by S A Pavli
“We were hardly given the opportunity,” stated Malanisa mildly, “You disappeared so quickly.”
“You have had plenty of opportunity to ask for a conference with the Captain. There was no need for violence. Do not try to pretend otherwise Guardian, you want the Captain under your control for your own purposes. I warn you, if the Captain is harmed, you and your associates will be held responsible. The Captain is not an individual, he represents his race, and we the Hianja will be held responsible by his race if he is harmed. Future relations between our two species could be permanently tarnished by your misdemeanours.” Manera spoke forcefully and for a second Malanisa’s smooth demeanour slipped slightly and she seemed taken aback by Manera’s vehemence.
“The Captain’s species is unmoved by violence,” snapped Malanisa, clearly rattled by Manera’s attack, “The death of one individual is nothing to these barbarians.” I felt it was time to intervene before things became more heated.
“Manera, what does the Guardian want from us. Why are we here?” Manera swallowed the retort that she was about to make and asked my question. She was trying hard to control herself and I wanted to take her in my arms and comfort her, but the situation dictated otherwise. Malanisa looked at me with a polite but strained smile.
“Let me introduce my associates,” she began, “This is Guardians Lamas and Guardian Semeta. Let us make ourselves comfortable, and I will tell you a story.”
Chapter 30
Malanisa waved us to some armchairs, but remained standing. Our guards took themselves to the sides of the room away from our sight and Malanisa called over a robot to supply refreshments. It was all very civilised and Malanisa insisted we refresh ourselves. Manera and I took some chilled water only. The other two Guardians also settled themselves and Malanisa began.
“Manera, please translate for the Captain, and if you have any questions, stop me. You will have deduced already I am sure, that the ship which attacked the base at Verana, or Omorphia as the Earthman calls it, is indeed an old Earth scoutship. It was discovered by one of our own exploration vessels some fifteen years ago. The location is unimportant, a star towards the rim of the Galaxy on one of the Galaxy’s spiral arms. It is an area which we had not penetrated previously, some nine thousand light years from here.
The Earth starship was found drifting in space, badly damaged by what appeared to be a collision with a large meteor. The Hyperspace Drive had been damaged beyond repair and the ship was holed. There was no sign of the crew, it appears that the pilot was sucked out into space when the accident occurred and must have died immediately. The surrounding space was searched for some time in the hope of finding a body, but none were found. Our Explorers were hugely excited as you can imagine. At last we had found evidence of another advanced civilisation in our Galaxy, and a space faring one at that. However, the ship’s fusion reactor had not been damaged and neither had the ship’s computer. The shuttle was still secured in its bay and was undamaged by the accident. Our explorers took the starship on board their own vessel for transportation back to Vasmeranta.
During the trip home, our engineers worked on the Earth ship, and were successful in restarting the fusion reactor and restoring power to some of the ship’s systems. It seems that when the meteor had hit the ship, electrical circuits had shorted and the fusion reactor had automatically shut down. The ship’s computer had battery backup of course, but the computer had been unable to repair the damage and battery power had eventually become depleted. The ship’s computer had shut itself down. I should add that the ship’s computer was not an AI.
Our technicians removed the shorting and damaged electronics and wiring which allowed the fusion reactor to power up. When the power came on, one of the video screens on the Earth ship was playing a recording, one which it appears the pilot was watching at the time of the accident. It was an entertainment video and our technicians were hugely excited to see real pictures of the aliens in their home environment. They were amazed to see how similar the aliens were to ourselves. They watched the video with interest, for a while. And then their interest turned to horror and disgust. The video seemed to be a continuous catalogue of murder and violence. Murder that was shown in gruesome detail, using guns and worst of all knives, choppers, and at one point a mechanical saw. Blood and entrails were graphically displayed, as was the individuals suffering as they died a gruesome and painful death. This was accompanied by laughter and huge amusement by the perpetrators of these abominable acts of violence. A number of our crew were sick, and some could not bring themselves to watch any more.
