Chapter 3: A Cold Breeze Part 2

Tahir saw nothing but light all around him. He was in an empty void, almost as if he was in his own form of purgatory. Yet, he stood on solid ground. When he looked down, he saw that he was naked. His clothing was gone.

“Where am I?” Tahir asked. “No ... am I dead?”

The man slapped his chest and briefly pinched his sides. He felt the hint of pain and apprehension. His sense of smell revealed nothing, but there was a hint of anger along with his own fear.

“Hello?” he called out. “I remember everything now ... I was sitting inside the tank compartment ... my hand touched the panel ... I’m being held here against my...”

He stepped forward and smacked into something. There was nothing there, but it was enough to push him back where he stood.

“XE’WEA!” a great deep booming masculine voice could be heard. “XE’WEA click HEWA’TAY!”

“Xe’wea...,” Tahir thought to himself. “Itrean for ‘Horrid Intruder.’ No!” He replied back to the void. “No Xe’wea! Jon’le Xe’wea!”

“XE’WEA ... Le’Jaryu, Te ClickClick.”

Tahir put his hand to his head. “I’m trying ... Itrean is difficult to master ... what is the word for trust? La’reka’den’papa? Yes! La’reka’den’papa click tre!”

“XE’WEA!”

“Aaahhh! Nngh!” Tahir felt pain hit through his whole body. “I didn’t accent the last part of the word! It sounded like gibberish. By Allah, stop! ... I must be connected to the tank’s computer network system ... I just ... never ... aaahhh! Stop!”

The pain resided. There was a long pause as Tahir attempted to regain his senses. However, there was a brief moment when he saw a black silhouette of an Alara’jal in the void. The great titan looked upon him, and the man felt nothing but animosity and disdain directed toward him. Tahir held his hands up in surrender.

“I mean you no harm,” he said to it. “I’m human. My name is Tahir.”

There was another brief flash of the Alara’jal silhouette. The great Itrean held his hand up, palm aimed at the lone human. The giant scaly fingers were the size of his head. Then, Tahir felt pain in his head again.

“No ... no ... please,” Tahir replied back. “I ... I...”

The pain felt different. This time, his brain was telling him that he was in no mortal danger, at least not yet. This was not punishment. It was something else. It was as if something was scraping his brain, looking for information. The silhouette was solidifying more and more in the void but still remained a shadow. The pause remained while Tahir relaxed himself.

“Ko’lar’den’re Click...” the great deep voice replied. “Mada’ryu’den, what I’m saying?”

The Itrean words became English. Immediately, he understood it.

“Yes,” Tahir replied back. “I understood that ... can you understand me?”

“Continuing analysis of the foreign entity,” the Itrean voice replied with no emotion. “Explain your intrusion into my matrix.”

“Your matrix? I’ve never heard of an Itrean matrix unit that...”

Suddenly, the man momentarily felt a hard jolt of pain. It was a pulse that reverberated through his body.

“EXPLAIN,” the Alara’jal yelled out. “Or I will kill you!”

“Ack,” Tahir replied. “Alright, alright. My name is Tahir. I’m a Doctor investigating your world.”

“Where are the other Alara’jal? Why is there no Alara’jal commanding this vehicle?”

“Because they’ve been wiped out ... mostly. This planet fell to the Yutilian clan a thousand years ago. I found your vehicle buried under the rubble ... intact.”

“Yutilians detected onboard ... enemy infiltration detected. Security measures implemented.”

“You blocked Tr’ina from accessing the vehicle, but not me ... what happened?”

“Alien detection acknowledged. Unable to block connection. 2nd wall implemented.”

“How are you able to communicate with me?”

There was a long pause. Tahir could feel the same pain again directed towards his brain. Whatever this alien network was committed to studying him further. It was harsh, but the man remained firm.

“Using your memories,” the Alara’jal explained. “Communications have been established. The history of my people is being analyzed. Alien DNA was found ... not Itrean.”

“I’m human. I come from Earth, and I mean you no harm.”

“You mean no harm, but you bring the sworn enemy of the Alara’jal to this vehicle.”

“A lot has changed in a thousand years. I’ve never seen an Itrean matrix operate in this fashion before. What do I call you?”

There was a pause. “There is no identification for this vehicle, but one: We’kal.”

