In Purpose and Blood

by Kate Hill
Note: This story takes place fifty years after Doing Thyme and ten years before Moonlight on Water. It shows how Xenos Nineteen first meets his close friend and second-in-command, Judson, as well as his "brothers" Yashel and Zale. This story gives further insight about how Xenos became the dark character met by Moonlight Santos Gama in Moonlight on Water. Xenos Nineteen, age twenty-seven, strode through headquarters on the Laetez home world on his way to the office of the Superior in charge of ACT. He'd arrived that morning, transferred from the Earth base where he had served for the past year, to take command of a unit here. All officers aspired to a command position at ACT headquarters. Only the best and most highly respected members of the ACT Corps achieved such a post. Fifty years ago, the Laetez had expanded their genetic testing to include close work with their Earth allies. They convinced their citizens that both governments supported ACT--Alien Conversion Testing--because of the opportunity it offered to cure diseases, strengthen the biological structure of humans and Laetez, and allow the Res and Ers to live separate lives. Many believed their main goal was to create an unstoppable army that would keep humans and Laetez at the top of the intergalactic food chain. Private labs, secretly supported by the governments, engaged in testing with other species besides human and Laetez, often creating grotesque beings whom they tormented through experiments until they achieved their desired goals. The result of experiments with human, Laetez, and Tydisian DNA, Xenos had spent his formative years in a private lab. At that time the Laetez had been involved in battles with the physically superior Tydisians and sought to create soldiers with the ability to fight them on their own aquatic territory. To accomplish this, private labs used DNA stolen from Tydisian prisoners. Most attempts to develop Tydisian hybrids resulted in physically or intellectually damaged beings, many of whom were destroyed. Finally they reached their goal in Xenos Nineteen. He possessed many desirable characteristics, at least by ACT standards-- superior

intelligence, physical strength greater than that of the Laetez, the Tydisian ability to submerge for hours, and the capacity to survive without a symbiotic connection. Earlier in his career, Xenos had served in an aquatic unit here at headquarters. Back then he didn't have the power to make important changes within the ACT Corps, but now he could work on improvements. Eventually he would be in the position to make major changes, since he didn't intend to remain a mere commander forever. On his way down the long, cool, spotlessly clean corridor, he ignored stares from passersby. It disgusted him that soldiers stationed here, at this esteemed facility, hadn't the discipline to keep from gawking at a curiosity like ignorant, untrained, purebred civilians. Not that he wasn't accustomed to attention. Though basically humanoid in appearance, he remained an obvious product of ACT. Most of the free ACT citizens here and on Earth looked either fully human or fully Laetez, a careful--and desired--natural camouflage. Standing just over six feet, Xenos' long, lean-muscled body was encased in bluish skin with both human-Laetez and Tydisian qualities. Multi-shaded blue splotches on his face and torso contained Tydisian glands that allowed him to breathe and drink. His red human blood gave him an overall bluish-purple appearance and if that didn't draw enough attention, his elongated facial features and sharp, white, predatory fangs made him stand out in the crowd. The guard posted outside Superior Kaylen's door directed him to enter and Xenos stepped inside. Kaylen, a tall, slim man of late middle years, sat behind his desk. His gaze darted toward Xenos, then returned to his computer monitor. Remaining at attention, Xenos studied Kaylen. Like most previous superiors, he was the product of ACT, but from a carefully regulated government lab. Unlike Xenos, he had been implanted into a human female and allowed a fairly normal upbringing. Most soldiers stationed here had backgrounds similar to Kaylen's and while Xenos didn't exactly envy them, he was a bit curious what life might have been like if he'd developed in a similar environment. Finally Kaylen focused his attention on Xenos.

"At ease," Kaylen stated and motioned toward the chair across from him. "Have a seat." Xenos did as ordered, his gaze meeting the Superior's. "I hadn't intended to meet with you before you saw to your unit," Kaylen continued, "but there's important news I want to give you personally." "Yes, Sir." "I've been told it's your understanding that you're the only free citizen of your particular origins--human, Laetez and Tydisian." "Yes, Sir." Xenos spoke with his usual calm, though a spark of interest ignited inside him. He hadn't expected such a personal conversation. "How would you feel if I told you there are two others who share your origins?" "I would be very surprised," Xenos admitted. "I've done careful research, both among the closed private labs and government sanctioned ones. The few Tydisian mixed breeds left are unable to function outside of controlled facilities." "I have been informed that after seeing the progress you made, other tests were conducted. Two more like you were created, eight and ten years apart respectively. Both in government sanctioned labs. The main reason you have been promoted is because of your flawless service record and exceptional leadership qualities, however the ACT Corps also has another agenda." Kaylen's flattery meant nothing to Xenos. He didn't need to be told what kind of record he had or what sort of man he was. Nor did he really give a damn about the reason he'd been promoted. All that mattered was he was here at ACT headquarters, with endless opportunities for advancement at his fingertips. And the information regarding other Tydisian mixed bloods definitely sparked his interest. Others like him. That was something he'd never imagined and something he'd hoped to prevent. Since they already existed, however, he should learn all he could about them.

