The Swarm Master gave his Second a questioning shake of his antennae. “Unauthorized?” he asked. “That sounds reasonable.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Sesum replied. “Actual practice means the Kthpok are not allowing any of our people access to their facilities. Official or not.”
“What?” exclaimed Zelof and left his saddle. He started pacing within the limited confines of his office as he thought. “They won’t allow us entry? Anyone? On our own planet?”
“That’s the other reason I interrupted your work, Swarm Master. All materials they’ve requested are to be delivered in Tarren harbor.”
Zelof stopped pacing to look at his aide and his antennae began a slow swaying motion. “Tarren harbor?” he said trying to make the connection with Sesum’s concern about access. “If I remember correctly, before the Kthpok arrived, all the supplies were delivered there. That’s not unusual.”
Sesum grimaced. “The Kthpok’ve set up a strict protocol for delivery of supplies that will not be changed,” he said emphasizing the last four words. “The Masters of the cargo ships are to make an appointment for delivery and are expected to keep it. Variations from the schedule are not ‘allowed’. Once in port the ship’s crew is to offload the cargo to the Kthpok on the dock. No one from the ship is allowed to step onto the dock.” He paused for a moment as if he were searching for the right words then continued. “Although it hasn’t been explicitly stated the threat of deadly force was implied for any who ignore or forget their instructions.”
“What about higher levels?” wondered Zelof as he resumed his pacing. “The government or representatives from the Presiding Assembly?”
“To my knowledge a request for access has not been sent from the Assembly,” replied Sesum. “But a representative of the local queen asked for access to the island and was refused. It seems the Kthpok are too busy constructing their facilities to accommodate a politician.”
“They said that?” Zelof’s antennae gave an amused shake as he came to a stop again. “I’m sure she wasn’t too happy about that. There’s been times I’ve wished I could’ve told certain politicians to take a hike.” He gave a shake of his head. “Even with that it doesn’t seem right. All it does is raise more questions.”
“You really have a problem with delivering good news,” accused Zelof. “You know that, don’t you?” He ignored a good natured snort from his Second.
The Swarm Master moved over to stare out a view port at the planet below. “They won’t allow us access on our own planet,” he muttered. “On pain of death.”
He whirled back around to look at Sesum. “More is happening with the Kthpok than we know or can see,” he said. “This is more than paranoia. Get those satellites in position immediately and maintain our level of alert.” Zelof raised a true-hand to stop his Second’s protest before it could be voiced. “I know keeping this level of alert will increase the wear and tear on our equipment and could affect the moral of our people. Our Section Masters will just have to work it through. We cannot relax our vigilance until we learn what the Kthpok objectives are.”
Sesum waved his understanding then asked, “what if there isn’t anything nefarious? Maybe their story is true and that’s why they’re paranoid.”
Zelof glared at his subordinate for a moment then continued. “You don’t believe that any more that I do. After the sat’s are in place and telemetry’s being received contact the office of the Presiding Assembly of Queens. Request an audience for me as soon as possible.”
As the Swarm Master had been speaking Sesum was keying notes into an electronic pad. He looked up from his device long enough to ask, “and the reason for the disruption of the Queen’s orderly existence? You know they’ll ask before even considering the request.”
“Investigation of a possible threat to the Consolidated Hives.”
Zelof left his seat and crossed the polished tile to reach the large picture window of the antechamber. He and Sesum had been waiting in the receiving chamber for the Presiding Assembly for over an hour with nothing to occupy the time. After waiting days for a response to the Swarm Master’s request for an audience a summons arrived. Of course, when it came the Swarm Leaders had to scramble. The appointed time for their audience had allowed just enough time to clean their shells, put on the proper accoutrements and catch a shuttle down from orbit. Now they were cooling their shells. He gave a snort of disgust. This was the usual hurry-up-and-wait ploy the Presiding Assembly used when they wanted to prove to someone, generally a male, that they were in charge.
