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UNEXPECTED - CHAPTER 1

"WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT"

Endeval Barbados blinked awake to a soft, warm breeze coming in through his open window. His eyes flicked to the personal chronometer on his nightstand as he pulled the light sheet down off his body. As usual, he was awake nearly five minutes before his alarm was set to go off. Smiling to himself, the big human sat up in bed and reached over to cancel the impending alarm. Swinging his legs over the side of his full-sized mattress, he yawned slightly and reached up to stretch his arms to the ceiling, groaning happily as he felt his stiff muscles respond. Rising, Endeval tugged at his sleeping attire, boxers, and padded barefoot to the open window. In the distance, the rising sun twinkled merrily across the greenish-hued ocean in the distance. Even from here, Endeval could see the forms of the yardarm birds swooping among the crashing waves, their dangling proboscis' snatching at the herds of wave spiders riding the swells.

After pausing to admire the view, he turned and bent his seventy six inch high frame nearly double to touch his fingertips to his toes. Even at two hundred and forty five pounds, the one-time soldier was still flexible enough to almost put his palms on the soft stone floor. Holding the pose, Endeval rubbed his left hand up and down his left leg. During his stint in the military, the leg had been re-grown twice. Once after he lost it to an alligator crab on Tarus 4, and again five years later when a lucky shot from ground troops had caught him in free fall in a grav chute over Bering 7. The Federal med-techs had assured him that it was as good as the original, but his mind remembered the pain of each loss and occasionally he had the ghost of a twinge to remind him of the separations.

Straightening from his stretch, Endeval's eyes fell on the bed and he sighed. The frame, made from hand-polished local wood, was bulky and well-constructed, but he chided himself once again for agreeing to such a large sized mattress. Only one side of the sheets was disturbed from his sleep, the other still made perfectly as it was when he first put on the coverings. True, the bed was a fair trade from a local human craftsman in town and Endeval had got it for nearly a tenth of its value on the galactic market, but looking at it every morning was a poignant reminder of how alone he was in his personal life. Shaking his head and pushing the thoughts aside, the big human quickly made his side of the bed and turned to the master bath. As he passed through the doorway, his eyes were drawn to one of the few decorations to adorn his white-stucco wall. The plaque was relatively simple for all that it represented, the gold and silver award mounted just under the cadmium engraving. As always, his mind returned to the events that brought the award to him.

The ship was lost. The paralyzing ion beams of the insect-like Tarn had ravished their way through the electronics, destroying control and life support systems in their wake. Lieutenant Commander Barbados watched as the last of the escape pods jettisoned and winged their way to the nearest medical frigate. He looked out the great transparent windows of the bridge and watched in horror as yet another Tarn troop carrier disgorged its emotionless passengers to make their way to the settlement surface. He knew, from all the briefing reports, that the coldly calculating aliens would be hard at work, gathering the helpless settlers to use to feed their vile offspring in the hive ship in orbit. The war had been raging for months as the vastly out-gunned Galactic Federal forces lost worlds and fleets to the oncoming horde. As a member of the elite Omni Environment Forces unit, Endeval had stayed behind, a grim plan forming in his mind.

_ Even as he watched thousands of Tarn drop ships descend on the planet, Endeval knew there were hundreds of human shuttles trying desperately to evacuate the settlers. The Tarn, mankind had learned, did not fire on unarmed ships. Dozens of weaponless medical frigates maneuvered among the wreckage of the fleet, scanning for life signs among the ruined hulks. LTC Barbados had a plan. The soldier was busy at the command chair, replacing the auxiliary flight panel. The ion beams that had struck the super-dreadnaught fried the electronics, but auxiliary control was hard wired for emergencies. Panel replaced, Endeval brought the ships massive antimatter engines back online and set a course for the planet. With a deep sigh, he watched as the surface jumped towards him in the view port. More than twenty years of experience in the Elites, and it all came down to this last act. Endeval smiled...he was at peace_

As it turned out, the command chair had its own emergency escape pod. In an eye blink, Endeval had found himself encapsulated and winging away from the ship. Later, he would be told that the resulting explosion on impact was large enough to upset the orbit of the planet. A great antimatter inferno scorched across the surface and destroyed everything in its wake. Settlers were lost, but in one move, the elite soldier had carved a hole in the Tarn forces that cost them two thirds of their total population. The insects had grown over-confident and deployed most of their forces to the ground. Endeval had just found a way to make them pay for their mistake.

In the aftermath, the remainder of the fleets had arrived to make short work of the remaining Tarn. Endeval had been hailed as both mass murderer and savior. While Command had decided which label to use, LTC Barbados had been assigned to a small, out of the way post to wait. Changes rocked the human worlds. Previously, colonization and space travel had long been controlled by the great mega-corporations, who had used their greater resources to fuel the initial push for the stars. The human governments had banded together to try to regulate corporate conduct and provide security, but the newly formed Galactic Federal Counsel held little real power in the face of near-unlimited corporate credits.

During the Tarn war, the Galactic Counsel had thrown all of its military resources into combat while the corporations had shied away. Even under-funded and lacking technology, the forces of the GFC fought bravely each and every battle. The public perception of the corporations shifted dramatically, and an onslaught of negative opinion slammed the companies' right where it hurt - in their wallets. With the pressure, the GFC took back the reins and once again regained command as a governing body. Firmly back in control, the GFC had kindly trotted Endeval out into the open and publicly declared him a hero for ending the war. He was given a medal and ceremony before his command had quietly suggested he retire. In just a few short weeks, he found himself with a generous stipend, sitting in a port on a planet known famously around the human galaxy as WindFall.

The big human sighed as he diverted his attention away from the plaque and entered the bathroom. As he used the facilities, he recalled the roiling emotions he experienced as he made the fateful decision to crash the ship. The subject had been addressed numerous times throughout his career, but until that day, he had not known how he would have responded when it came time to lay down his life for humankind. The fact that he had felt peaceful surprised him to this day. Now, some two years since retirement from the EOF, he had taken the government stipend and turned it into a viable, if not very profitable, business. Washing his hands, Endeval looked into the mirror over the sink. A man of some forty years looked back. He still had his hair, which was touched with grey and fashionably short. Dark, greyish-blue eyes stared back at him over a strong nose and chin. He currently sported a short beard, not much more than necessary to effectively cover his skin. The beard was neatly kept, but currently a day's growth of stubble showed around the precisely trimmed lines of facial hair.

Endeval shrugged his broad shoulders and turned back out of the bathroom to retrieve some clothing. He put on a tank-top style shirt, running shorts, and light shoes with socks before opening the door to his bedroom. At the first step into the hall, he automatically looked down the hallway to the only other room on that floor. The wooden door at the end of the corridor was heavily adorned with flashy trinkets and was still closed, meaning that Antony was still sleeping. Grinning to himself, Endeval padded down the stone steps to the first floor. As he descended, the human could smell fresh herbs and spices coming from the direction of the kitchen area. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he looked across the long, open room and spotted Jeremy deftly chopping something green on a thick wooden cutting board. The Alemucian was intent on his work, so Endeval paused and took in the alien's features once again.

Native to the planet, the Alemucia were bipedal, mammalian, and covered in a layer of soft, dense fur that always reminded him of an old-fashioned, stuffed teddy bear. Muscular, digitigrade legs supported a human-like torso and long, toned arms. Jeremy had five digits on each hand, like a human, with blunt claw tips in place of fingernails. His slim digits were a blur as he worked the knife in tiny chops. As Endeval approached, he swung his blunt muzzle around to flash the human a grin.

"Morning, boss."

Endeval stepped closer and inhaled. The scent of the herbs was vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite identify them.

"Morning, Jeremy. What are you making?"

The alien's spade-shaped ears flicked upright as his deep brown eyes twinkled.

"Bantam egg omelets. Hungry?"

Endeval chuckled as the alien grinned again. The Alemucian's face reminded him of an odd cross of horse and German Shepard. The wolfish muzzle looked strange with such a flat end, and the large nostrils always flared during one of his canine-like smiles.

"Definitely! But I was going to go for my run first. How long till they are done?"

One ear wavered back and forth as the shaggy head tilted to one side. A thicker layer of fur around his head and neck gave Jeremy a kind of "ruff" that enhanced the canine-like portion of his appearance.

"Mmm...about twenty minute? Twenty five?"

"Good. I can probably go three miles today. Have you seen Antony yet?"

The alien's ears flicked forward and back in amusement as he nodded his long chin up the steps. A few silver whiskers on his muzzle showed in the light, reminding the human that Jeremy was getting up there in age.

"Young one out all night again for party. Came in four, maybe five hour ago."

Endeval frowned over his shoulder in disbelief.

"Where in the hell does he go? There's not that many places in this town."

Jeremy pointed vaguely towards the center of the settlement with his knife.

"Spacer bar. N'tonee like talk to freight crew."

Endeval smiled and shook his head as he alternately flexed his legs in preparation for his run.

"Well, as long as he's up in time to open the store, I don't care that much."

The older alien nodded.

"I make sure he awake. Use cold water if have to..."

The human grinned at the smiling alien. His eyes drifted down to well-worn apron he wore over his usual native linen shirt and pants. About a year ago, Jeremy had somehow got his hands on a vintage apron with the words "Kiss the Cook" on the front. He wore it faithfully every time he prepared a meal.

"Looks like your apron's getting a little frayed, buddy. When are you going to get a new one?"

The alien's ears went flat to the side as he fingered the garment. Directly above the apron, on a fine chain around his neck, Jeremy's registration tag twinkled in the morning light.

