Saviour
I have learned to kill.
I had no choice.
The devils had to be stopped, the monsters destroyed, or our ancient civilisation would have perished.
Listen closely to my tale and you will understand.
I was aware of the newcomers living far above in the upper levels but their little lives did not concern me. It was only when they invaded my domain that I attempted communication. To my dismay, I discovered they were mind-blind and could not hear my pleas. That left me with one option, the only way to prevent them from slaughtering the innocents. Kill them. It worked - for a time - but they returned with reinforcements. Horror-stricken I knew they thought me a monster and were determined to slay me. In silence I increased my efforts against them until he appeared. One who lived in a vast, light-filled and multi-tunnelled cavern.
I clearly sensed his thoughts, his disapproval of the others' desire to kill me, and knew he was the saviour of my race. I had to speak with him mind to mind, and beg for his help. He would understand, I knew it. So, in an attempt to convince him that I was not some mindless beast, I used knowledge gleaned from one of my victims and stole an important gem, once necessary for the maintenance of the intruders' lives.
I concentrated and fleetingly grazed the edge of his perception, in the hope of making him aware of me. I waited for the correct moment to reveal myself but tormented by grief for my murdered ones, I acted instinctively when one of the Saviour's servants beheld me. I took his life and for a moment my pain eased. Terror struck me as I realised what I had done. I hid as Saviour and his Cave Brother reached the scene of my crime. It took me some moments to regain my courage and approach them but at last I did so and it startled them. In fear, they attacked me and their fire-rocks inflicted a deep wound on my body. Screaming in agony, I fled through the safety of my natural environment to my deepest hiding place.
I tried to ease my pain but only partially succeeded. I forced myself to ignore it and, gathering all my strength, I reached for Saviour's thoughts. A balm spread through me on discovering that he still retained his merciful attitude towards me, but Cave Brother disagreed and ordered the servants to kill me. Saviour attempted to dissuade Cave Brother from this but failed. At that moment deadly fear paralysed me as I realised that Saviour did Cave Brother's bidding.
As they hunted me, I formulated my plan. I would trap Cave Brother, and show that I too could be merciful. In gratitude, perhaps, they would help me. I sensed the power of their kinship, it pulsed with the fairness and understanding of both. They were honourable beings.
I awaited my chance and once they had separated I struck, causing the roof of a tunnel to fall. I sensed Saviour's fear for the other but did not allow it to deter me. There was nothing more to lose now and everything to gain.
My appearance frightened Cave Brother and he raised his fire-rock. Terrified, I scuttled back, as I recalled the shock of its impact. However, would he understand my gesture or would he blindly attack again? He made strange sounds, in an attempt to communicate, and I moved forward again. He aimed the fire-rock at me and once more, I retreated. He hesitated, and in the quiet, I sensed Saviour urging him to kill me. I did not understand. Why now did Saviour wish me dead? He whose compassion was so strong. Then realisation struck. He feared for Cave Brother, believing that the life so precious to him was in danger.
What could I do? How could I make them understand?
An idea emerged. I turned around and showed Cave Brother my wound. He stared at me and I sensed his compassion for me. He who had ordered my death had altered his thinking. Truly he was worthy of the honour of being Saviour's companion.
Both of us awaited Saviour's arrival; all my hopes resting on this one being. My pain intensified, the wound pulsated and as my control slipped away, exhaustion overcame me. I was helpless now in their hands. Saviour approached and I knew he was still cautious, and fearful for Cave Brother. After a few moments, and reassured, he turned his attention to me. Waves of curiosity poured from him.
My abilities were severely depleted and I found myself unable to establish contact with Saviour. My only chance of survival lay with this alien kin-brother from the cavern of light. Would he reach out to me? Could he?
In silence I encouraged him to touch my thoughts, and at last was rewarded as his mind met mine. Shocked by the extent of my pain he dragged himself away to collapse into his Cave Brother's embrace. Despair overcame me. Why had I not tried to block my agony from him?
There was no point in further recrimination so I thought about our brief contact. I had grasped a rudimentary knowledge from him. His name was Spock, his species Vulcan, and he was gentle, intelligent, logical, and respectful of all life forms. Reassured, I reasoned now that the next move must be mine.
I burned the strange markings of their common language into the cave floor. I begged them not to kill me. They seemed to understand and with Cave Brother's permission, Saviour slid down beside me and initiated further contact.
How shall I describe that long- awaited communication? I poured out my soul to him and his natural empathy caressed my thoughts and soothed my hopelessness away. He told me that - Kirk - his Cave Brother was sending for Healer to heal my injury, I could scarcely believe their kindness for one who had murdered so many. In gratitude I revealed the location of the gem they needed.
Saviour stayed with me as Healer tended my wound. I crooned my sorrow and Saviour comforted me as if I was his own Cave Sister. The depth of his compassion amazed me as he took my pain into himself. At last I could share my suffering with another who understood. Too soon I heard Cave Brother's voice recall him and knew he must obey. He assured me of his swift return and seconds later I was alone again. Not entirely though for Healer was placing a salve on my wound and the pain was easing.
I sensed the arrival of others. Their mood was ugly and again, I was terrified. I forced myself to relax for I had faith in Saviour and Cave Brother. They would intercede on my behalf for they believed in justice for all; not only their own kind. After a time I became aware of a difference. I could not quite ascertain what it was but I knew that the anger and hate of the outsiders had softened, perhaps even changed.
Saviour returned to me and I rejoiced in his words. He told me that the others - humans - had not known they were killing my babies. He revealed so many details that my cave-bound race had not believed possible. After absorbing it all, I came to an agreement with him. Each species - Horta and human - would live side by side in harmony.
"Now we have spoken, I am eager for a greater knowledge of the universe," I told him.
Cave Mother, he said with the greatest respect. I will request a Vulcan team be sent to converse with you. The exchange of ideas would be beneficial to all.
Saviour I will welcome discourse with your kind. Will their visage be as yours? I find these others rather ugly.
There was a touch of amusement in his mind. Indeed their appearance will be similar. I tried to cover my relief but he had sensed it for he added, I have learned that the outer shell does not reflect that which lies within the soul.
You are wise, Saviour, I replied. I believe I might become accustomed to these humans in time.
His approval warmed me and we spoke at length about out different cultures. I showed him the hatchery and we rested there amongst the unborn, feeling their tentative thoughts until it was time for him to depart. I gave permission for his Cave Brother to join us for a short time and these two aliens knelt in reverence by my side, touching the receptacle of the one who would be First Born.
My Cave Brother bids you farewell, Saviour said. He regrets the deaths of the children and asks forgiveness for the ignorance that caused such a tragic loss.
You are honourable beings, I replied.
Live long and prosper, he said in the courteous manner so natural to him.
And to you, my Cave Sons, I responded.
As his warns thoughts withdrew, emptiness filled me, but hope had been reborn, and with that comforting thought in mind, I turned my attention to the birthing.
I have learned to kill.
But ... I have found alien Cave Sons who taught me the meaning of IDIC. I wait with barely restrained excitement for I wish to know more about this wondrous philosophy.
You listen in awe, my children. Soon you will meet Saviour's clan brethren. Perhaps, one day, he and Cave Brother will return.
How will you know them you ask?
Their aura is unique. You cannot mistake it. They are two separate entities united in a bond of brotherhood. Together, they are our Saviour.
Why did I not realise this sooner?