by Karl Morgan
“Please relax, Dave,” Obu smiled as he handed Dave a cup of steaming coffee. “You will be back before you know it. Why you are here is another question. I’m just acting as host. You’ll need to ask Odo Pak that question. Bring your coffee and come with me, Dave.” Dave followed the High Priest to the large temple and climbed the twenty steps to enter the Great Hall. The High Priest held daily audiences in the Great Hall to answer the pilgrim’s questions and offer prayers and blessings. They walked to the back of the hall, where Obu slid open a hidden door and led Dave into a private chamber. Sitting in a circle were twelve Beings of Light, who turned to face them as they entered. Dave immediately recognized Odo Pak. The others were also Nan, but he had never seen them.
“Welcome Obu and Dave,” Odo said. “Please join our circle.” He pointed to two empty chairs. The two sat down. “Dave, I know you are wondering why you are here now.”
“Yes, I’d like to know why and how you took me from my bed,” Dave replied.
“Dave, we did not take you from your bed,” Odo replied. “We had intended to, but when we arrived, your light string was already gone. Fortunately, we were able to follow it to you.”
“How did my light leave my body without the Hive, Odo?” Dave asked.
“That is a very good question, Dave,” Odo replied. “We can do that if we are on Nan, even without the stone temple. But from a star ship over Earth Prime, that is unbelievable to us as well.”
“I think it is clear that Dave has strong connections to Source,” Obu said. “It is almost like the Source is reaching out to him and helping him.”
“Are you suggesting Divine intervention, Obu?” one of the other Beings of Light asked.
“You tell me,” Obu replied. “Odo, you know Dave’s visit to the stone temple was unusual. You told me yourself.”
“That is true,” Odo said. He turned to face Dave. “Dave, when I took you to the temple, I was certain that I would have to bring Bill to Nan myself. It takes us many centuries to become grounded in the Source. I planned to use your light to guide me to him, nothing more. When you were able to morph, I was pleasantly shocked.”
“I am totally confused now,” Dave said. “Can I go back now?”
“Odo, perhaps you should explain our reason for this gathering,” another Being of Light said.
“Of course, Ula,” Odo said. “Dave, we are the twelve elders of Nan. We lead the Nan people and guard the secrets of our Hive. Do you know why they call us Elders?”
“I suppose because you are old and wise?” Dave surmised.
“That’s one way to put it, Dave,” Odo laughed. “The average human in the Society lives around one thousand years. Most Nan live six or seven hundred years. Our lives are difficult with long separations from our families and hard work. Dave, I am the senior Elder because of my age. I am nine thousand years old. Each of the other elders here are at least five thousand years old.”
“How is that possible?” Dave said. “Is that because the Hive is protecting you?”
“Of course,” Odo smiled. “Our simple lives and constant connection to the Hive gives the permanent residents of Nan great longevity and unique abilities, including the ability to morph into Beings of Light like you see before you now. Yet, a few nights ago you did the same thing on your first day on Nan. That is unbelievable and clearly not typical.”
“It’s as though Source is pushing Dave toward a goal,” Obu said. “The elders believe they know the goal and want to share it with you.”
“The only goal I have now is surviving the hearing on Earth Prime and getting my family and friends out of this galaxy,” Dave said. “Isn’t that enough?”
The elders chuckled softly. “Dave, your concern is touching and we share your desire to win the day on Earth Prime,” Odo said. “You have to know that we will not allow any harm to come to you or your friends. Even if you fail tomorrow, we will make certain that your people and ships return safely to your own galaxy. Please believe us.”
“But what happens here if I fail?” Dave asked.
“That’s very touching too, Dave,” Odo said. “It is not your concern what happens here after tomorrow, regardless of the events in the hearing. I already told you the events of this galaxy are not yours to bear. Have you forgotten already?”
“No, Odo, I remember perfectly well,” Dave replied. “But when I think of the Zula and Boley becoming targets again, it makes my blood boil. I get very upset when I think about the plight of the Nan, Opa, Vol and Ulu as well.”
