Voknor answers, “We have yet to discuss amongst ourselves what we are willing to share.”
Walker realizes that Regent Voknor wishes to have this discussion with his own kind, so he mounts his bike, starts it up, then rides away.
Waazh stares at the departing contraption, and asks, “What is that thing? It’s loud, and it smells!”
Hemlax shakes his head as he replies, “Don’t ask me, I just got here too.”
Voknor ignores the question, nods to the departing General, as he asks, “So, what do we share with them?”
Jukalore sighs, then offers his thoughts, “Ordinarily, I would offer them nothing, but,” he glances around, then says, “they demand nothing from us. In fact, just the very idea of an alliance with us, is enough for them. I can see why you like this race.”
Hemlax tilts his head as he comments, “They didn’t ask for anything, did they? And yet they are offering us a sanctuary, and resources. Impressive for a species who just lost their home world!”
Waazh stands tall as he states, “The one called Cindy took a great risk when she approached me, unarmed. She had no way of knowing if I was going to harm her or not.”
They all listen as Waazh recounts his rescue, and the special arrangements that were made so that they could have an area for their use. He also relays how he had an escort, right up until meeting Voknor, and then the guards no longer followed him.
The group meanders around the settlement, until finally coming to the memorial that was constructed to remember the deceased. They also notice that Walker must have ordered his forces to observe from a distance, but not to interfere.
Voknor reflects on how many Gamin have died in the conflict with the Atlans, then in an unexpected gesture, states, “We are a dying race! If we continue along the same path, we will be long gone, while I am sure, these short-lived humans will somehow prevail.”
Jukalore and Hemlax nod in agreement, while Waazh listens intently.
When no one replies, Voknor takes a deep breath, then says, “So I ask you this. What do we have to lose by sharing all we know with the humans?”
Jukalore narrows his eyes as he asks, “And the Kord?”
“Them too!” Voknor states with a nod, then adds, “It was a Kord who shared technology with my clan, and judging by Golward’s enthusiasm, he is all for this alliance.”
Hemlax gazes around as he muses, “Everything?”
Jukalore shakes his head as he states, “You ask much of us!”
Voknor lifts his fist and states, “I stand with you; if you say we should return to our assigned regions of space, and forget this alliance idea, I will follow.”
Hemlax and Jukalore stare at each other, then slowly they each lift their fists. Waazh lifts his and waits for the decision.
Jukalore steps closer to Voknor and stares him directly in the eyes as he states, “I choose to live, and offer my support to this alliance.”
Hemlax grins, then says, “I too support the alliance!”
They all look to Waazh, who stammers, “I will abide by your decision.”
Voknor states, “As Regent, you have a voice, and we would hear it!”
Waazh looks toward the human housing, then turns to Voknor and says, “Cindy risked her life rescuing me, her ship, coming to your aid, and now her entire civilization, all because she helped us.” He motions around, then adds, “And she did all this without making any demands of us. I say we give them everything!” He then lifts his clenched fist, to join the others.
Voknor grins, then as he lowers his fist says, “Now, to talk to Golward!”
Jukalore responds, “As you have had dealings with them before, I leave that to you!”
Hemlax nods in agreement, then states, “I will get my engineers working on building some construction docks. My fleet is extensively damaged.”
Jukalore adds, “I will do the same, as well as get mining operations started!”
Voknor pauses, then asks, “You are entrusting me with the negotiations with the Kord?”
Jukalore places a hand on Voknor’s shoulder, then states, “I have always led, but you, I would follow!”
Hemlax stares in shock at Jukalore’s admission, then realizes that he too feels the same way!
Waazh is not sure of what is happening at this moment, but feels that it is significant.
Jukalore lifts his head as he offers, “I would join your fleet when you confront the Emperor!”
Hemlax feels a rush of pride as he adds, “Allow me to join you as well!”
“I am honored!” Voknor states. He turns to Waazh, and says, “My engineers will fast track your first vessel, Regent Waazh. It won’t be anything special, but it will fly, and it will be yours!”
Jukalore nods approvingly, “Then we four will meet with the Emperor.”
With a wide grin Voknor states, “Our numbers will be enough to demand attention!”
The four discuss a myriad of details, then retire to their respective vessels, so that they may put into motion their plans. Waazh is excited by the prospect of gaining his own vessel, but more so that his clan will once again reach for the stars.
Golward
Regent Voknor travels to the Terran to meet Golward; and takes with him a task force of engineers who immediately begin cataloging a list of repairs.
Regent Voknor finds the short, furry Kord, standing on a portable step in one of the engine control rooms. With the engines gone, specialized bulkheads have dropped into place, protecting the small room where Golward is reviewing the cause of the engine failures.
Voknor stares at the other control room’s entry; its door is a buckled mess, and leans heavily to one side. He addresses Golward, “This craft is ruined, but I gave the humans my word we would repair it.”
Golward looks up from the console, then says, “I agree, this vessel has more value as scrap, but it can be fixed; as almost anything can, with enough time, energy, and resources.”
