site, Raq’s two subordinates pulled up the glider to greet them. The five dignitaries, dressed immaculately in their military and political best, hopped onto the glider, which set off in his direction. Raq observed them dispassionately. None seemed able to contain their excitement at the prospect of meeting aliens. Typical Gentries. The stargazing expert, whom Raq recognised from the media feeds, was in the party, his face radiating a mix of pride and anticipation. Even his crown of spikes bristled as if charged with energy. Raq had always viewed him as a mindless joke but now, perhaps, he’d been right all along. The others in the group seemed inflated with pride and we were right smugness. They smoothed their clothes and stood straighter.

Pomp and fuss.

Raq heaved in a breath. Sweaty palms made his gloves unbearably hot, and the delicate skin at his collar grew irritable in the heat. He refocused on the creatures. Trust these aliens to crash-land in the blistering desert. He liked them less and less with each passing moment, but a surprising trickle of unease slithered down his belly. A sense of foreboding made him swallow. His captain’s words resonated. He couldn’t ignore that all tales, myths, fables and fantasies had to have origins. Some truths must lie within them. Just as truth sometimes sounded mythical, like the origins of Hlad—but it was the truth. The Fire King had deemed it so and shone his knowledge upon the priests and spiritualists. And especially upon the Great Mother.

But the Fire King had never mentioned the existence of other beings. What could all of this mean? Raq didn’t like where his thoughts took him. Yes, there had always been talk of alien creatures from storytellers right down to fanatics. For generations there had been speculation, even farfetched rumours of alien sightings or artefacts. But they were random, shrouded in mystery and deemed hoaxes for everyone to scoff at. Now this? Unless his eyes deceived him, and those of the others present, this was no hoax. Aliens. Not one, but a vessel full of aliens—at least fifteen that he could see—their silvery, broken craft lying nose-first in the parched, dusty bed of a once-magnificent lake.

Undeniable proof that the Hlad were not alone.

Captain Ri was right. Their world would never be the same again. The Imperial Minister—Great Mother—could not hide this. Not when so many had seen the vibrant streak of fire and smoke tearing through the skies, scraping close to the tallest buildings in the neighbouring cities, booming a horrific report as it broke the sound barrier. This wasn’t the dark ages, where things happened unnoticed. By now, even the farthest inhabitants living in the darkest pockets of the planet would know.

Aliens had come to Hlad!

This changes everything. Raq let the statement permeate his mind.

The aliens shifted again, agitated—like upset fungi spores—as they watched the glider’s approach. One, taller and larger than the others, stepped forwards. Their leader, Raq deduced. This one, with dark hair, carried what looked like weapons on his wide belt. This one had also been giving Raq and the others in the party the most hostile looks, even darting those shifty eyes along the ridge of the hills behind, to where soldiers stood as a barricade to the curious public.

The Tall One whispered again to a smaller companion, who appeared female. Raq couldn’t be certain. They were all ugly, and their sex indiscernible—in his opinion. This one seemed upset, rocking her head and making hissing noises through those flat teeth. The Tall One continued to glower at the approaching dignitaries. The female held his upper arm, pulling him back, yet the Tall One ignored her.

Raq straightened and gripped his weapon tighter. He expelled a slow breath and angled the weapon towards the Tall One. Did these aliens not follow the orders of females?

Easy, Lieutenant. Captain Ri hadn’t missed the movement. They are nervous, as we would be if we crashed onto their planet. Let the talkers do the talking. Remember, only if they show aggression do we shoot. Repeat that.

Raq took in a sharp breath. Only if they show aggression do we shoot.

The captain’s spikes bristled in acknowledgement.

But they sent the medics away, Captain, screeching from their small mouths. That is not hostile?

They did not understand what was required.

They have injured. Our medics showed them the cutting tools, the sealing grapples. Was our intention not clear enough?

They are not from here, Lieutenant. Perhaps their medical requirements are different. We must open our minds to their needs. They are our guests. We must show them civility and understanding.

Raq flicked his tongue in a dry mouth. His captain was far too lenient, his mind too open with wonder. These were uncertain creatures, otherworldly, and should be treated with the greatest caution, restrained and caged until their true origins and intentions could be ascertained. For all they knew, they could carry contaminants that could wipe out Hlad’s entire civilisation. Had no one remembered the old story for younglings, of the little Warrior who had found a magical water stone? Despite being told by his parents to leave it be, enthralled by its glow and whisper, the youngling had taken it from the dry lakebed and back to his home. The stone had first bewitched him, then burst forth with burning water that turned to flames, setting fire to his home and burning everything, even his siblings and parents. The fire had spread far and wide, burning his entire village for many risings until, one day, it had turned into a toxic swamp—the very one none ventured to in the deep western trenches.

