Oval Memorial

...His EkSeet explained that the Arna people were at the climax of their celebration before the Unlucky days descended on them.  Once the Uayebs started the people on Arna would be hung-over and depressed for the next five days.  No one would leave their habitats continuing a period of mourning.  The only time they ventured out was to travel to the Oval Memorial to the fallen Kril after each Uayeb.  Tradition and superstition and dread would envelop the planet while the Kril were off fighting in a Uayeb.  This Kin was the only time they could honor and celebrate the Kril, their leaders, and the Oval Confederation.  In the beginning of their trek KrutChan was amazed at the smiles, hugging, and loud toasts to him celebrating his presence and existence.  He felt like he had won the National Football League Championship as a player on the team.

     Other incidents dampened his participation in the revelry reminding him of his duty.  In the distance there were Zipper-weapon discharges, miscellaneous gunfire which seemed stupidly undisciplined considering the size of this crowd, and arrows and spears used on some of the populace threatening a Kril’s Oval.  What a goddam mess in this mob.  These five unlucky days celebration had a bit of anarchy in them.  I hate out of control mobs.

     KrutChan drew closer to Reela and went to port arms and then pointed his weapon forward menacing with his bayonet studded M-14 preparing to react to any threat to her.  The mob parted like the ocean before him.  He saw two dangerous incidents.  As Reela was moved by him to hastily leave the area one attacker was being drawn and quartered; hacked to pieces with a battle-ax by a wide-eyed raging Viking Kril.  He was wondering what crime the victim had committed other than getting too close to the Kril’s Oval.  Within a minute a Roman Kril had driven his pilum into another aggressor and with lethal skill was using a short sword on another Arnamal trying to save the victim.  That did it.  KrutChan got in front of Reela and pulled her roughly along by her robe as he used his rifled bayonet to make a path to get her out of harm’s way; he expected an attack at any moment.  It seemed to be forever that they were surrounded; but slowly they were respectfully given their space...