"Mmm, want to keep this one, boss. Still good, yes?"

Endeval chuckled, knowing that Jeremy would sooner donate a limb than part with his apron.

"Just kidding. I know how much you love that thing."

The stocky alien grinned again as his ears flicked upright.

"Make good food with this! You go run and I show you when you get back!"

The human held up both hands in defeat.

"Ok! Ok! I know when I'm beat! I'll see you in about twenty minutes!"

Jeremy grinned again and waved as Endeval started for the door. The human glanced back in time to see the alien turn back to the cutting board. The Alemucian's three foot long, prehensile tail wrapped around a nearby jar of spices seemingly on its own and tugged it into the alien's waiting hand. Jeremy shook the spice jar before calling over his shoulder.

"Stay off beach boss! Sandworms have mating season! Get cranky!"

The big human yelled back as he opened the side door.

"Thanks Jeremy! See you soon!"

Endeval started down the small back street in a ground-eating lope he could maintain for several miles. He passed through the small settlement, waving to local business owners as they worked to open their own shops on the gently sloping streets. The settlement went by the name of LandDown, as it was established at the point where early exploration teams had touched down some twenty years ago. It was nestled along the equatorial border of a small planet that only had two major continents. LandDown sprawled on a low sloping rise that ran from the beach up to a series of cliffs that protected it from the harsh weather from the north. It's relatively flat contour had made it an ideal place for the first landing teams. Now, dozens of low, ranch-style buildings marched their way up the slope in geometric lines, all constructed with local materials and very few over a story in height. Endeval's own home sat close to the cliff faces. It had cost him nearly every penny of his savings, plus his stipend, but had been worth it.

As the big human turned and started along the road closest to the beach front, he could easily see the settlement's biggest feature, a three hundred foot tall space platform constructed to handle the various visiting ships that came to WindFall. Some ships carried supplies in for the settlement and others brought the loads of wealthy passengers who came to partake of the unique treasures only found on this particular planet. Even as he watched, a sleek luxury liner, her lines all trimmed in sparkling iridium, touched down gently in the docking cradle. Endeval smiled as he ran past the port. A luxury liner brought the super-rich and extravagantly wealthy, which meant potential customers. He made a mental note to say something to Jeremy and Antony when he got back to the shop.

Endeval turned again, his feet padding against the well-kept roadway as he wound up through the settlement. He passed the Committee Building, where the governing council of WindFall held its biannual meetings. When he had arrived on planet, the council had offered him a membership, eager to add his fame to its lists. Endeval had accepted, but found that his influence in the council had been minimal, as the group still took most of its direction from the corporation who had founded the settlement. Still, he was considered a councilman, and subsequently was able to enjoy some of the perks that came with the job.

The big human turned again and started on the last leg of his run. After a few more minutes, his home came into sight up the rise. From the outside, it appeared to be a relatively modest dwelling, all local brick and clay tile. It was only a story high in most spots and sprawled across nearly most of the block. Inside, the rooms of the home were arranged in a square around an open air courtyard. Only the back portion of the house had a second story containing two bedrooms, each with their own bath. One side of the square held various storerooms and a workshop, complete with a stable for the wagon teams. The other side of the square held the kitchen and living quarters while the front of the home was all storefront, facing the road. The entire structure was built into a sort of wall, effectively making it a compound of sorts. Endeval came to a slow walk as he approached the house. Instead of entering through the closed storefront, he elected to go in through the side door, placed there for just that purpose. As he stepped into the huge kitchen/dining area, the smell of something delicious assaulted his nostrils. At the grill in the center of the room, Jeremy poked at something in one of the pans on the burners and turned to grin at the human.

"Hey boss! Omelets almost finished! Have good run?"

Endeval smiled as he wiped at the light sheen of sweat on his brow.

"Definitely! I saw a ship come in while I was out. We may get some customers today!"

The furry alien nodded in excitement as he deftly flipped the contents of a pan.

"Ah! Good! Make big sale, get more supply for clans, yes?"

"Absolutely. Do you feel up to going out again?"

Jeremy shrugged his shoulders, a gesture he learned from humans.

"Sure thing boss. I do job. Help out clans. Is all good."

Endeval leaned over for a whiff from a pan.

"Speaking of good, that smells delicious."

The stocky alien grinned as he twirled a pans contents around to keep them from burning.

"Learned from mother before I leave. You will like."

The human smiled back. Two years ago, he had discovered the alien trying to peddle his wares near the spacer bars in the settlement. Unlike most of his other brethren, G'rmee was fascinated with humans. Endeval had been on planet less than a few days before he found himself sitting and talking to the plucky alien for hours. With broken Common and a lot of hand gestures, G'rmee told the human his story. Apparently, the grinning alien had voluntarily left the clans when he had fallen in love with another clansmen's mate, a major taboo among the natives. To save himself from disgrace, the native had become a wandering trader, moving from clan to clan and transporting goods for barter. He had wandered into the human settlement some few months earlier, but had no luck trading with anyone. Endeval had come to discover that the humans on WindFall regarded the natives as second class beings following the initial conflicts in the years after first contact. Nearly all of the local humans passing by had turned up their noses at Jeremy's attempts to make a sale. Endeval had been different, and after purchasing his home, had offered Jeremy a job and a room,. The alien had accepted immediately and had been with the human ever since.

Now, Endeval would send Jeremy out to the clans in the north, trading low tech essentials for bits of native jewelry and wares. The items would then be sold back in the human's store to visiting off-world customers. Part of the proceeds from the sales would then be used to purchase more stock for the clans, all while making a handsome profit. Some of those items that came in from the natives were completely unique to the planet. Endeval gave Jeremy another smile.

"I am very sure. Has Antony awakened yet?"

Before the alien could reply, two furry arms wrapped around Endeval from behind and gave him a firm hug. Back when he was still in the service, the human would have reacted very differently to the sudden surprise. Now, after a year, the hugs had become commonplace enough that Endeval chuckled as a low, rumbly voice came from the owner of the arms.

"Morning boss. I awake now."

Endeval patted one of the arms and turned to regard their owner. Antony was tall, nearly as tall as the human, and slim-hipped. His shoulders were broad and he was well muscled. He was also young, barely out of his teens in comparison to human terms. The young alien was shirtless, as usual, his dense brown fur contrasting the soft blue shorts around his waist. His wide muzzle gaped in a mischievous grin, showing his omnivorous teeth. Somewhere, about two or three months ago, Antony had found someone to give him a tattoo. The whole side of his thick neck ruff and down his left arm was covered in an intricate tribal pattern that changed colors in response to his mental status. It had taken Endeval weeks to get used to seeing the young native's fur shifting through the myriad patterns. The big human shook his head fondly as he gestured at Antony's chest.

"Morning Antony. After breakfast, you will probably need a shirt. We may have customers today."

The native's light brown eyes lit up as his ears flicked upright.

"Ship come today?"

"Yep. Saw it this morning on my run."

The young alien clapped his hands together in excitement. Behind him, his tail whipped back and forth.

"Will do boss! I make big sale! Show off goods!"

Endeval chuckled and make calming gestures with both hands.

"Easy big fella. Too much showing off may lose us a sale..."

Antony rumbled with mirth even as he slunk past the human to regard the contents of the pans on the stove. Jeremy growled at him in the native language, a guttural slop of consonants and stretched vowels that Endeval could barely begin to follow. While the human had made himself fluent in the trading tongue thanks to Jeremy, he didn't know very much at all about the Tongue of the People, and for good reason. As always, long habit had the older native instantly translating his words for Endeval's sake.

"No touch till done! Go get shirt while I put on table!"

Antony raised both hands in surrender and turned to go. Jeremy whacked him playfully on the rump with his spatula, eliciting a mock yelp. The younger native dashed up the stairs, tail high and ears wiggling with excitement. The older alien watched him go, a small smile on his face. A year ago, Antony had stumbled into the human settlement, hungry, exhausted, and banished from the clans. Endeval and Jeremy had spoken to the youth and discovered he was a bright and eager young man. The human had offered him a room and pay in exchange for his help around the store. The younger alien had accepted immediately, and turned out to be a solid worker with a refreshing playful side. Jeremy had started taking him under his wing, acting almost like a father to the youth. Over time, the three had quickly settled into a sort of family, one that Endeval found very comforting. Eventually, the big human gradually forgot to ask the reason Antony was banished in the first place, and then found himself not caring. As the door upstairs banged, the Endeval moved to help set the table.

"He really looks up to you."

The shorter native paused and blinked.

"Who? N'tonee?"

"Yes. Living here has been good for him. He was a wreck when he first came."

Jeremy nodded as he slid an omelet on to a plate.

"Is good young one. Work hard. Have good attitude. Just need guiding hand."

Endeval nodded as he put out the rest of the plates.

"Then he's lucky you are here."

The older native pointed at him with the spatula.

"Both of us lucky you are here, boss."

Endeval smiled and nodded, which seemed to be enough for Jeremy. The next few minutes were spent in companionable silence as the two finished putting out breakfast. Antony returned quickly with a tight-fitting mesh shirt that clearly outlined his muscled frame. Endeval sighed and shook his head at the young native's choice of attire. The three males sat down at the table. Endeval and Antony sat silently as Jeremy blessed the meal in the native tongue. Alemucian customs were simple and direct, something that the former soldier found quite refreshing. While he didn't fully understand all of the clan rites and rituals, he was respectful enough when either of the furry aliens chose to observe them. Prayer complete, the three turned to the fluffy, succulent omelets. Endeval clipped a piece with his fork and put in his mouth. An astounding complexity of flavors burst on his tongue.

