by Karl Morgan
“General, good morning,” Udu said. “I see you read the report on the action at Tak-Makla. You should be very proud of your grandson.”
“Thank you, Udu, but I’m not so sure,” Ulon replied. “The attack went as planned, but the decision to take that human prisoner did not turn out well.”
“I think he had the right idea, sir,” Udu said. “We need to know what these Hives are before they are used in battle against us. It is unfortunate our troops underestimated human strength and treachery.”
“I understand the concern about the Hive technology, Udu,” Ulon replied. “However, the tekkans used to be our friends. They have always been a very peaceful society. If the Hive was a weapon, why would it be there and not on a Paxran world?”
“I don’t know General,” Udu replied. “The tekkans appear to have an alliance with the humans though. They come from another galaxy and may be using the tekkans to provide critical intelligence about other civilizations for them to conquer.”
“I have thought that too from time to time, Udu. The humans frighten me more than the Paxran to tell the truth. I cannot imagine the technology to travel from another galaxy. If they decide to take over this galaxy as well, we may meet our match a second time, only now we will have no place to run,” Ulon said.
“They are definitely more advanced than we are, General,” Udu replied. “That is a serious risk to our security. But they are far from our space and don’t seem to be moving in this direction.”
“Yet,” Ulon said. “They may choose to do so anytime. We must be prepared. If we can stop them now, they might reconsider their decision to come to this galaxy. There are hundreds of billions of galaxies to choose from. Why this one?”
“Our spies tell me they originated in the nearest galaxy,” Udu continued. “That makes us the closest target.”
There was a single knock at the door. Udu opened it and General Ava Liko joined them. She had been with the Supreme General longer than anyone else, having met in the military academy more than one hundred solar cycles ago. Her job was Minister of State and was charged with maintaining relations with the other planets in the federation. Ulon went to her and hugged her. “Ava, what a pleasant surprise,” he said.
“General, it is good to be back on Oti-Makla,” she smiled. “My ship just returned from Zia-Makla, where I met with General Valoo.”
“That old fool,” Ulon snarled. “His troops botched the attack on the Nom-Kat-La system utterly. They are lucky to be dead. What was his excuse this time?”
“He put his faith in a fast-rising colonel under his command,” Ava said. “That man, Colonel Valik assured Valoo that the Galliceans were weak and timid. He led ten of our older cruisers there to their deaths.”
“We cannot have fools like Valoo around. What are we going to do with him?” Ulon said.
“We have to be careful, Ulon,” Ava said. “Valoo has many friends in his sector of our federation. I am told that ten planets follow his orders, even over yours.”
“Those fools want us to sue for peace with other civilizations,” Udu spat. “He believes they can be our friends and help us avoid the Paxran. None of them helped us when the Paxran almost destroyed our entire society!”
“Udu, calm down,” Ulon said. “Ava is right. I don’t plan to negotiate with anyone for peace. We tried that and are now relegated to the extreme edge of the galaxy. Trillions of Maklakar died at the hands of the Paxran. But we cannot afford a rift in the fabric of our federation either. We need Valoo and his ten planets to help maintain safety for all of us. Thankfully, his planets are the closest to the other societies. When aliens attack, they will hit him first.”
“General, Valoo is also an old man,” Ava interrupted. “You and I took classes from him back in the academy. He can continue to do his job until his passing. Then we can try to get a bit more control over those planets.”
“You are both right. I’m sorry for reacting that way,” Udu apologized.
“Don’t worry, Udu, I understand completely,” Ava replied. “Ulon and I feel the same way about him. In fact, I may be crazy for saying this, but perhaps it is time to start talking to some other societies.”
“You are crazy,” Ulon said. “That goes against everything we have been raised to believe for many generations. None of them can be trusted. Any of them could tell the Paxran where we are. I hope you can explain yourself in a way that will convince me that you are still sane.”
