Arans image appeared on Tripicac’s screen, and Frank’s image moved to the bottom.
“He’s secured, Tripicac. When I realised what you were doing, I arrested him and his staff.”
“Well done Arans.” Tripicac knew that Arans had more intuition than Tarcan and was glad he had ordered Arans to protect Tapin, a week earlier.
Tarcan came on. “No problem around Crilla, Tripicac. The Senate is reconvening.”
“Good,” he replied as both his Commander’s images disappeared from his screen. He turned his attention back to Captain Richardson. “What now Captain?”
Frank sat watching Tripicac on his screen. ‘What now indeed?' He wondered. But of course, it was obvious.
“Tripicac, are you able to send a message to your ships that are away at the moment?”
“Yes, we have links to them via our comm's array on Tapin, one of our moons. It takes time, but they will receive it eventually.”
“Good. Tell them to stay away until further notice, unless they’re in trouble. Oh, and tell them not to rub out any more races.”
Chapter 21
Picture in the Mind.
Senate Chairman Kasosko knew that it was essential to make sure that his message would reach everyone on their home planet Crilla, on the surviving local Crillon ships, and on the moon Tapin.
With Tapin’s communication’s array then relaying the broadcast to the Crillon vessels that were in Deep space.
He had needed to be sure that his fellow Crillons would all receive his message. Finally, having checked that everything had been set up, the senator began his speech.
“I am Senate Chairman Kasosko. I speak to all fellow Crillons, here on Crilla, and on our ships and outposts,” he paused a moment then continued.
“In the next few hours, you will notice strange ships in our skies. When they arrive, do not be afraid. There is nothing to fear.
The blue spheres are Solveron ships. I repeat, do not panic, we are no longer at war with the Solverons.
The golden coloured ships are from far away, and their species are called Humans,” he paused again to let the information sink in.
“I think it is also right for me to explain why things have changed, and to tell you about the exciting future that is before us,” he stopped again, taking a sip of liquid.
“Eleven years ago, before the skirmishes’ with the Solverons started, we held a meeting with the Solveron’s.
Senate Chairman Bronico, together with Space Navy Marshal Trendor and his staff, ran the conference which took place here on Crilla.
The aims of the conference were to promote good relations with the Solverons and to develop trade between both of our species.
During the conference, there was some difficulty with the translation of the Solveron’s language. But the Solverons were able to place images in our delegates’ minds, purely as an aid to help them explain things to us that were untranslatable.
Our Senate members didn’t think there was anything sinister in their action, but sadly Marshal Trendor obviously did. So Marshal Trendor ordered the assassination of all the Solveron delegates,” he finished, pausing again.
“Perhaps now, you can understand the Solveron’s retaliation, and why our continuing conflict with them began,” he said.
“Marshal Trendor has always been very bigoted, and Trendor, together with his Navy cronies, has been above the law for far too long. But now, we will not tolerate any of them any longer,” he paused again.
“Now I come to our encounter with the Humans.
Our Navy had continued their planet cleansing under Marshal Trendor’s command. All of them, with their twisted minds, believing that it was the only way to protect our species.
However, Marshal Trendor and his men finally came up against the Humans, having used our natural wormhole to enter the Human’s area of space at Zeta Reticuli.
We’d never lost any ships before, other than in our skirmishes with the Solverons. But in the ensuing battle with the human’s, seven of our ships were destroyed, out of a fleet of nineteen.
Then, a further seven ships were left virtually cut off in space when our natural wormhole was destroyed in the continuing battle with the humans. A battle that we lost.
Our remaining five ships finally returned courtesy of the humans, who, much to our amazement facilitated their return, even though we’d been trying to exterminate them.”
He paused to take a breath, then said.
“The humans also came up against the Solverons, but they were able to find a way to destroy four of the Solveron’s ships. We’ve never been able to even damage a Solveron ship in any of our many encounters with them,” he paused again.
“So, as you can see, this Human race can protect itself, not just from us but also from the Solverons.
Now, the humans have told us that they will help us to end this war with the Solverons. Ending this war is vital, not just for us, but also for the Solveron’s and Humans alike. Enabling all of us to embark on a new and exciting future.
Finally,” Kasosko started to say, then stopped abruptly, as someone handed him an electronic pad, which he studied for a moment.
“Please, everyone listen. I have just received some significant news.
It appears that Space Marshal Trendor, with a combined fleet of twenty-one ships, was trying to trap and destroy ten of our loyal ships and crew.
I am pleased to announce that we were able to stop him, with the support of both the Solveron’s and the Humans.
Space Navy Marshal Trendor has been killed, and his next in command together with all his followers are under arrest and will be put on trial in due course.
Marshal Trendor’s ships, including his Battlecruiser, have been destroyed, and his other eighteen vessels and their crews have surrendered.”
Kasosko paused for a moment, to let everyone absorb the message, and its implications. Then continued.
“Well, as I was about to say to finish my broadcast. We will be convening an interspecies conference with both the Human’s and Solverons in attendance. This will happen shortly, and when this has ended, I will talk to you all again. Thank you for listening to me,” he concluded, smiling.