“Please calm down, Dave,” Obu said. “Everyone here has absolute confidence that you and your friends will do a wonderful job in the hearing. But even a perfect oratory may not sway the Council or the Court. Each one of them and each of us bear responsibility for our lives and our future. Your life and future are in your galaxy, not ours.”
“Dave, you already know the Society is in ruins,” Odo continued. “There is no risk that the Society will rise from its ashes like a phoenix and come after you and your friends. Unless an orderly break-up occurs, the planets of the former Society will spend the next ten thousand years fighting among themselves. Eventually, after we are all dead and forgotten, some may venture to your galaxy again. There, they will find a Free Society with many different races and species working together in peace. That will become the model for the rebuilding of a Free Society here. That will be your gift to our galaxy. But you have more important work to do in your own galaxy.”
“I remember I must start a thousand new worlds,” Dave said. “Is that what you mean?”
“Yes and no,” Odo said. “You will found those new colonies. And you will partner with the tekkans to build more Hives to counter the advances of invading species, like the Donnaki and Paxran. However, there is another detail you need to consider.”
“I thought my plate was already pretty full, Odo,” Dave laughed. “What else am I supposed to do?”
“Dave, we have seen more than fifty natural Hives in your galaxy,” Odo replied. “As you have seen from our mistakes, the culture holding such a planet gains incredible power. You must make certain that does not happen.”
“How exactly do I do that?” Dave asked.
“We would like to send ten thousand Nan with the fleet returning to your galaxy,” Odo said. “You’re a smart man, Dave. Please tell us what you will do with them.”
“I will take them to Nanda where they will educate the locals on their vital role in the galaxy,” Dave said. “When we find a natural Hive, I will settle it with Nan, who will protect the secrets and power found there.” He thought for a moment, and then continued, “But what about other species who can learn from the natural Hive. It was an incredible experience for me, for example.”
Odo smiled. “Dave, I told you the affairs of this galaxy are not on your shoulders. Likewise, the affairs of your galaxy are not ours to bear. You are a great man and a great elder, Dave Brewster. Trust your gut. Do what you think is right. We have faith in you to make it work. Please close your eyes, Dave.”
He closed his eyes and felt his body dissolving. His stomach turned over and he felt his mind shattering into a million bits. After a moment, his head stopped spinning, and feeling better, he opened his eyes. He was sitting on the side of his bed on the Nightsky. He turned to Darlene who was just waking up. “Where have you been, honey?” she said. “I woke up a while ago and didn’t see you in bed.”
Chapter 48
The Great Hall had been set up for the hearing with the High Council of the Society of Humanity. The room was as large as a football field and the ceiling soared one hundred feet over the marble floor. The main entrances were on the south side of the room. All ten doors were open and the hundreds of spectators poured in and milled around the seating area, waiting for the meeting to begin. The high bench for the ten members of the High Council lined the northern end of the room. Dozens of staff members moved around the bench, placing tablets, water pitchers and glasses for their Councilors. The west sid
e of the room was all glass, opening onto a large garden in the center of the Council District. The eastern wall contained two more high benches; one for the Supreme Court’s eleven justices and a second for the five senior generals of the High Command. The justices and generals were already seated and looking at the materials placed before them. Their aides stood behind them and sent runners to obtain other materials they were asked for.
The first two rows of seats in the gallery will filled with agents of the Brotherhood. Guards kept the center aisle clear for those coming to speak before the Grand Conclave. The room became instantly quiet as Dave and Darlene Brewster entered along with Mencius, Zee and Jake. They walked quickly up the aisle and were escorted to a long table in front of the high bench of the Council. Almost no human had ever seen a sentient non-human and murmurs moved through the crowd at the site of the two maklans. It became quiet again as Wendo, Serena, Antar and Zina entered next. They were escorted to the same table where they joined the rest. Most people in the Society knew them immediately, but believed they had died in exile in the Ulagong Galaxy long ago.