“General, it’s just a thought,” Ava replied. “First, we need to accelerate our program to build battle stations. No matter what else happens, that has to be the top priority. While we do that, if we can start some negotiations with our closest neighbors, we might gain some critical intelligence. We are all deathly afraid of the Paxran. We even gave the filthy Donnaki our plasma bomb technology, hoping they would attack them. Also, we have no idea what this Hive technology is all about. We failed to learn anything from the information we gleaned from Tak-Makla before the explosion. The human captive chose to die rather than work with us.”
“But what about disclosing our location? That would be a disaster,” Ulon replied.
“Clearly, we would have to be careful not to do that,” Ava said. “It is possible the tekkans have used that Hive technology to find us already. If we choose to do this, we could send one battle station on a circuitous route into the galaxy to disguise our location. The ambassadors there could then begin the process of meeting new civilizations. We may learn nothing. We might learn about the Paxran and Hive technology.”
“So, it’s like spies out in the open,” Udu said. “I had never thought of that. I like the idea.”
“There is significant risk,” Ava replied. “Even if we learn no new technology, we might convince some others that we are not a threat. They may even help us fight the Paxran when they come looking for us. What do you think, General?”
“Your idea has a lot of merit, Ava,” Ulon said. “But who do you think could pull it off?”
“The leaders of the expedition would have to be one hundred percent convinced they were establishing treaties with friendly civilizations. I was thinking about Ambassador General Valoo. This is exactly what he has wanted to do for a long time. He could take a team of assistants and other ambassadors with him, probably a contingent of five hundred or so. We would also have at least a thousand more who would act as helpers and office workers for any consulates we set up. They would be spies loyal only to you, General,” Ava replied.
“I don’t know about you, Udu, but I think it might work,” Ulon smiled.
“I’ll start working on the text of the edict now, General,” Udu said. “And I’ll get General Valoo on the com-link so you can give him the good news.”
Chapter 25
“This is Nightsky,” Lia Lawson said. “We will reach your position in ten minutes and are ready to land.” The view screen showed the vast sphere of Hive 1008 growing rapidly as the ship approached. Hive 1008 was in a high orbit over Tak-Makla. The two worlds were almost the same size and the orbit of Tak-Makla had to be managed carefully to avoid a permanent shift due to its large companion.
Two massive doors began to open on the surface of the planetoid. Inside a deep cavern lined with landing lights dropped hundreds of miles below the surface. The Nightsky maneuvered itself directly over the opening which was several times larger than the star cruiser. All motion stopped and the ship hovered in place five hundred yards over the opening.
The view screen image split in half, with a smiling Zu face on the left side. “Welcome Nightsky. This is Major Arthun Nikka, and I will now assume control over your ship and bring her into her holding bay. When you feel our tractor beam attach to your ship, please turn off any maneuvering jets.”
“Aye-aye, Major,” Captain Jon Lake said. The ship shuddered as the tractor beam grabbed the ship. “We are turning over all controls to you now.”
The Nightsky slowly descended toward the opening. The ship moved slightly to align more p
erfectly with the shaft below. As the ship dipped below the surface, the doors above began to close. Being several miles thick, the doors moved very slowly until the sky was blacked out. Nightsky passed several open bays. As they continued to drop, Jon recognized the Kong-Fa sitting in one bay. The large ship barely fit into one of the largest bays on Hive 1008. Nightsky stopped on the same level with Kong-Fa and began to move into the open bay across the tunnel from the Gallicean ship. Flood lights illuminated the bay as the ship inched forward. Men in pressure suits entered the bay and began to prepare for the ship’s arrival.
“Nightsky, you may now extend your landing struts,” Major Nikka said.
“Aye-aye, Major,” Jon replied. “We are deploying our landing gear now.”
The three bay doors opened on the bottom of the ship and the landing gear extended. The Nightsky descended very slowly until the metal struts touched down. “Your ship has landed, Captain,” Arthun said. “Welcome to Hive 1008. Governor Lonk sends his warm regards to you and your crew.”
“Thank you for piloting us into position, Major,” Jon replied. “What do we do now?”
