Chapter 7 Kian
KIAN
Safe Harbor came into view through scattered clouds as Kian looked out the jet's window.
The island emerged from the Indian Ocean like a rough-cut emerald, oval in shape and steepled in greenery as it had appeared on the satellite photos Kalugal had shown him when he'd first proposed this ambitious project.
From this altitude, he could make out the airstrip running along the island's spine—a concrete scar through the tropical vegetation.
"Isn't it lovely?" Kalugal said from across the aisle.
Allegra pushed to her knees, freeing herself from the seatbelt, and peered out the small window. "Daddy, is that our island?"
"Yes, we share it with Uncle Kalugal, but you need to sit down with the seatbelt on. We are about to land."
If things went according to plan, it would become much more than just another piece of real estate. It would be their proving ground, their training facility, and their first line of defense against Navuh's growing army of enhanced soldiers.
As the jet banked left and began its descent, more details became visible.
Rocky outcroppings sheltered the natural harbor on the eastern side, while steep cliffs guarded the western shore.
Between them lay a collection of industrial buildings that had once housed miners and would soon accommodate their human trainees.
"How many people resided in these dormitories?" Syssi asked.
"About two hundred." Kian leaned over to tighten Allegra's seatbelt. "Cobalt mining isn't a small operation. The infrastructure they left behind is a perfect foundation for our needs, but it requires some updating."
If the program succeeded, they would have to build many more barracks.
Jade leaned forward from her seat behind them. "This place reminds me of home."
Syssi turned to look at her. "Which one? The one in Karelia or Anumati?"
"Anumati, of course. It was hot and humid, not cold and wet like Karelia."
"I'm glad you like it," Kalugal said. "If this goes the way we hope, perhaps more of your people would like to relocate here and take part in the building of this new army."
Jade cast him a mock glare. "Trying to get rid of us?"
"Fates forbid." He put a hand over his heart. "If I could convince Kian, I would have liked to relocate the entire population of the village here, but he doesn't like the idea of being so close to Navuh."
Kian shook his head at his cousin. "This is a military installation, and as such it has strategic advantages. As a civilian outpost, however, it leaves a lot to be desired. No restaurants, no shopping malls, and no next-day deliveries. Can you really see yourself and your family living like that?"
"Well, when you put it that way." Kalugal wrapped an arm around Jacki's shoulders. "I wouldn't want to deprive my wife of all that."
The landing was smooth despite the relatively short runway. As the jet taxied to a stop, Kian saw a large van waiting for them, with Boshev, one of Kalugal's men, leaning against the vehicle, waving a hand in greeting.
As Kian descended the jet's stairs with Allegra in his arms, he was immediately enveloped in the tropical heat and humidity, even though it was still morning. Squinting, he pulled out his protective sunglasses and put them on.
"Welcome to lovely Safe Harbor," Boshev greeted them.
"How are things progressing?" Kalugal clasped the guy's hand.
"On schedule, mostly. We had a delay with some equipment shipments, but Wellgorst sorted it out." Boshev's eyes swept over their group—fourteen immortals plus one very excited toddler and one worried-looking baby. "The van seats twelve. We'll need to make two trips unless some don't mind standing."
"We'll manage," Kian said. "Syssi can sit in my lap and Anandur can hold Allegra." He looked at Kalugal. "Are you okay doing the same?"
"Of course." Kalugal motioned for Shamash to take Darius, who went willingly into his nanny’s arms. Or was it manny? Kian had heard Amanda use that term in reference to Onidu.
After they had all squeezed in, with Allegra delighted to sit on Anandur's lap and Syssi holding on to Kian, Boshev started the engine and pulled away from the airstrip.
"I'll give you the tour on the way to your lodging.
Everything is still a work in progress, but we've made significant strides in the past month. "
The road from the airstrip was paved but narrow, winding through dense vegetation that had been cut back just enough to allow vehicle passage. Kian noticed several cameras mounted on poles—part of the security network that was in the process of being installed.
"On your right are the training grounds," Boshev announced as they emerged from the tree line.
The cleared area was massive, perhaps ten acres of flattened earth with various structures in different stages of completion. Obstacle courses, climbing walls, and a framework for urban combat scenarios.
