by David Nash
“But that is just surface right, if we could land then we would be able to create a base similar to what we did here. Yes?”
“A kernel could easily navigate solar winds to land on the planet. Initial excavation would be difficult, but once done what you mention would be possible.”
“Plot a course to orbit Proxima Centauri b execute when ready.”
“Yes General.”
“Ensign Jones, can I speak with you a second. I have a mission for you.”
The boy is smart I mess with him a lot, but I readily give him credit for his talents. The look he gave the construction equipment and then to me said he knew something was up.
“Ensign, I have a job for you, you won’t like it, but I assure you it is extremely important.”
“Boss, you want me to stay behind on Proxima Centauri don’t you.”
“Yes, I want you to do just what I did in the first days. I want you to build a secret base. In some ways, it will be easier as you have a blueprint and know it can be done. In others ways it will be harder. Most specifically, I at least had Marvin to talk to. You will be alone, at least in the beginning. As time progresses I will send more people. Eventually, you will be replaced as commander of the installation and reassigned.”
“Sir, does that mean I am to be promoted?”
“Ensign it is not seemly to ask your General for a promotion, but yes you are in command of the base. Ensure that you don’t let the cocky little ensign you are in charge of screw anything up.”
“Yes sir.”
We landed, and Marvin was right about the habitability, I never could have started here. The combat suits made a big difference, the original survival suit just wasn’t tough enough. Even with the help of the suits, moving in space takes practice, and the few days it took to dig a small hanger worked to give Jones a good start on his next mission also gave us lots of practice with the suits.
Once Ensign jones had a hanger with a door and pressurized atmosphere, we all said our goodbyes. It seemed Oni and Jones took a lot longer to say goodbye that the rest of us did. She also seemed angry with me. If I had time, I would have taken it think about the implications on my observations. As it were, I just couldn’t spare the brainpower.
With one last admonishment to build as he thought best, but to stay hidden at all costs, I told him I believed in him and we would return as soon as possible. We disembarked the planet and began moving toward our transit point to Earth.
“Alright guys, let's be ready for anything. I do not plan to use the ram on this tube of death until we have stolen another ship or two from the Barkun on Earth, but you never know.
Captain Hickerson, take us to Earth. Slow and silent.”
“Slow and Silent as she goes, General”
Our transit to Earth’s solar system from the Proxima Centauri system was smooth. While currently, the Barkun did not patrol systems outside their interests, I knew that would change once we began active warfare. For now, all we had to do was sneak around our own system. This fact really chaffed me, and I was going to do something about it very soon.
Captain Hickerson did a great job sneaking into Earth’s orbit. I had Marvin hail the Secret Service and announce our arrival and then told him to see if he could locate Aegeus. As luck would have it, my grey friend was already on Earth and presently at Camp David.
When we landed, he had some news.
“William Tell, as a whole, the Sangren do not wish to get involved. They may have some sympathy, but the actions of the Kernel of Sentience have confused them and they need time to discuss the ramifications of the Kernel’s actions. However, I was able to find two of my brethren who are willing to join the legion. I would like to introduce Admetos Alejandra Udom and Asku Alejandra Udom” With that two Sangren, that looked identical to Aegeus stepped forward.
“Are these gentlemen your brothers?”
“Sir, in a manner of speaking they are, Admetos and Asku are my crèche-mates. The Sagren reproduce using cloning technology. Our Crèche was created using a mix of DNA from two famous Sangren, Alejandra and Udom.”
“Well, Admetos, and Asku, Welcome to the legion.” Aegeus informed us all that before they renounced their Sangren citizenship, Admetos was the Commandant of the Exploration Academy. Asku served the Vice Chair at the Sangren Medical Library, his specialty was research into alien physiology.
“Thank you both for your sacrifice to help the Legion. We will get you both sworn in and suitable rank as soon as possible.”
The President arrived shortly after our two newest members were introduced. I did not like his news.
“Commandant Davis,” The President began “Things have changed while you have been gone. Your initial presentation was stirring, and garnered a lot of support, but in your absence many of our elected representatives have chosen to believe the situation is not as you presented.”
I was able to take that news without losing my bearing, but just barely.
“They haven’t went so far as to call you a liar, however, many of my fellow Americans on the other side of the aisle suggest that you are over-exaggerating the threat so you can use the American people as fodder as you create your own empire.”
‘I understand their concern Mr. President, but frankly, I do not care for politics. I need bodies. Were you able to get me some? “
“Not officially, no. Certain Democratic congressional representatives have threatened to go public with the facts of alien life if I sent members of the US military into service with a foreign power. I assure you their spin on the Confederation will paint the Barkun as our allies and you as the enemy.”
“What the fuck kind of idiocracy is this? Don’t they realize they are playing into the hands of the Barkun? If they go public, the Earth will be blasted into a sterile rock in a matter of days!” I lost my composure, but training and upbringing kicked in, I felt a little shame at my language in the presence of President of the United States.
“I am sorry Mr. President, I shouldn’t have cursed. The situation is serious, but I understand you have limited options.”