"ACT wants you to form a highly specialized three-man aquatic unit," Kaylen continued. "We want you to pass on all your knowledge to these young men. Are you prepared to do that?" "Yes, Sir." "Good. Your brothers are due to arrive this afternoon. You'll meet here in my office." "Brothers, Sir?" Another slight yet insincere smile tugged at Kaylen's lips. "Technically that's what they are. Do you have any questions?" "What are their names and where can I access their files?" "They are called Yashel and Zale. Now that you've accepted the assignment, you'll be allowed access to their files on your personal computer. Anything else?" "No, Sir." "Dismissed," Kaylen said, turning back to his monitor. Xenos stood and left, his thoughts churning. He sighed deeply and shook his head. At the moment he needed to focus on his unit. There would be time to deal with his "brothers" later. Xenos made his way down to the fourth level training room. His unit included fifty human-Laetez warriors. He'd carefully studied profiles of each man. Unlike others he'd worked with in the past, he saw few possible problems. Another plus to headquarters. Problem children didn't cut it here and they most certainly wouldn't cut it under his leadership. All but two of his men required the use of medication to balance their chemistry, a side-effect that had yet to be remedied when interbreeding with the Laetez. The Laetez possessed naturally high levels of aggression that most other species couldn't seem to deal with. Xenos was among the few who didn't require medication, though he'd spent years in intense behavioral modification therapy and still practiced certain meditation techniques to keep his aggression under control.

When he stepped into the training room, the unit master took almost immediate notice of him and called the unit to attention. Men quickly filed out of the tank and formed a line, cold water pooling at their feet. While they stood, many shivering after hours of diving practice, he once again considered the deficiencies of human and Laetez bodies and wished he'd been free to spend the morning submerged. These people could never truly appreciate the water and it was impossible to teach them. He'd tried throughout his career, yet even the ones who, in their strictly mammalian way, loved diving, didn't grasp the full marvel of aquatic life. He spoke to them briefly, walking down their silent lineup. Then he picked up a whispered comment. Detecting the word "freak," he stopped. "Who spoke?" he asked in a deadly soft voice. Everyone remained silent, though he sensed their discomfort. Insulting a unit commander to his face was unheard of. Xenos' exceptional sense of smell guided him toward a soldier whose scent had grown suspiciously stronger, as if in a state of agitation. He paused in front of the tall redhead whose green eyes held his, unfaltering. Xenos appreciated that, even if he hadn't liked what this insubordinate prick had said. From the computer files, he recognized this man as Doug Judson. Twenty-six years old. Born to an ACT host mother and educated in public school. He chose to enlist in the ACT Corps at age eighteen. He had an excellent record, though a couple of reprimands for insubordination. Apparently he hadn't learned from his mistakes. Not a good sign. "I spoke, Sir," Judson replied after a moment. "I didn't think you could hear me." Xenos' lip curled the slightest bit and he stepped so close to Judson their noses almost touched. "And why wouldn't I be able to hear you?" The man hesitated and the tension hung heavily on the air. Finally he replied, "Because you don't have ears, Sir." Exactly as Xenos expected. Sheer ignorance. The fool didn't have a clue that Tydisian ears were internal. "My ears are more sensitive than yours, Judson. However, since the others here share your auditory deficiency, I would like you to repeat what you said a moment ago."

The solider drew a deep breath and released it slowly, then asked, "Permission to speak freely, Sir?" "It seems you've already taken that liberty, Judson. I see no reason to stop you now." "I was merely suggesting that you might be happier remaining in special services." "How considerate of you. Please explain what gives you the authority to judge where in this ACT Corps I belong?" "None, Sir," he replied, though his eyes shot loathing in Xenos' direction. "You still haven't answered my question. What did you say?" "I said ACT has had enough difficulty gaining respect from the public without placing a freak in command for all to see." "Let me make this perfectly clear to you, Judson, and everyone else present. I do not accept insubordination. I expect my orders to be followed precisely. The ACT Corps is very specific in its rules for authority. When necessary I will exercise my authority to the utmost, within Corps parameters of course. Under my hand you will either learn quickly or die swiftly, is that understood?" "Yes, Sir," the men replied in unison. Unit commanders rarely used their kill authority. It was a rule instituted decades ago, when products of ACT still went crazy from poorly regulated meds. It hadn't been removed from the books, so technically, a unit commander still had the power of life and death over those beneath him. To Xenos, subordinates without discipline were enough of a liability to warrant execution. "Don't misunderstand me," Xenos continued. "I couldn't care less what you think of me. Your thoughts are your own, but I will not tolerate any word or action that disrupts this unit." "Yes, Sir," the soldiers replied. Xenos continued his inspection, then returned command to the unit master.

