The railing was also suitable for two weightless Humans to use. As he and Gertrude pulled themselves down the corridor behind the two Hordea, Zack was reminded that these really were alien creatures! Their strange locomotion was so rapid the two humans couldn't possibly keep up. Their hosts slowed down and stopped spinning about twenty meters down the corridor. A round doorway irised open in the corridor wall, and the humans were ushered into what Zack figured to be the Hordean equivalent of a meeting room. Or maybe they didn't use such rooms and were just attempting to make their guests more comfortable?
"We will be activating a gravity grid in this compartment," said the taller of the two Hordea. "Please to brace yourselves."
Using a rail similar to the ones in the corridor and taking a clue from the top and bottom orientation assumed by their hosts, Zack and Gertrude managed to get their feet pointed "downward" before the phase-in of a gravity field stabilizing at what Zack estimated was about half a standard G. Both humans wound up standing more or less normally on the surface that had become the floor. The Hordea were now resting on the mass of tubules covering their feet.
The new floor was fine-veined and more or less flat, while the walls faded smoothly into the ceiling, leaving them enclosed in a room-sized, shallow-vaulted space.
Under gravity, it soon became apparent the tubules on Hordean "feet" were used to provide an additional, and very efficient, means of locomotion. Their two hosts glided smoothly across the floor over to a meeting area equipped with two cylindrical, flat-topped seating structures, placed so the Hordean ring of ruby-colored photoreceptors was at eye level with a sitting human. Apparently their hosts had been informed humans performed much of their business sitting on their backsides. Zack wondered if that were the message they should be sending and then immediately realized their new hosts would have been briefed on proper protocols and had been made aware of the symbolism of the two species meeting as equals, thus the eye-to-eye seating arrangement.
"Humans and Hordea are both under consideration for full membership in the Grand Amalgamation of Galactic Civilizations," said Salix. "I have been appointed to be a Representative to the Amalgamation. Quercia is one of our Guardians."
Zack remembered from their briefings that young Hordea were males who converted into females about halfway through their life cycle. He concluded Salix, the taller of the two Hordea was probably female. Her shorter companion was very likely male.
Gertrude replied, "Like you, I am a Representative. Zack is one of our Guardians."
"We are here as ambassadors for our species," said Salix. "Our task is to establish communications and find ways in which we may interact to the benefit of both."
"That is our wish as well," replied Gertrude. "From what we've been told, it is vital we succeed."
"We too have been informed of the importance of success. Let us not fail."
Chapter 14. Getting Acquainted.
Hordean Starship, Deep Space, Star system X97610, October 6, 2676.
"Perhaps we can begin by discussing trade opportunities," said Gertrude. "What does your species require that we might be able to supply?"
"We are often critically short of what you call 'micronutients' for our proper development and certain minerals for the..." the translation device paused for a moment as the Hordean searched for the proper explanation before finishing the sentence, "...growing of our mechanical and electrical devices. Our mining technology is barely adequate to refine these materials from the small bodies of rock in our star system. We must supplement with shipments procured from our colony worlds"
Zack realized the Hordean home system must have an asteroid belt, like the Old Sol system and many of the other star systems inhabited by Humans.
"We have been mining valuable metals from our own star systems for centuries," replied Gertrude. "I am certain we could be of assistance in these matters."
"Our spacecraft are also deficient in both defensive and offensive capabilities. Yours, it would appear, are well equipped in both areas."
"That's something else we can discuss," said Gertrude.
"Our need in this is urgent," said the other Hordean. "We have colonized only three planets outside of our home system and possess only a limited number of ships capable of traveling between them. What you may not know is we must 'grow' our ships, and the process can take many of your years."
"We are really impressed with your ship," said Gertrude. "What do you call her?"
"We thank you," replied Salix. "We don't give our individual ships names as you do. We simply refer to all of them as 'Starflowers.' The closest approximation in your language would be 'Helianthus,' which is your scientific name for a species of plant you call sunflower."
"Helianthus it is then," said Zack.
"The cargos carried by Helianthus and our other ships include the rare metals and minerals vital to our survival. However, several of our ships have recently been attacked by unknown forces and destroyed or heavily damaged. We have so far been unable to defend against these attacks or to fight back. As you no doubt noticed, our ship suffered one of these attacks while we were on our way to this meeting and sustained some damage. We were only able to escape because our ship was capable of emergency acceleration superior to that of the attacking ship."
"Can you provide any details?" asked Zack. "What did the attacking ship look like?"
"It was much like your ship, but the technology was somewhat different," replied Quercia.
"Have you been made aware of a race called the Custodians?" asked Zack.
"We have," replied Salix. "We have no desire to become another of their victims."
"It's possible they're behind these attacks," said Zack. "Unfortunately, we've discovered there are Humans who are actually cooperating with them."
"Members of our species have also been approached, but to our knowledge, none have agreed to cooperate. However, it would be dangerously naive of us to assume such things haven't happened."
