by Don Foxe
“Yes, sir,” from both.
“You will not leave any part of our technology behind. Every space-fold crystal and array, as well as all components for the tachyon communication systems are to be packed up and shipped back to Earth. You have your orders, Singletary out.”
Gregory looked at Elena. “Too bad so much equipment and supplies were lost or destroyed during all the battles. Many more things with too much damage to bother taking back. I do not think we can be held accountable if some of those who remain on Fell are smart enough to repair such useless items.”
Elena smiled, realizing they were going to do whatever they could for the ones staying. She said, “I understand being protective of space-fold, but does the Admiral not remember the people who created the communications system are from Fell?”
“I think he prefers not to think about it,” Gregory replied.
The two separated after leaving the OAT.
Casalobos ordered Noa Tal and the crew of Demon 2 to Osperantue. She informed Noa of the Admiral’s orders. She told her long-time friend, and fellow Space Ranger, to obey those orders. Singletary was a pain and a prick, but he was also the boss.
Gregory amended the inventory lists by updating the equipment lost, destroyed, or too badly damaged to salvage. He recalculated the amount of supplies used during the operation. As it turned out, following his final accounting, they had few supplies remaining to transport back to Earth.
One thing Elena and Anton agreed about; the special METS (Multi-Environmental Tactical Skin-Suits) issued to everyone would be returned. It was one thing to tweak the Admiral’s nose. The advanced suits protected the soldiers, modified environmental conditions, provided communications, and data. They were too valuable to leave. Space Fleet would mount a return force to recoup them.
Elena returned to the command hut and ordered the two specialists on station to take a five-minute break. She linked her communication-translator bracelet to the STORM-HATCH. With the added power, she could use the bracelet’s private channel capability to contact Earth. “Nathan, it’s Elie. Do you copy?”
More than a parsec away, but in less than four-seconds, she received a response.
“Elie. Nathan here. How you doing?”
“Everyone is fine. Are you aware of the Osperantue ship in the solar system?”
“I’m still Head of Sciences, Elie,” he replied. “Singletary may not like it, but I’m too important to ignore, and too connected to ditch. I’m aware. We’re waiting on Sam to arrive with the 99 before we decide what to do with them. I heard Singletary order your people to Osperantue.”
“I thought he used a classified channel.”
“He did. I have resources,” Earth’s most famous scientist and engineer said. His snicker came across the clear channel.
“Okay. Now for the real reason I called.”
“Coop is still unconscious,” Trent replied before she could ask. “He is physically fine. Physio is helping maintain muscle and joint mobility. All the wounds, even the head wound, are completely healed. Brain telemetry reads normal. We’re just waiting for him to wake up.”
“Thanks, Nathan. If anything changes . . .”
“You’ll know when I know, Elie. Nathan, out.”
Trent made sure the channel closed before addressing the man standing before a panoramic window, staring at a winter storm lashing the rocks along the shore of the island.
“That was tough,” he said. “I hate lying to her.”
Daniel Cooper turned from the view to face his friend. He nodded, then turned back to watch the storm.
CHAPTER 4
“The planet faces a religious crisis. The arrival of extraterrestrials opened the question of God, and the relationship between God and humans. From the Vatican, to Mecca, to Jerusalem, and all around the world, religious leaders are trying to maintain order. Is there a God? Do aliens believe in God? Do they know things we do not? Fear is a difficult enemy to fight. Religious groups who have sniped at each other for centuries, now combine to ask if aliens represent God, the devil, or something worse.”
The man called Hadritak - the Presence, and the leader of the secret Camarilla Devolution - gloated.
The middle easterner devoted his life to terminating the concept of a centralized government able to tell his people the best way to apply laws. A man whose resolve multiplied with the reemergence of the Mufti in his home nation, and their promise to follow his leadership. Decades of deals, plans, and conspiracies ready to culminate. Their climax ending the short reign of the United Earth Council.