"Mmm. Oh man. This omelet is incredible, Jeremy! You really should make this more often!"

The older native chuckled as his ears flicked in pleasure.

"Will do, boss. Tonight we try Bantam steak? Know a good recipe for them..."

Endeval nodded his head. To his side, Antony also nodded as he stuffed his mouth with food. The big human chuckled and winked at Jeremy.

"I guess I'm not the only one who likes the omelets."

The older alien narrowed his eyes and snorted.

"Yes. But at least one will tell me so."

Antony stopped shoveling long enough to glance across the table in surprise, his ears lying back close to his skull.

"Wha? What I miss?"

Endeval tried desperately to keep a straight face, but was soon doubled over in laughter. Jeremy cracked a smile as the young alien continued to look back and forth at the both of them, his face a picture of alien puzzlement.

"I not understand."

The older native just nodded once at him, his face solemn and full of wisdom.

"You are young. Will know someday."

Endeval continued to chuckle as cut another bite.

"Some of us just express our appreciation in other ways. Thank you for breakfast, Jeremy."

The older alien smiled and grinned. Across the table, Antony also managed a muffled "Thank you" around the mouthful he was currently chewing. Jeremy chuckled and sighed before returning to his meal. The three finished their breakfast and rose from the table. As Jeremy cleared the dishes, Endeval went to the front of the house to open the store. It was a simple procedure to turn on the notification alarm and flip the "Closed" sign over to read "Open". In a galaxy of impressive and near-magical technology, the simple sign actually drew in more customers. After opening the store, Antony and Endeval went out back to start early morning chores. There were items to unpack in the storehouse, animals to be fed, and stalls to be cleaned. As the big human crossed the open courtyard, the younger alien dashed around the stone benches that were setting near a large fountain in the center of the clearing and proceeded to splash a handful of water in Endeval's direction. Grinning, the former soldier stooped and splashed back, sending Antony squealing and giggling towards the stables. Endeval followed along at a slower pace, smiling at the infectious playful attitude.

Several hours later, after chores were done and showers were taken, the big human was standing in the kitchen chatting amiably with Jeremy. Endeval had put on a pair of khaki shorts and a nice, button down shirt after his post-chores shower. Antony, fresh from his own shower, sauntered in from the courtyard, dressed more appropriately in grey shorts and a soft, cotton-like, green shirt. His registration tag glinted in the afternoon light, vying for attention against the shifting fur tattoo on his neck. Endeval was just about to comment on the color changes when a soft chime echoed throughout the entire house. Conversation stopped as all three looked at one another in surprise. Antony was the first to react, his ears flicking back and forth in excitement.

"Customers!"

Endeval turned and started for the storefront. He nearly had to put out a hand to keep the younger alien from dashing ahead. As he came through the doorway in the back of the store, his eyes fell on the two people who had entered and he had to remind himself not to gape in surprise. The man and woman were standing near the front counter, perusing the items that were set in under the glass top. Both of them looked up as Endeval smiled and offered a greeting.

"Good afternoon! Welcome to WindFall! Just come in today?"

Both the man and the woman were dressed in what Endeval would guess as the latest clothing sought by the extremely wealthy. The shiny cloth practically dripped expensive jewelry and trim. What really caught his attention wasn't the clothing, but the people themselves. They were body-modders: super-wealthy, perpetually-bored humans who paid extraordinary sums of credits to surgically or genetically alter their appearance. The woman before him was slim, with a long, hawkish nose, piercing eyes, and ears nearly buried in rings of shiny metal. Her pupils were elongated, stretching from top to bottom of her corneas. On her head, brightly colored feathers grew directly from her scalp, cascading all the way down the back of her neck and vanishing beneath her clothing. The man next to her blinked his multi-faceted eyes and gestured at Endeval with one of his extra arms, grafted on to his torso underneath the original pair.

"Our ship just docked. Are you the owner of this store?"

The man's voice was high and squeaky, despite his considerable bulk. The voice, coupled with the eyes and arms, immediately had Endeval thinking of the common houseflies that had traveled to the stars with mankind.

"I am! Endeval Barbados at your service. Did you see anything you liked?"

The woman chittered in excitement, her voice nearly as squeaky as her companions.

"Not THE Endeval Barbados? War hero?"

The big human winced slightly before he could catch himself. Mentioning his former military status always brought back the memories, and the feelings that came along with them. The four-armed man nodded suddenly.

"It is him! I remember him from the vids! How did you end up here?"

Endeval forced himself to smile.

"When I retired, they gave me choice of planets to live. I chose to come to WindFall and open this store."

The feathered woman chittered again.

"That's so warp! I never thought I would get to scan a real life war hero!"

As the big human nodded, Antony had quietly circled around him to the far side of the counter. He peered across the glass top, fascinated by the humans standing there. The fly-eyed man noticed his stares and gasped.

"Are you a Mook?"

Endeval frowned.

"He's an Alemucian. We don't like to use that word around here. It's derogatory to the natives."

The man flinched and nodded apologetically.

"Oh sorry! I just never thought a native would be here in the settlement."

Endeval nodded back.

"Antony is one of three natives living here in LandDown. There's him and Jeremy over there, and then one more with quarters at the Council building. He serves as an Ambassador to the Clans."

"Clans?"

"Yes. The natives are arranged in a series of tribal structures called Clans. Their names can tell you to what clan they belong. Antony is actually spelled 'N'tonee'. The 'N' at the beginning of his name denotes from which clan he comes. Jeremy over there is spelled 'G'rmee', meaning he is from a different clan..."

The man had leaned over the counter to study Antony in closer detail. The young native was looking back just as intently. Suddenly, Antony grinned and spoke.

"You get extra arms?"

The bug-eyed man flinched noticeably in surprise and then smiled back.

"Yeah! Bought them on Altaran 6. Took a galactic rotation to get used to them!"

Antony bobbed his head, his ears flickered excitedly along with his tail. He reached over and pulled down his shirt collar to expose his glowing fur.

"I get this! Look good, yes?"

Both modified humans leaned over to study the glowing tattoo.

"Oh look at what it does on fur!"

"They must have saturated the follicles!"

As the two oohed and aahed over the work, Endeval glanced over his shoulder at Jeremy. The older alien rolled his eyes and sighed. Both of them knew Antony was in his joy. He loved when any human paid him attention. After a few more minutes, Endeval cleared his throat to get their notice. All three turned to look at him.

"I'm glad that you're enjoying talking with Antony, but I was just wondering if you saw anything that captured your interest?"

The two humans glanced at each other, and then the woman turned back to him.

"Do you have any?"

Instantly, Endeval knew for what they were asking, but he clarified all the same.

"You mean Song Rock?"

The Fly man nodded his head.

"Is that what they call it here?"

The big human nodded his head even as he squatted and reached for his keys. As he unlocked a heavy door under the counter, he launched into his sales pitch.

"Yep. Song Rock is the reason the mega-corps colonized the planet. It's the only place in the known universe you can find them."

Above him, he heard the woman's voice.

"Discovered about twenty years ago, scientists say that the gems known as 'Vibration Crystals' were discovered in two impact craters here on the planet WindFall. The unique properties of the meteorite or meteorites that impacted the surface millions of years ago somehow were altered in the process, allowing the impact debris the ability to vibrate at numerous frequencies. Some of the frequencies can even be heard unaided with the human ear."

Endeval pulled out a large, flat, metal tray from its storage spot in the cabinet. As he stood, he saw the feathered woman reading from her wrist comp, the holographic display hanging in the air above her arm. He frowned as he set the covered tray on the counter.

"You do know you aren't supposed to use Level six tech in front of natives, right?"

Both sets of eyes, slitted and faceted, swung over to Antony, who just grinned. The young alien shook his head and giggled.

"Seen wrist compy before! Is ok with me!"

The two customers turned to look at Endeval, who smiled as he unlocked the covered tray.

"Don't panic. These guys are pretty used to it and level six is technically allowed inside the boundaries of LandDown."

The multi-armed man waved three of his hands.

"What about outside?"

"Nothing higher than level three."

"Level three!? That's practically the Stone Age!"

Endeval paused and shook his head, a small smile on his lips.

"Not quite. The natives were up to metalworking, so it's more like Medieval Age. But the Clans act more like the ancient Native Americans on Old Earth. When the first exploration teams touched down here, it was ruled by the Federation that none of the natives were to be exposed to technology beyond level three. A little level four has leaked through over the last twenty years, but that's about all."

The feathered female looked away from her screen to ask.

"Is that what this 'Alemucian Treaty' was all about?"

"No. The Treaty was implemented after the first year of conflicts between the settlers and the natives. The Z'tnaa finally agreed to the terms to stop the destruction of the Peoples. Now, the natives are restricted to the areas above the snow lines to the north, or they can go to the other continent. Any natives below the snow line on this continent have to be registered with the local government."

As he was speaking, Endeval noticed both of the aliens had gone still, their ears flat to their skulls. Since this was the first time he had explained this to outsiders, he surmised that they were not very thrilled at the terms of the Treaty. He mentally resolved to talk to them after and let them know his own feelings on the subject. Across the counter, the man with the sparkly eyes nearly whispered.

"Is that the slave thing?"

Endeval's head snapped up.

"What? What slave thing?"

The modified man recoiled from the look on his face. By his side, the feathered female spoke up.