Ignoring the rich wood furniture and ornate decorations of the room he looked through the window. He was several stories up in the Assembly’s palace which provided him with a beautiful view. Spread out before him was the panorama of the planetary capital; the mega hive of Cosli while immediately below was the Queen’s Meditative Gardens to which the general public had been excluded.
A short distance away he noted that outside the Exclusion Zone that surrounded the palace, were streams of vehicles covering the streets. Cargo carriers were intermingled with mass transit and personal vehicles. Along the streets were thousands of Iidx going about their business or pleasure. Some were entering buildings, others were sightseeing and still others climbed into vehicles. Aircraft moved over the city in their designated lanes. In the distance he could see that a number of the taller buildings had their tops hidden in the heavy clouds.
His antennae began to wave in slow motion as he considered. There were millions of people out there, secure in their positions and purpose, unaware of the danger that had been allowed to land on Main Hive. And he was determined that…
“Excuse me…” A voice cut through the Swarm Masters thoughts. “Swarm Master? The Presiding Queens are ready to receive you now.”
Zelof swiveled his head to look at the Iidx who’d disturbed him. With an imperious wave of antennae he acknowledged the Captain then turned back to the window. Moving back a short distance from the glass he used the slight reflection to make sure his appearance was appropriate for an audience with the Presiding Assembly. Then, without a word, he turned and strode for the corridor which, he knew from prior audiences, would lead to the Audience Chamber of the Presiding Assembly. Sesum was right behind with the Captain taking his position at the rear.
The two Iidx leaders and their escort walked down the hallway, their footpads clicking on the polished beige tile. Luxurious cloth trappings and images made by famous artists hanging on the walls depicted important events in the history of the Iidx. All the while they ignored the guards which were posted at regular intervals.
The walk from the antechamber wasn’t long. After a few moments the small party reached a door flanked by two huge guards. Zelof noted, with a critical eye, that while the two sentries were adorned in their best marching ground decorations the weapons they carried weren’t theatrical props.
The Swarm Master nudged his Second and inclined an antenna at a weapon. Sesum looked over at the guards then said. “It’s the latest in an infantry weapon. An EL-2, I believe is its classification, and hasn’t been approved for use by the General Swarm.”
Before Zelof could respond to his Second’s statement or ask why the new weapons hadn’t been released to the General Swarm, the door opened. The two leaders saw another Iidx with his thorax adorned with precious metals and gems framed in the entrance. The Swarm Master recognized him immediately as the Assembly’s Chamberlain, Betalimin. "Ah,” breathed the Iidx, “Swarm Masters.” He inclined a head to Zelof. “It is so good of you to come.” His tone became simpering. “I’m sure the request was inconvenient. “
“A request from the Presiding Assembly is never an inconvenience,” replied Zelof with a respectful bob of his head.
Without showing that he noticed the Swarm Master’s response Betalimin said, “If the Swarm Master would follow me. I will announce you to the Presiding Assembly of Queens.”
The Swarm Leaders left the hallway and moved into the cavernous
audience chamber behind the Chamberlain. Their footsteps echoed in the empty expanse sounding loud in the silence. Beams of light streamed through the large windows that lined the chamber. Statues and guards filled the spaces between the windows. Banners of brilliant colors and designs representing the Consolidated Hives hung overhead from the high ceiling. Zelof noted that this time the weapons being held by the sentries were not modern weapons but a traditional pike. The Chamberlain conducted them the length of the hall to stand in front of a platform which had three elaborately carved and cushioned saddles.
Once he’d taken his own position Betalimin drew himself up in an important pose. “All present,” he called. His voice reverberated throughout the huge hall again. Zelof resisted the urge to give a slight laugh. ‘All present’ referred to the Chamberlain and the two Swarm leaders. The guards and other functionaries in the room were of no moment. His attention was drawn back as the Iidx continued his ritual. “Prepare to receive an audience with the Presiding Assembly of Queens.
