CHAPTER 24
The starship of unknown design landed next to the Governor’s Mansion. The starship was not detected by planetary defenses or radar because of advanced stealth technology. Startled spider soldiers established positions around the starship. Armor was brought in. #64 was awakened from a sound sleep and told an ‘ant-like’ creature, calling himself ‘Prince Tak of the Formicidaen Empire,’ had landed in Governors’ Square and asked for an audience with the Governor of Inhabited Planet #6. The ‘ant’ then asked for #64 by name. #64 was already seated at a large conference table with #85 to his right when Prince Tak and his smaller attendants entered.
“What are you?” asked #64, studying the mandibles and pincers of the ugliest creature he had ever seen. Even the human pestilence paled in comparison to this hideous beast.
“I am Prince Tak, an emissary of the Formicidaen Empire, located on the far side of the Human Empire,” answered the prince. “I have been sent to forge an alliance between our two great species against the humans.”
“Excuse me if I am taken aback by your presence,” said #64. “Until now I thought we and the human pestilence were the only sentient species in the galaxy. I see now we are not alone.”
“There are many sentient exoskeleton species across the galaxy,” explained Prince Tak. “We are all cousins, united against the abomination you call the human pestilence.”
“And you propose an alliance with us against humanity? You propose that we help you in a war of extermination against Earth?” asked #64.
“Exactly,” said Prince Tak. “We plan a general attack soon. With help from the Arthropodan Empire, the humans will be crushed between our pincers.”
“I am afraid you have landed on the wrong planet,” said #64. “I am but a local governor of a small colony. And at the moment, my Emperor is a bit irritated at me. What can I do?”
“We know who you are. We have the right planet,” said Prince Tak. “Let me explain. We have been watching your rise to power with great interest. We know your Dragon Party is the only opposition to the Emperor, and is active on all six inhabited planets. We know you want to seize power from the Emperor. I can help you.”
“What is it to you who rules Arthropoda?” asked #64. “It’s our business, not yours.”
“Your Emperor is cozy with the humans. That grates on you, doesn’t it? The Emperor and the humans are forming an alliance against the Formicidaen Empire and our allies. Picture it. Arthropoda helping humans to kill your exoskeleton cousins from across the galaxy. It is immoral and makes no sense.”
“You said you could help me seize power. I am interested. How?” asked #64.
“We have a fleet near your home world. A well-timed nuclear attack would kill the Emperor and his entire governmental infrastructure. You would be the natural choice to succeed the Emperor because you are already organized to grab the throne. It’s what you have always wanted.”
“I’m not so sure my fellow Arthropodans would appreciate me nuking our own Capital City,” said #64.
“I am sure you are right. At first there would be confusion about what happened,” explained Prince Tak. “You could easily blame the nuclear attack on the Greens. Everyone knows they have threatened to use nukes. Before anyone can prove otherwise, you will have seized power. Our starships will assist with logistics and the deployment of your dragon troops. By the time the peasants have figured out what happened, it will be too late for anyone to challenge your power. Then, the humans will be next.”
“You seem very well versed in the intrigues of Arthropodan politics,” commented #64. “How is that possible?”
“Our superior stealth technology allows us to come and go as we please,” bragged Prince Tak. “We have been in your space for quite some time. We have even been in contact with separatist groups on all of your six inhabited planets. But of all the leaders we have contacted, you are the only leader with a vision of a strong Arthropodan Empire. We need a strong ally in the Arthropodan Empire to help us exterminate the human pestilence.”
“You could have helped us earlier when we were actually at war,” added #64. “Were sitting on the fence for a reason?”
“We were not ready then,” explained the prince.
“Your plan has potential. I will consider it and discuss the matter with my aides,” said #64. “In the meantime, I will arrange for you a tour of our lovely planet and our military facilities.”
“Yes, of course,” said Prince Tak. “Do not delay too long. When war comes, you will either be with us or against us.”
After Prince Tak left, #64 gave orders to have the mansion swept for listening devices. Several were found, including one under the very chair where Prince Tak had been sitting. A Green technician handed the listening device to #64 personally.
“Why are you still here?” asked #64. “Most Greens were smart enough to take the hint and get out while the getting is good.”
“Where would I go? The army is my home. Besides, I am a loyal subject of the Emperor,” said the Green technician. “You won’t drive me out. You better hope we don’t all leave.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” asked #64, now getting angry. “Was that a threat?”
“No. We Greens are the Empire’s best at business. We are your best scientists. You will need our smarts to figure out how that starship got around our planetary defenses. After the elimination of the caste system, we Greens joined the military and proved in battle we are your best soldiers. Can you really afford to lose us? Are you so strong that you can throw away your best assets? Especially now that a swarm of ants has entered our space without permission. I saw the ants. They are evil They can’t be trusted.”
“Get out! Everyone out!” ordered #64. “Except #85 and the Council of Sergeants.” #64 turned to #85. “Well? What do you think?”
“About what?” asked #85.
“About Prince Tak’s plan to help me seize control of the Empire. About his plan to exterminate the human pestilence once and for all,” said #64. “Well?”