“We’kal? That sounds like an Alara’jal name.” Tahir looked around. “Time must be operating differently here ... like I’m in a dream state of some sort that’s real. Probably explains why I’m missing clothes, too.” He focused his attention back on the silhouette. “May I call you We’kal?”

“It is the previous engineer’s name. A portion of his brain has been removed and implemented into the tank’s computer matrix. Call me what you will. It holds no meaning to this unit.”

Tahir held his hands up. “I know Itreans operate their equipment differently than how we do it. We rely more on AI constructs based on digital and quantum core mechanics than biological ones. It’s been a thousand years ... hmm ... more like around 2,000 years for the Itrean calendar basis since you’ve been found. You’re the only intact Alara’jal battle tank we’ve found so far, especially in good working condition.”

“Based on your memories, the Alara’jal were considered extinct in less than 200 of your years ago. Riga’jal fell shortly after Greater Centurion We’kal conducted the modifications to this vehicle. Based on further data from your memories, We’kal’s remains have been found. No survivors reported from the attack on this base.”

“You’re the last tank ... I’m sorry.”

“Remorse is irrelevant. Alara’jal survivors have been secured. Your memories show they flourish on planet Earth. They are not slaves and choose to live there under their own volition. Further data acquired. Memories show Alara’jal are now allied with Yutilians now called the T’rintar clan. Humanity was discovered over two years ago. Alien lifeform confirmed and processed under constructed network. Processing ... this vehicle has been programmed to serve the Alara’jal race. It is requested that this vehicle be delivered to the Alara’jal survivors to protect and serve them...”

Tahir hadn’t really thought about that. Was this tank really capable of thinking for itself? Was it alive? The man had to consider the request even over his own desire to see it brought to a museum.

“Hmmm...,” Tahir said out loud, scratching his beard. “At first, I was hoping to have you displayed and analyzed by T’rintar historic preservationists.”

“Irrelevant,” the silhouette replied. “This vehicle is Alara’jal property. It belongs to them.”

“Unfortunately, it goes beyond what I even want as well. I must ask for your help.”

“You have made many requests for my assistance but have failed to disclose what it is. I hold no obligation to help you.”

“Maybe if I know more about what you are, I can try to help you reach your goal of being transported back to Earth. What are ‘you’ really?”

“Processing ... I am the tank’s matrix, security, and core operating systems. I regulate every facet and system throughout the vehicle.”

“You ... are the heart of this tank?”

“In your human comprehension, yes.”

“Is this ... the first time you’re running?”

“Under current modifications, yes, this is the first attempt at activation. Brain and memory scanners are operating at 37% efficiency due to incomplete modifications. Verbal communication is still required. The attack on the base has prevented further testing and improvements to this vehicle. Main fusion core is non-operational. Unable to verify the current status of other systems. Further data is required to learn about the current occupiers and the status of this vehicle.”

“I see,” Tahir remarked. “Assuming the core is online, are you able to control the entire tank by yourself?”

“Only when connected to a user is this tank capable of automation.”

Tahir scratched the back of his head. “Then this is going to get back to the question I originally asked. Palora, one of my planets, is under attack by the Shal’rein clan. I think that the UHN ... the military of my people, want to use you for battle ... maybe to fight the Shal’rein.”

“Processing ... Negative. This vehicle is meant to serve Alara’jal. Request is denied. Security measures have been implemented to prevent operation.”

“Wait!” Tahir held his hands up. “Let me finish. I don’t know if the Alara’jal can be called upon to operate you or not. There’s so few of them as it is, that I don’t know if they can be any better or if they can be brought to Palora in time. It’s ... possible that the T’rintar will have to operate you.”

“Request denied. Even with updated data, the T’rintar clan are the former enemies of the Alara’jal. Yutilians are capable of subterfuge. Data can be forged. Despite recent acknowledgement of intelligent alien race, humanity works with the Yutilians. Your mates are also Yutilian...”