"As a beginning, maybe we could provide armed ships to escort your cargo ships?" said Zack. "That way, you would have protection until we figure out some way to arm and shield your ships."
"That would be most generous of you," said Salix.
For perhaps an hour and a half, the four of them discussed other ways in which their two species could favorably interact. Finally, Salix called an end to the proceedings. "This has been a most productive first meeting," she said. "We would like for you to come and spend some time with us in the nearest of our star systems. We would also like to send a delegation to human space to introduce ourselves and to experience your culture."
"That sounds like an excellent idea," said Gertrude.
"Very good," said the Hordean. "Your ship is well secured to ours, and we could simply transport your ship along with ours. That would allow further interaction between our representatives and also provide you with your own familiar surroundings during time periods when we are not interacting. Perhaps we could conduct some of our meetings on board your ship to introduce us to your culture?"
"That is also an excellent suggestion," said Gertrude.
"We shall set course for the nearest Hordean planet within two of your days. In the meantime, while we are preparing our ship for transport, perhaps you wish to return to your own ship for rest and nourishment. We are informed such activities are necessary for your species."
"That's correct," said Gertrude. "Perhaps the two of you could come on board our ship tomorrow morning while you finish your preparations. Our living conditions are compatible with your own. We've also brought an engineer with us who is eager to meet with you."
"Our engineers are also eager for just such an interaction."
"Will you require any special sort of seating arrangements?"
"We do not normally employ anything of the sort," replied Salix. "This arrangement was decided upon in an effort to make you feel comfortable. We truly are most content simply standing upright. Do not trouble yourselves attempting t
o accommodate us. Nor do you need to stand while we are meeting. There is no reason for members of either species to be less than comfortable."
"We appreciate the courtesy on our behalf and will make arrangements so you may remain standing," said Gertrude.
"We will make preparations to board your ship in eight of your hours," said Salix.
"Until then," said Gertrude.
The two Hordea escorted Gertrude and Zack back to the connection between the two ships and bade them farewell.
"Well," said Zack, "that was interesting."
"That's one way to describe it," replied Gertrude.
"At least it was easy to understand them, even if their speech is a little on the formal side."
"I think that's a side effect of the translation devices," said Gertrude. "You noticed there was nothing ambiguous about the way they communicated with us. I hope we came across the same way."
The next morning, the Hordea signaled they were ready to board Capri. Zack met them at the door to the front airlock.
"Welcome aboard," he said. "The artificial gravity on our ship is approximately double of that we experienced on yours. Will that be a problem for you?"
"Not at all," said Salix.
Three Hordea glided on their tube feet into the airlock prep area. Salix and Quercia had been joined by another individual who was shorter than either of them. Quercia performed introductions.
"Gertrude Tvedt and Zachary Lynton, this is Malus. He specializes in science and mechanics."
"Pleased to meet you Malus," said Zack, as he and Gertrude exchanged "handshakes" with the newcomer. "If all of you would come with me, we can go to our meeting room." He had a moment of panic when he realized the big conference room where the meeting was to take place was up on the second level of the ship! The airlock was way down here on the first level. How did a Hordean go up a flight of stairs? Could they handle stairs at all?
He needn't have worried. When confronted by the long ladder leading up to the second level of the ship, Quercia, the first to reach the stairs, grasped the rail of the ladder with three of his long tentacles and performed a variation of the same "spin" technique the aliens had used for locomotion down the corridors of their own ship. He leaned back at the proper angle and rapidly spun his way up to the second deck, his disc foot skimming the front edges of the stairs. Salix and Malus followed behind, negotiating the stairs with the same rapid grace their companion had shown. The Humans followed, amazed once again at the physical capabilities of their new friends.
Gertrude and Zack ushered the three Hordea into Capri's big conference room where they introduced Cliff and Ariane. Earlier, Cliff had removed several of the chairs on the end of the oval table that was closest to the door to provide a spot for their guests to stand.
Cliff, obviously daunted by the enormity of the moment and his complete lack of any diplomatic skills, nervously addressed, Malus, the Hordean engineer. "Would you like to come down to engineerin' with me? I could show you around some. I doubt we'll be addin' much to this meetin.'"
"I would be honored," replied Malus. The two of them looked almost relieved as they exited the conference room and headed aft down the corridor towards engineering.
"It seems your engineer is also uncomfortable and somewhat awkward in social settings," observed Salix.
The humans responded with a short laugh while the Hordea twisted their foliage gently back and forth, apparently their version of demonstrating amusement. Zack was relieved to discover their new friends also seemed to have something akin to a sense of humor.
"Seems as though it goes with the territory," said Gertrude.
The group shared another moment of levity, each member in their own fashion.
Gertrude took a deep breath. "Time to get down to business," she said. "I will be perfectly honest upfront, we believe our people will have difficulty accepting the profound changes that will be brought about by citizenship in this Grand Amalgamation. I need to ask if you anticipate having similar problems with your own people."
