Transposition
Part Nine
Radittsu blinked, then frowned, his brow wrinkling.
"Klingon… Kiringon? You called… asked me if I was Kiringon-jin, when we first talked."
Sulu nodded, not taking his eyes off the brightly-lit group of big, heavily armed aliens out on the plain. There were twelve of them in total, a formidable enemy force.
"A warrior race. The Federation's enemy."
The Saiyan eyed them narrowly, eyes squinting against the light.
"Hn. Bigger than humans. Smell strange too. Warriors, you say…"
"Hai. They only respect strength."
"Like the Saiya-jin…"
Sulu glanced up, alarmed. Radittsu had sounded worryingly pensive…
"No, Raditts'-san. They wouldn't welcome you. They'd most likely just kill you on sight."
The human held his breath while the Saiyan considered this.
"Why should I believe you?"
Sulu hesitated for a moment, then laid a hand on a warm broad shoulder.
"I have never lied to you."
Radittsu stared at the hand for a moment, then gazed into the human's eyes.
"I know. That is why I am still here rather than out there." He pointed towards the Klingons, who were quite obviously setting up camp. "But what are we to do? Without these" he snarled at the wrist fetters "I would be able to kill them in an instant…"
Sulu moved backwards cautiously; after a second Radittsu followed him, his movements silent. The human threw soil onto the lowering fire, extinguishing it, then reached for his pack and quickly dragged on a dark leisure suit and boots.
"You should dress too."
The Saiyan's head turned in the direction of the stream, where he'd left his bodysuit - then jerked back sharply, eyes wide.
"No time. They know we are here."
He grabbed Sulu and bodily dragged him through the trees and down a slight slope as phaser-fire whined overhead. The human instinctively ducked, but the hollow protected them. For a few precious moments anyway.
"We must keep moving." Sulu glanced down at the Saiyan's naked feet. "Will you be OK?"
Radittsu shrugged negligently. After all, he had no choice.
"Where do we go?"
The human frowned.
"They'll have tricorders - that's how they know they're not alone… We'll be safer if we can confuse them…"
Radittsu stiffened, head cocked to one side, then caught Sulu's wrist and pulled him along the little hollow.
"We cannot confuse them if we are dead. Move, human!"
Harsh alien voices were calling to each other behind them, punctuated by phaser-fire. Sulu struggled to keep up with the Saiyan, but after a couple of hundred yards Radittsu obviously got tired of holding back and grabbed the human around the waist, slinging him over a broad shoulder then taking off at a fast run. The sounds of pursuit died away behind them, and still the Saiyan ran, Sulu jolting against his hard-muscled torso and trying to peer back through hanks of thick, heavy mane…
"I think we can slow down now…"
Apparently Radittsu didn't hear him. Sulu frowned, managed to twist his upper body, and spoke loudly into the Saiyan's ear.
"Slow down!"
Radittsu winced and slapped Sulu's backside, eliciting a yelp, then swung the human into his arms and glared down, growling.
"Kusoyaro! Would you rather deafen me than survive?"
Sulu blinked uncomprehendingly, and Radittsu humphed.
"It is not just my nose and eyes that are more sensitive than yours - it is all my senses! And you should thank your gods that it is so, since we will both need them all to stay alive."
Sulu frowned - then, heart sinking, realised that he'd had to leave his pack, and all it contained, behind. Phaser and communicator included.
Radittsu grinned, surprised and impressed, at the flood of profanity issuing from the human's mouth, then slowed to a steady, ground-eating lope, a very little while later coming to a halt at the edge of a forest. He swung Sulu to his feet and peered into the darkness.
"This may aid us."
Sulu frowned.
"How?"
"Lots of life in here, small and large. If their machines read life forces, this may confuse them, at least for a while…" He gazed down at the human. "Will they pursue?"
Sulu sighed and nodded.
"They have to be here for a reason, and whatever it is, you can bet it's bad news for the Federation. They won't want any observers."
Radittsu nodded.
"So we must stay alive until your ship returns - and then find some way to warn them."
"And have ourselves transported back, yes."
"And how shall we do this?"
Sulu's shoulders slumped.
"We'll have to get my communicator back…"
Radittsu chuckled - Sulu had the unnerving impression he was enjoying their predicament!
"And how shall this be accomplished?"