“Please just relax for a while, Captain,” Arthun said. “Our crew is now attaching landing blocks to keep your ship from moving. Then we will attach pressurized tunnels to allow your crew to exit the ship. Our staff will let you know when you can open your ship and exit. Finally, we will attach power systems to keep your ship operational without using her engines. We have assigned quarters to all of your crew in our Balthazar community. You can keep as many on your ship as you deem necessary for security.”
“Thank you, Major,” Jon replied. “I think most of our crew will stay on the ship. We will offer shore leave on your planetoid to all crew. Of course, the Admiral and Ambassador and their entourage will accept your hospitality.”
“Very good then, Captain,” Arthun said. “You and your officers are invited to join Governor Lonk for a dinner celebration to be held this evening at 1800 local time. It will be in the Governor’s Hall in Central City Square. I look forward to meeting you there later. Hive 1008 out.”
Dave Brewster entered the bridge. He sat next to Jon Lake. “Wow! We’re really inside the planetoid, Jon. I never could imagine that.”
“It’s pretty amazing, Dave,” Jon replied. “We’re parked across from the Kong-Fa. That ship barely fit into the landing berth. And this whole planet is going to jump to the Andromeda Galaxy tomorrow! I just can’t believe the Hive technology involved to make that happen.”
“Jon, you and I have similarities in our backgrounds. When you were back on Far Sky, you didn’t live that differently from me in the twenty-first. Now that we are explorers in space, reality seems to bend and twist more than I could have ever dreamed,” Dave said. “Sometimes I could swear I’m sleeping and will wake up in my old bed on Earth and find I still don’t have a job to go to.”
“Sorry, Admiral, but I think you are stuck with us here,” Jon laughed. “But I know I made the right decision to join you and Charlie. Then I thought I’d travel around our region of the galaxy and find new planets for our population. I could never have dreamed about the Society of Humanity and fifty thousand systems across multiple galaxies.”
“Pardon me, Captain,” Lia interrupted. “The ground crew has attached the exit tunnels and power to the ship. They are requesting that we power down and open our doors.”
“Confirm the atmosphere outside the ship and then open the doors, Lia,” Jon replied.
“Lia, what are you still doing here,” Dave smiled. “I thought you’d be on Golden Dawn with your mother. Isn’t she still waiting for you?”
Lia laughed. “Admiral, since we visited Tak-Makla the first time, I knew my place was here with you and Jon. I’ve asked my mother to select another secretary of state for now. Maybe I’ll join her in a few years when all of this becomes normal. Right now, every day is too breath-taking to give up.”
“Thank you, Lia,” Dave said. “I hope you don’t regret your decision someday. You’ve always been the best communications officer in the fleet, so I’m very happy you are here.”
“Thanks, Dave,” Lia replied. “I’m getting a signal that the Kalidean research vessel Manila in entering the Hive. Mencius is leading their team and offers his best wishes. He is looking forward to joining you at the dinner celebration this evening. Also, Governor Lonk is in the terminal near our ship and is waiting to escort your team to your quarters in the Balthazar community.”
“Great. Please contact Darlene and Charlie and have them meet me at Door One,” Dave said. “Arrange to have our things moved to our new quarters.” Dave stood and shook hands with Jon Lake. “Jon, I will see you and your team at dinner later. Is your crew staying on board or moving into Balthazar as well?”
“Dave, I think we’ll stay here. No need moving all of our people and their baggage when our own quarters are here. I’ll be offering as much shore leave as they want though,” Jon replied.
“Understood. I recommend that you all spend as much time off the ship as possible though. This ship looks just like a planet and there are billions of people to meet,” Dave answered. “We’ll have plenty of time on this ship in the future.”
“Aye-aye, Admiral,” Jon smiled. “I’ll be sure that everyone gets off the ship when they can. I don’t feel comfortable taking everyone off for security reasons.”
“I know. We haven’t known about these people for long. But I have a special incentive for you personally to stay in Balthazar for a few days,” Dave said.
“Okay, Dave, what incentive is that?” Jon asked. “Is an armed guard going to escort me off?”