"We are," replied Salix. "Our species, by its very nature, does not respond well to sudden changes. In fact, change of any kind is usually met with a great deal of skepticism and resistance. There are a great many among us who will wish for things to remain exactly as they are. Of course, as one of the Representatives to the Amalgamation, I am acutely aware of the need for us to embrace this opportunity. To do otherwise would mean enslavement by the Custodians."
"You have some experience with Custodians?" asked Zack.
"Outside of that which was part of our orientation training, we do not, but there have been many unexplained problems within our civilization over the last ten of your years. What we have just learned from you leads us to suspect these Custodians are responsible for some of the unrest within our society. You will also recall the attacks on our ships we mentioned earlier."
"We are hoping to form a relationship with you Humans to help us in this regard," said Quercia, the Guardian. "We can grow large, serviceable Starflowers at relatively low cost. During our orientation, it became evident that our expertise in what you call the science of biochemistry is the most advanced among all of the civilizations in this quadrant, perhaps of any in the entire Amalgamation. However, the development of offensive weapons and effective shielding against such weapons was never one of our priorities, and this technology has proven to be very difficult for us. We may be very good at chemistry but, as engineers, we are no more than adequate."
"I am confident we can be of assistance in these matters," said Gertrude. "We'll have to see how well Cliff and Malus get along."
The two Representatives and their Guardians conversed earnestly about ways in which their two species could help each other for another half hour before Ariane and Gertrude's tablets chimed simultaneously.
"If you will excuse me," said Ariane, coming to her feet. "Our tablets are keyed to respond to critical systems on the bridge of the ship. Something just happened that requires our attention." She looked meaningfully at Zack. "Perhaps you should come too." Turning to the two Hordea, she said, "We need to get to the bridge. You may wish to come also, because whatever is happening no doubt concerns you as well."
"Certainly," replied Salix. "We will follow."
From the reaction of his two companions, Zack could tell immediately something was seriously wrong. As they were dashing from the conference room to the bridge he asked, "What is it Trudy?"
"We've picked up a contact," she replied. "There aren't supposed to be any other ships anywhere near here. We won't know what the contact is until we get to the bridge and have a look at the readouts."
Chapter 15. Unconventional Target.
SPS Lenin, Deep Space, Star system X97610, October 7, 2676.
Lieutenant Pytor Grasmik checked the chronometer on the captain's display and noted the time was just past 0800, Universal Time. He had been acting commander of armed Soviet courier SPS Lenin since the ship's former Captain, Nicholas Kozloff, had been relieved of command and thrown into the brig for disobeying a direct order from the ship's political officer, Commander Boris Pavlovich. Grasmik considered his latest series of instructions, entering an uncharted hyperlink zone at nearly double the safely recommended velocity, to be extremely dangerous, possibly even criminally reckless. Fortunately, the state-of-the art-ship with her well-trained crew had been up to the task, though Grasmik had no wish to repeat the maneuver. Even the most miniscule of errors would have been instantly fatal.
Apparently the political officer possessed prior knowledge of some kind, because as soon as the ship's crew recovered from the effects of the hyper transit, they detected a large contact dead ahead. With the speed Lenin was carrying, they could be upon that contact in an hour or less. Unfortunately, if they maintained all of their velocity, they would flash past the contact with barely enough time to blink.
"That is our next target," said Pavlovich, addressing the crew from his customary station against the rear bulkhead of
the bridge. "Plot a course and be ready to open fire as soon as we come into weapons range."
"Yes, sir," replied Grasmik."Navigator?"
"Sir?" replied the young female ensign.
"You heard the Commander, chart me a deceleration curve that will bring us into range of the contact with our velocity matched to the target."
"Aye aye, sir," said the ensign as she immediately began to enter the necessary parameters into her console. After about ten seconds, she had a solution. As part of her duties, she was required to inform the ship's commander of any possible danger to the ship.
"I have a flight plan, Captain," said the navigator, "though I must inform you executing it will place us below the recommended safety margin for reaction fluid reserves.
Grasmik looked at the political officer for direction. As temporary captain, he may have been nominally in charge of the ship, but he had no idea what their mission was. Pavlovich did.
"Execute the necessary maneuvers," said the political officer.
"That will require that we employ ultra-efficient maneuvering tactics until we can get refueled," responded Grasmik.
"I am aware of that Lieutenant," growled Pavlovich in response, "but our mission comes first."
Grasmik was about to point out the dangers of operating far from home with only a minimal amount of reaction fluid, but he'd seen what happened to Lenin's former captain when the man questioned Pavlovich's orders. The marine who would enforce the political officer's demands, Sergeant Zlotnik, was standing just to the left of Pavlovich. His granite stare indicated any order given would be followed or there would be consequences.
"Execute the flight plan, Ensign," said Grasmik.
"Aye aye, sir."
"I also suggest that you prepare our weapons for action," said Pavlovich.
Grasmik punched the switch that opened the ship-wide PA system. "All hands to battle stations. Prepare to charge weapons!"
The Archeon Codex: Guardians of the Galactic Sentinel Book 2 Page 9
