Chapter Twenty-One

The weather was nice, and while the summer did have some hot days, they were not as bad as those on, say, Earth. Due to the vast oceans, air currents and other factors, Zerichs II only very rarely saw temperatures get into the nineties, save for the few desert islands there were.

Currently, Kyle and Sophie were working in their lagoon, setting up cages for their aqua-farming. Sophie was underwater, anchoring the cages to the bottom of the lagoon, while Kyle read the directions on land, his mind feeding the info to her as she worked. It wasn't hard. For her, at least. She could drive the stakes in by hand, but Kyle would have needed a hammer or pneumatic tool. They already had set up a pen for the Albarr, and several were already inside, burrowing into the sand and making their home. For a start, they just had four cages for prawn, two for clams and a pen for Albarr. Best to start small and simple. The cages already had a few prawn and clams in them to get things started. Once the cages were anchored, Sophie swam to the shore and shook herself off. Kyle walked up to her and smiled.

"Well, that should do for a start," he said as he looked where they had rigged a makeshift gate from chain-link to cover the entrance of the lagoon until they could find a more permanent solution to keep predators and pests out. Sophie purred as she gently wrapped her arms and tail around him.

Yes, but a good start is vital for the rest, she stated, thinking how important the base layer of a Hive was, or picking the right spot for a garden with good soil. Kyle looked up at her face as her thoughts and feelings flowed into his mind like the water through the lagoon. He lovingly grasped her hand, rubbing the back of it with his thumb.

"You're right, Sophie. Thank you." She purred as she nuzzled him, turning towards the lagoon entrance with Kyle following.

XXX

After washing up, Kyle and Sophie sat on their bed, reading and working on ideas. Kyle had a small sketchpad nearby and pencil, having already jotted down a few ideas for the garden, the lagoon and other things. A soft breeze blew the curtains of their bed and the open window as Sophie's deep thrum filled the room. Kyle was looking at videos of aqua-farming, getting ideas and seeing how others went about it. As it stood, with the lagoon fed by fresh and warm water, they had a pretty nice place to make their farm. Every now and then, Kyle would write down a note or make a tiny thumbnail sketch. Sophie was watching with him, her long fingers gently running down his spine to prevent his back getting stiff as sometimes happened when he sat in focus. "Well, glad to see it's not as complicated as I'd thought," Kyle mused as he made a final note as the video ended.

Yes. Since we're only starting, and we're not raising large numbers yet, it should be easy, said Sophie. Kyle looked at her and smiled wryly.

"Let's not jinx it," he joked, and she snorted with amusement. Kyle brought up the Zerichs II new page, and was surprised at a large ad about an upcoming festival. "Huh, 'Tribal Games'?" he wondered. Sophie tilted her head and trilled curiously. Kyle brought up the page, and they read.

Every year in the early Summer, the Celtic Tribes would travel to Zemura Island and hold a large gathering to sell wares, and also have games where they held chariot races, spear-throwing and other feats for the public. There were pictures from past events, showing the Tribes riding horses and driving chariots, as well as feats, weapon demonstrations, music, singing, dance. It looked like fun. Kyle looked up at Sophie. "Would you like to go?" Kyle asked. Sophie purred and nodded.

Yes, it looks like it would be fun. Kyle smiled and checked the time and place.

XXX

The Tribal Games were held not far outside Zeraven, on a wide, vast plain of grass near a small stand of trees. Lots of people came, of all races and species. Tents and stands were set up to sell and trade all sorts of amazing and wonderful things. Celtic craftspeople had come from all over Zerichs II. Woodworkers, smiths, leather-crafters. Kyle stared in wonder, Sophie walking alongside in her burnoose as they watched and saw. Music from instruments Kyle had never even heard of filled the air, people talking in languages that had not been spoken for hundreds of years, the sizzle of cooking, the crackle of flame and the musical ring of an anvil being struck.

Kyle's head was almost swimming as he looked around. Sophie was as amused and amazed as he was. "Wow," he breathed as a group of Celtic Warriors passed by, laughing, their hair fashioned into spikes, one tattooed on all of his visible skin with deep black and blue markings in swirling spirals. Something about it felt strangely familiar to Kyle. Sophie purred with amusement.

Kyle, they are your people. He looked up at her. They are of the same people you are. That is in your blood. Mine are not the only ones who have Hive Memory, memories of their culture in their blood. Kyle looked back at a group of Celts, noting that this one included several Baleeja among them, but they wore the same checkered and tartan clothes, even large neck torcs for their massive size. Something about it warmed his heart deeply. Sophie softly caressed his shoulder, sharing in his feelings.

