Location:
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
The American president comes to a decision, and with that, he calls his Russian counterpart. “I hear your Chinese neighbors have received a fully functioning power plant?”
The Russian president is also extremely unhappy with the turn of events. “Yes, they did, and for what? For all the damage and loss of life to our two countries, we have been given the privilege of providing a never-ending supply of raw materials to these, ugh, visitors.”
Knowing that all communications are run through the Gamin's satellites, neither party speaks with direct hostility, merely with disappointment.
Fishing to see if the Russians actually received the technology as well, he inquires, “Well, we did both get schematics on how to make them. I hear the one in China can meet one quarter of their power needs.”
“Yes, we did, and it is amazing how much power that building generates. But even your country will have trouble coming up with the money needed to build them.” Recalling an emergency meeting that very morning, he can still see the dizzying array of numbers as they escalated into the trillions of rubles.
Deflecting the issue of the dollars needed, the American president continues on. “I am actually surprised the Gamin gave us this information, even though it will take us years to develop it.” Wanting to see what the Russians know about the Korean situation, he switches tactics again. “The Chinese are also mediating the unification accord for Korea. Do you have any idea why we have not heard from the North Korean leadership?”
Without even pausing, the Russian president responds. “We know nothing of the situation in Korea. It would seem, however, that the Chinese are taking a great deal of interest in the area. Anyway, there is nothing either of our countries can do about this development, except to sit back and watch.”
The American president sighs. “Yes, you are right of course, our hands are tied. Back to the power plants, we should work together to realize this new technology as quickly as we can.”
The Russian leader responds. “I agree. We should start working out the details as soon as we can. I am not sure how much we can commit though, thanks to the heavy demand for raw materials being made by our visitors.”
With thousands of tons of raw material being sent daily to New York the American president wonders about his own country’s ability to tackle this endeavor. “I shall leave NORAD and start the process, at least.”
“Very well, I too shall make preparations. I wish you all the best.” Putting down the phone, the Russian leader realizes that the Americans are probably in no better shape than his country. The alien demands are quite high, even for these two heavy producers of raw materials.
With the conversation ended, the American president mulls over the situation in his country, as well as that in Russia. He makes another tough decision as he ponders the discussion. He will work with the Russians to escalate construction of these power plants. With a sigh, he signals for his aide. “Convene a meeting with the Joint Chiefs.”
The meeting is short, and though many object, the President is resolute and gets his way. With a media blitz telling all Americans to resume life as normal, the President makes plans to head back to Washington DC. The press takes this, and has a proverbial field day. Newscasts have titles such as 'Even the President feels safe!' to 'Finally the President exits his cave'.
Neither leader is aware that the submarine fleets of both nations have been compromised.
NORAD opens its blast doors, and, in a gesture of peace, or maybe futility, the President orders the alert status be reduced all the way to DEFCON four. While the President of the United States of America makes plans to depart, other events finally catch up with him.
Location:
Planetary Orbit
Earth
Regent Voknor smiles as he watches one particular news story from Earth. ‘The American President announcing his departure from his mountain retreat.’ Now is the time to act, thinks the Regent. He smiles inwardly at what is to come.
Sharz again finds himself dispatched to collect George and bring him to face Regent Voknor. Sharz finds George instructing a small group of people in the finer intricacies of the bodysuit’s workings.
“George, come with me.” Sharz states directly, and then leads George inside the large spacecraft.
“Any idea what this is about?” George asks nervously, as he gets out of his bodysuit.
“I was not informed of any details. But had the Regent intended any harm to you, he would not have me collect you in a shuttle.” Sharz does not mean the words to be callous, just the truth.
George hesitates as the meaning of the words sink in. This is a reminder of his true status to these alien visitors.
Sharz, however, would be displeased if anything should happen to his new-found associate, and he instructs him as such. “Mind yourself with the Regent; respect him as always.”
George enters the shuttle, sits down, and ponders why he is being summoned.
Sharz looks over to see George fidgeting nervously. He tries to assure George by saying, “You will be fine. Follow the Regent’s instructions and answer any questions truthfully.” George is a good creature, thinks Sharz, and there are too few of those around.
The flight into space is once again an awe-inspiring trip. George wonders if he would ever tire of it, as the blue skies transition to the blackness of space. The sheer size of the Regent’s space vessel once again sends his mind reeling. The massive spaceship seems to go on forever. He can see that the ship appears less damaged than his last visit.
Once onboard, the now familiar thick atmosphere with its pungent odor, assaults his nose. Nearby, Sharz takes long deep breaths, clearly relishing it. George takes special care as he walks in the heavier gravity. Again, they make the lengthy trek to the bridge, but this time the trip seems shorter, quicker.
Stepping onto the bridge, George is reminded of the beauty of his planet through the view screen. As instructed, he walks toward the Regent, bows his head, and says in a solemn tone. “Regent Voknor of the Gamin, I present myself at your request.”