“Neterlin of Hive Bhutem.” A Queen in all her regal finery that reflected her Hive of origin appeared from a side entrance at the left of the hall and moved across the platform to stand beside the right position on the platform. “Terekin of Hive Ghill,” echoed through the hall. This time a Queen appeared from a door to their right and moved to the left position.
“All bow before the Queen Master for the Greater Hive, Desrin.” After making the announcement the Chamberlain bowed as did the other Queens and Swarm leaders. The last Queen entered the chamber from the same door as the first and took her place in the center of the platform.
When she reached her position the Queen Master waved her antennae and the Swarm leaders straightened from their bow. All three queens that comprised the Assembly settled on their saddles while everyone else remained standing. When they were in place the Chamberlain called out once again. “Your majesties, I present Zelof, Swarm Master for the Greater Hive. He has come in response to a regal summons.”
The Swarm Master felt his Second shift a minute fraction at the insult of not being included in the greeting but Sesum knew better than to object. It wasn’t considered appropriate for a male to reprimand the queens. A male could complain under his breath. Or he could even sound off to another male. Still if a queen overheard the criticism the male would find himself reassigned to the polar research facilities very quickly. Knowing this both Swarm leaders were careful to keep their opinions about the tactics used by the Assembly hidden.
“It is good that you have come,” said Desrin with a regal nod from her head. “We wish to commend you for the manner in which you dealt with the Kthpok. You made contact with an unknown alien race and established communications to confirm their peaceful intent.” She shook her antennae. “Even that statement does not portray the difficulties in preventing misunderstandings which could have resulted in hostilities. Your accomplishment is without precedent in our history.” Zelof bowed his head once again in recognition of the praise but kept his silence.
“Although we have asked you here to formally recognize your efforts we also have questions.” Zelof saw that it was Terekin of Ghill who’d spoken. When she leaned forward the Swarm leaders could see that her fringed antennae quivered from suppressed emotion. “When we extended the true-hand of fellowship to the Kthpok and invited them to Main Hive you questioned the decision of the Queens.” She gestured at the other members of the Presiding Assembly.
“Now, you request an audience to discuss a threat to the Consolidated Hives. May we assume this threat is…,” she paused and shook her head. “Perhaps I should re-phrase. Can we assume the Kthpok may be involved in this danger?”
“They may,” replied Zelof in the same diplomatic tones and gave a slight nod of his head. “As required by my office I wish to inform the Presiding Assembly of what I have observed which raises my concerns. It is the duty of the Assembly to decide what actions are to be taken.”
The three Queens glanced at each other, each giving a silent signal to the other. “Very well,” said Desrin in stern tones. “We are very aware of our duty to the Hive, Swarm Master. You may present your concerns.”
“Thank you, your Majesty.” At a gesture from his superior Sesum handed a memory disk to the Chamberlain who looked at the device then passed it to still another Iidx who dropped it into a slot in a console. A moment later a large screen attached to one wall flashed to show the Kthpok fleet. “What you will see is a time-edited record of the Kthpok operation taking possession of Tarren Island,” said Zelof by way of introduction. “After viewing this record and hearing the reasons for my recommendation you may wish to view the unedited version. It will be made available at your request.”
He waited for permission to continue. The queens looked at each other once again. After several tense moments the Queen Master bobbed her head in permission. At a gesture from the Swarm Master the Iidx at the computer activated the sequence Zelof had seen so many times before.
When the image of the largest Kthpok ship sitting on the landing slab constructed through rather unorthodox methods disappeared from the screen Desrin, the Master Queen, spoke. “That was very impressive, Swarm Master. I don’t think our Space Swarm could have done better.”
“That’s part of the concern I’m trying to convey, your Majesty,” said Zelof. “What you have just seen was an assault upon and the seizure of enemy territory by the Kthpok. It is not what one would expect of friends.” He gave an emphatic sweep of a true-hand in the direction of the coast. “And now that they’ve occupied the island access to any Iidx of any rank is denied. It has been made plain that any unauthorized personnel, meaning any non-Kthpok, will be killed.”
