The development of the Tgren’s mental powers, thought Byron, the events of twenty years ago still fresh in his memory. The probe would’ve destroyed Tgren if not for Athee.
“Since the ships were a gift from the Kintals,” said the man, “a race who claimed no side in our war but experienced annihilation regardless, we engineered a special code that only they could access. They will represent peace. After all, their very existence depends upon it.”
That’s why Bassan received the code, Byron thought.
“And by unanimous decision, we decided if the races ever again engaged in war, the weapon would wreck havoc on their home worlds and scatter them to the wind. Our people destroyed everything because we could not come to terms. We do not want that for you. There is no future if you can’t coexist in peace.
“We know it won’t be easy.” The man smiled and glanced back at the others. Those closest to him responded in kind, and a wave of subtle laughter spread across the room.
“We haven’t always seen eye to eye,” he said, his gaze returning to the screen. “But we’ve somehow managed to work together for the past thirty-five years to make you a reality.
“And as I’m sure you’ve already discovered, the only way to control the weapon is through mutual agreement. No one race should control something that powerful.”
Bassan shifted in his arms. Byron pulled him closer.
“We hope you build a better world than we did,” the man said. He took a step back and joined the others. “We’re sorry we are too old to survive the trip to your new homes. That’s probably best. You don’t need us. The Kintals will help you rediscover your past and determine your future. They’ll remember how to access the information contained on the ten ships and guide you to peace.
“We know you’ll be all right.”
The man’s final words pierced Byron’s heart. Uttered by another man over forty years ago, it signified the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The screen faded to black. The room fell into silence, everyone too stunned to speak. Byron stared at the blank screen, his mind fighting to absorb what he’d just witnessed. There wasn’t a master alien race, seeding planets as some kind of experiment. Those aliens were the eleven races, desperate for a second chance.
Byron… Athee thought, her mental voice but a whisper.
I know, he thought, shaking his head to clear his mind.
The eleventh race? she thought.
Mevine always said the alien language possessed elements of all the races. Now we know that’s because the ships were built by Rogue, who are a blend of all the races.
The Kintals.
Yes, the Kintals! Now we know their true name.
Uttering a bark of laughter, Byron turned to Piten. The man met his gaze with eyes of disbelief.
“I guess your people will be in demand now,” Byron said.
“Demand?” Piten stammered.
“Deciphering the alien code. Apparently, it’s your language.”
The Rogue’s stunned expression froze and he ran his hands through his hair, mouth agape. The man’s reaction amused Byron. At least his people had a place in society now.
Byron turned his attention to his son. Bassan continued to cling to his arms, his thoughts mired in stunned amazement. Byron spun his son around and knelt to face him.
Bassan? he thought, placing a hand alongside his son’s face.
Father, does that mean the Rogue aren’t an abomination? Bassan thought.
That means, thought Bassan, smiling at his son, you are the beginning of the Kintal race. And the key to our survival and understanding. You’re a special race.
So I’m special because I’m a Kintal?
Byron sighed and pulled Bassan to him.
You’ve always been special, he thought. You’re my son.
The End
About The Author
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and is founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. His first two books, CassaStar and CassaFire, are Amazon Best Sellers. Currently the author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com
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