"There are rumors at the dock that the natives are actually slaves."

The big human fought to not let his anger show.

"Natives are registered, not enslaved!"

The lady continued.

"So these two aren't..."

"Certainly not! These two are my friends! They live here with me and earn a wage!"

The man held up all four of his hands in response.

"Whoa! Sorry! Just what I heard!"

Endeval took a deep breath. Antony was now very interested in the conversation, his ears perked. Over his shoulder, the big human noticed Jeremy's ears were even more flattened, practically part of his skull. Something was certainly bothering the older native. Endeval again regarded the man across the counter.

"No. I'm sorry. The rights of the natives here are a special concern for me. It's a subject I bring up a lot in the council. I sure do wish I knew where that horrible rumor originated though."

The man waved two hands on one side.

"Helions under the warp screen. I just heard someone say that they take any natives they find out of place and set them working in the mines. Then someone said that they usually end up staying there until they fall over from exhaustion."

Endeval blinked in surprise.

"There are two mines here on WindFall. One at each impact crater. The one to the south is the small one, and the one north of here is very large. Registered natives are allowed to work in the mines in exchange for higher quality level three tech from the northern or southern branch settlements. It helps the corporation get its Song Rock, and helps the natives get items that are harder to make in the Northern regions."

"Why don't they just automate the mines?"

"Because that would introduce tech higher than level three, and that is strictly forbidden."

To his side, Antony looked over at Jeremy and spouted a question in the native tongue. The woman with the feathers widened her eyes and looked at Endeval.

"What did he say?"

"I don't know."

Jeremy returned an answer, automatically translating into Common.

"B'grteee m'taaklii. Maybe later."

The feathered woman looked questioningly at Endeval.

"You don't speak the language?"

The big human shook his head.

"No human does. It is forbidden to learn it."

"From who? The Council?"

"No, from Z'tnaa."

The two humans just blinked in confusion, so Endeval continued.

"The Clans each have their own leader, but every generation one of them is designated to be the Chief of all the Clans. It's like royalty among the natives. The 'Z' designation of his name is to show he is of all the clans, but of none at the same time. No other clan or individual uses that designation. When the Treaty was enacted all those years ago, part of the pact was that no outsider may learn the Tongue of the People. If we want to talk to the natives, we use what is called the Trader's Tongue, which is a special language used for barter among the Clans."

The woman seemed fascinated.

"Do you speak it? The Trader's Tongue?"

"I'm pretty fluent, thanks to Jeremy, but I've never used it north of the cliff walls. I don't usually go out of the settlement."

"Then how do you get this stuff?"

"Jeremy is a Trader. He travels north to the clans and barters for all of these items."

All sets of eyes turned to the older native, who shuffled his feet under the sudden scrutiny. He forced a wan smile and shrugged his shoulders.

"I make good trade. Help out clans with good stuff."

Endeval caught the questioning stares.

"We use some of the profit to send quality items out for barter. Knives, fabric, needles, cooking utensils, that sort of thing. The biggest thing we send out are water clarification units. The tribes have trouble finding clean water because of the high mineral content of runoff. The units we send out dramatically improve the quality of their drinking water."

"But isn't that above level three tech?"

"It's level four, but I petitioned and got special treatment as long as the units were sealed so that the natives couldn't get inside. If one breaks down, Jeremy brings it back and we replace it. I can then fix the broken unit before we send it back out for trade."

"The woman nodded, and then her eyes fell to the forgotten covered metal tray.

"Is...is that what I think it is?"

Smiling, Endeval flipped back the large cover. Inside, a multitude of jewelry sat nestled in foam and silk.

"This is what made this planet famous."

The feathered woman let out a long sigh and leaned over for a better look. The man beside her nearly had his chin on her shoulder as he too looked into the tray. The woman exclaimed as her eyes fastened on a single piece.

"Oh! That looks amazing! May I hold it?"

Endeval smiled and picked the piece out of the tray. It was a simple necklace of polished stone beads, but each bead was layered in multiple colors, as if it came from the shell of a geode. The whole piece sparkled, but the main attraction was an elegant blue gem, the size of a thumb, glinting in the center. Endeval handed the necklace to the woman. She handled the piece in awe as the gem caught the light.

"This is it? How do you know it's vibrating?"

The former soldier reached under the counter and produced a small tuning fork. He held the stone in the palm of one hand and touched the bottom of the fork to the gem. An eerie resonance filled the air, oscillating up and down. There was no melody, but the pattern remained stable. The woman's eyes went wide.

"That's...incredible..."

Endeval smiled as he placed the tuning fork back on the counter.

"Nearly every gem is unique, but these are rare even among the rare."

"Why is that?"

"Because this one was discovered, refined, tuned, and assembled into a necklace by a native craftsman. Even the corporation gems can't make that claim."

The woman looked over her shoulder at the man beside her.

"Oh Melan, I just have to have this!"

The multi-armed man smiled and rubbed her shoulder.

"Then we'll just have to get it. How much?"

Endeval smiled.

"For that piece, its two hundred and fifty thousand credits."

The man raised an eyebrow.

"The corporations charge far less. How about one hundred fifty?"

The big human chuckled. He knew the barter. It was as old as humanity itself.

"Yes, but this one is very unique! Two forty?"

And so it went, back and forth. The couple finally left after reaching an agreement at two hundred thousand credits. Before they had walked out the door, though, Antony had managed to talk them into purchasing a few of the other native trinkets "for the good of the Clans". Endeval had to smile at the young alien's persuasive sales pitch. After the customers had left, the big human and the two aliens returned to the back rooms. Antony skipped up the steps to his room for a moment, leaving Endeval and Jeremy in the kitchen. Remembering his earlier thoughts, the former soldier looked over at his friend.

"Hey Jeremy, are you all right?"

The older native paused and turned to look at him.

"I fine, boss."

Endeval put his hand affectionately on the alien's shoulder.

"Look, Jeremy, I know that Alemucians aren't thrilled about the terms of the Treaty. I also know that things haven't improved over the last twenty years. Believe me, I work pretty hard in the Council to try to make things better, but it's taking a lot to try to push changes through. I just want you to know how I feel about it."

The older native looked into the human's eyes. His own orbs were filled with pain and sadness. Endeval saw the look and was taken aback. Despite his ears lying flat, Jeremy gently placed his own hand over top of the human's and gave him a sad smile.

"Trials of The People run deeper than you know, boss. I sad for them."

The big human frowned slightly.

"I know things aren't great, but it sounds like you know something I don't."

The Alemucian smiled softly.

"Someday I tell you more. But today we celebrate sale, yes?"

Endeval took a moment to look into the alien's eyes, trying to read the hidden secrets from his gaze. It bugged him that there was information that he didn't know about the native population, especially something that caused a negative reaction in his furred friend. After the briefest of pauses, Endeval smiled gently and nodded. Today was a day to be happy, as sales were fairly uncommon, but the big human resolved to delve further when the time seemed more appropriate. He squeezed the furred shoulder softly and then turned with the native to face the steps. Antony came bounding down the stairs, shirtless and carrying a bottle.

"Hah! Antony bring good wine! Have drink?"

Endeval looked at him questioningly.

"Where did you get wine?"

The tattoo on the native's shoulder flickered as he grinned and set the bottle on the counter.

"Friend in ship crew trade with me."

The big human raised an eyebrow.

"Someone traded you wine? What did you trade?"

Antony shrugged as he began to dig through a nearby drawer for a bottle opener.

"Did some stuff, got bottle."

Endeval shook his head. In all the time that he had known the young native, Antony had never really divulged what adventures he had nearly every night romping around in the local nightlife of the settlement. The big human just grinned as he rounded the island grill and dug into a cupboard for some glasses. Jeremy watched the younger alien rummage for a moment and then opened another drawer with a sigh. The older native set a simple corkscrew on the counter under Antony's nose, who stopped digging and grinned. Without missing a beat, the younger alien closed the drawer and started working on the wine cork. Jeremy rolled his eyes, took the glasses from Endeval, and set them on the table. The big human smiled and whispered to the older native.

"Thank you, Jeremy. Someone has to say it."

The younger native looked up from where he was screwing the corkscrew into the cork of the bottle.

"Wha? What I miss?"

The older two laughed at the confused look on Antony's face. After a moment, the young native grinned and continued with his assault on the wine bottle. After a few moments, the trio was all sitting at the table, enjoying a glass of the remarkably good wine. As Endeval raised his glass to make a toast, another soft chime echoed through the room. All three males froze in surprise, glasses nearly touching. Endeval knew his own eyes were nearly as wide as Jeremy's.

"More customers?"

Anthony was the first to react. He set his glass down and dashed for the steps.

"Yay! More sale!"

And to the human's surprise, he nearly beat him to the store again.

*********

Endeval stared at the paper in his hand. He was sitting at the small desk in the corner of his bedroom that served as his office. A small filing cabinet next to the desk was more than enough to store all the records of his purchases and transactions. The lacquered wooden surface of the desk was a far cry from the incredible viz screens used across the rest of the galaxy, but its soft sheen was more aesthetically pleasing to the Endeval's eye. The big human sighed and shook the paper gently. As he started from the top once again, a quiet knock sounded at the door. Endeval turned and called out.

"Come in!"

The wooden door opened slightly to reveal Jeremy's muzzle. His ears were low as he licked his lips before speaking.

"Hey Boss. Have minute?"

"Sure Jeremy. Come on in."

