by TJ Viola
The holographic message appeared momentarily and his officer on Grillion looked concerned. “Commander Muglar, several critical events have come to light that would indicate the Council of Elders are possibly deceiving us and have a secret project in development. If such a project exists, it could have nothing to do with our efforts, but at the very least, it indicates they have reserved their best scientist for their own purposes, in direct violation of our conditions of surrender.”
Muglar didn’t think for a moment that such a deception was unrelated to their mission. “How did you uncover this information?”
“As is our usual practice, we have been scanning all the technical archives in search of information or technologies that may be helpful to our primary objective. It’s evident that the Grillions are a very advanced civilization in ways that are not obvious without close scrutiny. Several years ago, their top scientist died in an unexplained lab explosion. The main reason this became a concern to us is that the scientist, Zeiss, is related to the scientist who perfected their ability to telepathically communicate with future generations. This is hard to comprehend, Commander, but we believe that the Grillions have perfected telepathic time travel.”
“I commend you on your investigation and I concur; we will return to Grillion as soon as possible. In the meantime, continue your investigation into the disappearance and do not let anyone know you’re concerned.”
“Thank you, Commander.”
It took Muglar several months to conclude his negotiations with the planets in the Tulsar Galaxy. In the end, he had to demonstrate the power of his spaceship and obliterate an uninhabited planet. The negotiations proceeded rapidly after this event and Muglar was able to begin his return to Grillion.
On the return trip, Muglar’s subconscious thoughts about his humiliation by the Council of Elders finally broke through to the surface and entered his conscious memory. He bolted upright out of a deep sleep, his first in many months, screaming, “Fear!” The smell of fear permeated the chamber room. He always assumed it emanated from his troops. Now, he realized it came from the Grillions in the chamber and it was when his troops raised their Gasers to defend him. He concluded their energy source couldn’t withstand the power of a Gaser beam; they could deflect the Ammagans’ radiation rays and prevent teleportation, but they had no defense against coherent gamma rays.
*****
The Council knew that a showdown with the Ammagans was near, and a heated debate by the Council members raged on.
“Muglar and his spacecraft have just reentered our solar system and we know why! We must act now to defend ourselves.”
“The message we intercepted only indicated they suspect we have a secret project. They have no real evidence, nor do they realize its purpose.”
“I agree, if we attack Muglar, we will certainly perish. We must find a way to delay the inevitable and give Zeiss the time he needs.”
“Muglar must be convinced that we can help him achieve his objectives, only then will he spare us. He has already destroyed one civilization that could have saved Ammag; he will be hesitant to repeat the same mistake.”
Finally, Elder Zucan, the current Council leader, spoke after concentrating intensely on the discussion. “I have listened carefully to this debate and it has been exhaustive, as it should be, because what we decide here today will determine if we survive as a civilization. I can honestly say for the first time, I understand the motivation for the Ammagans’ aggressiveness. Faced with extinction, no action seems inappropriate.”
There was a general murmur of agreement around the chamber room.
“My first reaction is to fight. We have many capabilities at our disposal, many the Ammagans are unaware of, and I believe there is some probability we can defeat Muglar.”
The Council members erupted in cheers, and the aura energy released simultaneously by this emotional outburst moved violently throughout the chamber, adding to the excitement.
“But there will be another Muglar and another, until we are annihilated. The fact remains, we have no defense against the Gaser and eventually we will lose.”
The reality of this statement was undeniable and its impact subdued the energy as quickly as it had erupted.
“We will not fight. We must convince Muglar he needs us; this is our only hope for now. Ultimately our survival, and ironically, that of the Ammagans, lies with Zeiss and his team.”
As Zucan left the chamber signaling the end of the debate, it was clear that not everyone agreed with his conclusion, or how they could convince Muglar to spare them, but they all knew that if anyone could find a way to save Grillion, it would be Zucan.
*****
Muglar and his spacecraft raced toward their destination and, with each passing moment, Muglar’s passions became more inflamed. There were many on Ammag, and even in his own command, who believed he had become less committed to the survival of his people and more easily beguiled by his enemies. Some even suggested he no longer had a personal stake in his primary mission and had lost any sense of urgency, since his own survival was assured. These same critics even went so far as to suggest that his so-called new strategy was self-serving and that it was no coincidence it coincided with his newfound immortality. In all the time he had led the expedition to explore and conquer the Universe, they said only he had benefited. How easily they dismissed all the technological advances he had reaped for the Ammag society.
As these thoughts were fueling his frustration, he was brought back to reality by an urgent communiqué from Grillion. The Supreme Leader of the Council of Elders requested an audience with Muglar.
“When and where is Zucan suggesting we meet?” Muglar asked.
“At your earliest convenience, Commander,” Bragger responded.
“Very well, send a reply indicating that now would be acceptable.”
As Bragger turned to leave, a brilliant colorful light filled the command center and Zucan appeared before Muglar, radiating energy from his whole being. The silence that engulfed the center was absolute. Time seemed to stand still, until Muglar’s imperial guards broke the silence as they aimed their Gasers at Zucan.