The story of the water stone. A warning that younglings should listen to their parents, that dangers and evils lurk disguised as innocuous objects. Like these aliens. They seemed weak and frail, but one might never know their true malevolence. All Hlad might burn because of them.

Lieutenant Raq snorted and continued to watch the Tall One. He didn’t like the look of him at all. The rest of the aliens shuffled. Some fell back a step or two, while others took positions behind smaller pieces of wreckage. Defensive moves. They were scared. A nudge of doubt made Raq bristle. Perhaps the captain was right. But fright prompts random actions, usually aggressive. The lieutenant ignored the other aliens. He would open his mind, as the captain wished. He would try to learn, to understand. But the Tall One? Raq focused on him. That remained to be seen.

The stargazer was the first to greet the aliens. He offered the standard gesture of greeting—offering each side of his face to show it held no false pretence or guile, all the while baring his brilliant canines so all could witness he secreted no lies or weapons. He clapped his hands together at his chest, then thrust his arms away—to show he had expelled all evil thoughts and had come with a clean spirit. As he spoke the customary greeting, he raised his arms and encompassed the space around him, lifting his head to the Great Abyss to offer his thanks for his birth, his life, his story. Finally, as those who had offspring did, the stargazer brought his hand to his ear and rattled his three younglings’ tailbones, his face spread in a grin only a proud father could offer.

It was a powerful greeting if ever there was one. Raq grunted with approval. But the stargazer seemed to agitate the aliens. At the sight of his earring, one stifled a high noise behind a hand.

The Tall One extended an arm toward the stargazer while he pushed his smaller companion behind him with the other. He was definitely the leader, the protector, and spoke in harsh tones, clipped, like one used to giving orders.

Warrior Class, like me.

And Raq hadn’t missed the Tall One’s aggressive stance, angling his body as if to attack. The stupid stargazer seemed blind to this and continued his advance towards the Tall One. The head of Military Affairs—specially appointed to act on the Imperial Minister’s behalf—stepped forwards. Bedecked in his impressive armour, which gleamed magnificently in the Fire King’s light, he walked with a purposeful gait.

The aliens grew more agitated. The Tall One spoke louder, bringing both his arms forwards.

Captain…

The captain sucked in a breath.

Another of the dignitaries approached. Speaking what sounded to Raq like gibberish, she tried to placate the aliens. The Linguist. Raq groaned. She was advancing too quickly…

The Tall One snapped his hand to his weapon. He didn’t draw it, but his intention was clear enough. Raq’s subordinate, a nervous young sergeant, barked a command and raised his weapon.

At ease, Sergeant! Captain Ri took two steps forward. They misunderstand our intent. We must appear hostile to them.

The Tall One swivelled his attention to the captain and whipped out his weapon. But he pointed it at the ground. Ri froze, arms spread wide, and commanded the sergeant—everyone—to remain calm.

One of the dignitaries, flustered, spoke. We studied all the ancient cultures and languages. How is it they misunderstand? If they have visited before, surely they would know the words?

They are not from here, Raq blurted, surprised at his outburst. We must fall back. Our actions cause agitation—can you not see?

The Tall One shouted a long spiel and, as if to emphasise his meaning, his weapon jerked, punctuated by each inflection in his tone.

Stand down! the sergeant yelled, ordering the Tall One.

But the alien’s squawks grew louder. One made a high-pitched squeal while another darted back into the broken vessel, scuttling away like a frightened rodent.

Raq kept his eyes trained on the Tall One, who seemed to be having a disagreement with the female. She continued to tug his arm, a rough jerk that did nothing to divert the Tall One’s intent. The female directed her shrill words at both the Tall One and the officials. The Tall One barked out a sharp noise and pulled his arm away from the female’s grasp. The result was that the weapon he held swung in an arc towards the dignitaries.

The sergeant hollered and shouldered his rifle.

The Tall One’s tone changed. Sounds fell rapidly from his mouth, like the bleating mating calls of the qerz. His small weapon was now directly in line with the sergeant, but pointed skywards. All it would take was for him to lower his arm and fire.

The sergeant sucked in a breath, Captain Ri’s last orders no doubt still ruminating in his mind: Only if they show aggression do we shoot. He shut his mouth and took aim.

No, Raq muttered. A sense of horror flooded through him, surprising the Warrior in him. He saw nothing but disaster ahead.

The Tall One fired first. Whatever kind of projectile it was, it hit the sergeant and jerked him backwards. The impact caused his weapon to fire. The disruptor burst blazed over the aliens’ heads. They shrieked and scattered. The sergeant’s rifle continued to discharge. The other sergeant started shooting. Officials ducked for cover. Captain Ri drew his weapon.