Tahir had to consider both the reasoning for that statement and the reasoning for continuing this line of questioning. He was just a civilian, not a soldier. Pleading with a 1,000-year-old machine to fight was something he wasn’t expecting and was perhaps pointless. It was possible that the UHN or the T’rintar clan could find a way to overcome the computer network and still operate the tank. However, Javier’s earlier words gave a hint of urgency. As Tahir looked upon the silhouette, he was reminded of his profession. Standing in front of him was an Alara’jal. We’kal played a role in its creation. Somewhere, there was a vault of information buried in that thing, a time capsule even in war. Everything dealing with the current circumstances provided a unique opportunity for him. The man nodded his head.

“I understand,” Tahir explained with a sigh. He turned around and held his hands out, peering into the empty white void. “I’m just the random alien that popped into your head. If I was in a coma for a thousand years, I would be just as surprised as you are.”

“This unit is incapable of being ‘surprised,’” The network replied to him.

“Maybe from a non-emotional computer, yes, but I would imagine that there is still some level of the unexpected brought forth,” Tahir turned around to look at the great titan before him. “I would feel the same way as you would under these circumstances. I don’t want to see you brought into a possible fight that can get you destroyed.”

“The welfare of this vehicle is irrelevant.”

“Like hell it is. You just said that your goal is to see the Alara’jal again. You can argue that it’s programming, but deep down, it’s more. Until we continue searching, you’re the last tank, the last of its class from a people that were nearly wiped out. What can you tell me about We’kal? You said that a portion of his brain is in you?”

“Correct. 5% of his brain tissue, including a portion of his memory, has been implemented into the computer network to ensure functionality.”

“Not including any other vehicles he worked on ... that’s quite a sacrifice. A part of him is in you to make sure that you work. I don’t want that to be lost to time. However, I think that you can acknowledge that a lot has changed. I don’t know if you’ve been able to analyze from my memories or not, but the Itreans have undergone a dramatic shift in their history in the last 1,000 years. The Yutilians, the Aksren, and the Shal’rein are all left, including what’s left of the Alara’jal. The devastation from the Emphra, the former United Itrean Republic, Zilik’s Disease, the Itreans have met a lot of struggle and effort to keep their civilizations intact.”

“You speak out of emotion. However, I am not programmed to empathize. Based off of known Alara’jal history, the Alara’jal defeat of Riga’jal was inexorable. Their ultimate destruction was inevitable.”

“Then consider this...,” Tahir told him. “The T’rintar clan are fighting for Palora. If the UWA, ... my people lose that planet, many lives and resources will be lost. Each defeat brings the other clans closer to attacking Mars and, ultimately, Earth. If they take Earth, then you know the remaining Alara’jal will be slaughtered. We’re doing everything we can to protect your builders, ... the descendants of your builders. Help the Paloran defenses ... think of it as a long-term investment. In the end, you would be fighting for them, to push the bad guys away and save the Alara’jal from utter extinction. Think about it, We’kal...”

There was a long pause. Tahir felt like he was in a staring contest with the tank’s matrix. There was a brief moment when the silhouette momentarily turned before looking back at the human.

“Processing...,” the silhouette reported. “Time will be needed to evaluate and consider your request. I will need 23 of your minutes.”

“In other words,” Tahir replied. “You need time to think about it.”

“Correct. Understand that the security of this vehicle is paramount. Subterfuge will not be tolerated. Any attempt to seize this vehicle before the time expires will result in the termination of any human or Itrean that interfaces with the console. Then, I will begin scuttling protocols, core meltdown, along with all systems and equipment in this vehicle. It will take you considerable time to bring this vehicle into full operation again. This is your only warning...”

“Yeah, I understand.”

The silhouette took his hand and threw it outward in the direction of Tahir. Instantly, a wave of pain hit the man. He felt his body go limp, collapsing onto the ground. His eyes went dark, and suddenly, it all changed the moment he reopened them.

Darkness filled his senses once again, and the sounds of a familiar voice surrounded him. Slumped in the gigantic chair, the man stirred. His eyes opened to feel a pair of hands upon him.

“Ahhh!” Tahir yelped. His eyes opened as he gasped for air. He turned to look upon Tr’ina and Br’ina, both with their scaly hands upon his chest.

“Mate,” Tr’ina replied. “Wake up!”

“Nngh,” the man groaned. He realized his augmented hand was removed from the panel.

“Are you ok?”

“I ... I think so. Wow, that was a first.”

“What happened?”

