by Don Foxe
“The negotiations have been extremely successful,” Kennedy informed him. “Genna thought it appropriate to wait for your return, before completing the official documents. Rys has agreed to align with Earth and establish a mutually beneficial trade agreement.”
“Great news, Kennedy. Locations for our guests?”
“Prince Yauni is at the castle, with Tasha and Tista Korr. Captain Canedee is also on the planet, currently touring the defense command post at the space port near the castle. I am sure they are aware of your return.”
“I’m sure they are,” Coop agreed. “Demon will dock with the 109, and then use the shuttle to transport to the surface. Is it available?”
“It is currently at the castle. Should I have it return to the 109 immediately?”
“Yes, thank you, Kennedy. Any inconvenience will be short. I intend to transfer to the surface as quickly as possible. To finalize the agreements.”
“Captain Cooper, the defense center on Rys is complaining of difficulties scanning Demon. Is everything okay?” Kennedy asked.
“We’re fine. Just a little ion-discharge leak from the sub-light engine. We got bumped around near the gas giant in the Fell system. We’ll get full repairs as soon as we dock,” Coop replied.
“Very well, Captain. I will inform Rys, and engineering. Kennedy, out.”
“Do you think that is enough to keep Canedee calm?” Elie asked.
“He had to stress over our discovering the Mischene involvement with the Zenge, if we reached Fell. He’s currently touring the defense center. I’m sure he’s listening to our transmissions. If he believes we failed to reach the planet, then we could not have seen Mischene.”
“Mags rigging the sub-light engine to leak ions disrupted the scans from Rys, but the scanners aboard the 109 are quite a bit superior. Why did Kennedy ignore the extra bodies on board?” Elie asked.
“When I told her the trip was ‘just another rodeo,’ it was code to go along for the ride,” Coop explained.
“You and your ship have code words and phrases pre-arranged?” Sparks asked. “We do. Kennedy, Genna, and I have spent a lot of time together. We worked out different nefarious schemes for various conditions when bored." To Elie, he said, “Please park us in the hangar, and leave room for the LBJ.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied. “Valet service is what we do.”
Demon entered, the bay re-pressurized, and Coop descended alone via the crew elevator. Waiting for him, at attention, stood three engineer techs.
He addressed Lt. Jaime Benato. “Have the hangar cleared, L. T. , and have Commander Cornitsch join me. Lieutenant. No radios, or coms. Everything in person.”
Not fully understanding, but always ready to obey their Captain, the three specialists flew to work. Two personally cleared the hangar, while Benato departed to collect Cornitsch from his office.
After Cornitsch arrived and Coop dismissed the engineers, Elie lowered the rear cargo ramp. Everyone emerged, including the extra Fellen.
Cooper addressed Cornitsch. “Commander, please escort our guests to private cabins in the engineering section. Assign a sailor to remain close. Make sure they get food, clothing, and anything else they may need. I want their presence on this ship kept quiet, Commander. Do you understand?”
“I do not, sir,” Cornitsch admitted. “But I am sure I will eventually. It really does not matter. Any other orders, Captain?”
“Get Dr. Singh, and have him examine them . . . in their cabins. He is not to tell anyone else what he is doing. Do you understand, Commander?”
“Yes, sir,” the Bosine replied. Catching on, he added, “See no Fell, hear no Fell, speak of no Fell.”
Cooper smiled. “You’ve been reading Earth stories. Well done, Commander.”
“Patric, Silla, Sparks, Stacey, and Sarah, please go with Commander Cornitsch. Dr. Singh will arrive soon to make sure any medical needs are taken care of.”
The Fellen followed the Bosine. Sky, Storm, Elie, Mags and Coop departed for a different stairwell, leaving the hangar available for depressurization and the arriving LBJ. Coop ordered them to dress for the plan, and report back to the LBJ for transport to the surface in two hours.
Kennedy informed the away team to expect the arrival of the Captain and entourage. Kennedy also informed Cooper, Col. Gregory was on the planet. He currently accompanied Captain Canedee, touring Rys’ military assets and installations.