“You want the truth?” asked #85. “I am kind of glad there is a human pestilence buffer between us and the Formicidaen Empire.”
“You don’t trust the prince?” asked #64.
“The prince is an ant,” said #85. “I don’t like ants. Ants eat all that is in their path. And their path is headed our way.”
“But we have more in common with the Formicidaen race than with the soft, warm-blooded humans,” protested #64. “He called us their exoskeleton cousins.”
“It is not enough,” said #85. “Our culture more closely matches the humans. Hell, these days we even watch the same TV shows.”
“Only because I have not yet figured out how to smash their communications satellites and make it look like an accident,” groused #64. “Perhaps I can blame the ants.”
“The prince was playing you,” said #85. “He thinks you suffer from megalomania. Tak assumes he can use that weakness to manipulate you. He praised you but he does not know you. Then, before he left, he made threats. You noticed that, I hope?”
“Yes. He made a mistake threatening me. That ant is very arrogant. He is very wrapped up in himself, and it’s a small bundle. That did not sit well with me, either,” commented #64. He gave the matter some more thought. “Place that oversized ant under arrest and have him interrogated. Seize his ship and tear out its secrets. Advise the Emperor of the full details of the plot against his life and send him a recording of this meeting. Advise the Admiralty that a Formicidaen space fleet has invaded our space, intent on attacking our capital. It must be located. Free all Greens held on political charges. By Executive Order, I reverse all discrimination against their ilk and order compensation for any losses my government may have caused. Also, get Major Czerinski on the phone. We need to talk.”
* * * * *
I sat at the conference table flanked by Lopez, Green, Kool, Williams, Ceausescu, Nesbit, Yamashita, Amanda, Washington, and the Mayor of Waterstone. #64 and
#85 arrived at the DMZ Village late for our meeting. They were flanked by the Council of Sergeants.
“Where is General Kalipetsis?” asked #64.
The General had a nervous breakdown and is being confined,” I replied, glancing at Amanda. “I have been brevetted to Brigadier and have full authority to negotiate.”
“First of all,” said #64, slamming his claw on the table and setting the tone for tough negotiations, “I demand better quality Satellite TV. The selection and reception sucks, and I think it is a deliberate provocation.”
“I will look into that,” I promised. “Consider it done.”
“You had better,” threatened #64. “Or we will switch to cable and ZNN.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” said Lieutenant Lopez, rising to his feet.
“Enough!” I said, motioning Lieutenant Lopez to sit down. “Tell me more about the ants.”
“We interrogated Prince Tak. He revealed the location of the Formicidaen fleet. They are hiding in the asteroid belt off our home world. Our fleets will flush them out. I expect that the ants will flee directly for the border. We want your Sixth and Seventh Fleets to ambush the Formicidaens as they approach your space. Together we will crush them,” said #64.
“It’s a sound plan. Agreed,” I said. “Also, I want my scientists granted access to the Formicidaen starship. I insist all captured technology be shared.”
“Fine,” grumbled #64. “Anything else?”
“Yes. We want to interrogate Prince Tak ourselves,” I insisted.
“Sorry,” said #64, shrugging. “The Prince was shot and killed while trying to escape.”
“I want to see his body,” I said.
“He was eaten by monitor dragons,” said #64. “What? You don’t believe me?”
“Not really,” I said. “But for now we will move on to domestic issues. Secretary of Tourism Yamashita wants to build a string of jointly operated hotel casinos inside the DMZ. His economic incentive zone proposal will only be feasible, however, if casino gaming remains illegal on both sides of the border. Can we agree to that?”
“Yes,” answered #64. “But what about the casino at Waterstone? That would be unfair competition inside human territory.”
“Waterstone is beyond my control,” I stated. “They have been granted dominion status and have applied for statehood. Waterstone may also opt for kingdom status. The matter will be decided by a referendum vote in the next election. Also, Waterstone’s boundaries need to be re-negotiated because of increased Green immigration. I propose their boundaries extend beyond both sides of the DMZ.”
“Impossible! You will not infringe on Arthropodan territory,” insisted #64.
“You caused the increased immigration with your persecution of us Greens,” said the Mayor of Waterstone. “Now we need to secure water rights. Waterstone will expand whether you approve or not.”
“It’s all worthless desert out there anyway,” I pointed out. “It’s not like they’ve discovered oil or gold out there in those alkaline flats. We can sell them whatever land they want at a good price.”
“I will have my geologists check it out anyway,” said #64. “Do not threaten me, I warn you. I will sell that strategic border land only if it suits me.” He eyed the mayor. “Do you really think you can survive out there in the desert?”
“I do not know what the future holds,” said the Mayor of Waterstone. “But we will make our own future happen no matter what you do.”
“Moving on,” I said, checking my list. “Amanda and Nesbit will coordinate the hotel casino operations. They have the most experience in those matters.”
Amanda moved her claw across the table and touched #64’s claw. He recoiled. “Keep your claw to yourself!” snapped #64. “I don’t like pushy females.”