They neared the area where they had tents set up for blacksmithing, and were a bit surprised to find Hank and Niju in the tent, Hank holding a large bar of glowing metal and Niju forging it with a large sledgehammer. What really surprised them was Alex working in the back, with Makara helping him. Sophie tensed a little bit, seeing the female Baleeja again, but she did note she was solely focused on Alex and helping him with filing a spiraled end to a bar of iron. Kyle watched as they worked on filing the rough edges on an elaborate "basket" at the end of, what looked to Kyle, like a firepoker.

"Well, look who it is!" said Niju as she returned the bar to the forge for another heat. Hank smiled and wiped his hands.

"Hey, how's the rack working for ya?" Hank asked. Kyle smiled and gave a thumbs up.

"Perfect. Thanks again, you two." Hank grinned wider as he crossed his arms.

"We meant it. Any part of it breaks, bring it back, and we'll fix it." Kyle nodded.

"So, I didn't know you were a member of the Tribes," said Kyle. Niju smiled as she came up.

"Hank was taught by a Tribal smith," said Niju as she placed her hand on her husband's shoulder. Hank chuckled and nodded.

"Yeah, I learned the craft from one of the best," said Hank. Sophie purred and Kyle nodded.

"It shows. Most people off-world think of blacksmithing with things like swords and horseshoes, not the wonderful things you make," said Kyle. Niju chuckled.

"Oh, everyone does. But everything else comes from it. There's a reason blacksmithing is called 'the king of crafts'." Kyle nodded.

"Yes, you can make the tools for pretty much anything," Kyle replied. Hank nodded.

"Even tools to make other tools! You ever need something custom, let us know!" Kyle smiled and nodded.

"You bet we will. Speaking of that, would you guys be able to make a gate for us?" Kyle ventured. Hank and Niju looked at each other and grinned.

"What kind of gate do ya need?" Hank asked, looking more energetic.

"A gate for our lagoon, where our aqua-farm is," Kyle replied. Niju looked thoughtful.

"Well, seawater is always hard on metals, and ones made from bronze or brass would be expensive," she mused, hand to her chin, tail flicking.

"Easiest solution would be one of Coralyte," said Hank, and they looked at him. "I've seen folks make small Coralyte gates before, but it depends on size a lot. You bring us the measurements, and we'll see what we can do." Sophie purred and Kyle nodded.

"Thanks. We had some Sea Cones cause some trouble," said Kyle. Hank nodded.

"Ah, yeah, those buggers will eat everything they can get their tendrils on if you let 'em." Niju checked the bar in the forge.

"Yes. A gate would keep them out, but you still need to have water flow. As long as the holes are not big enough for them to get through, almost anything will work. Hank, ready!" Hank nodded as he grabbed a pair of tongs and Niju grabbed up the sledgehammer.

"Thanks, you two. We'll be sure to come back to your shop," said Kyle as hank scraped off the scale from the bar and Niju readied to strike.

"Looking forward to it!" said Hank as Niju nodded and he put the metal on the anvil. Niju brought the hammer down in a mighty arc and struck the metal in a shower of sparks as they forge-welded the large billet of metal that glowed almost white. Kyle smiled and waved, as did Sophie as they went on.

Next, Kyle and Sophie passed the area where the woodworkers busily carried out their craft. Some of it was rustic, chairs, stools and other objects made from rough tree limbs, but others were made to the highest standard, such as a lovely dresser, with a shiny polish and bronze wire inlaid and shining like gold. Kyle smiled as he watched, and Sophie trilled. Kyle noticed one tent had many lovely musical instruments lovingly carved from wood by skilled hands. Flutes, harps and even lyres, the latter Kyle had never seen outside of pictures.

They stopped and watched as the female Sitha in the tent held a lovely lyre, and softly plucked the most delicate tune. Kyle's jaw dropped when he saw she was sitting next to a carved wooden cradle with a human baby inside. Her soft melody was a lullaby. Sophie purred gently as she wrapped her arms around Kyle's waist as they watched and listened. Just as others, the Sitha woman wore the checked and plaid clothes of the Tribes, a neck torc of glistening gold around her neck. She looked up at them, held a single finger to her lips with a maternal smile. Kyle smiled back and nodded, as did Sophie as they went on.