The Regent is seated, his hands tap the arms of his throne. George, with his head bowed can only wonder why he is here.
The silence is soon broken by Regent Voknor. “George, your leaders lie and play games with me; this is a very dangerous thing to do.” With a wave of his hand, the screen changes.
George is dumbfounded. There before him, is the President of the United States of America. What on Earth is he doing here? Wonders George. A whimsical thought suddenly crosses cross his mind, he isn’t here, and I’m not on Earth.
“You are the leader of your country’s citizens and military?” The Regent speaks quite firmly.
The President nods as he replies with an air of authority. “Yes, I am. What is this about?”
“Your military units did not comply with my instructions. What do you have to say to this?” The Regent’s fingers continue to tap on his chair.
The President, with his many years in politics, begins a long-winded answer. As the President speaks, claiming no such knowledge, another section of the view screen changes, to display holding areas with sailors from at least two sets of naval forces. It would seem that the President is able to see this as well, as he falters in his tirade and finally has no choice but to stop. George almost feels sorry for the man, who has been trapped by his own words.
“George, what would you have me do?” Regent Voknor turns his head to face George.
The President looks confused as he is suddenly made aware of another's presence. Regent Voknor stands, and then struts toward George as he waits for an answer.
The President speaks up in annoyance. “Whoever that man is, he is not authorized to speak for my government.”
Regent Voknor quickly spins around to face the President of the United States of America. The Regent makes a
series of hand gestures while speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. “I have destroyed worlds for such insolence. You exist to serve me; do not forget that. I will dictate who is worthy to speak for your people. This human convinced me once to intervene with moderation. Would you stand here before me and speak truthfully, even as your life depended upon it? I think not, and you call yourself a leader. You are too weak to truly lead.” The disdain in his voice comes through, even with the translators.
With a simple hand motion from the Regent, George understands that he is to speak.
George has been considering his answer, and with a confidence he does not feel, says. “Regent Voknor of the Gamin, I once again implore you not to punish those that did as their leaders demanded of them. The people you have shown to me are victims, pawns if you will, in this incident.”
The Regent looks at George, Sharz, and then at the man on the screen before him, almost willing the President to insult him again by speaking. The Regent stares at the President and waits. Finally, he points at the screen as he states, in a rather disquieting tone. “You and your Russian friend shall be my guests. It is time for me to eat.”
The Regent lets a lot of his teeth show as he stands with his arms at his sides. The bone ridges seem to be flexing as he steps forward toward the screen. The President visibly blanches, as the color fades from his fear-filled face.
With that, the screen blacks out. The Regent suddenly roars in what George now knows to be laughter. Had he not previously witnessed Sharz laughing, he would have been extremely terrified at the spectacle before him. As it is, he is perplexed by what he is witnessing.
“I am sure he thinks I am going to eat them both!” The Regent roars, his laughter getting louder and harder as he rocks back and forth on his feet.
Sharz starts to laugh, as does the rest of the bridge crew. George is not sure of this and looks around a little fearfully now. Sharz notices George, and, being more familiar with humans, can see that George does not understand. He turns to George and says. “We are civilized and would not eat another intelligent being, ever. Such a thought is as foreign to us as, well, as it is to you. However, we have crushed worlds in the past for what your leaders have done, and they must learn from their mistakes.”
The Regent sits in his throne and it seems to George as if he were actually smiling. This is a game to him, George suddenly realizes. His jaw drops a little in shock; it seems as if this is a mere distraction keeping the Regent occupied, but occupied from what? George is not sure if he is unsettled by this, or if he feels comforted knowing that these beings are not too unlike him.
“Sharz, well said.” Regent Voknor is still looking at Sharz quite intently when he unexpectedly adds, “You are now Prime. Assume the duties as soon as the new craft is ready. George, go with Sharz and collect those two idiots that call themselves leaders. Did they really think that a layer of frozen water was going to disguise those clumsy vessels? Collect that one from the place called China as well; it is time to prepare them all for their duties ahead.”
Sharz bows his head low as he says. “By your order, Regent.”
George, not sure what to do, timidly speaks with his head bowed down. “Regent Voknor of the Gamin, please permit me to ask of the sailors you have captured.”
Regent Voknor glares at George as he leans forward, his vertical eyelids narrowing. “Even now, you ask of another's safety, at the cost of bringing my attention directly upon yourself.”
George is feeling a little uncomfortable now and gulps as he continues to gaze downward.
The Regent pauses, reflects, and then continues. “You are fortunate that I like you, George, most fortunate. They will be freed in good time. I have yet to make your leaders so nervous that they do not try to deceive me again. Politics is such an entertaining distraction from other concerns.”
George, not sure if he should answer, merely bows lower, and then retires with Sharz, who is already leaving the bridge area.
Sharz seems very quiet, but those they pass must have already heard something. They lower their heads when Sharz passes, and say nothing in his presence. George stays quiet until they get on board the smaller craft.