He changed out of his uniform and into black shorts. The best way to get to know his men was through firsthand observation. He noticed the sidelong glances as he approached the pool and controlled the smirk flirting with his lips. Curiosity was expected and another reason he wanted them to immediately accustom themselves to his appearance and abilities. Though he didn't doubt they'd seen images of him during their basic training, he realized the shock of meeting him in person affected most people regardless of whether they had seen images or not. If the funky complexion didn't get them, his webbed hands and feet most certainly did. Without hesitation, he dropped into the pool. The cold water shocked his system somewhat, but over the years he'd grown so accustomed to swimming in various conditions that he didn't so much as flinch. In his youth, cold water training had been his most difficult challenge. Tydisians became sluggish in cold water. In near freezing conditions, their heartbeats could drop to as little as one or two beats a minute--a characteristic he'd inherited. Overcoming his natural reaction to cold water had been difficult, but he'd succeeded. His Tydisian skin welcomed the water. Fortunately he'd built up a tolerance for the chemicals used to treat the ACT training pools. A private tank had been installed for his use, since ACT wanted to make certain he kept his high physical standards, as he could be summoned at any time for special aquatic assignments. He could have selected exemption from traditional ranks and simply remained on call for special duties, however that wouldn't get him the position he desired. Submerging completely, he felt the protective membranes shield his eyes. Another Tydisian quality. Now able to see clearly and comfortably, he swam up and down the length of the pool, studying the soldiers, noting their strengths and weaknesses. Even below the surface, concentrating on staying warm and alive, they couldn't keep from watching him. They'd get used to him soon enough. After nearly two hours, he surfaced. He had the ability to remain submerged for up to five hours. If he had more Tydisian glands, he would have been able to stay under indefinitely, however he didn't possess enough to keep his body fully oxygenated. Therefore he depended on his powerful Tydisian lungs to supply most of his oxygen. Unlike Earth based amphibians, Tydisians could not only breathe through their skin, but had incredibly strong lungs as well.

He dressed and made his way to the Superior's office. His heartbeat quickened with anticipation. After years of believing himself to be the only one of his kind, he'd be meeting two others like himself. Again he was admitted directly inside. The Superior sat behind his desk, yet it wasn't the leader who drew his attention, but the two men seated in the chairs, their backs to him. A sinking feeling hit his gut when he saw one had short cropped, chestnut hair on his head. The other was shaved bald, yet his scalp was covered in normal human-Laetez flesh. "Ah, Unit Commander Xenos," Kaylen said with a slight smile. "Come in and meet your brothers." His stomach twisting at the sound of that word, Xenos walked slowly toward the two young men who now turned to face him. Brothers. Was this some kind of joke? Both men looked human and, even worse, handsome. No visible Tydisian characteristics. "This is Yashel." Kaylen gestured toward the chestnut-haired man. With large blue eyes, a well-shaped nose and chiseled jaw, he looked more like a model than a warrior. The bald one was no less attractive, though in a different way. His eyes were such dark brown they appeared black and his nose was wide, though no less well formed than that of his companion. His broad-shouldered, muscular torso dwarfed Yashel, and he wasn't exactly a small man. "And Zale. Men, this is Xenos. He will be in charge of your training and head of your special aquatic unit." "It's an honor." Zale stood and Yashel followed. "I've studied your file many times." "Forgive me, but I haven't been given access to yours yet." "That has been remedied," Kaylen told him. "I've looked forward to working with you," Yashel stated. "It's good to see another set of webbing."

Xenos' brow furrowed. Yashel tugged off a black glove and held up his webbed hand. A quick glance at Zale showed he had normal fingers. "I'm sure you have more to discuss than your. . .uh. . .webbing," Kaylen said. "Any questions?" "No, Sir," all three replied simultaneously. "Dismissed," Kaylen stated. Xenos led the way out of the office and down the corridor. Yashel and Zale were given rooms near his on the fourth floor barracks. Their tank had been installed on the same floor, and that's where they went directly and literally dove into training. Xenos wanted to find out exactly how much like him his "brothers" truly were. ***** After spending two hours in the tank with Yashel and Zale, Xenos left them to return to unit business. Usually he had little difficulty focusing on the task at hand, but today his thoughts kept drifting toward Yashel and Zale. In a short time he'd discovered much about them. Both learned quickly and in spite of their human-Laetez appearance, possessed underlying Tydisian characteristics. They were excellent swimmers and able to remain underwater for extended periods of time, at least by human-Laetez standards. Neither had Tydisian skin, or else they could have matched his submergence capacity. Zale seemed to be ideal warrior stock--willing to follow orders to the letter. Yashel, on the other hand, had an obvious independent streak. As long as he learned to temper it, it might serve him well, especially if he sought his own command. In some ways Yashel reminded Xenos of himself. Though disciplined, he had a rebellious side--something he considered a strength rather than a weakness, providing he knew how and when to use it. Seated in his office that night, the glow of the computer shining in the dimness like moonlight glimmering through water, he sat back in his chair and smiled slightly. It should prove interesting, building the special aquatic unit with Yashel and Zale. With their shared origins and him acting as their guide and leader, their loyalties would be to each other. Allies in purpose and blood.