All around people were talking, laughing and happy. Some children laughed as they tried a game where they hurled wooden balls at targets. Kyle was amused the targets were wooden cutouts made to look like ancient Romans. A little further on, the air was heavy with the scent of smoke as foods were cooked the traditional way. Sophie couldn't help drooling a little as they watched a whole pig being roasted on a spit over a fire, and a large cauldron boiled a delightful stew. Kyle noticed how decorative the cauldron and even its chains were, the lovely, swirling spirals decorating almost any surface.

Next was a large area where animals ran around in pens set up for them. Pigs, goats, horses, ponies. Some were being sold or traded, others shown off. Kyle smiled at some children of various species petting the faces of a pair of ponies, who seemed to like the attention as they nuzzled the youngsters. Sophie tensed up a little, not wishing for anything bad to happen because the animals were spooked by her. As it was, while a few horses and ponies nickered and noticed her, they remained calm. Kyle smiled and squeezed her hand.

It's all right, Sophie. See? They said the Tribes train their animals better. Sophie nodded her head, returning Kyle's warm, comforting feelings. Her mate was right. She pulled him closer as they walked on.

Now they came to the large part of the field where many chariots and people were gathered.

Then, a sound came, one that Kyle had never heard before. It was deep and resonating, echoing everywhere. Everyone fell silent at the sound. It was haunting, to say the least. Kyle felt the strange feeling as if he knew this sound, and yet he didn't. He felt as if his hair was standing on end, not just in a sense of fear, but something else. Anticipation? Then, they saw the source of the sound.

A single human male was blowing into a strange trumpet of bronze, the instrument held high above his head. The head of the instrument was shaped into the head of a beast, a wolf if Kyle wasn't mistaken. It was a Carnyx, the ancient Celtic war horn of legend. Seeing pictures of them had been one thing, but to see and hear one in real life was awe-inspiring. The sound was deep, but also shrill, carrying far and wide. Kyle could imagine how it had terrified the Romans and Greeks. Likewise, he could feel how the Celts knew the sound as a call, could see in his mind's eye scores of Celtic Warriors charging down misty hills with sword and spear to lay low their enemies. Sophie held him tighter.

It calls to you. He looked up at her, but Sophie kept her gaze on the Carnyx player. It calls to your blood, it's the song of your ancestors. You know it, though your ears have never heard it before. Kyle felt Sophie's mind connect with his, and he understood.

It was something timeless, passed down in his DNA, just as her kind knew of their strength, their acid blood, and the knowledge from those who came before them. Kyle smiled as he looked back and watched as the Tribes all showed respect to the tune, some kneeling, others holding a fist over their heart. And not just humans, there were Baleeja, Arcturians, Sitha, and, to Kyle's surprise, a few Shamolenes. Kyle glanced around, wondering if Brennus and his Tribe were there.

Several figures in white versions of Celtic clothing came forward, the Druids, as the tune ended.

"Welcome, all of you!" declared a female Druid as the Warriors gathered in a line. "We thank you all for your coming, and bid you enjoy yourselves. Please, partake of our culture, and let the games begin!" With this, they struck a large gong, and the Warriors cheered, along with the crowd as a pair of young human men whooped and rode by swiftly on horses, one standing on the back of the horse at full gallop without any issue.

The games were varied, with some more familiar, like the Caber Toss, which Kyle imagined Sophie winning easily, much to her amusement. Others, like spear-throwing and sling targets he had never seen before. The Tribes liked to show off for the crowd, some performing feats like spinning a round shield on the tip of a spear before chucking the spear into a target and catching the shield by its central handle. Even Sophie had to admit some of the feats were stunning to see. The chariot races were no less spectacular. The Tribes also demonstrated their use of spears, swords, slings and other ancient weapons, engaging in sparring matches with wooden weapons, but with no less spirit. As they watched, Kyle felt Sophie was a little uncomfortable with her burnoose in the heat and sunlight.

Why don't you rest under the shade? Those trees look nice and cool, said Kyle. Sophie gave a positive and hugged him before turning and heading for the small stand of trees.

XXX

Sophie sat up in one of the trees, her tail hanging down and lazily swaying as she watched the games from her higher perch. She had removed her burnoose and lay in the shadows of the tree, invisible. She purred softly as she watched the Tribes from afar, her mind vaguely feelings Kyle's. She watched as a large Baleeja easily beat four humans using a long spear and oval shield. She was amused and interested to see that non-humans were members of the Neo Celtic Tribes. They were as much a culture as they were a linguistic or genetic group. They had expanded beyond what they had been on Earth, made up solely of humans. In watching, she wondered if, maybe, someday, she might be welcomed into human culture without fear as well.