Sulu paused, assessing their situation. He was stuck on an uninhabited - well uninhabited except for the two of them and a dozen angry Klingons - planet with a stark naked Saiyan, no food, no weapons, no tricorder and no way of communicating with the Enterprise. Not exactly encouraging.
But Starfleet had invested one hell of a lot in his training. He didn't intend to let that go to waste.
And Radittsu wasn't exactly helpless, even if he couldn't use his full strength or… what had he called it? Ki.
They stood a chance. Not a good one, admittedly, but what the hell, he'd been in tighter spots. He couldn't actually think of any right now, but he was sure he must have been. At least once…
Radittsu's tail was twitching impatiently, arms folded across his broad chest. Sulu grinned.
"Let's get undercover and discuss it, shall we?"
At Sulu's request Radittsu led them deep into the forest, his hunter's eyes easily finding a path through the thick undergrowth, fetching up not far from what appeared in the faint moonlight to be a well-used watering place, going by the trodden down vegetation and muddy bank. Radittsu paused, gazing slowly around into what was, to Sulu, almost total darkness, then nodded.
"This is good."
"I'll take your word for it."
"We will be safer in the trees."
Nani?
"… in the trees?"
He caught a brief flash of white teeth.
"There are predators here - and we should not make a fire. We will spend the rest of the night in the trees, for your safety."
Obviously some use of the word 'safety' previously unknown to me, Sulu thought briefly, paraphrasing a favourite ancient Terran writer. He sighed.
"Radittz, I can't sleep in a tree. I'll fall out and kill myself."
A deep rumbling chuckle.
"I will hold you safe."
"What if you fall asleep?"
"I will not."
"Raditts'-san, I really don't think…"
The Saiyan snorted and grabbed him around the waist, throwing him back over a broad shoulder, then with a brusque - "Hold tight" - he flung himself upwards, easily gripping a sturdy branch and swinging himself up to stand before grabbing for a higher one.
Sulu swallowed nervously and closed his eyes, arms clamped around Radittsu as the Saiyan clambered lithely up the tree, coming to rest where three large branches formed a relatively comfortable perch. Radittsu settled himself in the crook and eased Sulu's deathgrip from his neck, pulling the human down into his lap.
"You will be safe here. Sleep. I will not let you fall."
Sulu gulped. 'Safe' was a relative term where Radittsu was concerned - and how the fuck was he supposed to sleep with just a thin layer of fabric separating him from the heat - and bulk, and temptation - of the Saiyan's groin?!
Radittsu chuckled, inkei stirring as he scented Sulu's - agitation.
"Heh, much as I find the idea appealing, it were best if we simply rest."
Disgruntled and unsatisfied, Sulu dragged handfuls of the Saiyan's mane around them both and resigned himself to sleeplessness 'til dawn…
"Time to wake, small human."
The words slowly filtered through Sulu's consciousness. He stirred, wincing as cramped muscles twinged painfully, and forced his eyes open. To find a large, erect, pale-honey-coloured nipple in front of his nose.
Nani? He backed away awkwardly - only to have a long strong tail wrap around his waist and a large hand grab his wrist before he could fall from the tree. Radittsu smirked at him.
"You slept well."
Sulu was about to disagree, then realised that he hadn't slept too badly at all. He had a crick in his neck, and needed to stretch, but on the whole he would never have believed it possible to rest so well half way up a tree.
Then again, he'd had a most delightful - if not particularly soft - mattress…
Speaking of whom…
"Are you OK?"
Radittsu yawned widely, then gazed owlishly at the human. There were dark shadows around his eyes - and, now that there was enough light, Sulu was able to see the scratches across and down his body. He frowned, running a finger alongside a particularly broad, deep, still slightly bleeding gouge on one shoulder.
"You're hurt."
The Saiyan shrugged.
"Scratches. We were in a hurry last night. They would have healed by now were it not for these…" He snarled silently at a fetter. Struck by a sudden thought, Sulu moved carefully back and inspected the Saiyan's feet. Which were torn and cut and bruised…
"Ouch! We have to do something about that."
Radittsu eyed him bemusedly.
"What do you suggest?"
"I have something in my medical kit…" His shoulders slumped as he remembered exactly why they were up a tree.
"I'm sorry."
Radittsu blinked.
"Why? It is not your fault."