The other man in the room wore a business suit instead of a uniform. Known within the group as Cancer, his motivation to end the UEC revolved around gaining more personal power. When the UEC crumbled, he would step forward to provide security, leadership, and accept a role in controlling and commanding the military.
“It isn’t just religion,” Cancer added. “The UEC is reacting to the general population’s discomfort with galactic politics. More than half of the Board of Governors are recent selectees. The new governors want Space Fleet to become primarily a military force and concentrate on system defense. While there are not enough to demand a complete shift in direction, Space Fleet is moving that way. New screening methods have been enacted for non-humans who apply for government positions, especially within the Fleet.”
“We cannot allow extraterrestrials to become sympathetic figures,” Hadritak said. “We must insure they remain separated from humans in order to maintain the narrative aliens are different, and potentially destructive to our ideals.”
“We’re keeping the refugees in New Zealand from traveling under the excuse they need protection,” Cancer replied. “We are reassigning aliens off Space Fleet ships and onto platforms, or placed in positions on Mars or Earth to keep them out of the limelight.”
“The world is experiencing distaste for a galactic war,” Hadritak said. “Our media people constantly question the UEC’s decision to send Earth into a war on a distant planet where humans die while fighting aliens there to kill other aliens. The mob mentality infecting newscasters has most of them following our lead. Doubt over the Earth’s involvement weakens the UEC.”
“The disinformation campaign designed by our partners is the keystone to our success,” Cancer agreed.
“There are special broadcasts produced to question alien lifestyles, and how they may intend to spread their beliefs to our world. These documentaries will amplify people’s natural fear of the unknown. Apprehension will soon lead to demands on the UEC representatives to restrict all alien movement. The UEC will have no choice but to act to calm a population stupid enough to believe the rumors and innuendo we create,” the Arab said.
“The UEC will be held accountable for humans dying on distant planets for no reason, and allowing dangerous aliens safe haven. Representatives already hear the grumbles. We will soon have the momentum to call for disbanding the Council.” Hadritak made his prediction looking out across the city of Toronto.
He turned his back on the view to face Cancer.
“What are the plans for Space Fleet’s secondary mission, the exploration of new systems and attempts to make contact with alien lifeforms?” he asked.
“Delayed,” Cancer replied. “The Board of Governors, as you well know, are moving toward Earth re-isolating from the galaxy. A growing number of civilian leaders believe we entered into galactic politics before proper preparation. First contact occurred long before anyone expected to encounter alien lifeforms. Discovering we have hundreds of neighbors, and they are embroiled in a major war makes people wonder which aliens are right and which are wrong. Those same doubts are spoken openly inside Space Fleet corridors, except . . .”
The Westerner moved to the window. Forty-four floors above mid-town Toronto. The cloudless sky ran to the horizon, and he could see the chop on Lake Ontario.
“Except what?”
“Our military forces have been kicking alien butt. Earth may be the newest
planet to discover interstellar travel, but we appear to own the most sophisticated technology. We also have thousands of years of military history. Tactically, we held the advantage in every encounter with aliens.”
“You think we should not isolate ourselves?” the Arab asked.
“We cannot ignore the lessons learned by Daniel Cooper’s actions before the Bosine tried to kill him,” Cancer said. “His successes in fighting the Zenge and out-maneuvering the Mischene, coupled with the current mission which freed Fell, have people within Space Fleet, and others in positions of influence, considering Earth as a potential power-broker in the galaxy. Our superiority with space-fold travel, weapons, tactical planning, and, now, communications could make us the big dog in the universe. In spite of our late arrival, we’ve arrived with the biggest, baddest stick.”
“Many of those advantages resulted from the help of aliens,” Hadritak reminded his co-conspirator. “Fairchild found space-fold in a hidden alien hangar. Communications technology bartered from Fellen engineers, and energy-producing crystals through an alliance with Rys. We must take care aliens do not receive too much credit for our superiority. I have enough votes to begin making changes to distance us from them.”