Voknor stares at Golward, then says, “This ship is not why I came here to see you.”
Golward’s facial features are unrecognizable beneath his fur as he waits, so Voknor continues, “My fellow Regents have agreed to share all we know with the humans, and I would offer the same to you!”
Golward stares back, then says, “I would offer the same.” He then adds, “We not only have a mutual enemy, but I like you!”
Voknor smiles, then replies, “It feels good to have allies, true allies.”
Still looking up at Voknor, Golward states, “Your fleet got chewed up!”
“Yes.” Voknor states, then adds, “Atlan technology has advanced a lot recently, more than usual.”
Golward shakes his head as he shares his thoughts, “Your race is long lived, which means you build things to last!”
Joe, the Terran’s Australian engineer, steps from behind the buckled door to the other engine control room, and says, “I can hear a but coming.”
The pair did not know he was there, yet do not mind the intrusion.
Golward nods to Joe, then looking at Voknor, sighs, and says, “Our people do not live long, compared to you, and each scientist endeavors to achieve something during their life.” He pauses, then says, “I can’t tell you this nicely. So, I will say it bluntly. Your shield technology is antiquated, and will require complete overhauls to correct.”
Voknor shrugs as he asks, “Would that double, or even triple, their energy strength?”
Golward puts a hand on Voknor’s arm as he replies, “We would have to replace every shield emitter, and add at least two of our Power Units,” He turns to Joe and says, “You call them batteries,” Then addressing them both, states, “try nearly a one-hundred-fold increase in capability.”
Joe whistles, then with a frown asks, “How do you generate power, if power units are simply batteries?”
Golward nods, then replies, “We use a central power source, and like the Gamin, utilize the batteries to store the energy.”
Voknor is stunned as he mumbl
es, “A hundred-fold increase!”
“That is the only reason our space station survived as long as it did.” Golward replies.
Voknor feels a chill as he states, “That’s why we are losing the war!”
“Partly,” Golward replies, then adds, “you just need your scientists to have a breakthrough in something new.”
Joe stares wide-eyed at Golward, then as the hairs stand up on the back of his neck, he shares, “Guys, we found something you may want to look at!”
Voknor and Golward stare at Joe, then finally, Golward states, “Well?”
“Oh, it’s an alien spacecraft, we found.” Joe replies.
“Alien craft?” Voknor chuckles as he motions around, “Like you found this one!”
“No. Well, yes.” Joe stammers, “Let me show you!”
Voknor stares at Joe for a moment, then asks, “What can you tell us of this alien craft?”
Joe shrugs, then admits, “I only found out about it after we got back, but it’s definitely not one of yours, and it does not look like any Atlan fighter we have seen.”
Golward holds his hands up as he states, “Before we go and look at this alien craft, I have to tell you; you guys really overcomplicated the shield’s systems; if I did not know any better, I would say they were reverse engineered.”
“Yes, they were, why?” Voknor replies.
“Well the entire outer hull of the Terran needs to be replaced anyway, so we are redesigning the shield system.” Golward states, then upon seeing blank expressions, explains, “There will only be one shield system, with variable settings. Your dampening and navigational shield concepts will be incorporated into the hull, and operate as one system. They cannot be switched off, as it were, and will automatically adjust, according to spatial conditions.”
Ordinarily, Joe would be focusing on Golward’s comments, but his mind is racing at the idea that the Kord scientist may be able to figure out the alien craft.
Golward shakes his head at the pair, then states, “You two are not even listening. Take us to this craft then, so that I may get back to my work!”
Fifteen minutes later, even Golward has forgotten all about the Terran’s shields. The alien vessel before them is about the size of a large transport, plus its large main engines. General Walker meets the trio at the vessel, then surprises them when he opens the underside hatch. Golward is careful not to touch anything as he climbs inside and gazes around.
Walker plays the recording of the Picaroon, then says, “We have teams working nonstop, trying to decipher the language.”
Golward stares around in wonder, then says, “I can put my teams on it!”
Regent Voknor turns to Golward and asks, “Your kind has never seen anything like this?”
“No, we have not!” Golward replies, then slowly adds, “This vessel looks ancient, and must come from a region of the Galaxy we have not yet explored.”
Joe shares the little he knows, and says, “Barbara told me that this thing was sitting at the bottom of this lake for around a hundred years. What makes you think its ancient?”
Golward points to the controls, then when the others do not understand, states, “The language appears complicated, yet the controls simple, implying a high level of technology; only a race that has been in space for a great length of time would have those refinements. Plus, look at the craft’s facilities. I would stake my reputation on this being a single occupant long range scout vessel.”
Joe shrugs, “We came to the same conclusion. It’s a scout ship. So?”
Golward glances to Voknor, then states, “So where is its carrier?”
“Oh crap!” Joe exclaims, suddenly understanding where this is going.
Voknor nods, “Indeed, another carrier based civilization; but one which we have never met, and yet this craft is old.”
Joe offers, “A war?”
Golward replies hesitantly, “That’s a possibility.” He glances around once more, then suggests, “You should keep your people out of here, and let my scientists take over the research.”