“If our people had offered help to an alien race then been attacked and obliterated by that same race, we wouldn’t be inclined to accept the trust of still another alien race,” suggested Queen Neterlin.
“Meaning no disrespect, your Highness,” said the Swarm Master, “but our history seems to provide a differing viewpoint. I’ll grant that while the Iidx have never been near extinction as a species individual Hives have been destroyed. After being banished from their own Hive lands the exiled remnants with their Queens accepted assistance from any Hives they came across. There was not the level of paranoia now shown by the Kthpok.”
Queen Terekin gestured with a true-hand. “That was assistance from beings with shells like us,” she reminded. “They were accepted into the new Hive but the workers, people such as yourself, were eliminated.” She shook her head in sadness. “Although that hasn’t been the case for centuries. We live in more civilized times.
“We do not know the tactics used by the humans to gain the trust of the Kthpok. What we do know is that the Kthpok offered assistance to an alien race and received radioactive fire as a reward.”
“That’s the story the Kthpok have provided, your Highness,” replied Zelof. “It may be a true representation of what occurred.” He paused as if considering then spoke again. “But there is also the possibility it may not be accurate.”
“You’re saying the Kthpok lied about humans inciting a war and destroying the Kthpok civilization?” asked Neterlin.
The Swarm master waved his antennae to show his ignorance. “Evidence does point to the Kthpok being in a fight,” Zelof said. “That’s incontrovertible. Although,” he held up a true-hand for emphasis, “we have no evidence that the damage we can detect was made by an alien species invading the Kthpok hive system. In fact, the Kthpok may have been the invaders in another system and were repelled. The humans could have followed the Kthpok home to prevent further attacks. Another possibility is that we’re facing the losing side of a civil war. Or this may be a carefully choreographed attempt at the conquest of our planet, our system, and our people.” His antennae gestured ignorance once more. “We don’t know and need more information for a more accurate analysis.”
Desrin nodded, her antennae waving as she thought. “Verifying the Kthpok story is prudent,” she
said and cocked her head. “Since we don’t know where they come from…” An amused wave of her antennae began as she paused. “And even if we did know where their system of origin is we don’t have a stellar drive which would allow us to get there for a proper investigation. So how do you propose we verify the Kthpok story?”
Zelof took a deep breath and let it out. “That’s the problem, your Majesty,” he said. “The only location that will have all the information we need is in their computers.”
Neterlin gave a snort of derision. “That is a reasonable assumption, Swarm Master. But I don’t see how that will help us,” she said. “As you have so ably pointed out the Kthpok are denying our people access to the island. I don’t think they’ll look favorably on a request for unlimited access to their computers. So how do you propose we get the information you seek which will verify their story?”
The Swarm Master turned to look at Queen Neterlin and bowed his head in acknowledgement. “You are correct, your Highness,” he said. “They will not allow us access.”
“And?” prodded Desrin. “Your solution?”
“I want authorization from the Presiding Assembly to send an Infiltration Team to take the data from the Kthpok computers.”
“No!” exclaimed Terekin jumping to her feet, antennae stiffened in surprise and fear. The other queens appeared just as shocked. She looked over at Desrin. “We cannot, Queen Master! We will not! If such a team is sent in and the Kthpok find out we’ve been there they’d never believe that all we were doing was trying to verify their story. They’d never believe anything we’d say. At worst the Kthpok will attack and we’ll be forced to complete the extinction of their race. Or, at the least, they’ll isolate themselves even more. Either way the Iidx people lose any chance of arranging a trade of technology for resources.”
“I understand the risks, your Highness,” replied the Swarm Master. “I’m very well aware of what we have to gain from the Kthpok. But I’m looking at the problem from the aspect of a protector of the Hives.” He gave a respectful twitch of his antennae in an attempt to take any insult out of his words. “When I was assigned to the Swarm by the Selection I took an oath to defend the Consolidated Hives against any enemy.
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