“I will be submissive if you prefer, Your Majesty,” said Amanda. “You are such a strong and assertive male. I like that in my males.”
“See that you stay submissive, or else,” said #64, still flustered. He motioned to #85. “Work with her on the economic zone projects.”
“Thanks a lot,” complained #85. “Just throw me under the bus.”
“I think this meeting has been very productive,” I said. “We can now leave the details to our subordinates.”
“One more thing,” said #64. “I know how you operate. I have sensors pointed at your space cannon, so don’t even think about dropping a rock on my head. I will be Emperor some day. I will remember any and all slights against me and Arthropoda. Be warned.”
Lieutenant Lopez immediately sent an E-mail to Sergeant Mendoza, cancelling orders regarding the space cannon. There would be no surprises from space this week.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I said. “You just make sure those oversized lizards stay on your side of the DMZ.”
CHAPTER 25
“How much do you think we could sell this ship for?” asked Lieutenant Lopez.
We had been working for days on the Formicidaen ship, trying to tear out its secrets, and Lopez was getting impatient.
“Its new technologies are worth billions,” I answered. “But who would buy it? Only the United States government could afford the price, and we already own half of it.”
“How about if we cut it up and sell it piecemeal?” suggested Lieutenant Lopez. “Or, maybe the ants would buy it back.”
“The ants probably would buy it back,” I said. “But that would be treason. We wouldn’t live to spend the money. Or else we would be exiled fugitives on some bug world forever.”
“It just seems like a waste to have something this valuable in your grasp and not be able to cash in on it,” complained Lieutenant Lopez.
“We have enough money,” I said. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t we both billionaires? And the casinos we are setting up along the DMZ will make us even richer. All we have to do is kick back and watch the money roll in.”
“You can never have enough money,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “Besides, this ship could be an insurance policy against something going wrong. If war ever breaks out again with the spiders, casinos on the DMZ will be worthless. They’re like buying real estate on a volcano. You just never know when it will blow.”
“The scientists say they think this ship is a prototype. Prince Tak was a fool to land something this valuable where it could be captured,” I said. “Its speed and stealth technologies are amazing. I suppose we could become pirates and use the ship to raid Formicidaen shipping for booty and prizes.”
“I’ve had that same thought,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “ARRRRR, ARRRRR, mate. Hand over ye gold bars and ye Formicidaen babes” He laughed. “Do you think the Legion would let us do it? We’re about to go to war with the ants anyway.”
“No,” I answered. “The Legion might use the ship to lead a sneak attack, but there wouldn’t be much time for pirating. We would be part of a military operation. Besides, I have no interest in leading the charge against the ants in the next war. I want to stay right here on New Colorado where it is safe, until I get my discharge papers. They are due any day, now that we are at technically at peace.”
“Dream on. You are in for the duration, and it’s not over yet. It’s not even close to being over,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “We will go where the Legion orders us to go. I just want to make sure we go in style in this ship.”
“The spiders might have something to say about that,” I said. “It’s their ship, too.”
“And that’s another thing,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “Do we want the spiders to have all this new technology? If for no other reason than that, we should steal this ship for the good of humanity. It is our patriotic duty to steal this ship. Its stealth technology should not fall into their claws.”
“You might have a good point,” I conceded. “But stealing this ship would damage our alliance. We are allies now. We agreed to share the technology. Our fleets are working together at this moment, hunting down Formicidaen ships in our space.”
“The alli
ance will be damaged if the spiders figure out this technology before we do,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “Sure, the President made an agreement with the Emperor. You and I helped form that agreement. But no one trusts the spiders. No one is really happy with that agreement. It was the best deal we could get at the time. But the situation has changed. We are stronger now.”
“Nothing has changed,” I argued. “We have treaty obligations.”
“You know #64 is lying about Prince Tak,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “Tak wasn’t killed trying to escape. The spiders are hiding him somewhere, pumping him for strategic and technical information. The spiders are withholding that information in violation of our treaty. That violation voids the treaty.”
“So what are you saying?” I asked. “It’s still not our call to violate the treaty.”
“We should steal the Formicidaen ship for the good of humanity,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “Our government can claim we acted on our own without their knowledge. Warrants of arrest will be issued for us as a cover. Then, we secretly sell the Formicidaen ship back to the United States for its exclusive use and research. Do you think two billion dollars is too high?”
“I don’t like the part about warrants of arrest,” I said. “Your plan could backfire on us.”
“The warrants are just a ruse to fool the spiders,” explained Lieutenant Lopez. “Your father can get us a pardon when things calm down.”
“You should be in the C.I.A., not the Galactic Foreign Legion,” I said. “Do you really think the President would go for your idea?”
“No,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “Not at first. It’s too risky for any president. We would have to steal the ship, then convince the President afterwards. And, we have to steal the ship now, before all those spiders take the ship apart.”
“Now?” I asked. “You mean this week?”
“No, I mean this minute,” said Lieutenant Lopez. “I’ve already turned our business interests over to Sergeant Green and Amanda to run while we are absent. We seize the moment, now.”
America's Galactic Foreign Legion - Book 1: Feeling Lucky Page 16