“Frank, Savron is calling,” Andromeda announced.
“Put him on.”
The image of Savron’s face appeared on his screen. His head looked very much like a Crillon’s, but smaller. With his thin-lipped mouth and creamy skin making him seem almost babyish. But from his experience of the Solveron’s Frank knew that he certainly wasn’t.
Thinking about it, Frank realised that he had assumed that Savron was male. ‘However,’ he thought. ‘That may not be correct.’
“Yes, I am a male, Commander.”
Frank felt a little embarrassed, realising that Savron had read his thoughts.
“Hello Savron, I’m glad you could make it.”
“Ah, yes. A personal statement of fact. Yes, I sense you are sincere Commander.”
“Of course, Savron, why wouldn’t I be sincere?”
“It’s just that we have only encountered two alien species that are sincere,” he replied looking sad.
“Do you know that we have only found intelligent life-forms on three planets? Since which, the life-forms on two of these planets, which includes a species called the Varons, have been removed by the Crillons, or should I say killed off?”
“Either expression is OK Savron. What a waste all this fighting has been. Hopefully, this will prove to be a turning point, with all of us working together.”
“We shall see Commander.”
“Yes, trust must be earned,” replied Frank. “Anyway, what time tomorrow would be good for you to start talking to the Crillons?”
“Well, Commander, I really thought you wouldn’t be able to change the Crillon's attitude to other life-forms. But, I’m impressed. So, I’ll leave it to you to arrange things as you think fit, providing you take on the safety aspect yourselves.”
�
�Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way. One moment while I check with our ship, the Argonaut.”
Andromeda interrupted.
“One moment Frank, we need to have a local time reference with which to coordinate the meeting.”
“Your computer is correct, Commander,” Savron added.
“Well, the planet is the only sensible constant, so we should temporarily sync with Crilla, and City Prime as the datum,” Frank replied.
“That will be acceptable to us, Commander.”
“Thanks, Savron. I’m sure the Crillons will be happy with that. So, set up the time sync, now, Andromeda.”
“On it Commander.”
Frank then tapped Hector’s Icon.
“Yes, Frank. “It’s Ok I know what you’re going to ask; Andromeda’s been relaying events to us.
In my opinion, Argonaut would be the safest place for the discussions.”
“Thanks, Hector,” Frank replied as he tapped Hector’s icon to the off position.
“Savron, let’s meet on the Argonaut, at three tomorrow.”
“Yes. We shall see where this leads Commander.”
“How many of you will be coming? Do you need transport?”
“Yes, the ride on your force-craft was quite exhilarating. Perhaps. Err, Jenny, could fly it?”
“You’re a glutton for punishment. That’s okay, but that would limit you to bringing six of your people.”
“No problem. There will only be four of us, Commander.”
“OK. If Jenny’s willing, then that’ll be okay with me.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Oh Savron, another thing. I’ll make sure that it’s acceptable to the Crillons for you to place images in their delegates’ minds. Purely as an aid to help explain things to them, naturally.”
“That will help us, Commander. We find the Crillon language more complicated than yours to work with.”
“Don’t worry Savron. Oh yes, and on the subject of security, we will be tagging all ships, Solveron and Crillon alike.”
“Can I assume that’s for possible weapon’s targeting?”
“Yes. Sorry, but it’s just a precaution for everyone’s safety. What do you ‘feel’ in my mind?”
“Your reasons are apparent, Commander.”
“Good, we’ll collect your group at 2:30 tomorrow.”
“We’ll be ready,” Savron replied, and his image disappeared.
Frank mulled things over in his mind, before contacting Commander Tripicac again. ‘What am I hoping to achieve that can’t be done without us?’
‘Susanna’s calling,’ Andromeda said, interrupting his thoughts.
He hadn’t noticed Susanna’s icon flashing at him. “Sorry Sues, I was far away,” he said as he accepted the call.
“Darling, you look all in.”
“It’s been a trying day. Tomorrow could be worse.”
“Do you want me to ask Jenny to pick up Savron’s group?”
Frank was surprised that she knew, for a moment, then remembering their special link, said. “Yes, if she’s happy to do it?”
“I’m sure she would love to go, Frank.”
“Good. I’ll get Andromeda to send her the itinerary.”
“Fine. Are we going to be together tonight?”
“Yes, but I have a lot to do first.”
“OK. See you later.”
Ten minutes later, Frank was ready to talk to Commander Tripicac. Looking at his screen, he saw that several of the Crillon ships had already left the immediate area. That fact pleased him.
He hit his tab, and Tripicac’s image appeared.
“Commander Tripicac, I see some of your ships are leaving.”
“Yes, Commander. Now that Marshal Trendor and his staff are gone, we’re drawing up a new programme and re-allocating our ships.”
“Sounds good Commander.”
“Well, we do have to change almost everything, even some of the Senate.”
“Will Kasosko remain as chairman?”
“Definitely. After returning from Pavonis, I don’t think we would have been able to make the changes without him.”
“Yes, he is indeed a good man.”