The furred alien padded softly into the room, closing the door behind him. He started to approach the desk when he spotted the paper in Endeval's hand. Instantly, Jeremy's ears dropped even lower and he paused.

"Oh. You still reading that?"

The big human sighed and set the paper on the desk.

"Yes Jeremy, I was just trying to decide what I needed to do about this."

The Alemucian slowly settled on the corner of the bed closest to the desk.

"I very sorry, Boss. I not know what to do."

Endeval spun in his chair and leaned forward with his hands on his legs.

"Jeremy. This isn't your fault. Somehow, somebody up north found out about our latest profits and this is most likely a ploy to take advantage."

The store had indeed made quite a profit three weeks ago. After the fly-eyed man and his partner had left, the feathered woman had transcripted the couple's store trip on to their ship's on-board network. Every passenger from the luxury liner suddenly had a full account of what had happened that morning. Over the course of the next few hours, Endeval had made five more sales. Five! More than any previous three months combined since he had bought the shop! With the sudden influx of credits, Endeval and Jeremy had purchased a large load of supplies and the plucky alien had trundled out to make his rounds among the clans. When he had returned yesterday, it was with an empty wagon, an abysmal look, and the paper now resting on the desk. Endeval sighed and rubbed a finger on his temple.

"Tell me again what happened exactly."

Jeremy's tail coiled around to where he could wring at it with both hands. He took a breath and slumped a little as he spoke.

"I go North, make good trade like always. Is time to come back when travel box full. Lock box like always and start down J'sffee Trail. When get to road part before pass Branton, three human in matching shirt make me stop. They take me to Branton and say keep box. Say need fee to take box back home. Give me paper for boss. I bring paper and give to you."

Endeval sighed again and glanced at the paper in question. It was a missive from the administrative building in Branton, the Northern settlement closest to the mine. There were a lot of big words and legalese on the page, but essentially the local administrative office of Branton was holding Endeval's property until he showed up personally to claim it. With phrases like "holding fees" and "storage fees", it was obvious the magistrate in Branton was expecting compensation before releasing the box. The big human chided himself silently. Having a large, iron-bound trunk to transport traded goods seemed like a good idea at first, but Endeval had just not counted on an organized seizure happening on the trade trail. He reached out and put his hand gently on the native's shoulder.

"Jeremy. It will be all right. You didn't do anything wrong."

The alien looked up at him, his ears twitching upward with hope.

"Boss not mad? Is ok?"

Endeval smiled and gave his shoulder a small squeeze.

"I'm not mad at you! Like I said, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm just going to have to go up there and pay them some money to get our things back, that's all."

Jeremy went rigid as his eyes widened.

"Boss? You go North?"

The human easily spotted his reaction and frowned.

"Yes, why? Is there something wrong?"

The furry alien sighed and dropped his tail. He gave a small shake of his head as he stared at the floor.

"No. Just worried about Boss up North alone."

Endeval smiled at him in reassurance.

"Well Jeremy. This isn't the first time I've been on my own. But, if you are willing, we could travel together for the first couple of days. I have two water purifiers ready to go back out."

If anything, the plucky native slumped a little more at those words. Then, after a moment, he seemed to gather himself up and look right into the human's eye.

"Ok Boss. I go with."

The big human sat confused for a moment at the alien's behavior. He really wanted to ask the several questions that were running through his mind, but one look at Jeremy's face convinced Endeval to wait till later. After all, they would be spending a good bit of time together on the trail and there were supplies to be purchased. Endeval still needed a bedroll...and a tent...among other things.

"Thank you my friend. We will leave tomorrow morning, ok?"

Jeremy gave a wan smile and stood up from the bed. Endeval also stood and clasped both of his shoulders.

"It's going to be fine. You'll see."

The plucky native sighed and rubbed at his left shoulder.

"We shall see, Boss."

Jeremy turned and exited the room. The former soldier stood for long moments and stared at the door after he had left. The entire conversation left him with more questions than anything, but Endeval resolved to let it rest until he got his friend alone on the trail. Then, there would be time for talk. The big human took a deep breath and started for the door. There were preparations to make for tomorrow's trip.

*********

The road to the North started by following the ocean. The only pass through the cliff faces behind LandDown was located at the far end of the beaches. Endeval rode on the wagon bench next to Jeremy. Ahead, two anklos trotted along in harness. Anklos were the local equivalent to old Earth horses. They were saurian, warm blooded, and closely resembled the prehistoric dinosaur, Ankylosaurus magniventris. Another anklo was tied to the back of the wagon. Jeremy would take the extra mount with him in two days when the J'sffee Trail intersected with a more western route, the J'nngoo Way. Endeval's plan was to continue up to Branton with the wagon and recover the travel box. For the moment, the two were quietly riding down the hard-packed beach trail. The air was balmy, with a slight breeze coming in from the water. The big human glanced at his friend as they rode. Normally, Jeremy was jovial and chatty, but since their conversation yesterday, the plucky alien had been unusually reserved. Even now, as they approached the pass, Endeval noticed the alien's discomfort as he sat and rubbed idly at his shoulder.

"Still doing all right over there, Jeremy?"

The native cocked his head at him, one ear flickering.

"Yes Boss. I do fine."

Endeval smiled at him.

"Ok. Just checking. How long till we reach the pass?"

In answer, Jeremy faced ahead and pointed a slim finger. Endeval turned and looked into the distance. Up ahead, a stand of heavy trees clustered around up against the face of the cliffs, their bluish-green fronds rippling heavily in the sunlight. The human squinted in confusion at the trees. The entire rest of the beach, even to up past the settlement, was overgrown with nothing taller than knee-high grasses. Actual trees seemed incredibly out of place. Endeval voiced his confusion out loud.

"How did those trees get there? They're not usually found on the beach, are they?"

Jeremy waved a hand back and forth.

"Trees come from North. Grow in cold weather."

"Hmm. Then how are they here on the beach?"

The answer came as the duo approached the grove. The path on the beach turned and led straight through the clump of trees. As the wagon followed the turn, Endeval found himself facing head-on into a cool wind. The chilly tempest came from the opening in the cliff face, a winding gap set back behind the grove. The hard packed surface of the trail led directly into the gap and disappeared around a bend. The big human shivered as he turned his head to look around.

"Wow. That air has to be at least twenty degrees cooler! Is it always like this?"

Beside him, the furred native seemed to return from his thoughts as he nodded.

"Will get very cold past cliffs, Boss."

Endeval tilted his head at him.

"Jeremy. You've been acting strange since I told you I was going north. What's going on?"

The plucky alien fingered his registration tag as he stared ahead thoughtfully. Then, with a sigh, he reached down and picked up the leather satchel at his feet. When he pulled out the first object, Endeval frowned at him.

"Jeremy. What in the world is that for?"

The furred native didn't respond. In his hands was an inch-wide iron collar, hinged on one side and sporting a simple latch assembly on the other. The latch also had metal loops that met together over top of the latch. As Endeval gaped in surprise, Jeremy pulled the chain with his registration tag up over his head and started to fasten the ugly iron collar in its place. The big human sputtered.

"What are you doing?"

Jeremy removed the tag from his chain and slipped it on to the collars latch loops with practiced ease. He turned and looked at Endeval with a profound sadness, his ears flat against his skull.

"I prepare for go North, Boss."

"Why the collar? What's wrong with your chain?"

Jeremy looked at him from the side of his eye.

"Chain not allowed. Must wear collar above cliffs."

Endeval stared in shock at the collar around the native's neck. From the moment he saw it come out of the bag the human had felt a cold lump in his gut. Now the ugly metal chunk pushed Jeremy's thick ruff apart, metal marring the soft fur. He noticed the look on his friend's face and his lump grew.

"There's more, isn't there?"

Jeremy pulled a thick, warm coat from the satchel. He laid it over the bench between the two and bent to retrieve something else. His questing hand found a lump of thick fabric that turned out to be an odd, sleeveless shirt. The material was thick and warm, but Endeval didn't understand why the sleeves were missing. Still refusing to look at him directly, the furry native moved to remove the thin native linen shirt he was already wearing. It went up over his head, revealing his slim, muscular torso. It was the first time in nearly two years that Endeval had seen Jeremy without a shirt. The quiet native set his thin shirt aside and turned to pick up the thicker. The big human's eyes were immediately drawn to an old, twisted scar on Jeremy's left shoulder that wasn't there when they had met two years ago. Endeval leaned in for a closer look and the lump of ice in his gut grew spikes.

"Jeremy? Is that...is that a...brand?"

The native paused and looked at him quietly.

"Yes Boss. Is mark of ownership."

The lump of ice turned to fire.

"WHAT?"

Jeremy leaned away from him, both ears nearly disappearing against his head. Endeval saw his reaction and took a second to compose himself. After a few breaths, he spoke again, much more quietly.

"Jeremy, whose mark is that? What idiot claims to own you?"

The fuzzy native didn't budge an inch.

"Is your mark, Boss."

Endeval felt his world skew sideways. There was no way! He never claimed ownership of anyone! Everything he had come to believe about the condition of the natives of this planet was suddenly put to the test. The only connection he had on paper to the natives was his name on the sponsorship line when he had helped apply for the registration tags. How did that translate into a wicked burn scar on his friends shoulder? The big human turned and faced forward for a moment as his thoughts churned in time to the feelings in his gut. Something was not right about this at all.

"Jeremy...would you please tell me how you came to have what is presumably my mark on your shoulder? The whole story, please."

The plucky native sighed and sat upright and started to put on the thick, sleeveless shirt.