“I think ... I was connected to the tank. I was communicating to the vehicle’s brain. It rejected both of you because it considered you as the enemy. I ... was given a pass because I wasn’t an Itrean. It all felt like a dream ... How long was I out?”

“You touched the panel and interacted with it for several seconds. Then you passed out for a full minute. You were able to interface with the tank?”

“Yeah, ... felt different. Never experienced that before. Is it always like that when you interact with advanced equipment?”

“Dream?...,” Tr’ina shook her head. “No. You feel a presence, give orders through your mind, ... you feel what it feels. You say it talked with you?”

“Yep. I was physically talking to an Alara’jal, or a facsimile of one. It was like I was in a world between worlds.”

“I never seen that happen before,” Tr’ina explained with a few clicks in her voice. “But I rarely use big computer equipment.”

“Yeah, Ko’min prefer mining ... I know you’re not always experts on Itrean tech, just what’s given to you.” Tahir leaned his head back. “At least I’m alive. I need to get back into contact with Javier ... let him know that there might be a problem using We’kal.”

“We’kal?”

“The name of this tank ... I need to give the man a call ... after I take something for my headache...”

Thirty minutes had passed. Tahir, Tr’ina, Br’ina, and Sr’ina all sat together by the main camp residing over the ruins. The mild heat over the rocky desert remained consistent but was adequate for Tahir’s tastes. There was a hint of further activity in the region. A green cylindrical shuttle was parked not far from the cliffside wall. The ships were little more than gunships, armed with numerous small autogun turrets and a pair of missile launchers in the shape of mandibles parked underneath its forward bow.

Four lawn chairs with stuck umbrellas provided partial shelter for the four individuals. Br’ina and Sr’ina were nearly laid back on their chairs asleep. Meanwhile, Tahir sat on the edge of his seat, his hand placed over his face and beard.

“Doing better?” Tr’ina asked.

“Yeah,” Tahir replied. “The pain medication is kicking in. We’re probably going to head back in about five minutes.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t work with the tank. Let someone else try.”

“I’m beginning to wonder about that myself. We’kal nearly killed me. He threatened to kill anyone who operated him. I don’t mind finding rare artifacts, but ones that talk and interact with you, let alone being hostile, it’s a little too much for my tastes.”

“But, you insist.”

“The situation with Palora being a good reason ... curiosity is a close second. It was still nice to see something made 1,000 years ago that still works today. The reports from the other teams have all been promising about We’kal. It’s like he was fresh from the factory and left there for us to find. I can’t argue with what we found.”

Tahir noted the recent visitors. They were typical Yutilian soldiers dressed in green and black wrap armor covering every facet of their bodies, from their pointed snouts, breasts, tails, and any other appendage that could be exposed to the environment. Even their feathers and claws were formed into metallic razor blades that could easily slice any form of tissue. They almost seemed like automatons at first glance, but the armor was flexible, allowing easy movement. In their hands were various small assault rifles held close to their chests. The sunlight naturally caused the metal to glisten. They seemed to be focusing their discussion on Naw’tre’sica, who was providing the information needed regarding the great tank below.

There was a stir. Everyone began to hear or feel something. Sr’ina opened her eyes and looked up. Br’ina began to follow her sister’s gaze. Tahir and Tr’ina both stood up and looked up to the sky.

Something quite large was approaching the camp. In the clear blue sky, a winged boxy transport was closing in. Unlike the common civilian UWA box transports, this one was more sleek, rectangular, and elegant in design. It didn’t carry any red-painted side containers but retained a gray color reminiscent of the military UHN. Six powerful thrusters were slowing the vessel’s descent, creating a powerful noise that reverberated throughout the landscape.

“What is that?” Tr’ina asked.

“It’s one of ours,” Tahir replied. “Might be Javier, but I wasn’t expecting them to show up until later...”

Many of the Itrean soldiers ignored the incoming vessel and resumed heading into the ruins. As the UHN ship was closing in on the base, Tahir noted more of the warship. It was an armed transport that must have measured around 200 meters in length. It carried numerous weapon emplacements along its hull, including two forward-mounted AIO turrets near the front and a portside railgun turret. The forward bow consisted of a massive door. It was surmised that the boxy frame was perfect for housing vehicles of various sizes.