“What will the UEC do about alien alliances?” Cancer asked.
“Place them on administrative hold. All agreements, alliances, treaties, and compacts are scheduled for reevaluation. Earth will not maintain a military force on Fell. All personnel will be recalled. Once the Star Gazer is no longer needed to haul Fleet personnel and supplies, refugees who wish to return to Osperantue can board. The ship will use space-fold to reach the nearest wormhole gate, where the arrays will be removed. They will be given a warm good-bye and good luck,” he said, somewhat sarcastically.
“Osperantue freed by Mischene,” Cancer said, turning his back on the view. “Osperantue reports claim the Mischene are not the power behind the Zenge invasions. There is actually another player directing the attacks. A Prophet. Is that not ironic? We have churned up the religions on Earth to question the beliefs of aliens, and an alien Prophet presents himself. It is perfect.”
Hadritak sank into a chair. His dark eyes, hooded by bushy eyebrows, looked to a future as intoxicating as an oasis in a desert sandstorm.
“We have worked decades to dissolve the UEC in order to regain regional autonomy,” he mused. “Now, on the verge of success, we are presented an opportunity to take control of more than a few regions on our one small world. We may have the ability to take the galaxy.”
“A juggler’s feat,” Cancer said. “Do away with the UEC, keep Space Fleet in the hands of humans, and make sure those humans are loyal to the Camarilla. When the UEC disbands, Can-Am will be the logical one to maintain the military forces.”
“I believe you are right,” Hadritak agreed. “I have that under control. The potential snake in our garden is Nathan Trent. With Daniel Cooper gone Trent no longer has his most important piece, but we will need to watch the remaining Space Rangers. That is your responsibility, dear Cancer. I am sure you can arrange assignments that appear rewarding, but keep them at a reasonable distance until we have everything in place. We may even find uses for their talents.”
“What about the threat represented by the Zenge and the Mischene, be it the loyalists, or the Prophet, or both? Do we wait for them to attack?”
“We will prepare to defend our solar system from an attack. The UEC intends to open a dialog with the Mischene. We must determine who is telling the truth. We must also decide who to send to peace talks to represent Earth. I will argue for the military, not diplomats. If there is to be an attack, I think Earth should be the one to strike first.”
“There is no question Space Fleet must take the lead,” Cancer agreed. “It makes the most sense. We insert our people to control the parlay and, ultimately, do what is best for the Camarilla. If Space Fleet needs to strike first, whether the target is the Prophet, the Zenge, or the Mischene, it will be at a time of our choosing.”
ASTER FARUM 3
The attack on the Aster system came at a time chosen by Atticus Soren, the Sacred Prophet of the Tahbita.
When the wormhole nearest Aster Farum 3 opened, twelve Mischene battlecruisers came through the gate. Six stationed as support vessels in the Zenge system, taken by General Trewellan’s troops, with the help of mutinous true believers on each ship. The other six commandeered following their arrival as scheduled replacements. Taken by surprise, crews were given an option to convert or die.
After entering the system, their weapons acquired unprepared Mischene ships orbiting Aster Farum 3, including the Governor General’s new Super Battlecruiser. They fired on the unprotected ships until debris rained down through the atmosphere.
Communications and technical specialists loyal to the Prophet took control of all automated systems on the planet in the exact way the elder Soren did to the other worlds in the system when he launched his attack to control the system.
One-half-dozen Class One Carriers followed the twelve battlecruisers. Each carried 60,000 Zenge warriors. Nothing prevented them landing near major metropolitan areas and military bases on the planet.
Over 350,000 cold-blooded Zenge loosened a barrage of laser fire on military installations and personnel. While most attacked military target, others hacked through civilians with blades and finger-talons.
Amos Soren stood in his office screaming at Admiral Lexton, locked away in a bunker at the capital’s space port.