“Don’t worry about it, General, I have half a mind to let you drop those idiots off on the moon and let them see for themselves.” The President chuckled slightly then became serious. He gave me a conspiratorial look and then spoke in a lower voice. “Davis, while I can’t offer you US support, I do have some files of people I would have asked to join. I offer the files to you so you could see who may become interested if anything were to change.
Also, quite a few of our Special Operations soldiers on this list happen to be on a safety stand-down. I bet your former Green Beret might like to have a couple of drinks and some downtime with his former peers. If I had to guess, I would think he could find them tomorrow night at the Officer’s Club at Camp McCall. I have heard they reserved the entire the place for some kind of retirement party.”
The President took a breath and cast his eyes down at the ground for a second. When he looked up, our eyes met and they showed deep strength and conviction. “I hope politics is the only reason for their stance. Other countries have had to deal with similar internal politics with differing degrees or success. Many world leaders believe the Barkun are influencing the discord.
Some even believe that the ringleaders are Barkun in disguise. Most countries cannot offer official support, but have various levels of covert assistance available. However, you do have official support of one world power. They have a force ready for you as you requested. History will judge this to be an utmost failure of our American Republic as for the first time in history America did not rise to the call and defend freedom.”
“Mr. President, Why only one, what did they do?”
“Any member of the Chinese political infrastructure who questioned the wisdom of supporting defending Earth has disappeared. My intelligence community cannot agree if they were shot or locked in a hole. The smart money says the Chinese found some to be Barkun and are holding them until they can find thei
r ships. I am afraid that is all I can tell you at this time. Son, one last thing….”
“Yes Mr. President?”
“If you find out the we have aliens posing as elected officials, kill them. Kill every fucking one of them.”
With Sabol staying on Earth, I have no doubt he will find where the government put my money and put it to use. Next, I briefed Commander Askew on what the President said. He informed me that he knew several pipe hitters that would be more than willing to deal what he considered an alien coup attempt.
I put Ensign Marvin on the job of researching the theories presented by my former Commander in Chief as I had him plot a course for the headquarters of the Chinese Ministry of State Security. I was going to get some answers.
On the trip, I decided on a little shock and awe, its not that I distrusted the Chinese exactly. I needed them to realize, however, that if they did have Barkun prisoners, they had to turn them over to the legion. I was prepared to give them a really great deal in exchange. But, I was not willing to allow any human not under control of the Legion the ability to claim a space ship. The consequences for Earth were just to severe.
When we arrived in Xiyuan, Beijing I had Marvin hover the Ram ship 200 meters above the Chinese compound. Admiral Volk, Commander Hall, and I were suited out and leaped out of the bow hatch. Under cloak, we rode the hover shields down into the courtyard of the headquarters building deep inside the MSS compound.
Marvin and Lt Commander Oni sent the Minister several messages that I desired his presence. Those messages were quite insistent and covered every device in the building, phone, digital watch, PDA, tablet, computer, and what had to hurt their feelings, included their ultra secure air-gapped computer system.
To Minister Lui’s credit, he came to the courtyard with a minimum of security.
The three of us hovered in a wedge formation 15 feet in the air and uncloaked simultaneously. I landed in front of the Minister, snapped my shield to my back and raised my visor and extended my hand.
“Minister Lui, I am Legion Commandant Davis. I hear you have some Barkun prisoners, but not their ships. It seems you and I have a lot to discuss.”
“Perhaps we do, however, that is for the Paramount Leader to determine. As a head of state yourself, surely you would rather speak with your equal?”
“Yes, that is my desire, however, as I speak with your Chairman, I assume you would like to meet with your counterpart in the Legion.” I signal Hall to land. “Minister Lui, I would like to introduce Commander Robert Hall, Director of the Legion Intelligence Defense Agency. Also, if you have a representative of the Central Military Commission who we can discuss the gifts of Legion protective technology that would surely be given to our allies, I am sure Rear Admiral Volk may have some new toys you may be interested in.” With that Volk swooped in dramatically, stepped off the hover shield and saluted in perfect parade ground style.“Am I correct in assuming that this display of flying armor is representative of the toys you mention?” Lui asked.
“That,” I said,“All depends of the answers I get from your Chairman.”
General Jintao, Commander of the Chinese Army Strategic Support Force arrived before the Chairman. Marvin informed me that the SSF was the force behind all high tech operations including space, cyberspace and electronic warfare operations. Additionally, Marvin stated it was an independent force with considerable latitude in military activities.
He reported that based upon data he collected, it was most likely that General Jintao, with the blessing of Minister Lui, was responsible for the disappearance of the missing party members. The General was familiar with reputation of Admiral Volk, and they excused themselves and disappeared into the building.
When the Chairman arrived, we retired to a plush mahogany office. He wasted no time with pleasantries once we were alone.
“Commandant, I am aware of your interest in our supposed alien infiltrators. If we had Barkun guests, why would we turn them over to the Legion to allow your personnel to command their ships? Your organization so far is Western, with only a token comrade from Russia.”