“Leave us!” Muglar shouted.
“Commander!”
“I said leave us. Zucan and I have much to discuss.”
Muglar watched in silence as the command center emptied and the glow emanating from Zucan subsided.
“Very impressive,” Muglar sneered. “You definitely have a flare for the dramatic.”
“That wasn’t my intent.”
“What is it you want to discuss that couldn’t wait until I arrived?” Muglar asked.
“It has come to my attention that you believe we have deceived you and this prompted your unexpected return to our galaxy.”
“Your capabilities continue to amaze me, Zucan. Why are you such a passive race when you have powers far beyond any I have encountered in all my travels?”
“The strong shall devour the weak. Is that your philosophy, Muglar? You find it so incomprehensible that we are content with our position in the scheme of things, within our sphere of influence.”
“It is hard not to have such a philosophy,” Muglar replied, “since that behavior is so pervasive, and, I might add, often leads to self-destruction. Actually, I once believed all beings in the Universe had the same fatal flaw. Now, I’m not so sure.”
“So, why do you perpetuate such behavior if you see the futility in its outcome?”
“Survival, self-preservation, every species has a natural drive to survive and we are on the verge of extinction. I’m sure that even Grillion, if faced with the same future, would be as fierce.”
“There are many things you don’t understand about us,” Zucan said. “There are a few Grillions that have the ability to communicate with future generations. I’m one of them. There is a time in the near future when all communications cease to exist. This can only mean one thing: we cease to exist.”
The shock on Muglar’s face was
evident as Zucan continued.
“And it’s clear to the Council of Elders that this fact is probably due to the Ammagans—due to your actions.”
Upon hearing this, Muglar became alarmed.
“Why are you here? Knowing what you know, surely you’re preparing to fight.”
“Muglar, I can destroy this spacecraft as we speak, but I choose not to.”
Muglar reached for his Gaser.
“You are correct in your logic, Muglar. We have no defense against the Gaser; the gamma rays easily penetrate our aura shields. If this weren’t the case, I believe we would have stopped your aggression after you so mercilessly destroyed Earth.”
“You say you can destroy this spacecraft, yet I hold the one weapon that can kill you instantly.”
“Do it! So I can demonstrate to you that I can destroy you and this ship. Maybe then you will trust us to help you find the answer to your survival, and by doing so, ours as well.”
Muglar had had enough of these ridiculous discussions of philosophy. He stood, and with his built-up fury and continued frustration of failing his people, fired the Gaser. His intent was to graze Zucan, proving his theory, but nothing happened.
“I can’t stop the gamma rays, but I can prevent the Gaser from operating,” Zucan said. “Now, Muglar, it’s my turn.”
“No! I get the point. Let’s talk, but first explain why you fear the Gaser if you can make it inoperable?”
“This was one Gaser in my presence. To disarm thousands deployed over great distances would be an impossible task.”
As a military commander, Muglar understood and began to relax, as his animosity toward Zucan dissipated. He was beginning to respect the Grillions. “Have a seat and let us talk.”
Zucan agreed and sat opposite Muglar at a small conference table situated in front of a large monitor that showed them rapidly approaching Grillion.
“Where are Zeiss and his assistant, Yolan?”
There was no anger in Muglar’s tone, but Zucan instinctively knew his answer to this question would be critical to developing a relationship with Muglar and to the future of his planet.
“They disappeared.”
“I know they disappeared. Where are they?”
“No one knows. Zeiss was our brightest scientist and hasn’t been seen for several years.”
“Didn’t it seem strange to you and your Council that your top scientist would disappear?”
Zucan didn’t answer, but just stared into the recesses of Muglar’s dark orbs.
“Tell me what you think happened to Zeiss,” Muglar insisted.
“I think Zeiss has assembled a team and is working on a secret project, probably along the lines of his basic research.”
As he was speaking, Zucan rose from his seat and pretended to be agitated. He knew the conference table was some type of lie detection system and, so far, he had answered all of Muglar’s questions truthfully, but that was about to end.
Muglar’s expression was one of total dismay. “Zucan, don’t take me for a fool. Your top scientist disappears, you believe he’s working on a secret project, and the Council does nothing?”
“I didn’t say we haven’t tried to locate Zeiss. We have used every method at our disposal without success. The reality is he could be anywhere in the Universe.”
“Very well. For now, I will believe you. However, we will begin to search for Zeiss immediately and start with Grillion. If his so-called project has anything to do with interfering with our primary mission, your future will unfold sooner than you imagine.”
“As you well know, Muglar, threats and destruction will not solve your problems. Ammag’s only hope is diplomacy and cooperation. So, let’s not threaten each other and instead focus our energies on finding a way to assure our mutual coexistence.”
