Kigor never forgot those early voyages with the younger Proctor. They had earned their rites to manhood in those days, braving the frigid tempests of the Helandian fields.
The Proctor motioned with his hand.
“Sit.”
Kigor lowered himself into the settee and Romos started pacing, hands behind his back, chin up, head arched and deep in thought. The Proctor’s words were solemn.
“Serious international issues have arisen far sooner than any of us anticipated. Our world order will soon be challenged. All of our nations are at risk.
“The continent beyond the sea has become overrun by a Muti-driven empire. They are spreading quickly and are now threatening our nations.
“Helandi has made rapid advancements to halt their progress. Adt is deeply involved.”
Kigor stiffened upon hearing his son’s name, for the mention of Helandi in the summons had been a blunt link to Adt.
The Proctor sat down next to his comrade relating his meeting with Adt and the woman named Sarleni.
Romos spoke about a Messenger Adt and Sarleni had encountered. Something about a microsliver they had delivered to Andon Janis. But Kigor was heavily focused on the newly emerged presence of his son, Adt Dorta.
“So my son is already intimately connected,” Kigor said, with both pride and parental concern.
“More than you could imagine. He’s expected in Helandi.
“My dear friend, it has been our secret shared with the Mutis who supervised his growth. He was prepared.”
“For what?”
The Mutis had made no explanation during Adt’s training. Their silence had implied the obvious.
“She has emerged,” Romos stated. “My Muti has said Adt met her.”
It was Kigor’s turn to speak. Instead, he maintained silence. The pain was too deep: for he knew precisely that Romos was alluding to the Helandian woman who had stolen Kigor’s heart.
The mood had shifted.
The Proctor rose in the manner of a tired Traztu beast, stretching to his full height. He now assumed his official role as leader of a nation-state.
“We have been aware of occasional rumors about uprisings on the other side of the world. In previous times, Kamina was spoken of only in whispers. Those stories have since been substantiated.”
He held up his hand.
“Andon has access to the information brought back by Adt. We must act. And fast. We must draw upon all our known resources.
“Torlo Hannis will be commissioned. I’ll be seeing him today. We will be relying on his galactic experience. His abilities may be crucial if we are forced into an international war.
“Your reputation will be vital to the formation of a multi-national defense force. General Qui Shan and a number of other prominent military experts have been summoned. National doyens are being informed, as we speak. However, we have been warned to be careful about involving Mutis beyond our inner circle, until we have more information.”
That might prove difficult, Kigor worried.
Mutis could reach into a man and discern his thoughts and sometimes his future. Even so, the Muti were reluctant to specifically predict or reveal what they saw. Usually they would reply in cryptic form. Visions reflected on distant variables which did not concern people directly.
Thus, Kigor habitually avoided contact with these strange creatures who favored distance and isolation.
Romos raised his voice.
“Kigor, you will tell Adt everything. Right away! He and Torlo shall be trusted. As shall the Janis’ Muti. Trust it: None other at this time.”
His words sharpened.
“I am appointing you joint commander. You will consult with selected staff to enlist the services of the highest qualified warriors. Your international influence will bring together an Elite Force. You must all become thoroughly familiar with the data your son retrieved from the Messenger. I believe he was called Talni. Once briefed, the Elite will delegate tasks to their staff. Strategic plans must be kept under tight wraps for the officers of the security units assigned by Torlo.”
He chuckled hesitantly; then grew serious.
“Oh, my friend, it is a mess! We’re in a very real clash of more than mere nations. This isn’t a quarrel between municipalities or cultures over land or privileges; no political strife between villages or tribes.
This is far more severe. The Muti has risen against the human. They are not asking for rights or space. No! They want to annihilate us and erase all people from the planet!
We must shape an Armada to strike against a continental nation that calls itself an Empire: Kamina.”
Romos’ face softened as he looked at his old friend. “Kigor, seek your son. Hold nothing back. I have a meeting soon with Andon and others. I’ll keep you informed. We’ll meet later today, perhaps.”
The Proctor turned to his desk, and their meeting was over.
* * * *
Upon returning to his estates, Kigor dismissed all inquiries, wanting only to speak with his son.
There were no ceremonious accolades when they stepped into his office together, though the invariable feeling of shared, unspoken kindness was ever present between them. Father and son were not personal friends, beyond the parental bond of kinship. The warmth was real, and could be intense. He deeply loved his son. And the emotions were thickly layered between them. Yet for the most part they had been student and teacher until the young man eventually out-classed even his father.
It was clearly obvious that Adt had grown, and the serious look in the eyes of this fully matured man facing him was unsettling. This was a warrior who had seen things beyond the ordinary.
His son had changed.
Both men moved like silky shadows, their bodies honed as master swordsmen.
Kigor placed a hand warmly on Adt’s wide shoulder.
“I’m proud of you.”
He felt a lump in his throat, coughed, then hesitated a moment.
“We have some catching up to do since the Diano War. And you must tell me about this woman of Helandi.”
That was as close as he could manage. Then he regained his austere composure.
Adt replied; needing few words.
“She is here at this moment.”
He tapped his head and Kigor understood the implication. Helandians had the Mind skills.
“If you wish her with us.”
Kigor shook his head.
“Not necessary.”
Adt looked thoughtfully down.
“That works. Anyway, my dear Sarleni won’t connect. She wants us to have privacy. Perhaps she is right.”
Kigor understood. Any woman of Helandian birth most likely shared similar charms that had attracted him to Adt’s mother. “What has happened?”
Adt began relating his adventures with Sarleni. Once Kigor had heard the summary of Adt’s journey, his combat with the Muti, and encounter with the Messenger, he understood the complexity of what lay ahead.
“You know Ju-bilee is your mother, don’t you?”
“So she claimed, and never explained.”
“That would be like her.”
“Then tell me everything you know.”
“Everything would be personal.”