"About year ago, Northern territories ban free traders. No more travel on roads unless have proof of owner registration. Know you don't like idea of ownership, so I take letter north to Branton. Ask for get mark in your name. Have to talk good for Branton accept registration papers. They say ok and let me pick your mark. I tell them you no have time to waste on little stuff like that. Get mark and come home. I no tell you so you don't throw me out."

Endeval felt his eyes burn. Slavery! Here on WindFall! And his friend had become a victim right under his nose! The very idea of owning another being made him sick to his stomach. He was still trying to come to grips with this new information when something Jeremy had said suddenly hit him. He turned as the native poked his head through the top of the shirt.

"Jeremy? Did you really think I would throw you out over this?"

The furred native turned and looked at Endeval. His brown eyes sparkled with moisture as his ears splayed sideways in a picture of profound sadness. The human could see the tension in the set of his shoulders and the way he was cringing in his seat. Without a word, Endeval reached over and pulled him into a hug. Jeremy's wiry small body trembled in the big human's embrace. In all the time they had been friends, the two had embraced less than a dozen times. According to the smaller alien, in Alemucian society, hugs between males were considered the ultimate depth of friendship. The plucky native had explained it to the human after Antony had begun to hug him every morning. Endeval laid his chin on the top of Jeremy's head while he spoke.

"You're my friend, Jeremy. I would never make you leave. Now I don't know how bad this problem is up here, but I see you as a victim in this. I don't hold you responsible."

The tension in the alien's shoulders melted away as two long, lithe arms wrapped around the human's torso. From under his chin, Endeval heard him respond in a near-whisper.

"I sorry, Boss. I should said to you before."

The big human held him for a few moments more. Inside, Endeval's guts churned as he thought about what Jeremy must have endured, and all in his name. A single tear rolled down his cheek.

"I'm sorry too, Jeremy. You should never have had to do this. It's barbaric and wrong."

After a few seconds, the two parted. The native sighed and turned to look up at Endeval.

"I scared of this when you say you come North."

The big human chewed his lip for a second before replying.

"I can see why, my friend. I would be lying if I told you I was happy to find this out."

Jeremy nodded as he brushed the back of one furry hand over his eyes. Endeval spotted the moisture there before the alien scooped up his jacket. Slipping it on, Jeremy was fastening the buttons when the human spotted something odd on the same left shoulder of the jacket. There was some kind of flap, fastened with two buttons that could be opened and released to fall down the arm exposing the shoulder underneath. Endeval swallowed when he saw it, almost afraid to ask what he thought he might already know.

"Jeremy? What's the flap on your shoulder supposed to do?"

The native finished buttoning up his coat and turned to look at his shoulder. With his right hand, he began to undo the buttons on the flap.

"Is peek jacket. When patrol ask for mark. Open here to show."

Endeval sat dumbfounded. This apparent slavery was so ingrained, there were special jackets? He was considering even more intricate and numerous possibilities when the flap fell open. Unable to look away, Endeval leaned forward for a closer look at the brand on the native's shoulder. The wound was dark against the lighter skin under his fur, but it was clean enough to make out the pattern clearly. It was a circle, wrapped around a stylized five point star. Three smaller stars were arranged in an arc across the top of the circle above the larger star. The big human was stunned. The pattern looked quite a bit like the insignia of the OEF! Jeremy caught his gaze and cleared his throat.

"I pick mark from shelf. Is little one, so smithy laugh at me. I like cause it look like picture in your room."

Endeval's mind instantly went to the plaque on his wall, and the insignia on it. He coughed a little and sat up straighter. Jeremy watched him closely, looking for a negative reaction. Not wanting to hurt his friend any more, the big human forced a smile.

"If you had to choose one, I think you did well with this."

The plucky native finally smiled. He reached into a pocket and handed something to Endeval.

"Smithy tell me is smallest one, but I no care. Needed small to keep hidden. See? Has same picture almost..."

Endeval looked at the object in his hands. At first glance, it appeared to be a solid metal cylinder. One end of the object was deeply threaded. The human flipped to the other side and there, standing out in deeply carved relief, was the pattern on Jeremy's shoulder. With a shudder, Endeval realized what he was holding.

"This is what they used to mark you? And they let you keep it?"

Jeremy nodded.

"Is your mark. I tell them I take back to you. They no ever ask for it again."

Endeval's lip curled in disgust. To think that this piece of metal was used to brutalize his friend! His first impulse was to throw it as far as he could, but something made him hesitate. Maybe he could use it as proof in the council. He turned to the alien native.

"May I keep this?"

Jeremy nodded again.

"Is your mark. I no need it again."

Endeval lay the brand on the bench long enough to put on his jacket. The chill winds were not that much colder, but they quickly found their way up and under the clothing if you weren't covered. Donning the jacket, he quickly picked up the cylinder and slid it into a pocket. The lump it made was heavy, on both his body and his mind. As the cart swayed along, the two friends sat in companionable silence. The heavy air of depression from earlier was gone, but now that Endeval understood what secrets Jeremy had kept, his heart was still heavy with worry.

He cast his mind back over the last two years and all of the time he spent on the Council, reading the Charter rules and trying to campaign for the rights of the natives. A line from the Charter flitted through his mind. It states "shall be marked indelibly in such a way as to prevent erasure". All of this time, Endeval had believed that statement had referred to the way the registration tags were pressed instead of printed. Now, with this new knowledge, he realized it referred to the scars left by the brands. Again, his stomach curled at the injustice. The big human sighed, catching the attention of his traveling companion. Jeremy tilted his head, one ear splayed out to the side.

"You are still troubled?"

Endeval tried to reassure him with a sad smile.

"Sorry bud. Just didn't wake up this morning expecting to discover that I own my friend. It's still a little difficult for me to deal with right now."

The smaller native laid a hand on his shoulder and looked intently into his eyes.

"N'dvaal, I chose this. You are good man. Do much for the People. I take your mark with honor. I know in your heart you do not own any People. I do this to please Corporation, and keep helping the People. I no want to take your honor with this, ok?"

It was the first time in nearly a year that Jeremy had called him by his real name, or as close as it came in Alemucian. Endeval placed a hand over the furry one on his shoulder.

"You aren't taking anything from me, Jeremy. It is my honor just to be your friend."

The plucky native smiled and nodded.

"Then we say no more of this, ok? Do as we have always done."

Endeval nodded back, and then the two turned towards the front of the wagon. The twisting trail had left the sheer rock walls of the cliffs and opened on to vast tundra. The winds calmed a bit now that they weren't being funneled through the pass. The big human glanced around in awe. He had studied the database entries on the local biosphere before coming to Windfall, but seeing everything first hand was an exhilarating experience. For miles in every direction, dozens of different species of tree and bush stretched across the land in blue-green splendor. Endeval knew the unique coloration of the plant life came from the high mineral content of the planet, but seeing the waving leaves left him nearly speechless. As he craned his neck, a group of small, fast-moving animals burst from under some bushes and raced away through an open field. Jeremy chuckled as the big human stared after them.

"Is G'llree, Boss. Hard to catch, but is good with C'klraa root."

The small animals had resembled some strange cross between a lizard and miniature pig. Before Endeval could reply, a winged lizard covered in blue feathers launched from a nearby tree and buzzed the wagon. Jeremy chuckled again as Endeval ducked reflexively.

"Is J'ntia. Very bold. Steal shiny things from fingers if can."

The furry native continued to point out the various plants and animals as the wagon continued along the trail. Endeval was enthralled, and soaked up the information greedily. The anklos plodded along with no signs of hesitation or tiredness. The big human knew from Jeremy that they were incredibly sturdy and could walk for days without rest if given the chance. The day passed quickly and soon Endeval started watching the sides of the trail for a place to make camp. As the sun began to set, Jeremy remedied the situation, guiding the anklos into a small clearing and stopping. He hopped down off the bench seat and dashed forward to unhook the team. Endeval slid off the other side, briefly snagging his belt on the wagon, before going to the back to unhook the third anklo. The placid animal allowed him to lead it to a nearby tree where Jeremy had already secured the others. After tying the animal off to graze, he turned to find the native already dragging the bedrolls from the wagon. Endeval smiled as he reached to help.

"This looks like a good spot. Do you use it a lot?"

The native was pulling items out to set up the tents while he nodded.

"Yes. Is very good spot. Firewood all around and fresh water close in woods."

It was indeed a good spot, and soon the two were sitting around a warm campfire. Endeval took the opportunity to look over his supplies. He had brought a one-man tent, some blankets, and an extra jacket. A large satchel in the wagon held travel food and toiletries. On his side was his sword, more of a long knife, really. It was close enough to his old military vibro-blade that he was pretty adept at its use. Hanging on the side of the wagon was a sturdy crossbow, the highest form of weapon technology allowed in the Northern reaches. Various pockets and pouches on his belt held other items, including a handful of credits used as currency on the planet. Unlike normal credits, which usually were all transferred electronically, these were plastic cards containing a hidden pico-chip with their designated amount encoded inside. Endeval had brought them North as the low tech law did not allow credit readers. He had also brought several thousand more, tucked away in a hidden compartment under the bench seat of the wagon. Plenty more than enough to cover whatever hidden fees would be involved in retrieving the travel box in Branton. Endeval left those credits alone, not willing to open the compartment while still on the trail.