The silence between them deepened into an abyss while Muglar contemplated his response. “Zucan, my recent actions would certainly indicate that I agree with your assessment; however, I have many enemies who violently disagree and some of them are on this spaceship. So, let me make myself clear: I’m putting my trust in you and if I find that Zeiss is attempting to interfere with my efforts, Grillion will pay the consequences.”
“Understood, but you should also understand, we will not stand by waiting for our demise. Hopefully, we will avoid any conflict. In the meantime, you can continue to expect our full cooperation, working closely with your scientists to search for alternative energy sources for Ammag.”
With this last comment, Zucan disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared. Muglar immediately called his staff together, reviewed the exchange with Zucan, and assigned Doran to lead the search for Zeiss.
Chapter 27
Strategic Shift
T itch’s impact on Zeiss was profound. The logic of her argument was undeniable: unless they change the future, there would be no future. He had thought about this reality often, but the memory of his grandfather warning him not to ever apply his time travel research to the past for fear of altering the present in unimaginable ways prevented Zeiss from changing his approach to helping Danny and Crystal.
After a restless night reflecting on her comments, he called a meeting.
“Yesterday, it became evident to me that if we are to be successful, we must change our strategy. We suspect the Ammagans are actively searching for us and even though the probability is infinitesimal that they will locate our position, we must take a more aggressive approach. Especially since Danny isn’t making progress fast enough.”
Yolan’s aura indicated that she took his last statement as a personal criticism of her work with Danny. Zeiss continued, but realized he should have consulted Yolan before the meeting. “We, therefore, need to accelerate Danny’s progress by getting directly involved in his efforts.”
Mylo was the first to react. “Sir, direct involvement violates the fundamental rules that have guided not only time travel, but also our exploration of space. Rules established by your grandfather. I find deviation from established protocol contrary to my directives. We could have a devastating impact on the future and also Grillion’s past!”
Eros spoke up and backed Titch’s original position. “We should abandon this project before we’re discovered and help defend our planet from the Ammagans!”
Yolan regained her composure and spoke; when she did, the room fell silent. “We have been working with Danny and Crystal for many years and have made great progress, but we only provided Danny with basic knowledge, counting on him to take advantage of his enhanced mental capabilities. We have not worked directly with them to solve the many problems they’re wrestling with.”
Zeiss gave a slight nod to Yolan, to encourage her to continue.
“All generations before us have honored the guidelines of not interfering with the actions of others as we explored space. But what if there is no future? What if the course of the Universe is on a path of self-destruction? Should we be afraid to change the future? I say no! I say we should use all our skills, all our capabilities to assure that a different future unfolds.”
“I have been blind,” Zeiss continued, “to the realities of our situation, following an analytic approach when a more emotional view was also required. It was Titch who made me realize we must become more engaged and do so immediately.”
“Zeiss!” Titch said, “be more specific. What do you want us to do differently?”
“We have four immediate imperatives; you may discover others as we move forward, and I expect you to bring them to my attention without hesitation. First, we need to assure Danny remains healthy, Titch, you and Eros mentioned a concern Danny may be susceptible to multiple sclerosis. Yolan, get Danny back to the base and perform enhanced gene therapy, immediately. Second, we must—”
Titch interrupted Zeiss, with a guilty look. “Excuse me, but item one has already been completed.”
Yolan turned to her in disbelief, but Zeiss simply smiled internally and continued. “As I was saying, the world community n
eeds to galvanize around Danny and Crystal. Yolan, work with Danny to develop a plan. They need help with the Gaser. I’ve been thinking about the technical challenges they have to overcome so I will also become more involved. And finally, Eros, Titch doesn’t need you to improve her combat skills, so I want you to work with the androids currently supporting our base on Earth and review all historical astronomical incidents going back five years prior to the invasion. We must determine how Muglar gathered so much intelligence prior to the invasion. If we don’t, he will discover that Earth is ready for an invasion and develop a different attack plan.
“Have I overlooked anything?”
Zeiss took a moment and looked each crew member in the eye. He stopped at Mylo, who looked as if he had something to say.
“Commander, we shouldn’t forget that Muglar is actively searching for us. We should redouble our efforts to ensure none of our communications can be detected and that the biosphere is performing at peak capacity.”
“Good observation. Review our security procedures and report your findings as soon as possible.”
After some more discussion, the meeting was adjourned. Upon leaving, Yolan turned to speak with Zeiss only to find him and Titch in a friendly aura embrace, a little too friendly, she thought.
*****
Danny, Crystal, and the androids were in the lab focused on establishing the next steps in the Gaser development when all the security alarms started screeching. Crystal turned white as she was startled out of a deep mental concentration by the violent noise and flashing lights. “What’s going on?”
“The security alarms,” Danny yelled, trying to have his voice heard over the confusion. “We must be under attack!”
Danny went to a system console and brought up the security room monitor. He expected to see total chaos, but everyone was at their stations, frantically trying to understand the situation on the surface. The security officer opened communications with the research lab.
“Danny, our security perimeter has been breached, and it appears all exterior personnel are dead.”