“Not at all, Jon. As you know, the Society of Humanity has very advanced military technology that they are now willing to share with us. I would like you to work with them on understanding their systems and figuring out how to upgrade our ships,” Dave smiled. “I even have a weapons expert arriving on the Kalidean ship to help you.”
“That would be great! Since the Nightsky is right here, perhaps we might be upgraded while the ship is docked,” Jon laughed. “I know the Kalideans will want to see that technology too. Who are they bringing?”
“For their own purposes, I don’t know who they have. Mencius has likely brought a few engineers. The Manila is bringing one of our best officers to help you,” Dave said. “And I assume you won’t mind working with Captain Lauren London?”
Chapter 26
The Balthazar community in Hive 1008 reminded Dave of the old brownstone neighborhoods of New York City. The buildings were only a few stories tall with ornate moldings and small windows. Wrought iron balconies overlooked the broad streets. Potted trees dotted the wide sidewalks and hedges filled the open space between the sidewalks and the buildings. The ground floors of most buildings were home to small shops and cafes. It was early afternoon local time, and the Brewsters and Watsons strolled along the streets near their residence passing the time and being amazed they were inside a planet-sized space ship. The sky was mostly cloudy and intermittent drizzle dotted the streets. Everyone knew the sky was artificial, but the effect was so real they forget to think about it.
As the rain picked up a bit, Aria and Darlene escaped into a small women’s clothing store to shop. Next door was a coffee shop, so Dave and Charlie told their wives they would meet them there. A bell jingled as Dave opened the door, with the first scents of coffee and cinnamon filling his head. A woman in a tight uniform rushed toward him with a coffee in one hand and a com-link in the other, forcing Dave to step back. As she passed, she noticed the non-Zu holding the door and stopped short.
“Excuse me,” she said, “aren’t you Admiral Dave Brewster?”
“Yes, I am,” Dave replied with spots of rain hitting his shoulders and face.
“Oh my goodness, let me get out of the way, Admiral,” she blushed as she stepped back. Dave and Charlie gladly stepped out of the rain and into the small store. “I am Lieutenant Alda Nackly, sir. I work in The Hive. It’s a pleas
ure to meet you.”
“Thank you, Alda, it’s nice to meet you too. This is my best friend, Commodore Charlie Watson,” Dave said.
“Hello, Alda,” Charlie said. “For a second there, I thought you were going to tackle both of us.”
“I’m sorry for that. I’m rushing to get back to The Hive. We’re trying to prepare for the jump tomorrow. Lots of coordination for that, you know,” Alda replied.
“We don’t mean to keep you if you’re in a rush,” Dave said. “Perhaps after the jump, you can tell us more. We’ve been in The Hive on Tak-Makla, but we don’t know much about how they do what they do.”
“It would be an honor,” Alda blushed. “I’ll contact you the day after tomorrow. Thanks again. Bye.” Alda shook their hands and rushed out into the rain.
They sat at a table near the front of the café so the wives would find them easily. A waiter took their order and went back to the counter. The counter was a large glass case filled with traditional Zu pastries, which were all shapes and flavors. The Zu loved chocolate and cinnamon, so everything had to be good. Dave asked the waiter to bring them a selection of the best and two cafe lattes. The rain was pouring down now, and the streets were running with water. They could hear distant sounds of thunder and what appeared to be flashes of lightning. People were rushing up and down the street. Now and again, a taxi shuttle would zip by full of wet Zu workers. After a few minutes, the waiter returned with a tray of pastries and two coffees.
“Here’s to us, Charlie,” Dave said as the two touched their cups together in a toast. The coffee was hot and rich with just the right level of sweetness. “Man, I needed that!” The two men sat back watching the scene in the street outside.
After a few minutes, Alda Nackly reentered the coffee shop and took off her rain coat and hung it on a coat rack near the door. Then she came up to their table. “Admiral, when I told my boss about running into you, she told me to get back here and get to know you better. Apparently, they don’t need my help as much as I thought they did.”