Walker places his hands on his hips indignantly as he states, “I don’t think so!”
With a sigh Golward explains, “This craft is old, has a faster than light drive, and has a functioning power supply, albeit at low levels, but still functioning.”
Walker lifts his hands in exasperation as he questions, “So?”
Voknor shakes his head as he says, “I have witnessed a main drive failure destroy a planet.”
Golward’s eyes go wide as he states more than asks, “Really?” He then adds, “We only have theoretical data to go by, but yes the power unleashed, even from the smallest of main drive units, can be catastrophic. In space, it causes powerful shockwaves.”
Joe also nods as he says, “We have witnessed that first hand, and I only imagine what would happen to a planet.”
Walker swallows hard, then suddenly feeling vulnerable, says, “I will pass your recommendation on to Cindy.”
Joe turns to Golward, and asks, “So what was that about the Terran’s shields?”
Golward grins as he replies, “How about I surprise you?”
Voknor grins widely; he has experienced Kord surprises before, and they are great. He then motions to Joe and says, “I would rather my teams take over all repairs; there is considerable radiologics damage, which we are adept at cleaning up.”
With one last look around the alien craft, Golward leaves, and for once in his life is truly perplexed.
Walker has always trusted his instincts, and they are telling him that he is extremely lucky they did not blow themselves up while checking out the alien craft. He immediately orders his guards to prevent all, except for the Kord, from going anywhere near it.
Just Another Day in Hawking
True to his word, Regent Voknor’s clan takes over all repairs to the Terran; not even Patrick or George are allowed back on board, especially while their bodysuits are being properly decontaminated.
Most of the bridge crew has little to do, and have been ordered by Cindy to take the time to rest. Joe is one of the few who is kept busy, acting as a liaison between the Gamin, Kord, and Hawking. Barbara, Cindy, and Patrick are trying to figure out how to handle the influx of over three thousand people, many of whom speak different languages. Thankfully, the Kord provide translators, which alleviates the language barrier, but not the issues of housing, food, and other necessities. Emma suggests using the Liberty, as they have done before, or setting up a tent-city in the stadium.
Patrick pulls on his experience as an oil rigger, and helps with the various construction projects in and around Hawking; he has no trouble keeping work crews in line, and in short order establishes himself as the go-to man.
Though George is also involved in the talks, he keeps his mind occupied by helping out around Hawking, performing what many consider minor and mundane tasks. He is walking down the main street, examining the basic infrastructure, when a woman hesitantly approaches him.
She lowers her gaze and sheepishly requests, “Can you help me? Please!”
George frowns at the pleading tone in her voice and responds, “Of course. What do you need?”
She lifts her gaze and says, “I need a heater for my house, it’s too cold.”
George’s frown deepens as he questions her, “Why don’t you just go to the central storehouse and get one?”
“They don’t have any.” She replies.
George blinks in surprise as he says more to himself than the woman, “How can they not have any?” He quickly adds, “I will make you one, as soon as I get my suit back. But in the meantime, I will see what’s going on.”
George makes his way to the main warehouse. He approaches the front desk and demands, “Why are you not giving the people what they need?”
The man behind the counter replies with venom, “Because your damn ship gets the first priority for everything. We’re lucky if we get blankets, speaking of which, all my electric blankets were
stolen last night.”
George’s jaw drops. He had no idea that in their quest to repair the Terran, Hawking was being denied the goods they needed.
“Yeah! I said it. Fixing your ship is a waste. We have better things to worry about.” He states emphatically.
George nods, then says, “I will make sure you get what you need!”
“Hmpff!” The man exclaims, then looks down at his desk, ignoring George.
As George walks away, he overhears the man sarcastically mutter, “The mighty George has spoken, oh ah, watch out!”
George’s shoulders droop at the man’s negativity; he lets the door slowly close behind him. His feet drag as thoughts of his family, still on Earth and probably dead, come to mind. He glances upward, at the thin clouds high in the sky, and reminisces that if it were not for his insistence that his family remain behind, they would be alive right now.
George is so engrossed in his thoughts, he does not notice General Walker pulling up on his motorbike.
Walker frowns when he sees George’s demeanor, then glances at the warehouse and shakes his head over the call claiming George was causing trouble. He sighs, then startles George when he asks, “What’s so important at the warehouse?”
“They have no electric blankets.” George replies somberly.
Walker’s frown deepens as he states, “There is a thriving black market here, and unless I am given more authority, there is nothing I can do!”
George gazes around blankly as he asks, “You are the military leader, what more do you need?”
Walker gets off his bike and paces as he replies, “I am not able to conduct random searches of people, or houses. Nor am I to question anyone, unless I have evidence of a crime, and even then, I am not empowered as a police force.”
George begins to focus, and asks, “What do you know of the black market?”
With a sigh, Walker replies, “It’s run by someone called, ‘the Silver Fox’, but I don’t even know if this person is a man or a woman.”
“Things are going to get worse, not better.” George responds, cryptically, as his mind races.
“How do you figure?” Walker asks.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 180
