Adrian Smith - The Fourth Phase

Captain Koto gripped the rusty handrail, his knuckles turning white. He let out a breath and turned, facing the door in front of him. He had relieved all his men of their duties and commanded them onshore to join the civilians. The ship sat empty and silent, a dark shadow in the harbour. Koto tugged down his jacket and reached out. With a last glance out over the water, he spun the handle and pulled open the door. The stench was even worse in here.

He stood on the small metal landing above the vast hold. Stairs plunged down into the darkness. Hundreds of yellow eyes glowed back at him. The way they did that freaked him out: even with just a hint of light, their eyes glowed. It chilled him. In a morbid way, it reminded him of the lights of the Matariki festival. He bit his lip as he descended into the hold. He could hear them shuffling around, watching his movements.

Koto reached the bottom of the hold and held his breath. A giant winged Variant crouched in front of him. It arched its back and spread its wings. The rotten fruit stench that emanated from it was putrid. Koto swept his hand across his sweaty brow and flinched at the sound. He had called the winged beast Leyak, after the demon stories his mother had told him to frighten him into behaving. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined them coming true.

Leyak glared down at him and grunted. He raised a clawed hand and pointed up, grunting again. The meaning was clear. It was time to feed.

Leyak had captured Koto and his men on an Indonesian island, when they were searching for food and water. The monster had consumed most of the men. Koto had pleaded for his life. Leyak had, through grunts and basic speech, granted his wish◦— as long as he provided fresh meat for Leyak and his tribe. Koto had spent the last six weeks sailing from island to island, first winning the trust of the islanders, and then releasing the Variants into the night to feed. Each time he’d done it, a little piece of him had died.

Koto looked up at the hulking winged beast. He breathed out and pulled out the detonator in his pocket. He held it up so Leyak could see. “Do you know what this is, you demon from hell?”

Leyak glared down at him and bellowed. He pushed off with incredible speed, his wings flapping, stirring up the putrid air of the hold. Captain Arif Koto said a silent prayer, and thought of his wife and children. He looked up at Leyak trying to escape, and pushed the button.

Phase One: Impact.

Phase Two: Recoil and rescue.

Phase Three: Recovery.

Phase Four: We fight back.

Gallipoli:World War One battle fought between the ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corp) and Turkish forces in 1915. The ANZACs suffered heavy losses, but fought with sheer determination for little gain.

Haka:Tribal war dance performed to intimidate an opponent. Famously performed in modern times by New Zealand sports teams. Each tribe has their own version of the dance.

Hongi:Translates to “The breath of life.” A greeting, where the two greeting each other touch noses and foreheads at the same time. Serves a similar purpose to a handshake.

Iwi:Translates to “People” or “Nation”, but it has come to mean tribe. In pre-European times, Maori identified more with a Hapu or sub tribe. Iwi can mean a confederation of tribes.

Kai:Simply translates to “Food”.

Kaitiaki:Term used for Guardianship of the Sea and of the Sky. Kaitiaki is a Guardian, and the process and practices of looking after the environment.

Kaumatua:Elders in Maori society, held in high esteem. Being the storehouses of tribal knowledge, genealogy and traditions.

Kawakawa:Small tree endemic to New Zealand. Used in medicines and traditional practices.

Kehua:Translates to “Ghost”.

Kina:A sea urchin endemic to New Zealand. Considered a delicacy.

Koru:Translates to “Loop”. Used to describe the unfurling frond of the silver fern. Signifies new life, growth, strength and peace.

Kumara:A species of sweet potato grown in New Zealand. Traditionally a staple food.

Maori:Indigenous population of New Zealand.

Manuka:Small flowering tree. Famed for its oily timber and, in more recent times, for the honey produced from its flowers. The honey has many beneficial properties.

Mere:Traditional Maori weapon best described as a club. Could be made from a variety of materials. Chiefs had Mere made from a hard semi-precious gemstone called “Pounamu”.

Moriori:A peaceful indigenous people of the Chatham Islands to the west of New Zealand. Thought to have populated parts of the South Island as well.

New Zealand Flax:Endemic grass plant found throughout the country. Used for variety of reasons. Mainly for weaving traditional Maori objects. Europeans used it as a source of fibre to make ropes etc.

Pakeha:White or fair skinned New Zealander. Specifically of European descent.

Paua:Endemic species of Abalone found around the New Zealand coast.

Pohutukawa:Species of large coast dwelling tree. Often found clinging to cracks and to the side of cliffs. Called New Zealand’s “Christmas tree” because its red flowers bloom in abundance during December.

Powhiri:A Maori welcoming ceremony involving, singing, dancing and finally the hongi.

Paka:An expression of annoyance or anger. Can be used in reference to a person. As in the film Whale Rider.

Taiaha:A traditional Maori weapon. A close-quarters staff. Made from wood or whale bone. Used for quick, stabbing thrusts and strikes, with fast footwork by the wielder. Often found to have intricate carvings near its tip.

Tangi:A traditional funeral held on a Marae (Meeting Place)

Ta Moko:Traditional tattoos of the Maori.

Tekoteko:Maori term for a carved human figure or head. Sometimes attached to the gable of a house.

Te Reo:The Maori language.

Whanau:An extended family or related community who live together in the same area.

Thank you for reading The Fourth Phase . I would be grateful if you left an honest review. Every review counts and helps me develop as a writer.

I’ve had a real blast writing these two (so far) books in Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s Extinction Cycle world. I tried to write these books from an everyman and woman point of view. Two people who find themselves in a crazy, chaotic world, each of them discovering new facets to their personalities.

Since the book is set in New Zealand, I’ve used UK spelling. I’ve also included a Glossary for any Maori terms that you may not be familiar with. As always, I’m more than happy to answer any questions. You can contact me on the following platforms.

Facebook: Author: Adrian J Smith

Email: adesmithwrites@gmail.com

Website: www.adrianjonsmith.com

Come join our Facebook group: Guardians of the Apocalypse

Extinction Cycle: The Rule of Three

COMING SOON:

EXTINCTION CYCLE WORLD:

Extinction Cycle: The Five Pillars (2018)