Sophie snorted with surprise when she felt something pull on her tail. She looked down, and was surprised at what she saw. It was a human child. The little boy giggled and smiled as he held her tail.

"Kitty!" the youngster called happily. He was so small, what humans called a "toddler", no older than three years or so. Sophie tilted her head as the little boy giggled. He was so small, so vulnerable. A human hatchling. She looked up and around, wondering where his mother was. "Kitty?" She looked down at the little boy as he looked up at her with his big, shiny eyes. Sophie smiled softly as she purred.

XXX

"Nathan?" a woman called. "Nathan, where are you?" She wound her way through the trees as she looked for her son. She had only looked away for a second. While she knew few would dare to harm a child this close to a field full of Celtic Warriors, she still was worried, as any mother would be to find her child had wandered off. She heard a familiar giggle. She rounded a particularly large tree, and found her son sitting on a large vine like it was a swing. "Here you are!" she said, a light scolding tone to her voice. The little boy looked up at her and grinned.

"Mamma!" he cheered. She smiled as she picked him up and cuddled him. She couldn't be mad at him.

"Don't wander off like that. You had Mamma very worried." With that, she turned to head back with her son.

"Kitty!" he called as he looked back over her shoulder. She stopped and looked back. She glanced up, but only saw the large, knobby bark of the tree.

"There's no kitty, sweetheart. Come on, let's go see the horsies," she said as she turned back. The boy looked back over her shoulder and waved.

"Bye-bye, kitty!" Unknown to the mother, something dark uncurled from the crook of the tree, watching sadly as the pair left. It reached up a large hand and gently waved.

Goodbye, dear little one. Stay safe . . .

XXX

Kyle found Sophie as easily as he could his own nose.

"Hey, you," he greeted as he walked up to the tree. Sophie dropped down almost silently, her burnoose fluttering. Kyle hugged her. He felt her feelings, saw her mind, and smiled. "Did you make a new friend?" Sophie trilled happily as she remembered the little boy. No words were needed, he felt her warmth and joy. See? You're a nice person, Sophie. He wasn't afraid of you, and many others weren't either. He reached up into her hood and caressed her face. He smiled his usual, soft smile as she purred. "Come on, let's go back and watch the end ceremonies," he said as he turned and offered his arm. Sophie purred as she took it and walked next to him.

Back at the field, they were finishing awarding the medals to the winners of the categories. Sophie was not at all surprised the Baleeja won the Spear & Shield category. They watched as the awards were given out, and the Bards sang lovely songs praising the energy and sportsmanship of the competitors. Kyle noticed that the Bards were the same three women from the Independence. A human woman, an Arcturian and a Milurian. Kyle was surprised when the Milurian squealed happily and scampered over to a tall, burly human Warrior with spiked hair, who laughed as he picked her up in his arms as she threw her arms around his neck. "Aww," Kyle whispered as Sophie hugged him.

They could have no better defenders, said Sophie. Kyle agreed.

XXX

That evening, Kyle and Sophie returned just as the sun began to turn the world shades of gold, orange and pink. It had been a wonderful day. They had a lot of fun, and even bought a few things. Kyle bought a couple of nice, rustic stools and chairs for them to sit on outside when working, and a small table for when they had to do things outdoors. He also bought a pretty Celtic brooch for Sophie's burnoose. Sophie purred as she shook out her burnoose and hung it up.

"Okay, I'll get some herbs and water the plants real quick, and we'll start dinner," said Kyle as he turned to leave. Sophie gave a positive.

Kyle grabbed his watering can and filled it. He stopped when he noticed the door of the greenhouse was ajar. He peeked in, and all the color drained from his face. Nearly every plant on the left bench had been eaten down to the roots, the culprit sitting on the bench and nibbling the last of the lettuce. Kyle dropped his watering can as he growled. "Why, you!" he growled as he lunged, Josey just a millisecond faster as she leaped over his head and glided outside and ran as fast as she could. "Tonight we're having hasenpfeffer!" he yelled as he chased after the furry little bandit, the sound echoing around Eramore Island. And thus the Great Eramore Garden War began.

Author's note: I apologize for not posting anything in so long, but things have been absolutely insane since the last time I posted a chapter. I have been so busy with so many things, I literally had no free time, let alone energy.

But, good news: My Mom is getting better. She has beaten cancer before, and it looks like she will do so again.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a wonderful Alien Day!