Raq let instinct take over. He sprinted forwards as scorching hot projectiles peppered past him. One clanked against his armour plate, another ripped across his arm. The sting burned as his primary shell cracked. He hollered. More of the aliens had concealed weapons.

The lieutenant rolled across the dusty ground, coming to a stop next to the fallen sergeant. His dead eyes stared up as if looking at the hole now bored into the middle of his forehead. The sandy ground, already sticky with the sergeant’s yellow blood, stuck to Raq’s arms. Then he took cover and fired at random aliens. They died quickly, their soft outer skin no match for the powerful disruptors. From the corner of his eye, Raq spotted the Tall One dive behind a broken piece of the vessel, his female companion close by. Shifting, Raq aligned his weapon. Before he could shoot, a wave of projectiles kicked up the dirt before him. He grunted, snorting out dust and blinking away blinding grit.

Tricky aliens!

Raq had to admire their canny nature. It seemed they were all Warrior Class; this he could appreciate. He returned fire, straight into the cluster where they hid. His weapon tore through the thinner parts of the wrecked metal. More screamed and died, some shredded apart from multiple hits. Glancing to his side, he spotted his captain crouched close to the glider, firing. Captain Ri’s face was taut as it played out his thoughts: this monumental occasion, one deemed to mark the history records, had turned into disaster.

Guilt slammed into Raq, making him freeze. His captain had had high hopes. This was not the outcome everyone had expected. Raq spared a moment to stare down at his disruptor rifle. He glanced across at the carnage; strewn among the broken bits of fuselage were bodies.

What have we done?

It is getting away! someone shouted from behind Raq.

Darting his attention to his right, Raq saw the Tall One scramble behind the vessel, dragging the female. She appeared to be injured. Hideous red blood covered her upper body. Bile rose into the lieutenant’s mouth. Their blood looked vile, toxic.

He focused on the terrain beyond the vessel. Scattered with boulders and dry scrub brush, the land rose gently, offering many small crevices large enough for the skinny aliens to hide in. Huffing a growl, Raq set off in pursuit. Perhaps he could attempt to salvage the situation. These aliens were dangerous and untrustworthy, drawing weapons when friendly talk was being sought, but they were still guests of Hlad. They had approached in peace, were met with hostility, and while he desired to show them what hostility garnered, he would try to reason with them.

They are from another place. They do not understand.

Raq swallowed his Warrior instinct. He would open his mind.

Behind him, more weapons discharged as the last straggling members of the alien crew were exterminated. It was too late to save them.

The ground rose evenly as Raq leaped over the smaller boulders. The scent of the aliens filled his nostrils, the reek overwhelming—especially that of the injured female. He squinted, looking past a small puff of dust kicked up by the fleeing creatures. An outcropping of tall rocks and scrub loomed overhead. The perfect hiding spot. Raq pumped his legs faster, his muscles burning from the incline. When he reached the first of the large rocks, he slowed, letting his weapon lead. He would not shoot unless provoked. Raq tried to steady his breathing. The last thing he needed was to be struck down by an alien because his weapon shook.

He heard a crunch, then something like a whimper. The female. Raq picked his way into a crevice. The scraggy bushes growing above offered mild shade, but the temperature drop was noticeable. A cool lick of breeze touched his sweaty neck, reviving him a little. Stench filled his nose. He glanced down and spotted a trail of alien blood smeared along the bleached rocks. He eased his way around it, reluctant to touch it.

A loud crack rang out. Bits of rock fragments burst across under his eyes and nose, where the hard shell offered no protection. Raq gasped as stinging pain twisted his face. He fired back a warning pulse, and heard the female squeal. The Tall One shouted something. He sounded hysterical, but there was no mistaking the hatred in his tone.

I will not harm you any further! Raq called out. Disengage your weapon.

No response. Raq crouched and peered around the next boulder, creeping forwards. How could he make these creatures understand him if his words and actions were so foreign to them?

The dim light, and the dank smell of moist dirt mixed with blood, filled Raq’s senses. His pupils widened to accommodate the dark, just in time to see the Tall One skirting a smaller rock formation. The fissure they had entered was narrow, but widened around the corner.

The alien shouted something, an unintelligible noise.

Your words I do not understand! Raq thumped a fist against the rock. It was useless. The Tall One’s weapon flashed and Raq ducked as the shot cracked overhead, hitting the rock wall behind. A chorus of echoes ricocheted through his ears. He pushed off, rolling to an outcropping of boulders on his right, and fired another warning shot above the alien’s position. The damp rock