Our exploration team decided that this video must have been a factual account of some terrible event in the aliens history. They could not believe it was entertainment. So they searched the ship and found a library of discs. They spent most of the return trip watching these discs, trying to gain an understanding of the aliens psychology. To their growing horror, they found that just about every one of the library of discs involved violence of some kind or other. The aliens seemed to delight in murdering each other or blowing up and destroying whole groups of individuals in cataclysmic displays of destruction. Property, whole cities even, were blown up by aircraft dropping bombs or machine gunning unarmed individuals. Even females and children were not exempted. Any possible kind of violence, individual or group, was explored and displayed in graphic detail. The aliens had a casual disregard for life. So much so, that one had to wonder how such a species had ever become civilised, if indeed they were civilised.
The Captain of the exploration ship called a meeting of his officers prior to their return to Vasmeranta. He proposed that they should keep the discovery of the alien ship to themselves. The Captain’s case was that the aliens were pathologically violent and that any contact between them and the Hianja would be disastrous for the Hianja. There was of course dissent. This was the greatest discovery in our history. How could we keep it a secret? A compromise was reached. The secret could not be kept forever. But two things were important. The first was that the Hianja could not remain defenceless. The second was the hope that the aliens would change in time. We remembered only too well our own past, and how close our own species had come to self annihilation. But the question was raised. How could the Hianja, after twenty thousand years of peace, be persuaded that it was necessary to re-arm? The ship itself and its cargo of violent material would be the best incentive, but would it be enough? The fact that the aliens enjoyed violent entertainment did not prove that they were violent in their everyday lives.
The Captain of the exploration ship came to me for assistance. After I also saw the Earth ship’s discs, I agreed with him that contact with these aliens was a dangerous risk. We gathered around us a group of like minded individuals, and under the pretext of historical research appropriated the facilities to modify these ships with weapons. It took us these last fifteen years to repair the Earth ship and develop the weapons you have seen.
Some concrete proof of the aliens violent tendencies was needed. And so was born the plan to repair the Earth ship, and use it in a bogus attack on the base at Verana. It would be a ‘wake-up’ call to the Hianja, that a threat existed in the Galaxy. We repaired the Earth starship, substituting our own computer for the Earth one. We transported the Earth starship to Verana, and it covered the last few million miles under its own power. We attacked the base using the ship’s shuttle as you know. There were no casualties, we only damaged the base buildings. Our plan was that when the investigating team returned we would make another attack using the shuttle, but our armed ship would intercept and destroy it. The Earth starship would ‘get away’.”
At this point, Malanisa paused and took a sip of water. She looked tense and grim. She looked at me pointedly.
“Imagine the shock of Smetronis’s investigating team , when they found what appeared to be our captured Earth Starship already in orbit about Verana. But that shock was nothing to the shock when we found that it was not ‘our’ Earth Starship, but another.
The incredible had happened at a most unfortunate time. For us,” she added.
“So you had nothing to do with my accident?” I asked.
“The arrival of your damaged starship at Verana was a chance event, unbelievable as it may be,” she replied. “Smetronis was in a difficult position. The second attack had been pre-planned and programmed into the Earth shuttles computer. The plan was, we would intercept and destroy it, and its ‘mother ship’, the old Earth Starship, would get away. In this way we would have established the existence of a hostile alien race in our Galaxy, and justified the construction of a force of armed warships as a defence. Sometime later, we could re-discover the Earth Starship, suitably damaged of course, and the aliens sick pre-disposition towards violence as displayed by their entertainment videos would become common knowledge. This ‘discovery’, would re-enforce the lessons of the attack on Verana and make our case for armed caution irresistible,” she paused, turning towards her fellow Guardians as she did so.