On the surface, a dozen Space Fleet Marines provided security for the diplomatic mission. Little in the way of security proved necessary, as everything proceeded amiably. The Lisza Kaugh and the Dwards made friends easily with the humans, the Ventierran, and the Mischene.
The only sticking point in the negotiations had been the desire by the King and Queen of Rys to visit Earth. It was not a matter of if, but when. The King wanted to go immediately. Genna and Tasha explained Earth, and the governing body, would need time to prepare for a state visit . . . particularly an interstellar state visit. Yauni was eager to return to Earth to collect his family and the other Lisza Kaugh left behind.
Mags and Elie, dressed in crisp full dress grays, complete with medals and ribbons, stood by the crew elevator. Elie’s uniform included the Space Ranger gold pin, and the Medalla Militar, the Spanish medal for bravery during battle.
Mags said, “Oh, my, god,” spying Coop, Sky, and Storm emerge from the hangar’s supply elevator.
Sky and Storm wore golden-hued lycra tops, which hid nothing, while accentuating ample assets. The material ethereal, and the color closely matching their golden eye color. It was like watching a sunset walk. They wore black tights, and black satin boots, with shafts rising above the knee. The boots, cinched from foot to top in matching black laces, sported three-inch heels. The only accessories they wore were translator bracelets and black patent leather belts hung loosely over one hip, closed with a gold buckle.
Captain Cooper walked a step in front of the two beautiful women. Attired in traditional formal dress whites, updated for Space Fleet officers. Service white dress coat, with a left chest filled with ribbons, and distinguished service medals. Hard shoulder boards with his Captain’s rank in gold. A Space Ranger gold pin on his left chest, above his gold Astronaut-Pilot wings. White dress slacks with creases sharp enough to cut steel, and dress white shoes. He wore his white Captain-Commander’s cap, with gold braid on the rim, and the Space Fleet Earth/Comet emblem on the front.
He marched up to Demon’s pilots and addressed Mags. “Lt. Moore, your mouth is open.”
“Sorry, sir,” Mags replied. “It’s difficult to drool with your mouth closed.”
“Captain Casalobos, are we prepared for launch?”
“If you will follow me, Captain Cooper. We will get this show on the road,” she answered professionally. Then aside, “And, Coop, this is one hell of a show.”
“Diversion,” Coop replied. “I figure Sky and Storm will attract everyone’s attention. We can grab Canedee before he knows what hit him.”
“Males act like males everywhere we roam,” Elie returned. “But every female down there, and a few up here, will dream of eating white cake with vanilla icing tonight”
Elie and Mags handled shuttle controls. Coop, Storm, and Sky buckled in for the short flight to the castle’s landing pad.
The reaction on the surface to the Captain and his escort equivalent to the one given them by Mags on the 109. Met by Genna, Tasha, Tista, Canedee and Gregory. Genna and Tista suppressed giggles as they watched the reaction of the males to Sky and Storm. Col. Gregory hesitated before remembering to come to attention, and salute. The two female Marines on duty exhibited no difficulty coming to attention for the Captain, and made sure their chests were fully expanded.
Tasha Korr took Coop by the arm to escort him to the castle. “Quite impressive, Captain,” she said, as they walked through the rear garden. “I’m sure the King and Queen will be honored by the obvious attention to detail. By the way, Ship’s Counselor Bouvier is a natural
diplomat, and a smart negotiator. Earth will receive everything it needs in the way of crystals, and the Counselor had the King agree to send a couple of his finest crystal cutters along to help the process along. The Chief of the Dwards’ guild is also on hand. He brought a shipment of raw crystals he claims the finest ever pulled from the mines.”
“Thank you, Tasha. I’m equally sure you have been a strong arm for Genna to lean on during the talks,” Cooper replied, adding a smile and a thank you tilt of his cap. “I was sorry to hear the trip to Fell was unsuccessful,” Korr continued in a more subdued tone. “Sky and Storm appear to handle disappointment well.”
“They are troopers,” Coop said, not knowing if the mediator would understand the reference.
