01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
ever - and we can share the power! This galaxy will be ours! What do you say? Will you join
me in one last thrust which will sweep them away?"
"You will never sweep them away, Shaita, whilst I am here to counter your power. I am the
Keeper. I am their safeguard."
"You are a fool, Taxila - as you will soon learn to your cost in your latest enterprise!"
Shaita drifted back and was swallowed by the flood of starlight. Taxila felt the impact of a
force which thrust him backward towards the mouth of the Abyss. He countered and
neutralised it and from the distant star stuff, came the sound of soft laughter.
Steve woke abruptly, the sound of laughter still lingered but it became merged into that of
the rush of water. He tried to remember the details of his dream, but they eluded him, leaving
the broad outline. His reverie was interrupted, the Bole emitted his night-time alarm signal.
"Shut off that bloody row! What is it."
"An unknown life-form."
Steve coiled for action.
"Prepare to retaliate on my signal."
The curtain was drawn across and a crouched form scuttled in. It clutched Steve's feet. The
smell told him who it was.
"Secure from retaliation."
He struck a flint to metal and lit the lamp. His Scarn grovelled at his feet. He was in a state
of terror.
"What the hell has happened to you? Has someone frightened you?"
The Scarn held tightly to his lower legs, he was drawing in great gulps of air.
"Quieten down. No one is going to hurt you."
Steve eased his legs away from the Scarn's grip, reached for his tunic and pulled it over his
head. The Scarn was still sobbing for air.
"I wish you could talk!"
He cocked his head, the expression of fear remained.
"What can you hear? Bole - a full sensory scan!"
"Movement of life-forms - many life-forms."
"Are we under attack?"
"Inconclusive."
Steve debated whether to rouse the household. He had the feeling he wouldn't be thanked if
he did, especially if it proved to be a false alarm. The Scarn returned to clutching his legs, his
head still cocked. Suddenly, he relaxed his grip and flung himself into the corner of the room,
clasping his head in his hands. Above the sound of rushing water, Steve heard a sound which
sent shudders along his spine. The hair on his head stood on end. It was a hoarse, rising
scream, which seemed to float on the air above the other sounds. It persisted for a long
moment before ending abruptly - and then there was another surge of sound - a scream of
exaltation and satisfaction. The Scarn whimpered softly and stared at Steve with imploring
eyes.
"Approaching life-form."
Before Steve could answer, the curtain was thrust aside and Danyk entered the room
abruptly.
"Secure from retaliation!"
Danyk looked from Steve to the Scarn.
"What's he doing here?"
"You tell me - What in hell's name is going on?"
Danyk sat on the bed. His response was savage.
"Another fine example of Lynxe culture!"
He painted the picture in Steve's mind. Steve resisted the urge to vomit.
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