"How long until it's operational?" Kian asked.
"About two weeks for the basic facilities. The advanced tactical environments will take another month." Boshev pointed to a concrete structure on the far side. "That's where we'll store the exoskeletons. It will be climate-controlled and have biometric locks."
Jade studied the layout. "What about live fire exercises?"
"A range is being constructed on the north side of the island, away from the living quarters. Natural backstop from the cliffs."
They continued on, passing rows of long, low buildings that Boshev identified as the barracks. "Each dormitory can house fifty people comfortably, twenty-five if we want to give them more room to breathe. We're starting with the four buildings we've already renovated, and we'll expand as needed."
"The workers aren't staying in those, are they?" Jacki asked.
"No, ma'am. Construction crews have temporary quarters near the harbor. These are dedicated to our future trainees."
The command center came next—a two-story concrete building that had served as the mining operation's administrative hub. Workers swarmed over it, installing new windows, running cables, and painting the exterior a neutral gray.
"Dandor and Wellgorst have been living in there for the past week," Boshev said with a chuckle. "They claim that they have no time to spare and need to sleep where they work, but I think they just like playing with their new toys."
"Speaking of which," Kalugal said, "how's the surveillance network coming along?"
"It's on schedule. Ruvon's been directing them remotely. Every feed will go through encrypted channels back to the village for backup recording. We'll have full coverage of the island within ten days."
The mess hall was their next landmark—another repurposed building that looked significantly better than the others. Fresh paint, new windows, and the smell of something spicy wafting from within.
"We secured kitchen staff from India and the Philippines," Boshev said. "The food is on the spicy side, but quite good."
"Thank goodness," Drova muttered. "I was worried we'd have to cook ourselves."
Kra-ell drank blood, preferably straight from an animal's vein. Had that been Drova's attempt at a joke?
Her mother lifted a brow. "Did you mean that Phinas would have to cook?"
"What else could I mean? I hope they have some wildlife here we can hunt."
"Not much," Boshev said. "Bats and hedgehogs mostly. Have you tried shark blood?"
Drova looked at him with horror in her eyes. "Are you serious? I hope you at least secured some synthetic blood for my mother and me. Otherwise, we will have to fly back tomorrow."
Boshev laughed. "Just messing with you. We've gotten a few goats and sheep especially for you and your mother, but you will have to tend to them."
Drova grimaced. "Great. That's exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up, be a goat and sheep herder."
They passed several more buildings in various states of repair before reaching the residential area. The structures here were smaller, more carefully maintained, with attempts at landscaping that suggested they'd housed the mining operation's management.
"Here we are," Boshev announced, pulling up to a freshly painted two-story house. "Former director's residence. Completely renovated with new plumbing, electricity, and air conditioning that actually works."
They piled out of the van, and Kian was glad to see the house looked livable. It was clean and functional, with a wraparound porch offering views of the ocean.
"This is lovely." Syssi climbed the stairs to the porch. "I've always wanted to live by the ocean."
"Master suites are upstairs." Boshev hefted two suitcases from the van's rear. "Two large bedrooms with ensuite baths up there. Four more bedrooms downstairs, though two are quite small."
"I assume that Kian and Kalugal and their families will be staying here," Drova said. "Where are we staying?"
Boshev pointed to a smaller house about fifty feet away. "That one's yours to keep. The Guardians and my men will split the remaining rooms in both houses."
"Two to a room?" Alfie didn't sound thrilled.
"Unless you prefer the barracks," Boshev suggested with a grin. "They're quite spacious, but Kian brought you along to keep his family safe. You are not here on a vacation."
"Shared room it is," Alfie said.
They spent the next fifteen minutes or so distributing luggage and getting settled.
The master suite was indeed comfortable, with a brand-new king-sized bed, a couch, two armchairs, and a large-screen television.
Most importantly, though, there was a tub in the bathroom for Allegra to splash around in.
"This is very nice." Syssi sat on the mattress while Allegra began exploring every drawer and cabinet.
"Don't get too comfortable," Kian warned. "We still have to meet the senior staff."
"Can you do that without me?" Syssi opened one of the suitcases and started pulling out Allegra's favorite toys and the teddy bear that their daughter couldn't sleep without. "Allegra and I need to unwind."