Maybe not, but Sulu still felt guilty. He chewed his lip, frowning, wondering if they could fashion some sort of footwear. Perhaps if Radittsu could kill another animal, one with a leathery hide… Heh, no good - they had nothing to cut it with…
Radittsu stretched, one limb at a time, finishing with his tail, then swung himself carefully upright.
"We should go down now." He turned his back, looking over his shoulder. "It will be easier if you are behind me."
Sulu obediently climbed onto Radittsu's back, legs around the lean waist and arms around broad shoulders, face pressed into the warm, slightly musky-scented mane as the Saiyan clambered back down the tree, wincing occasionally as a foot met something sharp. A minute later they were both safely on the ground and Sulu slid down to stand at Radittsu's side.
The Saiyan stood silently for several minutes, eyes narrowed, nostrils flared, head tilting this way and that as he stretched his senses, alert for danger. Finally he relaxed and glanced down at the human.
"There are no… Klingons here. Or anywhere near. Perhaps they have given up the chase…"
Sulu grinned mirthlessly.
"Would you have?"
Radittsu reluctantly shook his head. Sulu sighed.
"Neither will they. We should move."
The Saiyan spread his hands to the side.
"To where?"
Sulu grimaced.
"Back to the camp."
Radittsu stared.
"Back… But…"
Sulu raised his hands.
"I know… but I have to get a communicator. I can't let the Enterprise fly into a trap. I have to warn them the Klingons are here."
Radittsu frowned.
"But the ship will not return for three… weeks…?"
The human shook his head.
"I'm supposed to report in, remember? The captain might disregard one missed report, but he'll be on his way back here now to find out what the problem is - or," he half-grinned wryly, "to, uh, avenge my death at your hands. Which is probably what he'll assume has happened…"
Radittsu looked affronted.
"I gave my word I would harm none of you."
"I know, and I trust you. But the captain - well, he's a different matter altogether. But that might work in our favour - if I can just get a communicator…"
The Saiyan grunted, then sighed.
"Very well. Let us return…"
"Anything?"
Radittsu gazed down from the tree and shook his head.
"Nothing so far, Sulu-san…"
Their return to their previous campsite was a much more drawn out process than last night's flight from it, and they stopped frequently for Radittsu to listen and scent ahead, alert for Klingons (or any other danger). The Saiyan was limping slightly - his feet were bleeding again - but stoically ignoring the pain. Sulu was ferociously forcing himself to focus on the task at hand rather than on the magnificent naked Saiyan prowling beside him. Which was proving harder and harder to do as he watched pale-golden skin slide over powerful muscle, the long tail quivering as it flicked over strong buttocks and calves, big quiescent inkei and balls rolling against powerful thighs as Radittsu paced silently towards the camp, lips a thin line and eyes fierce under heavy brows as he kept his senses fully alert.
As they drew closer to the copse they slowed, taking their time, checking ahead. Resting for a moment in the hollow that had offered such protection last night, Sulu brought his mouth very close to Radittsu's ear, whispering almost soundlessly,
"Wait here. I'm going to check - and please don't argue, for this I'm smaller and less conspicuous than you."
Eyes widening appreciatively, the Saiyan nodded. Sulu slithered quietly up the slight bank and very very slowly raised his head to peer over the top through a low shrub…
And equally slowly lowered it again, making his way back down the slope to the Saiyan, frowning. Radittsu inclined his head enquiringly.
"They've posted one guard - standing over my pack."
Radittsu snarled silently.
"I can take one guard…"
Sulu nodded slowly. That might be their best idea…
"We must be as quiet as possible though. The others won't be far away."
Radittsu sighed.
"I dislike this… skulking. It is not our way."
"Maybe not - but if it means we survive, I'm sure you can learn to live with it."
The Saiyan grinned humourlessly and nodded, then shifted into a crouch.
"The sooner the better…"
Sulu shook his head briefly, astonished that someone so big could move so quietly. He followed Radittsu up the slope, ready to grab his pack and retreat again once the Saiyan had disabled the guard.
Only…
Sulu watched as Radittsu crept up on the guard… whether he'd heard or smelt or sensed something, caught a shadow out of the corner of his eye, they'd never know… The Klingon swivelled as Radittsu reached him… the Saiyan leapt forwards... the guard slapped something against his neck…
Sulu knew Radittsu's scream would give him nightmares for years. The big Saiyan froze, body arched backwards, face contorted with agony, then dropped solidly to the ground, shaking, teeth clenched together, keening with pain. Three other Klingons appeared as if from nowhere, and between them they hauled the ashen, quaking Saiyan in the direction of their own camp.