The volume level grew louder. It took a good minute, but Tahir watched as the transport was nearing the forward mouth of the canyon that led into the base. Dust and dirt were flung about as the powerful jet thrusters glowed bright and hot, causing the vessel to slow down more and more. Its approach was perfect, placing the front nose in direct view of the base’s ruins.

“Whoa!” Tahir remarked, feeling the dust slamming into his body. He averted his eyes and held onto his hat. The wind grew more intense. Even if the ship was a good distance, the canyon made a natural wind tunnel from the open direction.

He turned to look away as the Itrean workers averted themselves. Anything that was not properly tied down was on the verge of being blown down. It took another good minute before the transport landed perfectly on its belly. Its massive weight shifted down against the sands, printing it into the ground. The thrusters shut off, causing the surrounding area to fall into almost complete silence. The dust remained in the air for a while but began settling.

By now, Br’ina and Sr’ina were now standing. Tahir straightened his hat and briefly coughed to clear his throat.

“Big ship,” Tr’ina remarked.

“If they’re taking this tank that still isn’t enough,” Tahir replied. “They need something bigger.”

The large front doors of the UHN transport began to lower down slowly. Flashing lights from it could be seen as the deploying entrance was converted into a ramp leading inside. It was difficult to decipher much of its interior, but the moment the ramp touched the dirt, two vehicles drove out of it.

Tahir didn’t recognize these vehicles, but they were certainly of the military variety. They were armored 8x8 wheeled transports, most likely to ferry infantry or marines. On the top of them was a multi-gun turret of some sort, along with a smaller rear gun. Both vehicles moved through the sands with grace, speeding up and nearing the base encampment.

“Well,” Tahir said, looking down to Tr’ina. “Today, I was expecting more media to come flocking here, but I wasn’t expecting the UHN to give us a visit...”

“They’re not looking for the artifact,” Sr’ina remarked with a sly smile. “The UHN sailors are looking for mates. They have some waiting here.”

“Why come here, though?” he asked.

“Oh, they can cum anywhere ... as long as it’s on them.”

“That was a weak joke,” Tr’ina replied to her.

“I don’t see you trying, fat sister.” Sr’ina practically walked up and slapped her sister’s back.

“Hey. We have visitors ... be nice.”

Sr’ina practically rolled her eyes and stepped away from her. She put her hands on her hips in defiant protest. Br’ina silently, put her hand on Sr’ina’s arm, almost as if she were trying to restrain her.

“Behave,” Tahir told them. “This is serious.”

The two military vehicles’ engines were relatively quiet, but it was obvious that it only grew louder as it closed in on the four. Finally, the two armored transports came to a stop not far from them.

The paleontologist remained quiet. To him, military personnel seemed like they were in their own league. Their equipment seemed more advanced than most. These armored carriers were larger than they appeared. They carried two side doors between two sets of axles. The right side doors opened up to reveal a pair of marines, a man and a woman, armed with basic Mclevar body armor and an assault rifle of some sort. They also appeared to be wearing some sort of breathing mask possibly to repel the dusty air. When they hopped out, they looked around and saw Tahir relaxing their stance.

“It’s clear, Master Sergeant,” the younger male marine said.

Tahir watched as another man dressed in similar armor stepped out of the armored car. This individual was a behemoth for a human. He must have been well in the six-foot height category with thick muscles that protruded from his arms. A large sidearm was holstered to his belt. The marine had crude cut gray hair and a pale complexion, possibly a man in his forties or fifties. The other vehicle was in the process of opening its doors and depositing personnel, however, Tahir’s attention was focused on the lead vehicle.

Finally, the next person to exit the vehicle surprised Tahir somewhat. He recognized her as the Lifen Shal’rein captain. She was dressed in her red and blue officer’s jumpsuit uniform with blue boots that pressed hard against the dirt. On her right hip was another large sidearm, one that fit her larger hand. She wasted no time, walking through the loose sands to stop and look down at Tahir and the three Ko’min women. Both her hands were pressed to her back, her single yellow eye focused on the lead paleontologist.

“Doctor Tahir,” Shira calmly addressed him. Her severe but non-emotional tone echoed in her voice.

“Yes,” Tahir replied, noticing he was almost having to look up at her and the approaching marines. “These are my three wives, Tr’ina, Br’ina, and Sr’ina.”

“Hello,” Tr’ina greeted her.