“Such was our plan. It involved no violence to any individual, just the damage to some property and perhaps one empty shuttle. The arrival of Captain Constantine and his Starship at Verana upset our plans catastrophically. Smetronis was unable to prevent the old Earth shuttle from attacking Manera’s shuttle as it attempted to return to orbit. Unfortunately, we had used a simple computer to control it, and it became distracted by the shuttle and attacked it. Our AI’s and advanced Computers are programmed not to use or participate in any sort of violent behaviour. The attack was destructive, and people died. I cannot tell you how distressed we are by this.”
“You killed two of my best friends in that attack,” said
Manera vehemently. “Whatever distress you suffer is not enough!” Malanisa pursed her lips and said nothing.
“But why did Smetronis persist with his madness?” asked Manera, “Why did he continue trying to kill myself and the Captain?”
“Only Smetronis can answer that,” she replied. “His actions were not sanctioned by me.”
“You say that now,” scowled Manera. Malanisa seemed stung by her attack.
“It’s the truth,” she retorted, with a backward glance at her two Guardian colleagues. I began to wonder how secure Malanisa’s position was. Were the other two Guardians having doubts I wondered?
“I can only speculate on what Smetronis was thinking,” she continued. “If he told the truth at that point, he would be revealing the whole situation and implicating all his fellow conspirators. I suppose he decided that one more death, namely yourself,” and here Malanisa stopped and nodded at Manera, “and we would all be in the clear with the plan intact. The pretence that the alien had kidnapped and murdered you after escaping from the destroyed shuttle would tie in with the rest of the subterfuge. It was a cold bloodied and ruthless plan,” she finished, her face blank and tense , “I have to believe that his mind was disturbed at that point.”
“He was insane.” exclaimed Manera, “And so were you to believe that you could carry out such a bizarre subterfuge on your species.”
“Manera, you have not seen the material we saw on that ruined Earth Starship. It makes your blood run cold,” retorted Malanisa, “A species that entertains such barbarity should not be allowed the freedom of the Galaxy.”
“And how would you do that?” asked Manera, “Get into a war with the Human’s, and create the very barbarity you are trying to avoid?”
“No, confront the Humans with an overwhelming force. One that they dare not challenge.” Malanisa pulled herself up, as if re-enforcing her belief, steeling herself against doubt. “We cannot confront the Humans as we are, weak and defenceless. Oh, they may pretend to be our friends, and attempt to win our affections, as the Captain has won yours. But that is just a front. The Shreenca creeps up stealthily on its prey, before leaping to tear its throat out.”
“If you had given the Humans a chance, and got to know them, you would have realised that they are not very different from us.” Manera was getting inflamed and I decided it was time to intervene to bring the pointless arguments to a halt.
“Manera, there is no point in engaging Malanisa in an exchange of opinions. We need to give her proof that she is wrong about the human species.” Manera looked unconvinced.
“The only proof we can give her is to go to Earth and see for herself.”
“That is exactly the sort of commitment she is afraid of. Manera, translate this for me,” I responded.
“Malanisa, I have heard your story, and I understand your feelings.” I had this friend back on Earth, who during any argument, would start off by agreeing with the opposition. He reckoned that it softened them up, made them more likely to listen to his side of the argument. He was a successful politician, so I guess his approach had some merit. I was about to see.
“It is understandable that you should feel threatened by a species which you believe is addicted to violence, and heavily armed. In your position, I would feel the same. But I have two problems with your actions. Firstly, you have arrived at this position on the basis of one man’s preference in entertainment videos. The Starship you discovered is two hundred years old. The truth is, such violent entertainment has been banned on Earth for one hundred and fifty years. If you do not believe me, I invite you to examine the library of entertainment films on my own starship, the Lisa Jane. You will not find a single piece of explicit violence.” I was stretching the truth a little here, there certainly was explicit violence on many modern films, but not on the gratuitous scale that had been allowed in the old days.
I continued, “Secondly, I believe that you have taken it upon yourself to make decisions that affect your whole species, in fact, the future of two species. You have no mandate for this. At some point, you are going to have to justify yourself to your seniors, and very soon I suspect. I suggest that you do not make your situation any worse.”