“You can scream all you want, Amos. We had no warning, and we have no defenses available,” the Admiral said from the screen. “I suggest you find a place to hide with plenty of food and water.”
“Why don’t you kill them with the shock collars?” Soren demanded.
“Because I had the collar codes changed,” Atticus Soren said, his image overriding the Admiral’s. “Hello, Father. I thought I would visit you for a change.”
“Atticus, what have you done?” Amos pleaded. “You are Mischene. We have a destiny to fulfill. What you are doing today will destroy our future.”
“It will destroy your future, Father. It will destroy the future of those who do not accept the word of the Creator, or his Voice,” Atticus said, his image transmitted from the last battlecruiser to enter the system. “Those who accept and follow the truth of the Tahbita will rise, and together we will conquer the universe.”
Soren started as a woman’s scream penetrated through the solid doors of his private chamber.
“That would be Wandi Eskil,” Atticus said. “I have video feeds from all around Aster Farum 3, including your offices, Father.”
“Atticus, I surrender,” the Governor of the entire system said to the image. “I can have all Mischene lay down their weapons. I will accept you as the Sacred Prophet. I can make the conquest of the Aster system simple for you.”
“Thank you, Father, but I prefer ultimate defeat and humiliation to surrender. It makes it easier to convert survivors to the one true way after they witness the alternative. Before I order the Zenge outside your door to enter, I thought you should know. . . “
“Know what? You bastard. Your mother was a whore. You are no Prophet. You are left-over semen from a bad night. I made you the Prophet.” Soren screamed at the monitor, spittle flying from his mouth.
“I thought you might like to know, as soon as I complete the conversion of the Aster system, I intend to do the same against your new enemy.”
Atticus watched from two points of view as the doors to his father’s private chambers blew inward. A half-dozen blood-covered Zenge attacked the white-haired man cowering behind his desk. Blood splattered, spraying Soren’s portrait before it was ripped down in the melee.
The Prophet watched calmly as his father died.
“That’s right, Father. Once I eliminate the Earthers, nothing will stand against us. Prophesy states the Mischene shall rule the universe, and follow the will of the Prophet. Earth will be eliminated from the galaxy . . . my will b
e done.
CHAPTER 5
Fin Island, Canada
“It’s politics,” Mara Trent said. Sixty, her hair black and wavy, eyes bright, and as smart as the day she discovered the key to unlocking the Martian codes four decades earlier.
“It’s bullshit,” Daniel Cooper replied.
The two held the discussion in the medical wing of Elliott Fairchild’s mansion on Fin Island, Vancouver, Canada. Coop reclined on a comfortable leather chair any dentist would take pride in owning. Neurotrodes, affixed to his forehead and temples, monitored brain activity and transmitted the information to a holographic displayer. A 3d hologram of his brain hovered in the air, three-feet from where he sat.
“Spike.” The one-word comment from Dr. Sonja Juri, Swiss clinical neurologist.
Sonja Juri arrived within the first forty-eight hours. She placed the neurotrodes on Coop’s head and booted her holo-display before introducing herself to Mara, the medical staff, or Coop.
Coop’s floating brain emitted small red sparks near the right frontal lobe.
Nathan Trent hired Dr. Juri in preparation for Coop’s awakening. He provided her over fifty-years of reports detailing Daniel Marcel Cooper’s behavior under every possible situation.
Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty in professional psychology that applies principles of assessment and intervention. Dr. Juri wrote extensively on her scientific studies of human behavior as they related to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. Her research dedicated to better understanding of brain activity and behavior relationships. She applied her findings to correcting behavioral problems.
Fifteen days passed since Coop awoke. Two weeks spent in physical rehabilitation.
While awake and able to follow directions, he never spoke, causing a great deal of concern. Mara Trent, an exolinguist, told everyone to shut up, keep their concerns to themselves, and treat him as normally. She spent every minute with him she could. Talking. She maintained a monologue that included everything from current events, events on Fell, to memories and stories from the previous forty years.
