The Book of Ominiue: Starborn by D.M. Barnham Read Free Book Online

lowered forms before him, unsure of what to do.
    Kíe then stepped forward breaking the moment, ‘The Star Ta’Orians wish to seek council, they wish to travel to Taríth to parlay with the Varda.’
    Pan’arden was the first to stand. Regaining her composure. She was quick to respond to Kíe, ‘Of course Journeyman, we shall see to it.’ With that the others stood but their faces remained downcast in his presence. Afterwards as the Earthmen moved amongst the villagers most gave him a wide birth except for the odd brave soul who would reach out and touch his clothing before slinking off again.
    ‘It seems the power you hold over the natives is stronger than anyone could’ve possibly imagined, Starborn.’ The Brigadier-General Christov Hanniver approached Shayne after the three leading lionmen disappeared into a nearby home. ‘At first I was so damn angry that they’d only talk through you, but this proves better relations than any other scenario could ever bring.’ The Brigadier smiled at Shayne, the first time any Earthman other than an Astronaut to do so. ‘Don’t get me wrong Colonial, I still don’t trust you.’
    ‘Perfectly understandable,’ Shayne replied.
    ‘Just remember Starborn, that you’re still in review, ok?’
    Shayne did not reply. He did not need to, for the Brigadier knew he would only speak when he needed to. Hanniver then gathered his men and they went into the village centre to rest while they waited. The Brigadier’s pet Tasmanian tiger followed closely, her mouth in her usual wide grin as she panted happily behind him, leaving Shayne to wait for Kíe. 
    The Starborn stood there for a while before he noticed a small lionman cub watching him. He shifted his attention down at it not knowing if it was male or female, they all looked alike to him.
    ‘What do you want?’ he asked in the common tongue. The child let out a little gasp of fright and ran away.
    ‘You really should not do that,’ came a voice. Shayne’s eyes snapped across to Kíe, his eyes dancing with amusement.
    ‘Do what?’ The comment confused him, though his face did not show it.
    ‘Scare her.’
    ‘I did nothing; how could I have scared her?’
    ‘There is something about you Afra’hama, it sends one into a frozen terror. I have known you for a while now and you still scare me.’
    ‘I do not see it,’ replied Shayne, his companion’s scrutinising easy smile.
    Kíe’s green eyes studied him. He tilted his head, his usual smile merging into a thoughtful half one, ‘No, I guess you do not.’ With that he moved in the direction of the house. ‘Come on,’ he called back as he walked towards the building. The expedition lionmen tended to lower themselves a bit when talking to him, this village was no different. He did not know if this was a form of respect or a natural stance when conversing with the much shorter humans. He knew that this planet also had a native human species. Most planets they discovered did and they all shared similar genetic codes revealing a common ancestry, it was one of the great mysteries of space travel. The lionmen presences was the first example of true alien species, but even they suspected they might not be true aliens, so far all life shared the same DNA blueprint. As far as these native Iraqian humans go, Shayne knew the lionmen lived and communicated amongst them and that many of their countries were bipartisan, but he did not know to what extent their relationship existed, or on what level that relationship changed as a country moved in favour to one race.
    They came to one of the outer buildings. The door frame towered over Shayne’s head. If the Earthman was not in the presence of two-and-a-half-metre tall creatures, he would be forgiven for mistaking it for a hall entrance rather than a simple homestead. Upon entering the dwelling the two senior soldiers stood to attention, they were slightly hunched over in a room that was small by lionmen standards. Pan’arden