Departing the Regent’s massive ship, George cannot stay quiet any longer. “Sharz, can you tell me what just happened? Was that a good thing or a bad thing?” George is quite perplexed by what has transpired.
“George, I just received a very high honor. The next ship built is mine to command.” Sharz says proudly.
“The next ship built? Won’t it take you a long time to get back to where ever you're from for that?”
“I will have my command sooner than you can imagine.” Sharz glances at George. “We need to get a more appropriate vessel to collect the leaders.” He is obviously deflecting the question.
“It looks as though you’re very important to the Regent; why would he move you to another spaceship?” George asks, quite befuddled.
Deliberating his answer, Sharz replies after a long pause. “George, you have much to learn of us. In my current capacity, I am an advisor only. As a Prime, I am eligible to challenge any Prime, or even the Regent himself. This is a great honor for us. Also, if I am learning anything of humans, I do believe you need to report to your mate to tell her that you are safe.” He glances at George, and his eyes blink.
Sharz lands the shuttle near the residential buildings. A few people look to see what is going on, but most pay no heed, for aliens coming and going is becoming a normal daily routine.
George leaves the shuttle, and paying no attention to anyone else, says, “I will be quick.” George hurries out the lowered ramp.
“I am going to get a dignitary transport, so you have some time.” Sharz replies.
George spends scant minutes with his wife. He gives her a quick rundown of events. He then tells her that Sharz is waiting. With a quick kiss, he leaves again. She follows his departure, with a slight frown forming on her brow. What is becoming of her man that he is at the beck and call of these aliens?
As George makes his way back outside, he realizes that only history will be able to decide if his actions are for humanity’s good, or if they contribute to its downfall. 'Our downfall.' He even mouths the words without realizing how much his thinking has changed toward these alien visitors.
Sharz, having traded out the smaller craft, has returned with a slightly larger one. At about sixty feet wide and two hundred thirty feet long, this craft has the same styling, with its stubby wings and narrow nose. The inside of this craft, however, has many plush looking seats and fixtures. George heads forward to the cockpit, where he is now starting to notice the differences in the Gamin. They seem to all have distinct patterns to their mottled green skin, almost like a person's fingerprints. He also recalls the Regent’s darker skin colors and features, and begins to compare the two Gamin.
Once again, seated in the cockpit next to Sharz, George really feels good about what he has done, and hopes to do. He has made a good impression on these aliens, and is learning as much about them and their technology as he can. He continues his musings to himself. Who does not think about interacting with an intelligent alien race?
Their craft swiftly makes the journey to Cheyenne Mountain. As they come in to land, the President of the United States can be seen making a very good public show as he waves to cameras and onlookers alike.
George meets the President as he boards, and directs him to a chair. He puts his hand up and shakes his head at the Secret Service agents. They stop and do not enter the shuttle.
Once onboard and seated, the President glares at George in annoyance. “You again?” He states bluntly, and then immediately demands, “Why am I not permitted to bring security?” As the ramp closes, the President’s bravado vanishes; he is clearly frightened now.
“Mr. President, please relax and enjoy the experience.” George states warmly.
The President studies George, as he barks with an authority he does not even know he has lost. “You wil
l tell me who you are and what you're doing, consorting with these invaders.”
George chuckles, “Why, Mr. President, it was by your own suggestion that you and I find ourselves where we are today.” He smiles, and returns to the cockpit. It seems the President is unaware of Sharz’s presence.
It takes the dignitary transport a mere forty minutes to get to Minsk, where they land. The Russian president is also disconcerted by the situation, but complies and, once aboard, sits near the American president so they may talk. Another thirty minutes finds them in Beijing. The Chinese president does not seem unhappy to be boarding the craft, though he is displeased that he was picked up last. Such a disgrace! He turns to wave, smiling at the cameras as he does so.
The three leaders talk, and talk some more, about what they plan to do and say when they meet the Regent. The Chinese leader is asked quite pointedly about the power station he was given. The American and Russian presidents both want functional power stations, and find that China having one is unacceptable. Sharz looks at George and shakes his head in a gesture he knows George understands. Sharz closes all the view ports as they ascend. The passengers are denied even knowing where they are going. George cannot believe what the trio is saying. Do they really think they can dictate terms to Regent Voknor, on anything? He thinks.
A mere fifteen minutes later the little ship lands inside the Regent’s massive flagship. As the door opens, George again smells the now familiar aroma. The three passengers cough and gag at the surprisingly heavy atmosphere. George steps out from the cockpit area in front of Sharz. At the sight of the Gamin following George, the three leaders all inwardly groan. Without a word, George and Sharz walk down the ramp, and onto the hangar deck floor. They are met by an armed guard of four Gamin that approach the group. They are wearing what looks like body armor, and carry holstered guns. Their demeanor screams military. Odd, thinks George, as he realizes that there were no guards present during his earlier visits.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 19