A single person in a long black robe entered from behind the Council bench. The robe was hooded so no one could tell who it was. The person stopped at the front edge of the bench and pulled off her hood. She was a tall Ela woman. She picked up a large gavel and began to pound it on its base. The voices fell immediately silent and everyone rose to their feet. The ten High Councilors began to walk out the same door and moved to their respective chairs. The Ela took the gavel and presented it to the man in the center of the bench, who smiled at her and accepted it. Dave noticed that each of the Councilors were from a different race. He could recognize the man who accepted the gavel was also an Ela. He immediately recognized Councilor Nola Balee, and he saw a Zu in the group. He had never seen the other races though.
The Ela on the bench pounded the gavel three times to establish order. He wore brilliant white robes with gold ribbing. He wore golden rings on each finger with large gemstones. He smiled broadly at the group and said, “Welcome to the Grand Conclave, my friends and fellow members of the Society of Humanity. I am Passor Valka, current President of the High Council, and it is my honor to host the first Grand Conclave in many hundreds of years.” He waved his arm at the people on the long table. “It is especially heartwarming for me to welcome our friends from the Ulagong Galaxy. Wendo and Antar, welcome back and thank you for bringing our other guests with you. We look forward to a lively discussion today.” He motioned to the other high benches. “Would any of you care to make an opening remark before we begin?”
A Pa justice at the end of the Court panel rose. “I am Justice Vorto Nagee of the Supreme Court and I wish to join my friend, the President, in welcoming you all. This is a special day for the Court as well.” He looked toward the High Command and they waved them off.
“Secretary Palam, you may state the agenda for today,” Passor said.
The Ela woman who had first pounded the gavel said, “Thank you, Mr. President. The only item on the agenda today is the request from our visitors to establish a Free Society in the Ulagong Galaxy as a pilot.”
“Point of order, Mr. President,” said a voice behind the witness tables. Dave turned his head to see Brother Luka Nance come from the audience and walk up to the high bench. “Mr. President, we have the matter of the Gallicean incident on Lagamar 7 to discuss first. We cannot include violent thugs like them into our Society, even if they are in another galaxy. There is also the rumor about the disappearance of the Zula from Lagamar Vol and four agents who were kidnapped right here on this planet.” The audience began to talk among themselves about kidnappers and violence. “It bears repeating that this is the reason we chose to exclude non-humans from the Society.”
“Mr. President,” said a voice from the High Command bench. A Pa general was standing and gesturing toward the bench. “To our guests, I am General Aon Barsu, Chief of the High Command. This is all meaningless. The agents were frightened by the size of the Galliceans and ran home to their mothers. There is a rumor of wild sea creatures suddenly disappearing. The Brotherhood can’t keep track of their agents on this planet. Brother Vance is wasting the time of this conclave.”
“Mr. President,” said a second justice from their bench. “To our guests, I am Chief Justice Bool Nago. I respect the general’s opinion and agree this is not something we can discuss right now. After all, the Galliceans have not arrived yet.”
“Very good point, Bool,” Passor said. “Luka, we will hold your concerns until after the Galliceans arrive.” He looked at the witness table. “Admiral Dave Brewster, are the Galliceans coming?”
Dave stood and said, “Yes, Mr. President, they will be here. They had a slight delay on Nan but will arrive very shortly.”
“You see, Mr. President,” Luka said, “these Galliceans cannot be trusted. Why would they ever go to Nan?”
“I asked them to,” Dave replied. Dave turned to face the audience. “Ladies and gentlemen, there is much more to discuss today than this treaty or some trifling offenses from my dear friends. Bear with us and you will learn more today than you imagined.”
Palam shouted, “You will address your comments to the High Council, Admiral Brewster. You are here to see them, not to pander to the audience.” Dave smiled, turned around and sat down.
Passor laughed and looked at the other Councilors. “We have to look out for Admiral Brewster. He is a very good politician as well. He could take any of our places up here.” He looked back at Dave and said, “We look forward to the fulfillment of the promises you just made. Okay, who will speak to us about the request for a Free Society?”