“Mr. Chairman, I have seen Admiral Volk in action. He is anything but a token. I would advise you to never let him hear you say otherwise. Perhaps, when we have time to share stories over a few drinks I will be recount how he commanded our ship as we fought out way out of the system against a fleet of Barkun ships.”
“I meant no offense, but the point stands. As you must surely know from your visit to Camp David, your President cannot provide the help you need, only the People’s Republic has the power to stand against alien subterfuge.”
“I have no President. If I did, Earth would already be destroyed. But otherwise, you may be right; I have not yet addressed the issue. If I may get to the point, I understand your concerns. I just cannot share them. Earth must be separate from the Legion. No Legionnaire can have divided loyalties. The Confederation would see through it.
Unfortunately, the alien Confederation understands our human capability for deceit. If any human other than a Legionnaire commands a Kernel Ship, the consequences will be final. That does not mean that I do not think the Chinese should not command those ships. Actually, I realize that is the only option.
I do not have the luxury of time. I need those ships in the legion, and I need humans to command them in battle. If China can supply soldiers willing to join the Legion, I can supply you with almost anything you need to show that the Legion is an invaluable ally of Earth. This support includes the location of the Barkun ships. However, the only stipulation that matters, is once they join the Legion, their loyalty is toward protecting Earth as a whole, not just China.
The Chairman did not react immediately; he remained stone faced as he contemplated my statement. “Who is to say where a man’s loyalty is. Do you have some technology to read a man’s soul? I have to rely on what I can see. Actions are my only signpost to loyalty.”
“Actions it is then. Let me meet your pilots, once they formally renounce their citizenship and enlist in the Legion I will show them how to get their ships. I will not guarantee they will remain under a unified Chinese command, as the Legion does consider race, gender or national origin in our personnel decisions. We only care about the need for the Legion to protect Earth.
Once the Barkun you have are dealt with I will show you what technology I offer, and you can show me the work force you have on the table. Is this action enough?”
“I want assurances, Chinese personnel will receive positions of command.”
“Chairman, I cannot do this, Once they swear into the legion, the will no longer be Chinese. They will surely keep the love they have of the people of China, as well as their heritage, but their loyalty must be to the Legion. As a Man, you may take my word that those who have the skill to lead will lead.
I have to build an organization from scratch, those that help rise. That is the best I can offer. Currently, I have a planetary commander that was a petty officer a year ago. However, you should know this, the sentient being that controls a small saucer can separate itself from the ship to inhabit other forms. I need you to pick officers with the skill to command entire battle groups not just single saucers. I need command staff more than I need simple fighter pilots. Is this enough assurances for you?”
“It shall have to be.”
A few hours later, my command team minus Sabol and Askew are in a compound deep in the Chinese countryside. General Jintao and about 50 of his selected officers are present. I imagine most have dual roles with the MSS, but I cannot worry about what I cannot change. Commander Aegeus is the only one of the team not in a combat suit, and he is getting many curious looks as an obvious alien. He gives a presentation about the basics of Confederation law and the unique role of the Legion. I am trying to look at the men assembled and gauge their strengths. Soon it is my turn to address the crowd.
“I don’t have the time for anything but brutal honesty. You have all been briefed and know the basic facts. Ju
st a few years ago, I was a simple Marine Corps sergeant, but I made a choice. Without knowing the consequences, I chose defend the innocent. Because of my willingness to do violence in the cause of righteousness, the Earth became aware of a devious plot to destroy it for its mass. However, because of my actions we also gained the tools needed to protect Earth and foil the alien plot.
I had to leave everything I loved behind in order to save it. At the time, I was not aware of the consequences of my actions. You are. Do not make this choice lightly. Some of you will never step foot on Earth again. You will have no communication with Earth, and everyone you know will be told you died here on Earth. After we win, the truth can be told, until then, we are Legion.
Knowing the consequences, if you desire to join please stand.”
The entire room stood. The Legion just grew 10 times its original size in an instant. I hate communism. I think it is blight on humanity, but those brave souls that just gave up everything to save humanity aren’t communists, they are all now Legionnaires.
I was individually introduced to 9 new recruits. Apparently, of the 60 or so anti-Legion members of Chinese Communist Party, only a handful were actually aliens. The efficient security apparatus determined who was alien by slicing into the skin behind the suspect’s ear. The spot was chosen to be less visible in the chance the individual was human. They could have sliced open the forehead like I did the first time, overall, the Chinese we pretty considerate.
“So gentlemen, I haven’t had the time to fully study your files, but you volunteered, so you have to either be really crazy or really good. In the event you have not been briefed, the ship and the sentience that controls the ships are separate. If you are able to beat the Barkun in command in single combat, the sentient life form that inhabits the ship becomes yours to command.
The rules of this combat are almost non-existent. The only real rules are that to claim the ship you must engage in single combat, and the Barkun must see you coming. It is essential for the Barkun to see you, as the sentience will be able to access the brain of the dead lizard and identify that your claim valid, without visual confirmation that you were the one to kill the alien, the ship will not submit to your command.