The two friends ate and talked, enjoying the time. Both retired to their tents for the evening in much better spirits than that day. The next morning, they hitched the team and continued up the trail. This day was much like the first, with Jeremy showing the big human all that he knew of the surrounding area. Endeval enjoyed the trip very much. Only occasionally when his jacket bounced the heavy metal cylinder against his side did he feel a pang of sadness and guilt. Soon, however, the feeling faded from his mind as the day wore on into night. Another companionable night passed, and before they knew, the two found themselves at the juncture of the trails. Endeval helped transfer the water filters and supplies on to the extra anklo before finding himself standing next to Jeremy on the road.

"I guess this is where we split up."

The smaller native smiled up at him.

"Will be ok. See you soon at home?"

Endeval nodded at him and then hugged him tightly.

"Be careful, Jeremy. May the ground always find your feet."

The native hugged him back and then swung up into the saddle. There was a curious sadness about him, but also a sense of impending adventure. Jeremy grinned down from his perch on the back of the anklo.

"May the ground call to your feet as well, N'dvaal. We will see each other soon."

The human watched him ride away up the trail, waving until he was lost in the distance. He took one glance around and felt something he had not in a long time. He was alone. With a heavy sigh, he climbed back into the wagon and continued on. Hours passed in relative silence as Endeval mentally reviewed the wildlife that Jeremy had shown him. It helped pass the time as the anklos plodded along steadily. He had just noted another group of the small G'llree when the wagon passed around a sharp bend. Ahead, just off the trail, was a strange sight. As he approached, he noticed a group of humans standing in a bunch just off the trail. Endeval drew rein as one of the humans turned towards him.

"Ho stranger, just keep right on going now."

The big human frowned down at him from the wagon seat. It wasn't often that someone tried to give him orders, so he was immediately annoyed.

"You guys lost?"

The other human broke away from the group and approached the wagon. A wicked scar puckered on one cheek as he pulled back his hood to reveal his bald head. The bald man opened his jacket to reveal a jet black uniform shirt. Two marks of some rank adorned his collar. The scarred human sneered up at the bigger man.

"I'm not the one who is lost, pal. This is government business, so you have no need to hang around."

Endeval's trained eye took in the group. Every one of them was well armed with a crossbow and blade. Their coats all looked well-worn and used. By the way they were all standing ready, it appeared as all of them were some kind of military. The big human glanced past the group and was shocked to discover a line of Alemucian natives, all kneeling in a small clearing well off the trail. Another line of saddled anklos stood cropping grass at the back of the clearing. There were as many anklos as there were humans, so none of them appeared to belong to the natives. Endeval bit back a growl to fish his identification from an inside pocket and open it.

"Maybe I do. I'm a councilman, so I would really like to know what is going on here."

The bald human stepped forward and squinted at the credentials. After a moment, he rolled his eyes and swore under his breath.

"Councilman Barbados, eh? That's just great. Well, Councilman, we were just getting ready to transfer these illegals up to the Mine Administration building. Now if you'll excuse us..."

Endeval slid from the seat. The bald human stepped back and frowned even as the former military man pointed to the line of natives.

"Those are your illegals? What have they done?"

The bald human jerked a thumb over his shoulder at a pile of clothing and equipment stacked off to the side.

"For starters, they were all armed. No Mook is allowed below the treaty line with a weapon. Second, none of them are registered. My job is to hunt em down and take em up to the mines for processing. That's where we are heading now, so..."

Endeval ground his teeth together as he fumed. He noticed the other humans watching him closely with their hands never straying far from their weapons. He turned back to the bald human.

"What's your name?"

The bald human nearly sneered at him again.

"Sergeant Adam Kellerman, 1st Security Division out of Branton, why?"

"Easy Sergeant, I just wanted to know. What's going to happen to those natives?"

Kellerman glanced at the kneeling figures before replying.

"Probably processed for mine work. I don't really know or care. Me and my team take em up and we get paid for every unregistered Mook we bring in. After that, I could give a damn less what happens to them."

Endeval rolled the information around in his mind, his stomach turning at the apparent unconcern of the native's fate beyond the moment. He found himself despising this man. As he was thinking, a glimmer of an idea began to form. He seized on the sudden idea before it could vanish. When he spoke, he tried not to let the growing excitement show in his voice.

"You get paid for each one? What if I offered to buy them from you?"

Kellerman's eyebrows rose up high, and then he laughed as though he heard a great joke.

"That's funny, Councilman, but that isn't gonna happen."

Endeval frowned at him.

"Why not? I can afford it."

The bald human stopped laughing.

"It's not gonna happen because I already sent a bird with the news. You want these Mooks, then you're gonna have to buy them from the company like anyone else."

The big human rubbed his chin. There had to be something he could do! He looked at the line of natives again.

"How about one? Will you at least let me buy one?"

Kellerman looked back at the line of natives thoughtfully. He glanced at the group of humans to one side and then turned back to Endeval.

"Hmph... Well, since you're a government official, I'll let you have just one. I can always say I miscounted on my report. Which one do you want?"

Endeval glanced at the line of natives kneeling on the edge of the clearing. He could now see that each of them was chained together at the neck and their arms were tied behind their backs. Swallowing a growl of anger, he turned back to the bald human.

"Can I try to talk to them? Please?"

Now it was Kellerman's turn to look shocked.

"You can talk to the Mooks?"

Endeval shook his head, biting his lip at the derogatory name.

"I don't know yet. I know the Trader language."

The bald human snorted and waved a hand.

"Fine, go chat em up. We'll talk price after you pick one."

Kellerman stepped to the side as Endeval walked past. He approached the line of kneeling natives slowly. There were six of them, all in light jackets with hoods. As he came closer, three of the natives on the end of the line looked up at him. Their furious stares made him pause. In all of the time he lived on Windfall, he had never seen an Alemucian angry. The sight unsettled him greatly. With a deep breath, he pressed on in the Trader tongue.

<Can anyone here speak the Trader language?>

Endeval watched the line carefully. Of the three faces he could see, one of them briefly gaped in surprise. It was a big alien, as broad as the human, maybe more. Decorative swatches of colored paste were pressed into his fur. His shaggy brown ruff was decorated with vibrant beads on the ends of tightly braided fur. The native rolled his muscular shoulders and sneered at Endeval, his ears splayed in anger. His voice was a deep chested rumble.

<What makes you think we want to talk, furless?>

The human turned to face him directly. The alien was glaring at him from his kneeling position. Even from there, the native seemed confident, as though he were in charge of the conversation. Endeval held out his hands, palms forward.

<I'm trying to help you.>

The big alien spat at his feet.

<Bah! There is nothing we want from you! Your kind cannot be trusted!>

Endeval took a step closer.

<That isn't true. Not all of my kind are like this. I have friends among the People.>

The alien growled at him.

<Friends? Or slaves? We know what the furless do with the People!>

The big human winced at his words. After finding out what had happened to Jeremy, this native was getting a little too close to the truth that he didn't want to dwell over. Endeval pressed on.

<They are my friends. They live with me and work in my store. I told these men I wanted to buy all of you so that I could set you free. They tell me that I can only have one, so I will buy one of you and then I will find a way to free the rest.>

The alien looked at him and sneered.

<What good is that? You would own one of the People, and the rest of us would linger in hope! Go away! Your word means nothing to me.>

Endeval eyed the big alien for a moment, and then drew his small sword. As the alien leaned back in surprise, he drew the sharp edge across his palm. Gripping his fist tightly, he waited for the first drops of blood to hit the ground and then he began to intone in the language of the People. The only words of that language Jeremy had ever taught him.

*B'nya t'shia, h'toa d'nea ...by this blood. As it falls to our mother, so I swear all I say is true lest the rest of my blood return to the embrace as well.*

It was the single most powerful oath known to any Alemucian. To break the oath was to impose a death sentence on one's self. The big alien's eyes flew open wide, and the others kneeling nearby suddenly froze in surprise. The large alien looked up at him in shock.

<Where did you learn that?>

<As I told you before, I have friends among the People. My word is good.>

The big native looked thoughtful for a moment, long tail swishing behind. His ears flickered back and forth.

<You're not one of us. How do I know you will hold to the oath?>

Endeval knew this was coming. He took a breath and ignored his burning palm.

<I say the Meal rites with my friends. I bow my head in the morning with members of the People. I respect the traditions of the People as I would my own. I have honor.>

Now the others were watching closely, but the human focused on the bigger alien in front of him. The large furry native thought for a long moment, his ears continuing to flick back and forth. Finally, he looked up at Endeval.

<You say you have honor. You really want to buy one of us to set free?>

_ _ <That is my plan. I can buy one of you to please these other humans, and then release them. I'll find a way to free the rest as soon as I can, but I can only take one now.>

The alien thought a little longer before replying.

<I am N'gree. I will take your offer on your honor.>

Endeval smiled and relaxed a little. At least he could help someone right now.

<Good! I will go tell the other humans that you will come with me.>

<NO!>

The human tensed again at the outburst. He looked in confusion.

<What? Did I do something wrong?>

N'gree stood up. He was so big, the natives next to him had to stand as well lest the chains attached to their collars yank painfully on their necks. As the entire line made it to its feet, the big native looked squarely into Endeval's eyes.

<I will not be going with you. You must take my sister.>

N'gree thrust his chin out in the direction of the end of the line of natives. Endeval blinked in surprise as he turned to look.

<Sister?>

The furry native on the end of the line lifted their face. Intense, emerald green eyes glared out at Endeval from under a long shank of light brown ruff. Now that they were all standing, the human could see that the figure was DEFINITELY female. Her thin hooded jacket clung to her curves and did nothing to hide the fact that she was a mammal. As Endeval watched, the bosomy female native puffed out her chest in anger, straining the tin-worked buttons on the front of her jacket. The human tore his eyes away with great difficulty and looked back at N'gree.