Antar Arrak, Wendo Balak and Mencius stood and approached the bench. Mencius began, “Thank you for this audience today, Mr. President and the other Councilors. I am Mencius, Ambassador of the Kalidean Federation. Our society extends to over ten thousand planets. As you can tell, I am a descendent from the original Opa immigrants from the Society. The other ambassadors with me today represent just some of the worlds in our galaxy that are now living and trading together in peace. With me now are Ambassador Darlene Brewster representing the Earth 47 group of worlds, High Consul Zee Gongaleg of Tak-Makla and Ambassador Jacomofledes Benomafolays of No-Makla. High Commissioner Fa-a-Di and Ambassador De-o-Nu of Greater Gallia will join us shortly. There are many other planets and species in our galaxy that also will join our Free Society, but could not be here today.” He took a sip of water. “But you can be certain there are others who want nothing more than to destroy us. Your Hive 1008 was recently attacked by the Donnaki Empire. All of us have recently defeated the Predaxian Alliance. The Hive on Tak-Makla, built with the aid of the Society, was recently heavily damaged by an unwarranted attack from the Maklakar. All of us are already joined together to fight any invaders. However, because most of us are human and our desire is to grow and find new civilizations to trade with, we need help from you. Lords Balak and Arrak have convinced us that as part of the greater Society of the universe; all of us will be safer and have better lives. That is why we want your approval for a Free Society. Thank you.”
The room erupted in applause. Passor pounded his gavel lightly to allow the crowd to savor the moment. As the noise started to diminish, he pounded harder. “You are a very eloquent speaker, Mencius. Thank you for your impassioned remarks.” He looked up and down the bench. “Shall we take a vote?”
“Point of order, Mr. President,” said Chief Justice Bool Nago. “While I fully agree this is a wonderful idea, we still have to deal with Article 2, which clearly states that only human planets can join the Society.”
“Bool, remind me of the protocol,” Passor said. “How can we change an article?”
“It requires unanimous approval by the High Council and the Supreme Court, Mr. President,” Bool replied.
“Okay, that’s great! Let’s vote. All in favor of allowing non-humans into the Society in the Ulagong Galaxy raise your right hand,” Passor said. All t
he Councilors and Justices raised their hands. “Change approved!” The crowd erupted in cheers again. Passor loved the adoration from the crowd and waited patiently for the cheering to stop.
“Point of order, Mr. President,” Luka called out again
“What is it this time, Brother?” Passor asked. “Can it wait until after the next vote?”
“No, Mr. President, it cannot,” Luka sneered. “I suggest that the Galliceans only be allowed as provisional members in the new Free Society until they have answered for their crimes.”
“Since they are coming soon, I guess that’s reasonable,” Passor said. “Wouldn’t you agree Admiral Brewster?”
Dave stood and said, “Yes, Mr. President, that is fair. By the way, I’ve just been told they are arriving in the building as we speak.”
“Excellent! Fellow Councilors please raise your right hand if you agree to establish the Free Society in the Ulagong Galaxy. That Society will allow non-humans, except the Galliceans are only provisional members until the hearing is complete.” Everyone on the bench raised their hands. “Congratulations, you are all members of the Society now and can establish a Free Society in your galaxy!”
The audience went crazy, jumping up and down and cheering wildly. Wendo and Antar had tears in their eyes as they hugged the others at the witness bench. The justices were huddled together and the generals looked bored. The Brotherhood agents sat almost frozen. The Councilors shook each other’s hands and were laughing.
The commotion continued for five minutes, until a Gallicean Marine walked through the entry door. His blood red battle armor was gleaming and his four daggers hung from his belt. He was followed by Doctor No-o-Ka and two other Marines pulling a small cage that held two Boley. The Boley looked frightened to death and were visibly trembling. Two more Marines entered pulling a tank with a Zula inside. Dave immediately recognized Ulook. At the end of the entourage came De-o-Nu who was five feet taller than the rest, followed by his brother-in-law. The two wore black battle armor and carried their three daggers on their belts. The Boley and Galliceans wore breathers.