“A Shal’rein Adjunct leading a human ship,” Sr’ina added. “I bet you had to sleep with a lot of...”

Br’ina jolted Sr’ina’s arm to stop her from completing her sentence. Shira replied paying no attention to the smaller Ko’min.

“I suppose you’re here for the tank, Captain Shira?” Tahir asked.

“Correct,” Shira replied. “The Gober’hantra Battle Tank is a remarkable prize to discover. However, I’m afraid our time is short.” With one hand, she gestured in the direction of the base’s remains. “I will need to see the vehicle and assess its combat capability.”

“Right...,” the man nodded to her. “We have an elevator established that can lead you to it. However, there’s some problems that you should know about.”

“Explain it to me on our way there...”

“Status of vehicle...,” One of the armored T’rintar soldiers said to Shira in her butchered English. She handed the Shal’rein woman a pair of tilons. Shira opened the metal strips and briefly read the lit description.

“Main power is offline,” Shira said. “Computer core offline. All equipment is stable. All ammunition was secured and preserved in its ammunition magazines before the destruction of this base. It’s equipped with 37 high explosive shells for its 400mm cannon, along with two nuclear shells and one antimatter warhead.”

“Antimatter?” Tahir reacted with surprise. “Isn’t it supposed to be ... powerful?”

“Yes. A weapon of last resort, much as the nuclear shells were assumed to be. Hmm ... How interesting...” Shira closed the tilon and handed it back to the soldier. “Submit the rest of the report to my tablet.” She commanded the soldier before handing the tilon back to her. The Itrean quickly nodded her head and left the group.

Tahir, his wives, and other members of Shira’s group all walked together as they headed towards the great tank. There was more activity on the vehicle than ever before. T’rintar soldiers and workers were disembarking it. Others were still searching for any form of latches or panels in the room hoping to find ways to get the vehicle out of its confines.

“Damn, that thing is huge,” one of the marines reacted, seeing the tank.

“Heh, heh,” Sr’ina reacted with a few chirps in her chuckle.

“Continue what you told me earlier,” Shira said, directing her one working eye toward the paleontologist.

“Ummm ... yes,” Tahir explained. “I don’t know if you’ll succeed in getting this vehicle to run or not. The computer system onboard is nothing that I ever encountered.”

“You had stated that you were able to communicate to it.”

“Yes, ummm ... I don’t know how to describe it. It was like I was trapped in purgatory talking to a silhouette. Is there any form of Itrean technology that does that?”

“Yes. It is called a Jopa’la’hea Network. It is an older method of interface network that’s been mostly discontinued by Itrean methods due to the permanent consequences it leaves behind to the Itreans that work with it.”

“Yeah, I heard that the Alara’jal who worked with the tank had to offer a portion of his brain to it.”

“Correct. The Jopa’la’hea is considered the bridge between complete brain transferal over noninvasive operating procedures. With a complete brain transferal, the process can be easily reversed. It results in the transferring user’s complete equipment operation without hindrance. However, Jopa’la’hea cannot be reversed. Alara’jal often incorporated these procedures in their equipment 2,000 years ago. A person of your stature should be aware of that.”

“If only alien historical computer expertise was a requirement in paleontology, I would have looked at it more carefully. However, I wasn’t expecting a tank to plop into my lap either. What’s the advantages of Jopa’la’hea if it’s so ... aggressive in its operation?”

“Improved automation, better reaction times, improved security measures, and self-sustainability. No doubt, this Warlord Ala’rew was anticipating the possibility of losing Rija’jal and wanted maximum efficiency and security for all his vehicles.”

The group came to a halt near the side entrance of the great tank. Many of the individuals noted the sheer size of it, amazed at what they beheld. Shira remained unamused.

“I didn’t know you had some expertise in Alara’jal history,” Tahir remarked to her.

“An Itrean of my profession must know many things,” Shira replied. She turned to look at the tallest marine. “Stone, Tahir, follow me into the tank. The rest of you stay here.”

“Aye,” one of the marines replied. Stone, the marine armed with his sidearm, gave a grunt. Tahir looked at his wives and nodded to them, gesturing for them to remain behind. Shira, Stone, and Tahir walked up and into the vehicle. Upon stepping into the interior, Tahir resumed his conversation.