“Yes, Commander. So, where do we go from here?”
“A conference has been set for tomorrow, at three, and your City Prime will be used as a time-reference point for us all. The meeting will be on one of our ships, the Argonaut. I hope you don’t mind Tripicac, but I needed to make sure the Solverons were tied in first.”
“I can understand that.”
“We need to build trust between all of us, then hopefully, we’ll eventually be able to work together.”
“Fine. Who will be attending?”
“Now, myself and three other officers, together with four Solverons. I assume some of the senators will accompany you and your officers. So, how many of your people do you want to bring?
“Myself, plus Arans and Tarcan, and two senators.”
“You’re welcome to have more.”
“No, that will be enough.”
“There’s one thing I would like to ask you. The Solverons want to be able to place images in our minds, purely as an aid to help them explain things to us that are untranslatable. Will that be OK with you, and with the Senate?” He asked, then added. “I need to know that it’s all right, especially with what you told me happened before.”
“That never bothered me. It only seemed to bother Marshal Trendor. Now he and his cronies are out of the picture I can’t see anyone objecting.”
“Good. Do you need transport? The Solverons are being picked up by one of our force-craft.”
“Then we will also Commander. I’ll make sure that the senators are ready and waiting for your ship. At 2:30 shall we say?”
“Yes. Let me have a navigation location, to enable the force-craft from the Argonaut to dock with you.”
“Of course, Commander. It will be exciting. I hear force-craft are exhilarating to ride in.”
“Interesting use of words Tripicac, I think ‘Quite exhilarating,’ is what Savron said,” Frank added, with a smile.
“Oh, and note that we will be tagging all ships in the local area tomorrow. Solveron and Crillon alike.”
“For your weapons?” Tripicac asked, looking slightly concerned.
“Yes. Sorry, Commander Tripicac, it’s just a precaution. Trust me on this. Then we’ll all know if any ships aren’t what they seem to be.”
“I understand Commander.”
“We’ll collect your group at 2:30 tomorrow.”
“We will be ready, Commander.”
“Excellent.”
Tripicac’s image disappeared.
He tapped Hector’s Icon.
“This is becoming a habit, Frank.” he joked.
“Yeah. It’s just to let you know that the conference is set to start at three tomorrow as agreed.”
“OK. I reckon you’ll be wanting somewhere that looks impressive and is close to the holding bay?”
“On the button, Hector. There’ll be four Solverons, and five Crillons, two of whom will be from their Senate. That leaves us. I’d like Susanna on board. She has a ‘sensing’ ability exactly like mine and is the best tactician I’ve come across.”
He waited for Hector to speak.
“Go on,” prompted Hector.
“Well, obviously you Hector, and two others if you wish. They don’t have to be too technical, but must be able to catch onto things that we may miss.”
“That makes sense Frank,” he thought for a moment. “This thing about the Solverons, will they actually be putting images in our minds just to get their point of view across?”
“Yes, Hector. But, we’ll also have something to make sure that’s all they put in our minds.”
“What’s that?”
“Why, Susanna and I, of course.”
Hector laughed, then looked carefully at Frank. “I thought there was something odd about you two.”
; “Of course, you did Hector. Now, the Solverons say they have more trouble with the Crillon’s language than with ours, so to make sure there’s no confusion, everyone will have access to a multilingual translator.”
“Ok, I can live with that.”
“Now, about picking them up. Andromeda will send you the navigation coordinates for your force-craft to dock with Tripicac’s ship at 2:30. Oh, and all Marines to be in body armour.”
“That’s fine, I’ll forward details of the room set-up to your tactical pad, as soon as I can.”
“One last thing Hector, Astro department have tagged every Crillon and Solveron ship. So, our ships should each employ three stealth-drones, just in case they’re needed.”
“We should also have two more specially modified stealth-drones ready by tomorrow, to hit the Crillon ships if needed.”
“Brilliant Hector. Thanks, we’ll be over at 2 30.”
“See you then Frank.”
He tapped Hector’s icon off. Shot a mental thought to Susanna. Then left to go to her cabin.
‘Andromeda, privacy mode, please.’
The sound level from his implant dropped, and he knew Andromeda had done as asked.
Chapter 22
Preparation.
Frank was feeling mentally exhausted by the time he reached Susanna’s cabin. She opened the door before he could touch the annunciator button, and they kissed and embraced each other.
“Come in darling and sit-down. I’ll pour you a drink, something to relax you.”
“Oh no, you know where ‘that’ leads,” he jokingly groaned.
She turned to look at him after pouring their drinks. “Dream on. Not with you looking like that.”
They both sat for a while, quietly sipping their drinks.
“That feels better,” he said, yawning. Then added, “I need you to come to the conference with me tomorrow, Susie.”
“OK.”
“We need to use our ‘mental’ connection, to check on the Solverons and make sure they don’t try to put words in the Crillons mouths.”
The Definitive SpaceFed Trilogy (SpaceFed StarShips Trilogy).: A thrilling, action-packed Sci-fi space adventure. (SpaceFed StarShips Series Book 8) Page 57