The mixed entourage entered the castle, and followed a hairy attendant to an expansive chamber boasting stain glass windows overlooking the ocean, and a high, vaulted ceiling. The crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling easily weighed a ton. It hung above an extended, dark wood table. The Marine guards remained at the entrance. The representatives of Earth lined up behind chairs on one side of the table, with Captain Cooper at the top, beside Genna.
The King and Queen entered. They moved to the head of the table, opposite Captain Cooper, followed by Prince Yauni, two Dwards in fancy sashes, General Postatoon, and four Lisza Kaugh Coop did not recognize, but apparently important enough for an invitation.
At a chime, everyone took their seats. Once everyone settled, a steward delivered a thick set of documents, an outdated, yet quaint means of presenting data. He placed the stack atop the table, midway between Cooper, and the King.
King Saharri addressed Coop across the table, “Captain Cooper, this document represents an agreement between our worlds. We have made many alliances in our history, but none more important than the one before us today. The people of Rys are honored as citizens of the first planet to welcome Earth as a trading partner. While I wish it had been under better circumstances, the conditions did prove your world, and its citizens, are people of good faith and strong wills [he tipped his head to Genna].”
The steward repositioned the documents, setting them before the King. Then handed Saharri a quill pen.
“As King of Rys, as representative of the people of Rys, I swear allegiance to Earth as a partner, and as an ally. Your friends are welcome, your enemies our enemies. We shall stand with Earth. We will do whatever necessary to protect the people of Earth.”
He stroked his name across the bottom of the top page.
Polite applause followed.
The steward collected the documents, walked the long walk to the far end of the table, and placed them before Cooper.
“King Saharri, Queen Navina, Prince Yauni, and representatives of Rys, this document is the most important in Earth’s history. It represents our first alliance with another world. The people of Earth are honored Rys consented and becomes our first partner, in trade, as well as in defense of one another, from any, and all who would attack our worlds, our people, and our way of life.
“I, also, wish our first meeting could have been under more pleasant circumstances, but the cauldron of battle forges friendships far more powerful, much deeper, and stronger than any developed during times of peace. In war, the true face of your friends, as well as your enemies, is exposed.
“As Captain of the United Earth Space Fleet’s SFPT-109, John F. Kennedy, and representing the desires of our world to reach out to discover friends within the galaxy, I swear allegiance to Rys as a partner, and an ally. Your friends are welcome, your enemies our enemies. We shall stand with Rys. We will forever do whatever necessary to protect the people of Rys.”
He accepted the quill from the steward, silently noted the utensil was actually electronic, and scrawled his name and rank across the bottom of the document, aside the King’s, neither above, nor below.
Thunderous applause followed, and everyone rose to shake hands with their counterpart across the table. Formality over, people began to mill, giving back slaps, and hugs as they drank something sweet, and certainly alcoholic, served from silver trays.
Cooper approached the King and Queen.
“I understand there is a party later,” he said. “I should have my people return to the ship to prepare. I also need to assign duty rosters to allow everyone aboard the opportunity to join the celebrations.”
“Of course,” the King said. “We shall have a grand time later.”
Cooper asked Genna and Gregory to round everyone up for the return to the 109. With emphasis, he told them he expected everyone to depart at the same time. He searched for Canedee, finding him with Storm on one side, and Sky on the other keeping his attention. Coop caught Sky’s eye, nodded, and headed for the exit. He spied Dr. Hernandez in a group in front of him, and sped up to catch the head engineer.
“Manny, I meant to tell you sooner, the idea of embedding plasma rounds with the tachyon bursts was genius,” he said, coming abreast of the man.
“Wild idea,” Hernandez admitted. “I figured the worst case would result in a slightly bigger explosion. Never expected the damn thing to rip spaceships into confetti.”
“Did we get the technology, and materials we wanted?” Coop asked.
“More,” Manny said, confirming Tasha’s assessment. “The King and the other representatives ecstatic with the tachyon cannon, and the results. They would have given us their first born for the next century. Once you get past the fact they look like Big Foot, the Lisza Kaugh, and the Dwards are really nice people.”