Leaving Sulu's pack behind.
Heart in his mouth, every nerve and fibre aching to race to Radittsu's rescue, he nevertheless forced himself to grab his pack and slide back down the bank, groping for his communicator and thumbing it open.
Holding his breath, waiting for a response, hearing the echoes of that scream in his head… sweat trickled down his face…
An answer…
Taking a deep breath, he gave the briefest full report possible, assuring Kirk he was fine, but Radittsu was in real danger…
"Hold your position. We'll be with you in..." a brief silence "four hours at the most."
"Sir, there must be a bird of prey around here somewhere…"
"We'll be careful."
"Captain… Radittz could be dead by the time you get here…"
"Stay put, Mr Sulu."
"… aye-aye, captain…"
He flicked the communicator closed and chewed his lip…
Fuck that.
Crawling slowly back up the bank, he peered over the top again. All clear. It was, he thought grimly, a fair bet that the Klingons were - otherwise engaged. And the long grass of the plain should work to his advantage…
On his belly, tricorder in one hand, phaser in the other, he crawled in the direction of the Klingon's camp…
Radittsu dragged his head up to glare feebly at his captors, body still shaking. He'd never felt anything like that before - and being a not particularly willing member of Furiizaa's military force, he'd experienced quite a range of punishment devices in the past.
But that…
His bones felt as though they'd fragmented, his blood turned to fire in his veins. His lungs burned as though he'd breathed in acid…
He couldn't stand - his legs wouldn't support him. They'd lashed his wrists, looped them over the post of one of their temporary dwellings, and left him hanging. The strain on his ribs was lost in the overall pain throbbing through him.
He couldn't understand what they were barking at him, didn't know the language. And every time he didn't answer a question one of them punched, or kicked, or hit him with something that left a trail of fire across his skin. Finally the one he thought was probably the leader - at any rate the others seemed to defer to him - grabbed the Saiyan's limp tail, bent it double - and broke it with an audible snap.
The pain was phenomenal, overriding everything else. For a moment Radittsu thought he'd pass out. Then one of the other Klingons kicked him, very hard, in the groin…
Radittsu slumped, breathless, precariously holding onto consciousness, simultaneously wondering why he bothered…
Distantly he heard the whine of a phaser blast - a second later he was on his knees… one of the ki-fetters cracked and fell in half…
He blinked, taking a deep breath, gasping as a hot wave of ki surged through him…
Snarling, he dragged himself to his feet, instinctively stretching out his arm, palm outwards…
Sulu lowered his phaser and watched, awed, as Radittsu blasted the Klingons, bolts of sheer energy pulsing from the palm of his hand. Staggering, obviously in great pain, the Saiyan was still able to kill them all…
He collapsed, dropping to his hands and knees, spent, the pain from his broken tail overwhelming…
A gentle small hand on a bruised shoulder… He managed to turn his head… Sulu. His tomodachi. There was… something… they were supposed to do…
It'll have to wait… said something in his mind as he passed out…
"Raditts'-san? Are you still with us?"
Of course I fucking am! he wanted to snarl, but his body didn't seem to want to obey him. He forced open aching eyes, to see the small human gazing anxiously down at him. He tried to smirk. It didn't feel right to him, but Sulu seemed to appreciate it. The human slumped, stroking Radittsu's cheek.
"Oh, thank the gods… I thought…"
The Saiyan gazed up at him from half-closed eyes, dimly aware of the vast pounding ache that was his body - but it was a strangely distant pain. He tried to frown. He should hurt more. His tail was broken…
He tried to reach for it, but his hand felt heavy, odd, not really part of him. Sulu reached for the weakly flailing limb and held it, gently.
"I gave you an anaesthetic. Only I didn't know how much to use - I think I gave you too much. But Dr McCoy says it should be OK…"
"What…" he wasn't sure Sulu would understand, he could barely make out the slurred word himself. But the human smiled and stroked his face.
"It's OK. The Enterprise is on its way back. I've told the captain everything that's happened. We just have to sit tight and wait for them to rescue us."
Radittsu sighed and let his eyes drift shut. They were safe. Everything else could wait…
© 2003 June 14th Joules Taylor Part Ten