I was directing my remarks, not to Malanisa, but to her two Guardian associates. I was not sure when they had been brought into the picture, but I was hoping that it was recently, and they had played no part in the early deception and the disaster on Omorphia. They knew that the Hianja Prime delegation was on its way, I was reminding them that they would have to answer for their actions. Sure enough, one of them, I was not sure whether it was Lamas or Semeta, caught Malanisa’s eye and gestured discreetly. She walked over to them and they huddled together for a few moments before Malanisa turned back to me. Her face was tense and she looked a very unhappy individual.
“Captain Constantine.” One of the two Guardians stood up. He was tall and lean, with a bit of a hatchet face. The sort of face you expect to find on a lawyer. Or a politician. “My name is Fezram Lamas. Our intention was to prevent your return to Earth until the subject of contact between our two races has been thoroughly studied and all opinions taken into account. We believe that we have achieved this. We are sorry about the...um..,” he looked carefully at Malanisa as he said this. “...unorthodox methods used, but there seemed no choice at the time.”
“You could have just asked me to stay until the Hianja Prime delegation arrived,” I said. He looked taken aback for a second.
“Are you prepared to do so now?” He asked, his eyes fixed on me keenly. I laughed hollowly.
“I do not think I have any choice under the circumstances, but yes, I will willingly stay.” He nodded carefully at what I was saying and turned back to Malanisa and the other Guardian.
“Then we have achieved our objective,” he said, looking meaningfully at them.
“I do not think that was Malanisa’s original objective,” I added, “The exercise on Verana was designed to create a lie and prejudice your species against mine. Not just to prevent me from returning home. Let us not forget that, because Manera and I certainly will not. We have a duty to those who died.”
“I think Smetronis has paid for his mistake. He is in hiding and cannot show his face again.” replied Fezram smoothly. “And my colleague here acted with the best intenti
ons. We will let others judge. Captain.......,” he paused for a few seconds as if in thought, “Captain, I am sorry to tell you that we cannot release you. We will keep you with us, until the Hianja Prime delegation arrive. Then you will be released and we will present our case to our leaders. Manera is free to remain here or return to Mesaroyat as she wishes. You will be free to go where you please on this ship. We will not keep you confined or restrict you in any way.”
“Is there any point in keeping me a prisoner here? I asked, “You have prevented me from returning to Earth, I am just as much a prisoner on Mesaroyat as I am here.”
“We have become well acquainted with your resourcefulness Captain. We would prefer you here where we can keep a close eye on you,” replied Malanisa. I gave her a frosty glare and turned to Manera.
“Manera, you should return to Mesaroyat. I want you safe and out of these people’s clutches,” I said.
“They may have no scruples about killing an alien,” she replied, her face set, “But they will think twice before killing one of their own. I am staying with you,” her eyes met mine.
“Don’t even try to change my mind Paul.” she looked stubborn and determined and I hesitated. I was torn between wanting her to stay for purely selfish reasons, and wanting her to leave for her own protection. Altruism won in the end and I started to protest.
“It’s decided.” She cut in to my protests. I scowled and glared at her but she glared back with equal venom. Malanisa cut in before I could argue.
“Manera does not have to decide now,” she said, “We can return her to Mesaroyat any time.”
“OK,” I nodded with resignation. Malanisa nodded and turned to one of the guards who had been standing on the periphery of the room.
“Sartra, conduct our guests to suite two on deck twenty-five. That will be their apartment,” she turned to me. “Captain, we will make every effort to make you comfortable until the Delegation arrives. You are free to go where you please, except for the shuttle bays. Sartra here will be your guide. I think you understand that there is no point in you making any effort to escape, this is a heavily armed warship and the shuttles are well guarded. We will be dining this evening and you are welcome to join us.” The set of her features relaxed for a second as she continued. “Captain, it is with regret that we do this, I hope you understand. We all would be very interested in conversing with you as civilised beings. We want to learn more of your world. Please join us this evening.” I looked at her with some surprise. She had been cold and hostile up to now and her change of manner caught me off guard.