“From what I learned while away, they may not look like Big Foot, they may actually be Big Foot,” Coop said. “Appears aliens have been visiting Earth for thousands of years. Maybe a Lisza Kaugh or two decided to take a stroll, and look around while on vacation. I do find it interesting a race with generations of trading practice gave us more than we asked for.”
“Like I said, they were really happy with the weapons. Genna and Tasha are seriously good negotiators. Did you learn anything else of interest while out there?” Manny asked.
“Maybe,” Cooper replied cryptically.
He remained outside the LBJ, making sure everyone boarded. No need to worry. Canedee, ego fully inflated by the attentions of the two beautiful aliens, who evidently discovered him to be utterly fascinating, practically floated aboard the shuttle.
“Kind of like the cow that doesn’t know it’s about to get hamburgerized,” Mags said, noting Canedee’s good mood.
“The bull about to get neutered is more apt,” Elie said, passing the two of them, heading for the cockpit.
The return flight ascended smooth and easy. Cornitsch had the hangar prepped, and as they set landing struts and locked magnetics, the Commander returned atmosphere to the bay. People began to disembark. Cooper interrupted a story of military brilliance, and asked Captain Canedee for a moment of his time.
They allowed everyone but the cockpit crew to depart. Alone, the Mischene faced the human, and said, “I know you are involved with the Fellen, Captain. I hope I have done nothing to upset you. I assure you, they have been solicitous to me, and not the other way.”
“Captain, I’m not concerned about Sky and Storm’s intentions. What I would like to know is when the Mischene first allied with the Zenge,” and as the Mischene’s eyes grew wide, Coop clipped him on the jaw with a solid right hand, knocking the man unconscious.
CHAPTER 30
“Dr. Singh.” Cooper, out of his dress uniform, and wearing space gray sweats, addressed his medical officer. “I really do not care about your knowledge of Mischene anatomy, biology, or your principals. I do not intend to torture this alien. I do not intend to waste time attempting to intimidate him into revealing what we need to know. I am ordering you to prepare a serum to make him conducive to answering questions.”
“But I do not know his physiology,” Singh argued, one more time. “Even if I did, there is no such thing as a truth serum, Captain.”
“I know, Bahadur,” Cooper r
eplied in a calmer, less officious tone. “I spent time after the pandemic interrogating enemy combatants. Every truth, or half-truth helped save the lives of my people. Information helped us catch others planning on killing our people or innocent civilians. People like Captain Canedee suffer from expanded egos. I don’t think it matters what species or race they represent. He would probably brag about how smart the Mischene are, and how dumb we are to oppose them, without drugs. But I don’t have the time to find his talk button.
“He’s a spy. He’s already forfeited his life. I need him doped, unstable, and off balance. Can you try anything?”
“The Captain has been in uniform since his release from the cages,” Singh said. Singh had been present when the captives were freed. “You cannot try him as a spy.”
“Fine. I can’t shoot him as a spy,” Coop admitted. “He’s a plant. He’s undercover. He’s dangerous, Doctor. More importantly, he has information vital to the security and safety of our world. We are trillions of miles from Earth, and we are the only ones standing between home and an invasion force of genocidal reptiles.”
“I’ll put together something able to make a human experience something akin to an LSD trip, but I cannot promise it will work,” Singh replied. “It may not do anything, or it might make him totally unresponsive.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Administer the dose, and call me when he’s under,” Coop said, leaving the medical center. Leaving Canedee, still out from the punch, restrained on a medical bed.
In the hallway he met Genna, Storm, and Sky. “Kennedy, how positive are you no messages were sent or received by Canedee since we departed MSD?”
“I have reviewed every scan made since our departure, Captain,” the AI replied. “No attempts at covert communications by anyone, including Captain Canedee.
“I cannot say what he may have accomplished while on Earth,” Kennedy continued. “He was the guest of several of the UEC members, the military, and one female member of the Board of Governors hosted him as her house guest for a couple of weeks.”