<You want me to free your sister?>

The big native glanced at her before looking back at the human.

<The rest of us can survive for a time in the mine. She must not be allowed to go there.>

Endeval looked over at the female again. If anything, her glare grew even more fierce. What looked like an imminent snarl curled her lip in his direction. The human turned back to N'gree.

<Your sister does not look happy, but I can take her just north of Branton and let her go from there.>

The muscular alien frowned at him, his ears starting to lay back.

<You must take her north to the Clans! She cannot go alone with the patrols in that area!>

Endeval hesitated. If he went further north than the settlement, he would be watched closely as well. Security was tight around the mines for anyone, human or native. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

<I won't be able to go that far north right away. I'll have to make arrangements to pass the patrols. Even I must have an excuse to travel that far. So...I will still do it, but it may take a while...>

N'gree snorted, and then stared at the human in thought. After a few moments, he seemed to come to a decision.

<Then on your oath, human, you must care for my sister until you can return her to the People.>

Endeval blinked in surprise. Care for the female? He glanced over at her heated gaze and swallowed audibly. How was he going to take care of someone who not only didn't speak his language, but looked ready to tear out his throat as well? He chose his next words carefully.

<On my oath, I would do that, but she looks as though she wants to rip me in half.>

N'gree leaned forward with an intense stare at his words. His ears cocked forward rigidly.

<Remember, human, you have sworn on the Oath.>

At Endeval's puzzled nod, the big native turned and began to bark in rapid-fire Alemucian to his sister. The female snapped her head around in shock, eyes wide with indignation. She fired back, clearly not happy with what he had said. The two argued quickly, with all of the other natives glancing at both them and Endeval in surprise. Finally, N'gree snapped out something dismissive, and when the female tried to respond, he growled one word.

"N'jllaa!"

The female grit her teeth and snorted before turning her head away. She then nodded once, clearly unhappy with the outcome of the conversation. The big native turned to look at the human.

<I have told her what is to happen. She will not make problems.>

Endeval chewed his bottom lip for a moment, watching the curvy native stare angrily at the ground.

<I hope you are right. But like I said, I will take care of her until I can get her home. And I will also try to find a way to free the rest of you.>

N'gree flicked one ear forward and raised an eyebrow.

<I really hope I am right in trusting you with N'jllaa. Something tells me you have honor. But know this, human. If I am wrong, I will find you, I swear it.>

<You have nothing to worry from me. I will do as I have said.>

The big native paused for a split second, and then nodded solemnly. Endeval took that as a signal and turned back to Kellerman and his crew, all standing at a distance and watching the exchange. The scarred human blew out a breath impatiently.

"Well? Have you picked one or what? I need to get moving. The mine is days away."

Endeval forced himself not to growl, barely.

"Yes. I'll take the one on this end."

His finger pointed right at the female, who looked up briefly. The bald human chuckled evilly.

"Oh ho! Taken with the girly Mook, are we? She's gonna cost you extra!"

The bigger human bit his tongue before answering.

"Fine. How much?"

Kellerman glanced around at his fellow patrol with a smirk before turning back.

"Twelve thousand credits."

Endeval's eyes nearly bugged out of his skull. Not knowing anything about a going price, he was forced to accept the sum. He was carrying fifteen, thousand-credit chips in his satchel, but had planned on using them for the so-called "fines" in Branton. He gave silent thanks that he had thought to hide more in the lockbox under the wagon seat! With a grim nod, he accepted the total.

"Fine. Let's do this."

Kellerman blinked in surprise at his easy acceptance, and then chuckled and rubbed his hands together. He turned and gestured to one of his men, who was already stooping over an odd-looking machine.

"Drayer! Print the man up a tag! Borst! Get me a sheaf from the saddlebag! We just cashed in here big time!"

Endeval blinked in confusion as the indicated men rushed to comply.

"Tag? You can print tags?"

Kellerman held up a tag for the big human to read. He got the words "Unregistered native" before the bald man flipped it into the air and tossed it on to a small stack of similar ovals on the ground. He pointed with a finger.

"Yep. Still have to be tagged to be legal, even if they have no sponsor yet. We'll print you one for your purchase, tag her, and then the paperwork gets filed in Branton with the magistrate. You'll be legal all except for her mark. You have to take care of that on your own when you get to the settlement."

At the word "mark", Endeval's guts did a slow roll. He had almost forgotten that little detail! The heavy cylinder in his pocket seemed to suddenly double in weight. With that statement, the next few days seemed even less appealing. He voiced a question.

"If you can do all this here, what are you going to say when you get to the mine? I thought they wouldn't be happy about missing a native."

Kellerman grinned as Drayer cranked the small machine on the ground and it spat out a new tag.

"This is a private sale. As long as we file the paperwork in Branton within the week, no one will even look at the transaction. Now just hand over those credits and I'll have Borst cut your girl from the others."

Endeval counted out twelve chips by touch from his satchel and slowly poured them into Kellerman's palm. The bald man eyed them quickly and then signaled to a stocky, dark-haired man. Borst nodded and approached the line of natives as Endeval trailed along. Most of the aliens on the one end of the line shied back, but the female stood defiant and glared as the smaller human stepped close. He reached out to put the tag on and the female native growled and snapped at his fingers. With a curse, Borst drew back his hand, palm open over his shoulder.

"Damn Mook! I'll show ya not ta snap at me!"

In a blink, Endeval's fingers leaped out and closed around the man's wrist. Borst turned to say something, but stopped when he saw the look on the bigger man's face. Smoldering grey-blue eyes burned with anger in a face that could rival stone.

"Lay one finger on her and I'll break your arm, understand?"

The smaller man gaped a moment, mouth working in stunned silence. His eyes took in the larger human's stance and the width of his shoulders. Finally, he gulped and pulled away. With a curse, he tossed the tag at Endeval.

"Fine! You put it on her then! Better you lose a finger than me!"

The big human caught the tag and turned toward the female. To his mild surprise, she was no longer glaring. Her emerald green stare regarded him with something that could only be described as thoughtful consideration. Endeval paused in surprise before he held up the tag and pointed to her collar.

"N'g...n'gel...Angela? I hope that's close enough. I need to put this on you, ok? We can just do this nice and slow..."

The female didn't move, just watched him curiously as he slowly clipped the tag on to her collar. Down the line, the human spotted N'gree watching the entire scenario play out. The big native's body language seemed as though he was pleased at the defense of his sibling. Satisfied that the tag was properly attached, Endeval called over his shoulder.

"The key?"

Kellerman tossed him something coppery in the light. When he caught it, it turned out to be an odd-shaped key with three sides. Endeval had seen these types of keys before. They usually belonged to the officer's lockboxes on military starships. He guided the key into the hole on the padlock that fastened the chain to Angela's collar. With a click, the chain fell away, leaving the padlock in his hand. He turned and tossed the lock, key still inside, back to Kellerman. The bald man caught it easily and held up a paper.

"Now you just need to sign and we can go!"

Endeval signed the bottom of the form, already filled out with his information from his ID. He was surprised at the accuracy. Kellerman had only a moment to glance at his identification and yet managed to fill out the form rather thoroughly. Endeval's estimation of the scarred man went up several points. In the center of the document was a large, open box. The big human pointed to it.

"What is that for?"

Kellerman shrugged as he started to tuck the document away in a saddle bag.

"When you get to Branton, that's where your mark gets registered. You can pick up your paperwork right away at the gate when you get there. Just don't take too long!"

Endeval looked at him, puzzled.

"What's the hurry?"

The bald human swung up into his saddle. Off to the side, the fourth member of his party was stuffing the last of the pile of native belongings into a large satchel behind his saddle. In just seconds, the entire party was ready to move up the trail. Kellerman leaned over from his mount.

"Cause if you don't have her marked inside a week, she defaults to Mine property."

A cold chill seeped down the big human's spine. A week? Branton was at least three more days ride with his wagon! This whole situation appeared to be getting worse by the moment! Borst and Drayer had the line of chained natives attached to an anklo. As they started to pass by, N'gree called out to Endeval.

<Remember your oath, human! Keep her safe!>

The big human nodded back.

<I will protect her with my life if it is needed.>

Satisfied, the large alien barked out a quick barrage of words to Angela. The female blinked, and then nodded in mild confusion. With that, the chained line of aliens was gone, trotting up the trail after the anklos. Kellerman paused and pointed at Endeval.

"I'll swing by Branton while the boys go straight to the mine. Enjoy your purchase, councilman!"

The bald human sneered the last word, making it seem more like a curse than anything. Then, turning his mount, he galloped up the road. Endeval watched the anklo gallop out of sight, his head swimming. All in all, less than thirty minutes had passed since the moment he had spotted the group of humans on the trail. The big human found himself standing in the clearing with only a half-trussed female Alemucian. He looked over at Angela, who stared back at him levelly. He tried smiling.

"Ok. So that was crazy..."

The female simply stared back, unimpressed. Endeval's smiled vanished as he took in the view. Angela stood, arms still tied behind her back, as she looked on stonily. With a sudden jolt that twisted the human's guts into a knot, the full impact of what had just happened hit home. To his horror, he suddenly realized that he now owned not one, but two natives!

Endeval staggered to the edge of the clearing and, under the watch of those bright green eyes, vomited directly into the high bush.