Journey to the Heart of Luna - Andy Frankham-Allen [46]
K’chuk nodded his bulbous head. “Always know other Selenites. Gooddoctor with Selenite slaves.”
Nathanial did not bother to ask how K’chuk always knew where other Selenites were; he suspected there was much about them he would never understand. Although he surely wanted to know more. Perhaps he would discover more on the journey to Doctor Grant. He certainly hoped so.
“Can you lead us to Doctor Grant? We must affect a rescue.”
“And put an end to the Russian’s presence on Luna,” Folkard added for good measure.
Nathanial nodded. “Yes, that, too. We will free your fellows, K’chuk.”
“Now steady on, Professor. That’s a tall order. We have a very limited number of men at the moment…”
Nathanial shook his head and looked at K’chuk. “Please excuse us a moment.”
K’chuk bowed and shuffled his way over to his fellows. Once he was gone Nathanial turned to Folkard. “Consider, Captain, if you will. With the few men you have right now, which not counting those on the Sovereign and Bedford’s own small team leaves us three, you will not stand much of a chance against a fully entrenched Russian okhrana. We already know they have been here for some time, and clearly wield enough power to torture the Selenites and hold both Annabelle and Grant against their will. I am no fighter, Captain, so beyond the intellectual what practical use will I be?”
“You have acquitted yourself quite well so far, Professor, do not forget that.”
“Thank you, Captain, most gracious. Not entirely sure it is justified praise, but thank you nonetheless. So, at best that leaves us three. We will need help.”
Folkard looked at the Selenites. “More ants?”
“Certainly. If they are anything like their Earth cousins then they will be a whole lot stronger than they appear.”
“Yet still they have been easily subjugated by the Russians.”
Nathanial let out a sigh. “Yes, but K’chuk has already told us that they are not fighters. That does not negate their potential.”
At this Folkard raised an eyebrow. “And now you wish me to turn these peace-loving creatures into soldiers? An army?”
“I sincerely do not wish it, no, but I think it may be necessary. At the very least, if we can free the drones then we have more numbers. Do you honestly think that if we stand up against the Russians, the Selenites will stand by and do nothing? I believe every sentient being would fight to protect their home if it be needed.”
For a few moments Folkard just watched Nathanial, his eyes never leaving the younger man’s face. Then his lips parted into a beaming smile. “I quite agree, Professor, I just wanted to make sure that you understood the reasons for my future actions.”
Nathanial wished he could smile, too. He was not a pacifist by any means, but the idea of forcing people, even if they were giant ants, into fighting did not sit well with him. He did, however, agree in the necessity of it.
“However,” Folkard continued, “first things first. Mister Ainsworth!”
The able seaman appeared quickly and saluted his captain. “Sir!”
“Return to the Sovereign. I shall arrange with K’chuk to leave a small group of Selenites here. Apparently they are particularly good at locating each other, and I am counting on that ability. Report the current situation to Major Larkins, and have him return with the Royal Marine contingent. Professor Stone, K’chuk and I will proceed to the Russian camp. We will stir things up, but reinforcements will certainly be needed as soon as they can get there.”
“Very good, sir.” Ainsworth saluted once more then left the way they had come.
Nathanial watched him go, then looked to the captain.
“Shall we speak to K’chuk then, Professor? I think it is high time we really got our hands dirty.”
Nathanial looked at his bandaged hand. “Such as they are,” he said ruefully.
6.
A PIERCING